Adjustable Support Patents (Class 396/428)
  • Patent number: 8568042
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a camera support device. The camera support device includes a mounting assembly adapted to releasably mount a camera. The camera support device further includes at least one tuning element in communication with the mounting assembly, the tuning element being adjustable so as to permit tuning of a natural frequency of the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Gregory Brueckner, Matthew Thomas Valente
  • Patent number: 8568041
    Abstract: A support (1; 100) for videophotographic equipment (2; 200), comprises a plate (3; 3?) fixable by suitable fixing means (5; 5?) to an item of video-photographic equipment (2; 200) to be supported, support elements (7; 7?) hinged on said plate (3; 3?) by means of respective hinge means (8; 8?) so as to be moved between a closed position (Y) in which said support elements (7; 7?) are folded onto said plate (3; 3?) and at least one open position (Z) in which said support elements (7; 7?) are opened out from said plate (3; 3?) to support the latter, said hinge means (8; 8?) comprise a resilient element (20; 20?) that is housed in a receiving seat (22; 22?) defined in said plate (3; 3?) and exerts on hinge portions (14, 15; 14?, 15?) of said support elements (7; 7?) a thrust force which thrusts said hinge portions (14, 15; 14?, 15?) against walls (23; 23?) of said seat (22; 22?) to brake the rotation of said support elements (7; 7?) in relation to said plate (3; 3?), the resilient element comprises at least one sp
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Lino Manfrotto & Co. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Enrico Cherubin
  • Patent number: 8567952
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vest 10 worn by a user 1 and having on its shoulders pivots 12 for an telescoping boom 20. A camera 38 is mounted on a standard mount 32 on a crossmember extending between side members 16 of the boom. A counterweight 28 provides balance to produce quasi-neutral positioning of the boom and camera and thus its ready pivoting by the user. Pistol grips 16, 18 provide for extension of the boom and panning/tilting of the camera. A monitor screen 36 allows the user to view the picture seen by the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Peter John Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130279896
    Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member and a clamp member rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Joseph M. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 8561952
    Abstract: A column attachment having an abutment, a platform, a tension member, and a securing element that are used to provide a stable support for a device. The tension member secures the platform to the abutment. The securing portion is able to slide along a slot defined in the platform. The securing portion is able to attach to devices, like total stations, and secure them to the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Pfeiler
  • Patent number: 8559802
    Abstract: A system and method for isolating the motion of a camera relative to a base structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system may generally include a plurality of bearing pucks coupled to the base structure. Each of the bearing pucks may be configured to receive and expel a pressurized fluid. In addition, the system may include a camera support coupled to the camera. The camera support may include at least one bearing member defining a spherical surface. The bearing member may be positioned adjacent to the bearing pucks such that the pressurized fluid forms a fluid layer between the spherical surface and the bearing pucks. The fluid layer may suspend the bearing member relative to the bearing pucks such that the camera support is rotationally isolated from the base structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Iain Richard Tyrone McClatchie, Ian Rickard Muldoon
  • Patent number: 8550632
    Abstract: A camera crane 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 one or more wheels attached to the axle. The electric motors may be separately controlled to propel and steer the mobile base. A column is pivotally attached to the chassis and pivotal in lateral and longitudinal directions via actuators. The drive motor assemblies may be removed from the chassis for storage or transport. With the drive motor assemblies installed, the mobile base is highly stable and maneuverable. With the drive motor assemblies removed, the chassis is narrow enough to fit through a typical doorway. Steering systems may be linked to the drive motor assemblies at the front and/or rear of the chassis, to allow steering control of the mobile base in corrective, crab and/or round steering modes. The chassis may optionally have an upward curvature from either end towards the center location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20130259463
    Abstract: A camera slider/crane comprising a rail for driving a camera dolly coupled with a counterbalance; an arm for changing the camera slider/crane into a crane; a mounting unit for positioning the rail in a vertical position; a tripod head; and two feet for leveling the rail when the rail is used in horizontal position and one of the feet securing the rail when the rail is used in vertical position. The tripod head is rotatable and detachably connected to a tripod. The rail is detachably and pivotably connected to the tripod head. The arm includes a first and a second arm members with the first arm member detachably and movably connected to the tripod head while the tiltable part of the camera dolly is unlocked and tiltable and the second arm member fixedly and detachably connected to a tiltable part of the camera dolly while a locking system is disabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Janusz Dybowski
  • Publication number: 20130259462
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Yang, Hai-Lung Hung
  • Patent number: 8548314
    Abstract: Embodiments include an assembly comprising: (a) a camera support structure comprising: a masthead disposed on the distal end of a mast wherein the masthead is configured to receive an imaging element; where a proximal end of the mast rotatably engaging an azimuth-elevation joint assembly wherein the azimuth-elevation joint assembly comprises a first angular actuator of a first rotational degree-of-freedom and a second angular actuator of a second rotational degree of freedom; and (b) a camera support structure housing comprising an aperture and a hatch wherein the hatch is resiliently biased to close the aperture; and wherein the camera support structure is configured to overcome the hatch resilient bias by at least one of: the release of a pin restraining a loaded spring and a rotational actuation of the mast via at least one of the first angular actuator and the second angular actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.
