Adjustable Support Patents (Class 396/428)
  • Publication number: 20120051733
    Abstract: A camera crane includes a telescopically extendible arm with a camera platform pivotally attached to the front end of the arm. An arm support can support a back section of the arm at two or more positions. Consequently the pivot axis of the arm can be shifted to the front or rear, to change rear clearance requirements, counterweight requirements, and the reach of the arm. A leveling system on a nose assembly includes at least one motor within a sealed motor housing. When the head moves to an out of level position, an electronic controller energizes the motor which exerts torque to return the head to level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8125564
    Abstract: A stabilized camera system has a roll frame formed as a parallelogram linkage and pivotably attached to a pan frame. A tilt frame is pivotably attached to the roll frame. Control circuits are provided to compensate for drift, to allow manual aiming of the camera during stabilized camera operation, and for providing rapid leveling. The stabilized camera system is compact with low moments of inertia to allow rapid movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventors: Vladimir V. Kozlov, Lev N. Yevstratov, Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8113668
    Abstract: A portable material exhibiting apparatus comprises a base assembly having a pivoting base, the pivoting base being disposed on one side of the base assembly; a retractable rod assembly having one end pivoting to the pivoting base; and an image capturing module having one end pivoting to the other end of the retractable rod assembly. Therefore, when carrying the portable material exhibiting apparatus, the image capturing module may rotate to be parallel with the retractable rod assembly. The retractable rod assembly may shorten its length and rotate to be parallel with the base assembly. Via this arrangement, the spaced occupied by the portable material exhibiting apparatus is reduced greatly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Dexin Corporation
    Inventor: Cheng-Cheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8113726
    Abstract: A display device comprises a housing, an image capture device and a screen mounted to the housing. A drive platform is mounted to the housing. The drive platform comprises: a rotatable part to which the image capture device is mounted; a stationary part having a chamber to receive the rotatable part and a capture window to expose the image capture device; and at least one piezoelectric motor which rotates the rotatable part to pan and tilt the image capture device within the capture window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Chuan Hui Fang, Li Sheng Liu, Zhi Song Wang
  • Patent number: 8113907
    Abstract: A simulated eye is capable of being rotatable in a first direction and a second direction. The simulated eye includes an eyeball, a housing for receiving the eyeball, and a holding member. The eyeball is rotatably connected to the holding member, and the eyeball is rotatable relative to the holding member in a first direction. The holding member is pivotally connected to the housing, and the holding member holding the eyeball is rotatable relative to the housing in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bao-Shuai Liu
  • Publication number: 20120033960
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Norihisa HASHIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8109681
    Abstract: A support for a camera comprising a first fluid head and a second fluid head, the first fluid head being arranged to provide rotation about a first axis and the second fluid head being arranged to provide rotation about a second axis, which is perpendicular to the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ronford-Baker Engineering Company Ltd.
