Abstract: A mounting system having a plate with a tail portion and a base with a socket portion. The socket includes a dropping gate which recedes into a compartment in the base when the plate is vertically inserted on the base. The base includes a stop which engages a catch on the plate to prevent the plate from being laterally removed from the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means for mounting a distance magnification device such as binoculars and a visual recording device such as a camera, simultaneously on a single recording device mount. The embodiment provides a means of configuring the distance magnification device and the visual recording device such that both may be trained on a common focal point. An example embodiment comprises a primary mounting means having a base and a substantially vertical, longitudinal member. A secondary vertical member is engaged with the primary mounting means and includes an interference means to engage the members along a longitudinal range of motion. The secondary vertical member includes a horizontal shaft including a knob at the proximal end and an engagement means at the distal end, providing engagement with a common fitting found on many binoculars. The secondary vertical member further comprises an engagement means for engaging with the visual recording device.

Abstract: A support head for an optical or video-photographic apparatus, having a first body traversed by a first axis of rotation with respect to a base of the head, a second body coupled in a rotary manner to the first body, a third body traversed by a second axis of rotation, and being coupled in a rotary manner to the second body. A user may lock by a single movement of a control member both the relative rotation of the first and second bodies about the first axis and the rotation of the second and third bodies about the second axis. The lock may be a tie-rod extended from the control member along the second axis and a slider connected to the tie-rod and interposed between the first body and the second body configured to lock the relative rotation of the second body with respect to the third body.

Abstract: A mount having a plate with a tail portion and a base with a socket portion. The socket includes a dropping gate which recedes into a compartment in the base when the plate is vertically inserted on the base. The base includes a stop which engages a catch on the plate to prevent the plate from being laterally removed from the base.

Abstract: Described herein is a motion control apparatus for a camera and methods of use of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a camera attachment and a linear movement assembly operatively associated with a drive mechanism. This configuration causes linear movement of the drive mechanism and the camera attachment in a linear direction along a line or pathway. The apparatus is used for capturing time delay sequences and allows for operation over any desired path length along the line. Further, the apparatus is portable and can be used with other camera accessories.

Abstract: A motor for providing rotational movement along different directions simultaneously includes a stator, a rotor, a power shaft rotated together with the rotor, a first driving shaft, a first transmission gear located on the first driving shaft, a second driving shaft, and a second transmission gear located on the second driving shaft. The power shaft includes at least one driving gear located on an end portion of the power shaft. The first transmission gear and the second transmission gear engage with the driving gear to drive the first driving shaft and the second driving shaft to rotate, respectively.

Abstract: A gimbal system. The gimbal system may include space-saving features configured to accommodate one or more payload components, thus increasing the payload capacity of the gimbal ball without necessarily increasing the outer dimensions of the gimbal ball. Alternatively, or in addition, the gimbal system may include a motor configured to move at least one gimbal relative to another gimbal about a first axis, with the motor peripherally mounted distal the axis.

Abstract: A quick-release device for clamping a quick-change plate of an optical device in a guide on a baseplate, the quick-change plate and the guide comprising complementarily formed guide surfaces, the guide comprising first and second mounting elements adjustable relative to each other, and a device for fixing the quick-change plate in place designed for adjusting the distance of the mounting elements to each other, characterized in that the device for fixing the quick-change plate in place comprises a lever engaging with a cam in a slotted link disposed in the first mounting element, such that a motion of the lever adjusts the first mounting element relative to the second mounting element.

Abstract: A support head for an optical or video-photographic apparatus, having a first body traversed by a first axis of rotation with respect to a base of the head, a second body coupled in a rotary manner to the first body a third body traversed by a second axis of rotation and being coupled in a rotary manner to the second body. A user may lock by a single movement of a control member both the relative rotation of the first and second bodies about the first axis and the rotation of the second and third bodies about the second axis. The lock may be a tie-rod extended from the control member along the second axis and a slider connected to the tie-rod and interposed between the first body and the second body configured to lock the relative rotation of the second body with respect to the third body.

Abstract: A hand held camera unit comprises a shoulder assembly and a platform assembly for releasably holding a camera. A connector is provided between the shoulder assembly and the platform assembly, and is movable between a locked position wherein the platform assembly is fixed relative to the shoulder assembly and an unlocked position wherein the platform assembly can be selectively moved relative to the shoulder assembly in the roll axis, the yaw axis and in a fore and aft direction.