    Inventors: John Peter Zwaan, Makoto Ueno, Marc L. Schmalzel, Christopher E. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20130251358
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Kuehl, Cody Dulmes, James Walsh
  • Patent number: 8540438
    Abstract: Systems and methods for positioning a camera crane include maintaining the position of a camera head in accordance with the inclination and rate of change of inclination of the arm of the crane. The inclination and rate of change are detected by an inclination detector and an angular detector respectively. The camera head may be positioned in accordance with the inclination as detected by the inclination detector. The rate of changing the position of the camera head may be in accordance with the rate of change detected by the angular detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: CamMate Systems. Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Cronin, Pablo Tovar, Michael Kay Pack, Ron K. Keys, Richard A. Laitinen
  • Patent number: 8534934
    Abstract: The present invention is a dynamically balanced, lightweight multifunctional, camera stabilization device that allows a film or digital video camera to be flown out of arms reach of the operator and maintain orientation toward the subject matter, while allowing the operator smooth control of rotation or pan of the camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Peter L. Carney
  • Patent number: 8534933
    Abstract: A first system for mounting a camera to an arm is disclosed. Specifically, the first system comprises a bracket system, an arm mount, and a hinge system. Said bracket system is capable of supporting a camera. Said hinge system comprises a clasping device having a first portion and a second portion. Said hinge system connects said bracket system and said arm mount, and said first portion and said second portion of said clasping device are capable of selectively releasing and reattaching to one another and thereby release and reattach said bracket system and said arm mount. Further, a second system for mounting a camera to an arm is disclosed. Specifically, the second system comprises a bracket system, an arm mount, and a hinge system having a bending point. Said bracket system is capable of supporting a camera. Said hinge system connects said bracket system and said arm mount. Said hinge system comprises a flexible portion comprising a flexible material. Said bending point is in said flexible portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Brent Wayne Sherwood
  • Publication number: 20130236167
    Abstract: Described herein is an elevated system that can be used for various purposes including capturing images or video at an elevated height. In one embodiment, the elevated system includes support members and a mechanism (e.g., gimbal, pivot) that is coupled to at least one support member. The mechanism provides a range of motion along independent axes. An elongated member is coupled to the mechanism. The mechanism is capable of providing movement of the elongated member with a range of motion of three hundred and sixty degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Bert Gerard Tardieu
  • Patent number: 8526802
    Abstract: An image capture system that is capable of capturing images of both small and large target objects includes a collapsible frame and at least one image capture device. The frame is free-standing and adapted to support the image capture device over a generally flat surface, on which a target object can also be supported. The image capture device can be activated to capture an image of the target object for subsequent viewing, storage, retrieval, processing, etc. The collapsible frame is constructed of a plurality of structural components adjustably connected together in a unique configuration that enables the entire frame to be transformed between a stored configuration when not in use, and a deployed configuration during use. The stored configuration is substantially more compact than the deployed configuration, which allows the frame to be easily transported between different locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Alex Starns
  • Patent number: 8523462
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Aerovironment, Inc.