    Inventor: David McAnulty
  • Patent number: 8109680
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a device for securing an object to a mountable surface. The device is configured to face the object secured thereto in any direction up to 360 degrees about the mountable surface. The device comprises a mating surface securable to the mountable surface via a tamper proof locking means and a support attached to the mating surface that is operationally configured to secure the object thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Michael A Olien
  • Publication number: 20120027396
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electronic device connected to a camera main body and having an actuator, the electronic device including: a detection terminal adapted to come into contact with a terminal used by the camera main body to detect the connection to the electronic device when the electronic device is connected to the camera main body; a detection section adapted to detect the voltage of the detection terminal; a connection detection section adapted to detect the connection status to the camera main body based on the change in the voltage detected by the detection section; and a control section adapted to control the operation of the actuator based on the connection or disconnection to or from the camera main body detected by the connection detection section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Makoto Kato
  • Patent number: 8100590
    Abstract: The main objective of the present invention is to provide maintenance mechanism for lighting equipment in a closed space of high radiation activity, which comprises a passage, a lamp base, a multi-section slide rail, a lighting handle, a stainless steel fixation plate, a lead glass lamp guard and a convex lead plug. On the top side of the passage there is a multi-section slide rail with the lamp base attached to move the lamp. The maintenance hole at the end of the passage has a convex lead plug and a stainless steel fixation plate. When the hole closes, the convex lead plug is locked to the lead plug positioning screw under the stainless steel fixation plate; while the maintenance hole opens, on the top right and top left of the stainless steel fixation plate there is a L-shaped short iron plate and a L-shaped long iron plate respectively. On the L-shaped long iron plate there is an axial screw as the axis for the convex lead plug to move and rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research
    Inventors: Chi-Wen Huang, Hsin-Chi Chu, Bing-Rong Wu
  • Patent number: 8100591
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing a camera platform includes generating a first signal from a platform sensor, such as a gyro sensor, on the camera platform indicative of a change in angular position of the camera platform. The first signal is added to a control signal provided from a camera platform position controller, typically operated by the camera operator. A first correction value based on the sum of the first signal and the control signal is calculated. A second correction value is calculated based on a signal from an encoder associated with a motor linked to the camera platform. Adding the first correction value and the second correction value provides a motor control signal which is amplified and used to control the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard T. Chapman, Stanislov Gorbatov
  • Patent number: 8087836
    Abstract: A miniature tripod assembly adapted to mount to the bottom of a camera, or other device, and to be small enough to fit within the profile of the device. The miniature tripod assembly may use ball and socket joint connectors which, when interconnected, form a flexible assembly. 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 some embodiments, device may use flexible and extendable legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Joby Photo, Inc.
    Inventor: JoeBen Bevirt
  • Publication number: 20110317993
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is enables a lens of a camera, preferably a webcam, to be in relational position with an eyepiece of a telescope or a microscope. The apparatus is comprised of two rings, a mounting ring for securing a camera therein and a mounting ring for securing the eyepiece of a scope therein. The camera mounting ring is interrelated with the scope mounting ring by means of at least one strut. At least two locking pins with a cup attached thereto are used to secure the camera within the camera mounting ring and at least two locking pins with a bracket attached thereto are used to secure the scope within the scope mounting ring. The camera mounting ring is slidably related with the strut to permit relational positioning of the camera mounting ring with the scope mounting ring such that the lens of the camera may be abutted with the eyepiece of the scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: OUTWEST SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Weissler
  • Patent number: 8083420
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling one or more cameras is provided. The apparatus includes: a mounting sled, a tilt drive motor, a tilt drive train, a pan drive motor, and a pan drive train. The mounting sled includes a camera platform between two sled runners. A lower surface of each sled runner is formed by a circular arc. The tilt drive train includes a tilt drive shaft having an axis perpendicular to the camera platform. The pan drive train includes a pan drive shaft extending along the axis of the tilt drive shaft such that it receives the tilt drive shaft and turns independently and concentrically about the tilt drive shaft. The camera platform receives a camera such that the center of gravity of the camera is aligned with the diameter of the circular arc of the sled runners and the vertical axis of the tilt and pan drive shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Mark T. Dumm
  • Patent number: 8075203