Abstract: A monopod turret type support for a camera or the like comprises an upper shaft aligned along a common axis with a lower shaft, and a pivot joint located between and uniting the upper shaft and lower shaft. The pivot joint may comprise a screw disposed to vary pressure acting on the interface between the upper shaft and the lower shaft. Pressure acting on the interface may be adjusted by inserting a pin to lock the screw to one of the upper and lower shafts, and rotating the upper shaft relative to the lower shaft. The upper shaft may terminate in a threaded attachment for threading to the camera. The lower shaft may terminate in a threaded adapter to enable threading to a threaded shaft of an environmental object.

Abstract: A pivoting mechanism for movably attaching a camera to a vehicle. The pivoting mechanism has a vehicle-mounted component; a first rotational joint attached to the vehicle-mounted component; a first pivot arm, the first end of which is rotatably mounted on the first rotational joint; a second rotational joint attached to the vehicle-mounted component; a second pivot arm, the first end of which is rotatably mounted on the second rotational joint; a camera holder; a third rotational joint attached to the camera holder and on which a second end of the first pivot arm is rotatably mounted; and a fourth rotational joint attached to the camera holder and on which a second end of the second pivot arm is rotatably mounted.

Abstract: An assembling device for a guide pole of a camera actuator includes: a pedestal, a frame, a plurality of guide pole receiving units and a cover. The pedestal includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface defines a plurality of first receiving holes, each the first receiving hole arranged with a magnet, the second surface defines a plurality of first bump. The frame locates on the second surface and defines a plurality of through holes. Each guide pole receiving unit defines a second receiving hole configuring for receiving a guide pole, each guide pole receiving unit is received in each through hole and locating on the first bump. The cover locates on the frame and comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface defines a plurality of dispensing holes, the dispensing hole extends through the cover.

Abstract: A lifting unit for pipe inspection systems for lifting a head unit, comprising a base support with a connection module for connection to a connection unit of a carriage, a lifting system with at least one lifting arm and a drive unit for deflecting the lifting arm relative to the base support via a rotation axis, as well as a head unit with a connection module for connection of inspection units, in particular cameras and illumination systems, wherein connectors of the carriage are at least partially lead to the connection module of the head unit.

Abstract: A camera swing head includes a hub having a hole ring including a plurality of radially spaced apart holes. A swing plate is rotatably attached to the hub. An indexing and locking assembly allows the swing to be quickly and easily rotated to a desired position and then locked into place. The indexing and locking assembly may include a lever pivotally attached to the swing plate, and a plunger pivotally attached to a front end of the lever. Pivoting movement of the lever may move the plunger linearly on a radial axis intersecting a center of the hub. A release pin is movable from, a first position, wherein the release pin causes the plunger to be held out from engagement with one of the radially spaced apart holes, to a second position, wherein the plunger is movable into engagement with one of the radially spaced apart holes.

Abstract: A network camera comprising a casing and a base is provided. The casing has a slot. The base comprises a supporter and a joint rod. The joint rod has a joint terminal and an engaging terminal. The joint terminal is pivotally connected to the supporter. The engaging terminal has an engaging flange engaged within the slot.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable mounting apparatus is for mounting a second object to a first object, and includes a first mounting device to be coupled to the first object, a second mounting device to be coupled to the second object and connected pivotally to the first mounting device, and a pivot-control unit. The pivot-control unit includes a plug component with a curved surface, a socket component which abuts against and is rotatable relative to the plug component to enable the second mounting device to pivot relative to the first mounting device, and an adjusting rod coupled to the socket component and operable to drive the socket component so that assembly of the socket component and the second mounting device pivots relative to the plug component.

Abstract: An exemplary USB device includes a base including a body and a pair of arms extending from the body, a head rotatably positioned between the pair of arms, and a pair of wheels fixed to the head. When the base is gripped by a user and oriented at an oblique angle relative to an external surface, with the at least one wheel contacting the surface, and the base is moved by the user in a direction generally parallel to the surface, the head is capable of rotating relative to the base by reason of friction between the wheels and the surface, and the head is opened out from the base and is secured in position at a desired angle with respect to the base when the user ceases moving the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongated camera support which may extend between the hand of the user and the camera, and more particularly to such a camera support wherein a rubber-like bumper is provided adjacent the back of the camera to permit the user of the camera to place the camera against a wall or the like for support when taking pictures.