    Inventor: Manolis Pavlos Dimotakis
  • Publication number: 20130222684
    Abstract: A 360 degree camera imaging system comprising a first horizontal boom having a first end, a second end, and a middle section; a second horizontal boom having a first end and a second end; a first vertical arm having a first end and a second end; a second vertical arm having a first end and a second end; and a mounting bracket. The first horizontal boom is connected to the first end of the second horizontal boom by a first rotatable pivot proximate the middle section of the first horizontal boom, and the second end of the second horizontal boom is connected to the mounting bracket. The first end of the first vertical arm is affixed to the first end of the first horizontal boom, and the first end of the second vertical arm is affixed to the second end of the first horizontal boom. A camera is mounted to the first vertical arm, and a backdrop is mounted to the second vertical arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: IMPLICITCARE, LLC
    Inventor: IMPLICITCARE, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130209085
    Abstract: A camera supporting device includes a jib arm supporting a camera mount for panning and tilting movement relative to a base structure. A parallel linkage couples the camera mount at one end of the jib arm to the base structure pivotally supporting the jib arm thereon at an intermediate location. The jib arm is readily separable into two portions for storage with the parallel linkage being wholly contained within a hollow tubular member forming one of the two portions while an adjustable trim weight and counterweight support are supported on the other portion. Interchangeable indexing rings permit indexing of the panning or tilting movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis Wood, Tyler J.F. Bragnalo
  • Patent number: 8506182
    Abstract: A stabilized stereographic camera system may include an upright support having a longitudinal axis. A camera support coupled to one end of the upright support may mount first and second cameras, the first camera movable with respect to the second cameras. A ballast may be coupled to another end of the upright support. A balance mechanism may move a movable portion of the stereographic camera system relative to the upright support in response to movement of the first camera with respect to the second camera to maintain a constant weight distribution of the stereographic camera system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Campbell
  • Patent number: 8506180
    Abstract: A support system used to orient and utilize equipment remotely positioned from an operator and supported in a stabilized manner. The support system includes a balance pole with a master end and a slave end attached to a master sled and slave sled, respectively. The system includes a mechanism to replicate the motion at the master sled at the slave sled. The replication mechanism includes a series of pulleys and arced components coordinated with lines that pass through an inner ring of a central gimbal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Garrett W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20130183028
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8485740
    Abstract: A remote control and/or gyrostabilized camera head has first and second roll forks attached to a pan frame. Each roll fork has a front roll arm and a back roll arm. A circular roll track segment may be provided on each roll arm. 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 frame is rotatably supported between the first and second motor supports. A tilt motor on or in the second motor support rotates the 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8480318
    Abstract: A driving force transmitting device for driving a driven unit includes a first driving unit, a second driving unit, a driving force-transmitted portion which is attached to the driven unit and to which driving forces of the first and second driving units are transmitted, and a controlling unit for separately controlling the first and second driving units, wherein driving force transmitting portions of the first and second driving units transmit the driving forces to the driving force-transmitted portion at its different positions, and wherein when the driven unit being driven is to be stopped, the controlling unit causes the first driving unit to drive in a direction reverse to a driving direction while the second driving unit continues to drive, then causes the first and second driving units to stop in a state in which the driving forces of the first and second driving units are balanced with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20130170823
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electronic devices of a particular structure, and to a method and apparatus for engaging and holding such devices with the user's person, clothing, equipment or vehicle. The apparatus includes a bracket that engages with the electronic device and a cover that provides protection to the electronic device and a camera lens augmentation element. Additional elements provide engagement between flat or cylindrical surfaces. The apparatus facilitates convenient carry, access and secure attachment of an electronic device during participation in a physical activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: David Arien McDonald, Jonathan Alan Marks
  • Patent number: 8475059
    Abstract: An image capturing device includes a camera housing configured to house a set of electronic modules for generating a video stream from captured light. The camera housing includes a camera opening configured to let light enter the camera housing to be captured by the set of electronic modules. The webcam further includes a camera-housing base rotationally coupled to the camera housing, and includes a mounting base rotationally coupled to the camera-housing base. The camera housing is configured to rotate with respect to the camera-housing base to face the camera opening toward the mounting base or face the camera housing opening away from the mounting base. The webcam further includes a first hinge rotationally coupling the mounting base to the camera-housing base. With the camera opening facing toward the mounting base, the first hinge is configured such that the mounting base is foldable onto the camera opening to cover the camera opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Ladan Khamsepoor, Kenneth Ling, Allan Freas Velzy, Kun-Jui Liu, John Kiechel
  • Patent number: 8475060