    Abstract: A panoramic device includes a base member having a flat lower surface suitable to be supported by a tripod. A clamp member has a flat upper surface 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 flat upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the flat 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. The panoramic device includes a level bubble visible on an upper surface at a location exterior to the central region of the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110293262
    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: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Peng-Cheng LAI
  • Patent number: 8066439
    Abstract: A camera dolly has a base on which an elevator is mounted. The elevator has a sliding shelf for mounting a camera, a counterweight to balance the weight of the camera. A fixed shelf is provided to hold accessories such as a video monitor. The base is provided with removable wheels for use on most surfaces. The base also has rollers which move along a track made of PVC pipe or hoses filled with compressed air. An alternative embodiment has the camera mounted to a sliding mount connected to the base. A tripod may also be mounted on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventors: Justin E. Viggiano, James H. Viggiano, Agostino Viggiano
  • Patent number: 8068169
    Abstract: A video camera system includes a mount with a clip-on structure adapted for attachment to a pair of eyeglass frames, loupes, or a headband. The preferred embodiment includes a camera mounted on a first pivot arm, and a light source mounted on a second pivot arm. One or both of the pivot arms are rotatable, enabling the beam from the light source and field of view of the camera to be aligned for a given working distance. Polarizing filters may be mounted to the camera, light source, or both to control glare, reflection or other undesired visual artifacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: General Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Byung Jin Chang
  • Publication number: 20110280565
    Abstract: A method for stabilizing a camera platform includes generating a first signal from a platform sensor, such as a gyro sensor, on the camera platform indicative of a change in angular position of the camera platform. The first signal is added to a control signal provided from a camera platform position controller, typically operated by the camera operator. A first correction value based on the sum of the first signal and the control signal is calculated. A second correction value is calculated based on a signal from an encoder associated with a motor linked to the camera platform. Adding the first correction value and the second correction value provides a motor control signal which is amplified and used to control the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Leonard T. Chapman, Stanislov Gorbatov
  • Publication number: 20110280566
    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: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: Enrico CHERUBIN
  • Patent number: 8057112
    Abstract: A multi-mount apparatus for devices such as camera heads or lights on the end of a crane arm is disclosed. The multi-mount can include two substantially parallel side plates connected together with internal support members. A top mounting plate can be rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a top pivot point on the side plates. The multi-mount contains a leveling head, which can include a motor that drives a worm gear engaged with a moon gear. A bottom mounting plate can be attached to the moon gear, which is rotatably attached to the multi-mount at a bottom pivot point on the side plates. A motor drives a moon gear to rotate and maintain the bottom mounting plate at a desired orientation. In some embodiments, one or more push/pull rods rotatably attached to the bottom and top mounting plates also cause the top mounting plate to be maintained at the same orientation as the bottom mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Panavision International, L.P.
    Inventors: Richard Todd Amadril, James William Favazzo, Mark Christopher Dodd
  • Publication number: 20110268433
    Abstract: Provided is a pan-tilt apparatus for a surveillance camera, including an image capturing unit 100 including a camera 2 and a camera holder 4 for supporting the camera 2; a motion converter 150 including a driving shaft 10, a shaft 20 connected to a connector 14 inserted into the driving shaft 10, a base member 30 inserted into one side of the driving shaft 10 and of which both ends are inserted in the shaft 20 by including a bearing 24, a bearing 32 installed in a lower portion of the base member 30 to smoothen an operation of the base member 30, and first and second worms 50 and 52 inserted into the base member 30 and mutually connected with first and second worm gears 40 and 42 to rotate; and a driving unit 250 including first and second motors 80 and 82 being connected to first and second motor shafts 60 and 62 to be inserted into the first and second worm gears 40 and 42.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: ROBOMECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Whan Yim, Tae Hoon Kwon, Gyu Bong Han
  • Patent number: 8047730
    Abstract: A handwriting device includes a supporting device using two supporting arms. Each of the supporting arms is an elongated plate, includes a sliding end and an opposite pivoting end, and further includes an engaging surface. The sliding ends of the supporting arms are slidably engaged in two respective sliding channels defined in a supporting base. A cutout is defined in the engaging surface at the pivoting ends. A through hole is defined at each of the pivoting ends where the cutout is formed. The through holes of the supporting arms are aligned with each other. The supporting arms are rotatably connected with each other via a threaded bolt passing through the through holes of the supporting arms. As such, the height of a camera module supported by the supporting arms can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shan-Fu Huang
  • Publication number: 20110255855