Abstract: A slider support member (S) according to the present invention providing a movable connection between a camera and a support member secured to the ground comprises two tracks (1); a member (2) connecting the tracks (1) to each other from one of their ends; movable connection members (3a, 3b), each thereof comprising a connection part (7a, 7b) to be connected to the camera or to the support member, and one (3a) thereof comprising a movable member (4a) and being connected to the tracks (1) in a movable manner so as to leave the tracks (1) between the movable members (4a), and the other (3b) thereof being connected to the tracks (1) in a movable manner so as to stay between the tracks (1); and a control unit (9) comprising a motor providing the drive of a belt (5), a controller controlling the operation of the motor, an adjustment switch (10) to transfer the operation parameter of the motor to the controller, and at least one sensor detecting the presence of the hand of the respective user and controlling the di

Abstract: In one embodiment, a ball turret assembly for supporting a camera includes a first shaft rotatable about a first axis relative to a first fixed point, the first shaft having an axially-extending interior region in communication with an exterior of the first shaft by way of a first exit port. A first guide disposed at least partially circumferentially on the first shaft proximally to the first exit port is provided, and a cable extends along the interior region of the first shaft and exits the first shaft at the first exit port, the cable looping at least partially around the first shaft and affixed at the first fixed point.

Abstract: So that parallax-free images can be taken even if the camera is rotated during filming and the direction of the camera is changed to an arbitrary direction, the auxiliary device is provided with a camera body retaining part and, in an equidistant surface centered on the nodal point of the camera, a camera attachment part. Regardless of the angle the camera makes as a result of the way in which the camera attachment part is mounted to a camera support mechanism part, the nodal point of the camera remains at a fixed location.

Abstract: A system for mounting a camera to an arm is disclosed. Specifically, the system can comprise a bracket system capable of supporting a camera; and an arm mount, wherein the bracket system connects to the arm mount. The system can also comprise a hinge system that mounts bracket system to arm mount. The hinge system can comprise a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can connect to the bracket system, and the second portion can connect to the arm mount.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors are designed and constructed such that the interference fit of the ball and socket causes creep in the material resulting in more even frictions in the various ball and socket joints. In some embodiments, the ball and socket joint connectors utilize an over-molded strip around the outside of the connector to facilitate in their use for gripping. In an exemplary embodiment utilizing the aforementioned ball and socket joint connectors, a tripod apparatus uses legs comprising the ball and socket joint connectors for support and for gripping objects.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting a video recording device to the pylon of a ski boat such that the video recording device tracks the motion of the skier during a ski run in response to movement of the ski rope.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for protecting camera components on a surface and/or within an internal portion of a portable electronic device. In one aspect, an electronic device might comprise a camera mount, which might comprise a camera barrel assembly configured to have a camera affixed thereto, the camera barrel assembly being rotatably coupled with one of a front panel, a rear panel, or a chassis of the electronic device. The camera mount may further comprise a set of cantilever springs affixed to one of the front panel, the rear panel, or the chassis and biased against the camera barrel assembly to provide rotational friction on the camera barrel assembly. The set of cantilever springs might have sufficient compliance to allow the camera to retract into a body of the portable electronic device upon encountering an external force, which may include an impact force or a dropping force.

Abstract: An apparatus for an attachable mount having a center plate with a mount for a camera is described. A first arm is coupled to a first end of the center plate and a second arm is coupled to a second end of the center plate. There is a catch coupled to an end of the first arm and a catch coupled to an end of the second arm. At least one of the catches is adjustable in distance from the center plate.

Abstract: A camera slider system that supports a camera for longitudinal sliding. The camera sliding system comprises a pair of longitudinal rail members and a carriage system. The rail members are spaced at a substantially constant distance apart. The carriage system further comprises of a base plate upon which a camera mounting plate is fixed, along with a pair of wheel support assemblies. Each wheel support assembly engages the corresponding rail member to support longitudinal movement. Each wheel assembly further comprises of three rollers, wherein two rollers engage the interior surface of the corresponding rail member, and one roller engages the exterior surface of the same rail member. The arrangement of rollers is coplanar with the plane of the rail members. The exterior roller of each wheel assembly is adjustable relative to the corresponding rail member to accommodate any flaw in the rail profile.

Abstract: A remote control and/or gyrostabilized camera head has circular roll track segments on roll arms. A roll frame has first and second motor supports or housings. A roll motor on or in the first motor support moves the roll frame about a roll axis. A tilt motor on or in the second motor support rotates a tilt frame about a tilt axis. The weight of the roll motor support and the roll motor may be substantially the same as the tilt motor support and the tilt motor, so that the roll frame is balanced, allowing for better performance. As the camera head is a pan/roll/tilt head, the head can continue to provide movement in three axes, regardless of the camera position.

Abstract: A stabilizing controller to balance, support and orient a device. The stabilizing controller includes a gimbal assembly positioned at the center of balance of the stabilizing controller with the device attached, A handle is disposed around the gimbal assembly. A center post is coincident with at least a portion of the centerline of the gimbal apparatus and has a longitudinal balancing axis Z. Motion about at least one of the mutually perpendicular X-axis, Y-axis, and the Z-axis is isolated from the motion of the other axes via one or more assemblies comprising resilient components.