    Abstract: An accessory for use on a camera crane has a first plate attachable to an end of the camera crane arm. A second plate is pivotally attached to the first plate and moveable into a first position and into a second position perpendicular to the first position. First and second latches secure the second plate into the first and second positions, respectively. The accessory allows a camera head on a camera crane arm to be quickly and easily reoriented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20130163977
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventor: Qwest Communications International Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130163978
    Abstract: A support head (1) of the ball joint type for videophotographic apparatuses comprising: a first element (10) of a ball joint (5) provided with at least one spherical surface portion (11), from which protrudes a stem (15) to which the apparatuses are attachable, a second element (20) of said ball joint (5) configured in such a way that with respect thereto a panoramic axis (Z) of the head (1) is defined, coupled to said at least one spherical surface portion (11) in such a way that the first element (10) is movable with respect to the second element (20) between a first setting position in which the panoramic axis (Z) and a longitudinal axis (W) of the stem (15) are aligned and at least a second setting position in which the aforesaid axes (Z, W) are angularly spaced apart by an angle (A) greater than 90°, a stop (30) suitable for stopping the first element (10) in the second setting position, a travel limiting means (40, 50, 60, 70) selectively movable in order to stop the first element (10) in at least a thi
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: Lino Manfrotto + Co. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Abramo Carlesso
  • Patent number: 8469534
    Abstract: A device that enlarges text and images to enable a low vision person to see the text and images includes a hollow structure including a top housing and a bottom housing that are connected to one another. A camera aperture is formed in the bottom housing and a transparent light guide lens is disposed in closing relation to the camera aperture so that all light entering the camera aperture must first pass through the light guide lens. A cavity formed in the light guide lens is bounded by walls that are positioned at a critical angle. Light-emitting diodes are positioned at critical locations about the periphery of the light guide lens to illuminate the object being viewed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Freedom Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Hanney, Peter Iezzi, Todd Conard
  • Patent number: 8469613
    Abstract: A support assembly for a camera having lens protruding from the camera includes (a) a hood having an opening to accommodate the protruding lens and a front end having a rim that lies on a single plane configured to rest snugly against a flat surface, the hood further includes a gimbaling collar around the opening to allow rotation of protruding lens around a symmetrical axis of the hood, so as to enable the camera to be positioned in any one of a number of positions that result in the protruding lens being pointed in one of a plurality of corresponding directions; (b) a base structure having a suction cup for attachment by suction on the flat surface; and (c) a connecting arm connecting the base structure to the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Koozoo Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Blough Sechrist
  • Patent number: 8465216
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a recording device onto a preexisting sex toy is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus allows a camera mounting enclosure that is connected to a swiveling member that can be rotated upside down so that a standard digital camera can be mounted onto a screw embedded in the camera mounting enclosure. In other embodiments, a pair of gripper arms mounted onto the camera mounting enclosure can be adjusted to different widths that allows for camera phones to be securely held. The gripper arms can also secure an adapter that allows for a web cam to be mounted onto the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jeff Justice
  • Publication number: 20130148951
    Abstract: A holding device for a camera includes a base and an inserting member; the base includes a limiting slot and a first wire slot formed on a bottom portion of the limiting slot; the inserting member is inserted to the limiting slot to engage with the limiting slot; the inserting member includes a second wire slot formed on a side thereof which contacts the limiting slot, and the second wire slot engages with the first wire slot after the inserting member is inserted into the limiting slot to engage with the limiting slot. The holding device of the present disclosure not only allows a user to mount a camera to hamlets, walls, or planes, but also avoids the situation where the whole holding device needs to be replaced when one of the above components is damaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SHENZHEN AEE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Shenzhen AEE Technology CO., LTD
  • Patent number: 8454247
    Abstract: An adaptive mounting for an image capture device includes a lens holder, a tilt bracket rotatably engaging with the lens holder, and a pan bracket pivotally connecting the tilt bracket via a pair of adjustment screws. The lens holder includes two opposite connecting portions used for engaging with either a vari-focus lens module or a fixed focus lens module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Chih Hung, Hsueh-Chin Lu
  • Patent number: 8454246
    Abstract: A balancing support system is provided for a handheld electronic device enabled with a camera. The support system is balanced on a central apex of a handle member. Laterally spaced apart clamping members allow various camera devices to be clamped onto the support system. Counterbalancing stabilizer arms are also able to support a camera on the support system in a self-supported and upright orientation. A steering member transmits steering movement to the camera device relative to the handle member through a magnetic interaction to minimize the effects of undesirable user movements on the video being captured by the camera device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Dennis Wood
  • Publication number: 20130136440