    Abstract: A camera holder includes a supporting frame, a sliding block, and an adjustable assembly. The supporting frame includes a receiving cavity. The sliding block is received in the receiving cavity and slidably attached to the supporting frame. The sliding block and the supporting frame cooperatively support a camera. The adjustable assembly includes a shaft, a gear, a gear rack, a base, and a revolving head. The shaft is attached to the supporting frame. The gear is mechanically coupled to the shaft. The gear rack is meshed with the gear rack. The base is arranged on a horizontal plane and attached to an end of the gear rack to support the supporting frame. The revolving head is attached to the gear, and the revolving head is configured for rotating the gear such that the gear and the gear rack cooperatively raise or lower the camera relative to the horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHAI-WEI LEE, HOU-YAO LIN, SHENG-JUNG YU
  • Publication number: 20110255854
    Abstract: A camera crane includes an arm having a back section, a middle section telescopically extendible into and out of the back section, and a front section telescopically extendible into and out of the middle section. A camera platform is pivotally attached at or near the front end of the front section. A counterweight is movable along the back section. An arm support can support the back section at two or more positions. Consequently the pivot axis of the arm can be shifted to the front or rear, to change rear clearance requirements, counterweight requirements, and the reach of the arm. An electronic controller is linked to a motor and a sensor on a camera head, with the motor acting to keep the head level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 8033742
    Abstract: A camera crane includes an arm having a back section, a middle section telescopically extendible into and out of the back section, and a front section telescopically extendible into and out of the middle section. A camera platform is pivotally attached at or near the front end of the front section. A counterweight is movable along the back section. An arm support can support the back section at two or more positions. Consequently the pivot axis of the arm can be shifted to the front or rear, to change rear clearance requirements, counterweight requirements, and the reach of the arm. An electronic controller is linked to a motor and a sensor on a camera head, with the motor acting to keep the head level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20110243546
    Abstract: There is disclosed a single seat-kill camera system and method. The single seat-kill camera may include a camera head and an elevator configured to position the camera head in one of a down position and an up position. An obstruction detector may determine whether or not a field of view of the camera head is obstructed, at least in part, when the camera head is in the down position. A controller coupled to the elevator and the obstruction detector may automatically instruct the elevator to position the camera head in the up position when the obstruction detector determines that the field of view of the camera head in the down position is obstructed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Vincent Pace, Patrick Campbell
  • Publication number: 20110243549
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Akira YOKOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20110243547
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Ladan Khamsepoor, Kenneth Ling, Allan Freas Velzy, Kun-Jui Liu, John Kiechel
  • Publication number: 20110243548
    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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Logitech Europe S.A.
    Inventors: Ladan Khamsepoor, Kenneth Ling, Allan Freas Velzy, Kun-Jui Liu, John Kiechel
  • Patent number: 8029197
    Abstract: A hand-held image stabilization and balancing system for cameras includes a main body part having a C-shaped member, a handle gimbaled to the main body part and releasably lockable in a fixed position, a camera mounting platform pivotably mounted to the main body part by a tilting joint, a pivoting plate pivotably mounted to the main body part, and a tripod mounted to the pivoting plate by a panning joint for rotation relative to the main body part. The tilting joint is located at the free end of the upper arm, and the pivoting plate is mounted at the free end of the lower arm for pivoting about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the C-shaped member. The stabilization device has a travel mode, in which it is folded for compactness, and a number of use modes, in which it can be used to stabilize a camera mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas McKay
  • Patent number: 8021059
    Abstract: A support structure for supporting an image capture device generally comprises a base, a first vertically oriented, elongated support member supported by the base, and a mechanism that provides tilting and panning of the device relative to the first support member, and elevation of the device along the first support member. Preferred bases include bases that are foldable and/or rotatable, and ones that have a leveling device coupled to the base. Preferred support members can be rotatable relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Roman Coppola
  • Patent number: 8021060
    Abstract: An adjustable support head (1) for optical or video/photographic equipment, comprising a joint (5) including a first (3) and a second joint element (18), a body (3) defining the said first joint element, a connection plate (4) for the optical or video/photographic equipment, connected to the said second joint element, so as to enable the said connection plate to be freely adjustable in relation to the said body, locking means (25) mounted on the said body and including a clamping element (26) that can be selectively moved between a first non-operating position in which the clamping element is distanced from the second joint element and a second operating position in which the clamping element is in contact with the second joint element so as to lock the said second joint element in a desired position in relation to the first joint element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Gitzo S.A.