Abstract: A tripod head comprising a resilient force adjusting mechanism which includes a rotating operation part, a cam which is coupled to the rotating operation part and slides with the rotation of the rotating operation part, and a cam follower coming into contact with cam surfaces of the cam, wherein the cam follower is supported by a counterbalancing mechanism, and the counterbalancing mechanism is configured in such a manner that the magnitude of a resilient force to be imparted on the spring is variable in accordance with a position where the cam follower comes into contact with the cam.

Abstract: An enclosure assembly for a camera is designed to be mounted on the frame of an optical inspection apparatus for scanning the profile of a surface of an article moving along a travel path axis, the profile being associated with a reference axis orthogonal to a reference plane parallel to the travel path axis. The camera is part of a profile sensor unit and has an optical sensing field directed toward the travel path axis to define a scanning zone associated with the surface as intersected by the optical sensing field, the profile unit further having a laser source directing at angle with the optical sensing field a fan-shaped laser beam toward the scanning zone to define an associated scanning plane transverse to the travel path axis, to generate sensor output data related the profile of the article surface.

Abstract: System, including method and apparatus, for imaging with a vehicle-mounted camera having an optical axis that is restricted from angular displacement, in response to vibration, by passive stabilization via a set of vibration isolators.

Abstract: In a telescoping camera crane arm, a second section is telescopically extendible into and out of the first section. The second section divided into a front segment attached to a back segment by a connector, to allow the front segment to be removed from the back segment. An adapter is attachable to the front end of the first section. A camera support attachable to the adapter and to the front end of the front segment. To configure the crane for increased maximum payload, the front segment is removed from the back segment. The adapter is attached to the front end of the front section, and the camera support is attached to the adapter, so that the camera support is then supported directly by the first section. A spring balancing system compensates for out-of-balance forces associated with changes in the elevation angle of the crane arm.

Abstract: A two-piece extendable L-plate provides clearance between a camera and a quick-release receiver securing the camera to a support permitting a camera having cables connected to the side of the camera's body to be secured in either a landscape or a portrait orientation.

Abstract: An attachment assembly for attaching a camera phone to a weapon scope is provided. The attachment assembly includes a camera phone mount having at least one camera phone clamp for the selective retention of a camera phone in the camera phone mount, the camera phone mount rotatably and slidably coupled to a mount bracket. A scope mount assembly is coupled to a portion of a weapon scope, the scope mount assembly being slidably received by a portion of the mount bracket, wherein the camera phone mount is rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position has a camera lens of the camera phone in alignment the view through the scope, and the second position has the camera lens of the camera phone outside of alignment from the view through the scope.

Abstract: A camera crane has a telescoping arm on a mobile base. The mobile base has a drive motor assembly at each corner of a chassis. The drive motor assemblies may have an electric motor linked to an axle via gearing, and two or more wheels attached to the axle. The wheels can be set to free wheel, so that the mobile base may be pushed or towed, without back driving the electric motor. The wheels may also be linked to the axle, so that the electric motor can provide torque to each of the wheels. The electric motors may be separately controlled to propel and steer the mobile base.

Abstract: An aerial camera system is disclosed comprising: a camera cluster, including a plurality of cameras, each camera orientated in a direction selected from a plurality of different camera directions having a downward component; one or more rotators that rotate the camera cluster about respective one or more axes in response to one or more signals, and a control module that successively provides one or more signals to the one or more rotators to rotate the camera cluster and cause the cameras in the camera cluster to acquire respective aerial images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recording images and providing a selected movement or position to a recording device include use of attachment members having a receptacle that receives and is engageable with the distal end of an elongate member of a device for mounting a camera or similar apparatus. As such, the camera may be rolled providing movement suitable for video capture or capture of other types of images that require camera movement, or otherwise positioned as needed.

Abstract: A headrest camera mounting system, comprising, in combination a base member having a headrest end and a camera mount end and an intermediate portion there between. The base member is coupled to an upright post. There is an upright cross member having a generally rectilinear configuration being coupled to the upright post. Lastly there is a least one camera mount, with the camera mount being coupled to the upright cross member.