    Abstract: In the tripod head, the resilient force adjusting mechanism includes a rotating operation part, a cam coupled to the rotating operation part and slides with the rotation of the rotating operation part, and a cam follower coming into contact with the cam surfaces of the cam, and the cam follower is supported by a counterbalancing mechanism, and the counterbalancing mechanism is configured in such a manner that the magnitude of the resilient force to be imparted on the spring is variable in accordance with the position where the cam follower comes into contact with the cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: HEIWA SEIKI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Heiwa Seiki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130121680
    Abstract: An easily adjustable tripod includes a main body, legs, a positioning piece, and a spring. The main body includes an adjustable connection part having protruding parts that function as gear teeth. Each leg includes a connector having two protruding side walls. The connector and the adjustable connection part are coupled with mounting screws. The positioning piece is coupled to the connector between the two protruding walls and meshes with the protruding parts on the adjustable connection part. The opening angle of the legs can be easily adjusted and fixed using the positioning piece and the adjustable connection part. The spring and the positioning piece are installed to form an organic whole, so the positioning piece can be conveniently adjusted without changing the opening angle after fixation. It is easy to close and fold the tripod because of the applied force of the spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Qingyuan Chen
  • Publication number: 20130114951
    Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for supporting and positioning cameras and other equipment are disclosed herein. An apparatus for supporting a camera in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can include one or more bendable support members extending from a camera holding portion. In this embodiment, each of the bendable support members includes a plurality of shaped outer portions arranged on an elongate, bendable core. In one embodiment, the bendable core can include a plastically deformable material that retains its shape after being bent with little or no spring-back, and each of the shaped outer portions can include spherical portions formed from a resilient, elastomeric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Tocad America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Darrow
  • Publication number: 20130105619
    Abstract: Camera mount systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a camera mount system is provided, including a first and a second axial arm configured to mount a camera system. The camera mount system further includes a plurality of pistons configured to attach the first and the second axial arms to a vehicle frame. The camera mount system also includes a plurality of springs configured to attach the first and the second axial arms to the vehicle frame, wherein the first and the second axial arms are disposed underslung to the vehicle frame, and wherein the pistons enable a first movement of the first and the second axial arms about a geometric plane and the springs enable a second movement of the first and the second axial arms along an axis normal to the geometric plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: VANGUARD DEFENSE INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Sean Buscher, Henry E. Kulesza
  • Publication number: 20130108255
    Abstract: A holder for an optical device for changing the orientation of the optical device, such as for photographic, video or film cameras, having a first component having a first pivot axis for connecting to a tripod and a second component having a second pivot axis for connecting to the optical device, wherein the two pivot axes extend transversely with respect to each other and can each be adjusted in a mutually independent manner, wherein the first pivot axis is arranged in the first component and the second pivot axis is likewise arranged in the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Philippe Vogt
  • Patent number: 8418973
    Abstract: A tripod head comprises a tripod mounting component, an angle adjusting component, and a camera mounting component. The angle adjusting component is configured to allow adjustment and locking of the angle between the tripod mounting component and the camera mounting component about first and second perpendicular axes. The camera mounting component is rotatably mounted to the angle adjusting component to allow the camera mounting component to be rotated and locked with respect to the angle adjusting component about a third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mamiya America Corporation
    Inventors: Hao Liu, Robert M. Rose
  • Patent number: 8414202
    Abstract: A camera platform locking device, including a housing, for preventing the components from exiting; in the housing from the top down are configured: a sphere, for providing a support to the camera; a locking mechanism, arranged underneath the sphere, for working with the housing to lock the sphere inside the housing; a platform base, arranged underneath the locking mechanism, and fixedly connected to the housing, for providing a support to the locking mechanism. A camera platform locking device of this invention may allow two regulating assemblies to gain distinguished moving distances for achieving different regulation purposes when rotating each knob of the regulating assemblies with the same angle so as to improve the regulation performance of the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Zhongshan Sirui Photographic Equipment Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jie Li
  • Patent number: 8414201
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an enhanced magnetic directional mount for mounting, positioning, and orienting an electronic device such as a camera. In this enhanced mount, the base mounting surface is configured to maximize the extent of adjustment and ease of adjustability of the electronic device, and the base mounting surface and housing mounting surface are designed to provide smooth and secure movement in the electronic device position. Additionally, the enhanced magnetic mount includes attachments designed to affix the magnetic mount to a horizontal or vertical flat surface such as a desk or a wall, and an attachment designed to effectively mount and use the electronic device from a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: AVAAK, Inc.