    Inventors: Hem Sudhana, Andrea Zen
  • Publication number: 20110222842
    Abstract: An adjustable locking camera support assembly is provided. The assembly includes a camera support assembly and a ground engaging assembly. The camera support assembly includes a first support in telescopic communication with a second support, a camera mount pivotally connected to the first support, and a support plate connected to the second support, the support plate includes a first aperture forming a passage to a hollow portion of the second support, and a second aperture. The ground engaging assembly includes a retention plate having a first side opposing a second side, an orifice carried by the retention plate, a first member connected to the first side of the retention plate, the first member being removably received by the first aperture and hollow portion of the second support of the camera support assembly, and a second member connected to the second side of the retention plate, the second member carrying an auger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Brad Schippers
  • Patent number: 8016494
    Abstract: A folding, adjustable camera support having a central post secured in one or more central post holders. A first camera equipment support component having a distal end and a proximate end is adjustably attached at its proximate end to one of the one or more central post holders, and is configured to adjust between an operative position and a folded position via an adjustment mechanism. The distance of the camera equipment is adjustable radially from the central post. A second camera equipment support component is similarly configured and adjustable with respect to the central post, and can balance the first camera equipment component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Jerry Holway, Garrett W. Brown, H. Robert Orf
  • Patent number: 8016493
    Abstract: A coupling configured to transmit rotation of a drive shaft to a driven shaft by magnetic force includes a drive portion configured to rotate integrally with the drive shaft, a driven portion configured to rotate integrally with the driven shaft, and a buffer member located in contact with both the drive portion and the driven portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akira Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20110200320
    Abstract: A camera platform may be stabilized by reducing or avoiding oscillating movement, when active stabilization systems are not used. A passive dampener resists the back driving of the motors used in the active stabilization system. This dampening or resistance to back driving the motors in turn dampens movement of the camera platform. Oscillations are reduced or avoided and the camera platform may return more quickly and smoothly to a level position. The dampener may be provided as an add-on or temporarily electrically switched in accessory. The dampener may include a circuit that connects the first and second motors of the active stabilization system in series, and connects the series output of the two motors to a variable resistor through a rectifier. A transistor may be with the variable resistor to provide for more linear adjusting and a more compact variable resistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Leonard T. Chapman, Stanislov Gorbatov
  • Patent number: 8000588
    Abstract: A light weight camera mounting assembly allowing for tilt and pan of a camera through a significant portion of a spherical rang of view with minimal parts count, minimal weight and minimal weight in the rotated portion of the assembly. A retraction/extension assembly for a light weight camera with minimal weight and complexity. Doors which open to allow a camera to extend beyond the surface of a vehicle and close to protect the camera and allow for landing of the vehicle without external skids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Brandebury Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7986369
    Abstract: A lower portion has a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is enlarged for positioning on a floor. An upper portion is movable to any of a plurality of positions. The interior end of the upper portion is coupled to the upper end of the lower portion. Electrical components are coupled to one of the portions. A web camera is operatively coupled to the exterior end of the upper portion. An electrical cable supplies power and data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: David Anthony Burns
  • Patent number: 7985030
    Abstract: A surveillance apparatus, comprising: a holder; a first adjusting member disposed on the holder, the first adjusting member comprising a first annular plate and two extending portions each defining a second through hole; a second adjusting member comprising a second annular plate and a third annular plate; an image pick-up device sleeved on the third annular plate; a third adjusting member comprising a fourth annular plate, a pair of handles, and two fasteners, the handles each defining a fifth through hole corresponding to the second through holes, the fourth annular plate rotatably sleeves on the third annular plate; the first adjusting member and the third adjusting member is assembled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Hung Chou
  • Patent number: 7976228
    Abstract: A device for hands-free self-examination is provided comprising a viewing component having a mirror which is attached to a compliant receptacle. The receptacle being configured to receive filler material thereby enabling the device to be positioned on an irregular surface such that it substantially conforms thereto and enabling the mirror to be manipulated to any orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Hugh Lambert
  • Publication number: 20110164870