Abstract: A material imaging apparatus includes a base, support pillar and imaging camera divided into a camera base and a camera neck. The camera is mounted via a first shaft on the pillar so as to be pivotable between a right horizontal position where an imaging lens is located on a base right side and a left horizontal position where the lens is located on base left side. The camera neck is mounted via a second shaft on the camera base so as to be rotatable between a downwardly vertical position where when the camera assumes the right or left horizontal position, the lens is directed to the base placement surface side and lens optical axis is substantially vertical to the base placement surface, and an upwardly vertical position where the lens is directed to a side opposite the base placement surface and the optical axis assumes a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A body-mount camera crane includes a camera platform pivotally attached to the front ends of the left and right tubes and an accessory platform pivotally attached to the back ends of the left and right tubes. A hip belt is pivotally attached to the left and right tubes at an intermediate position. In use, the crane is supported largely on the operator's hips via the hip belt. The elevation of the lens is changed by pivoting the crane up and down. The operator correspondingly pivots the camera platform to keep the camera level. Alternatively a parallelogram linkage keeps the camera platform level. The length of the tubes may be adjusted based on the weights of the camera and the accessories, such as batteries, on the accessory platform, to keep the crane balanced.

Abstract: In a method of controlling a gaze direction of a camera, the camera is placed on a top surface of a substrate that is pivotally coupled to a frame, wherein a movement arm depends downwardly from the substrate. The movement arm is moved with two spaced apart amplified piezoelectric ceramic stack actuators that are affixed to the frame and coupled to the movement arm by deforming the amplified piezoelectric ceramic stack actuators as a result of applying a voltage thereto, thereby changing an angular orientation of the substrate.

Abstract: An L-shaped holder for optical devices, in particular cameras, comprising a first exchangeable plate that can be fastened to the housing of the optical device by means of a screw, a second exchangeable plate and a connector having two webs separated by an angled section for connecting the two exchangeable plates, each exchangeable plate being arranged on one of the webs of the connector, which is characterised in that the exchangeable plates are connected to the connector such that the exchangeable plates can be moved on the connector.

Abstract: The present camera mounting device is designed as an paintball marker or gun accessory. It can be used with either still or video cameras. It is comprised a bracket and an adjustable clamp. The bracket is comprised of a horizontal member and a vertical member that are connected at ninety degree angles to each other. The clamp is attached to the vertical member of the bracket with a screw. To use the mounting device, a camera is either top mounted or bottom mounted to the horizontal member via a thumbscrew. The adjustable clamp fits onto the barrel of a paintball marker, gun or rifle. The diameter of the clamp is adjusted by releasing a lock on the locking clamp screw on the clamp and turning the screw either clockwise or counter clockwise.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus (100) includes an outer shell (1) including a first case (11) and a second case (12) joined to the first case (11) and formed with a spherical inner surface, a camera body (2) arranged inside the outer shell (1) and configured to move relative to the outer shell (1), a first driver (26A) and a second driver (26B) provided in the camera body (2) and configured to drive the camera body (2) with the first and second drivers (26A, 26B) contacting an inner surface of the outer shell (1), and a drive controller (62) configured to control the first and second drivers (26A, 26B) such that the first driver (26A) contacts only the first case (11) and that the second driver (26B) contacts only the second case (12).

Abstract: A camera mounting bracket system for supporting a camera in a position determined by a user comprising a quick connect/disconnect mounting assemblage which includes a fastener-engaging channel and spring retaining clip for securing the mounting assemblage to a camera whereby the camera is able to be quickly connected/disconnected from the mounting assemblage.

Abstract: A retractable camera platform system allows a mounted camera to be hidden while not in use. The system retracts a camera platform into a recess in the ceiling, wall and the like of a room, building, hallway or other structure. The system includes the camera platform that opens a door assembly or a cover so that the camera may operate when needed. The door assembly or cover hides the camera and the associated frame structure when not in use. An actuator and linear slide track raise and lower the camera as desired.

Abstract: Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to adjusting an angle of a camera included in display unit that connects to a base unit. The display unit may include a camera mount to house the camera. The camera mount is to adjust a viewing angle of the camera relative to the display unit in response to a change of a hinge angle between the display unit and the base unit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a camera rotation mechanism and a portable electronic apparatus therewith. The camera rotation mechanism includes a rotatable carrier, a bearing structure, and a rotating mechanism, which are disposed in a casing. The rotatable carrier includes a carrier body and a rotatable shaft connected to the carrier body and bore by the bearing structure. A camera module is disposed on the carrier body such that a lens of the camera module is exposed through a lens hole of the casing. The rotating mechanism is connected to the rotatable shaft and includes a rotation operation part partially exposed through a slot hole of the casing and capable of being rotated to rotate the carrier body through the rotatable shaft. Therefore, a user can use the camera rotation mechanism to adjust the disposition angle of the lens, which solves the impossibility of adjusting a fixed camera in the prior art.