    Inventors: James Steven Skeoch, Jeff Dorsett, Erich Scott Volkert, Gioia Messinger
  • Patent number: 8408819
    Abstract: The invention relates to a camera holding module for stereoscopic shooting, characterized in that it comprises: a carriage mobile in translation (2) along at least one guiding rail, driven by a driving device; a camera-holding rotary member (3) having a rotation axis and a guiding member (32) carried by the mobile carriage, as well as an actuator (27) interacting with the guiding member for initiating the movement thereof in order to rotate the camera holding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Binocle
    Inventors: Yves Pupulin, Yves Perles
  • Patent number: 8408820
    Abstract: A levelling apparatus, and in one embodiment a portable levelling camera mount (10) having a platform (14) for mounting a camera, a sensor (16) for detecting an orientation of the platform; and an actuator (12) coupled to the platform, which moves the platform in response to the orientation detected via the sensor. Typically, the mount may have a selector to operate the mount to level solely a first axis of the platform to a reference plane while the second axis of the platform is tilted with respect to the reference plane, or to operate the mount to level the platform such that both the first and the second axes of the platform are leveled to the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: EI-Electronic Ideas Limited
    Inventor: Graham Manson
  • Publication number: 20130064537
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: San-Pao Kao, Cheng-Hsiang Chuang, Chen-Yi Liang
  • Patent number: 8393806
    Abstract: A photo arm is proposed here. A revolving handwheel is equipped for driving a transmission mechanism to bring the photo arm to rotate, so that a camera fixed on the photo arm can shoot from different angles along a circular path. The photo arm is also equipped with a power and signal connecting box for supplying power to the camera and transmitting image information and control instructions. Furthermore, a hoist handwheel is equipped for adjusting the height of the rotation center of the photo arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ortery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Peng-Cheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20130058639
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Christopher Galik
  • Publication number: 20130058638
    Abstract: A support head for an optical or video-photographic apparatus, comprises a first body (302) traversed by a first axis (Z) of rotation of the apparatus with respect to a base of the head, a second body (303) coupled in a rotary manner to the first body in order to rotate about the first axis, a third body (304) traversed by a second axis (X) of rotation of the apparatus with respect to a base of the head, this second axis being substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and the third body being coupled in a rotary manner to the second body in order to rotate about this second axis, as well as locking means (330) able to lock, by a single movement of a control member (331) which may be carried out directly by a user, both the relative rotation of the first and second bodies (302, 303) about the first axis (Z) and the rotation of the second and third bodies (303, 304) about the second axis Y.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: LINO MANFROTTO + CO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Igor Piccoli, Stelvio Zarpellon, Enrico Cherubin
  • Publication number: 20130051783
    Abstract: A support head for an optical or video-photographic apparatus comprises a first body (2) including a pin (7) extended along a first axis (Y) of rotation of the apparatus with respect to a base of the head, a second body (3) coupled in a rotary manner to the pin of first body in order to rotate about the first axis, a third body (4) traversed by a second axis (X) of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first axis and coupled in a rotary manner to the second body in order to rotate about the second axis and locking means (30) able to lock, by a single movement of a control member (31) which may be carried out directly by a user, both the relative rotation of the first and second bodies about the first axis and the relative rotation of the second and third bodies about the second axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: GITZO S.A.
    Inventors: Igor Piccoli, Stelvio Zarpellon, Enrico Cherubin