    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 levelled to the reference plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: EI-ELECTRONIC IDEAS LIMITED
    Inventor: Graham Manson
  • Patent number: 7973856
    Abstract: An image snapping device includes a body, a support rod, an image-snapping module and an outer hollow cylinder. The support rod is pivotally connected to the body. The image-snapping module is pivotally connected to the support rod and has a camera rotatable relative to the support rod. The outer hollow cylinder houses the image snapping module and is rotatably connected with the image snapping module, wherein the outer hollow cylinder has multiple lenses, one of which the camera is selectively aligned with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Yun Lee, Ching-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 7970276
    Abstract: There is provided a frame structure for stereoscopic imaging. First and second cameras may be mounted to the structure to respectively record first and second images which may be combined to produce a three-dimensional image. The frame structure comprises a casing sized and shaped to receive a beam splitting device therein and first and second camera supports mounted to a sidewall of the casing for respectively holding the first and second cameras. Each camera support comprises an outer frame defining an internal cavity to receive a corresponding camera therein, and attaching means which comprise at least three connecting portions contacting the casing sidewall and positioned around an opening of the casing sidewall. This configuration substantially prevents deformation of the frame structure due to bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Creat3 Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Hugues Routhier
  • Patent number: 7955006
    Abstract: A lightweight camera mount allowing tilt and pan of a camera turret through a significant portion of a spherical range is disclosed. The camera turret comprised of two hemispheres has a full 360 degree freedom of pan rotation and up to 140 degree of tilt rotation. The mount includes a tilt assembly embedded within the turret and a pan assembly external to the turret. The tilt assembly in communication with a tilt feedback device provides a tilt movement to the turret. The pan portion in communication with a pan feedback device provides a pan movement to the turret. The mount is configured to be mounted on a land based vehicle, a water based vehicle, or an aerial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Brandebury Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William B. Harvey
  • Publication number: 20110123188
    Abstract: A motor controlled rail assembly is provided which simplifies and automates the process of taking focus-stacked pictures. This device can be used to incrementally move a camera or other photographic device a programmable distance forward or backward in precise steps relative to an external object to facilitate focus-stacked photography. The device may include a motor-driven macro rail assembly, a controller assembly and a camera, which, generally speaking, are configured as follows: a camera is attached to a macro rail carriage which is driven by the motor and controller. The device may have different modes of operation (an automatic step mode, an automatic distance mode, a total distance mode, a distance per step mode, a continuous mode and a manual mode) to yield improved results in different situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Matthew William Cardwell, Paul DeZeeuw, Linden Gledhill
  • Publication number: 20110116782
    Abstract: A camera support including a mounting bracket for securement to a tree trunk. The inner end of a multi-armed boom is connected to the mounting bracket. The first arm of the boom is pivotally connected to the mounting bracket such that the outer end of the boom can be selectively yawed from side to side. The second arm of the boom is pivotally connected to the first arm such that the outer end of the boom can be selectively yawed from side to side. The boom's third arm is pivotally connected to the second arm such that the outer end of the boom can be selectively pitched up and down. A fourth arm of the boom is pivotally connected to the third arm such that the outer end of the boom can be selectively rolled over. A camera mount is affixed to the outer end of the boom on the fourth arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: L. Dean Scott
  • Publication number: 20110091196
    Abstract: An aerial support structure for capturing an image of a target via a camera mounted thereon includes a support platform, a frame mounted to the support platform and a beam movably attached to the frame. A camera platform suspends and is axially spaced from the support platform by a plurality of support cables. An actuator is mounted to one of the support platform and the frame, and the actuator is associated with each of the plurality of support cables. Operation of the actuator causes the beam to move with respect to the frame, thereby moving the camera platform relative to the support platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: WAVECAM MEDIA, INC.
    Inventors: Edmond J. DOUGHERTY, Gary D. GIEGERICH, Maury BAYER
  • Patent number: 7927026
    Abstract: A camera module and a portable electronic device using same are provided. The camera module can be rotated to align with a first camera window and a first aperture in the front of the portable electronic device or a second camera window and second aperture in the rear of the portable electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co. Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 7927027
    Abstract: A head arm pivot shaft support mechanism 180 has a cord covering unit 200 including a first part 210, a second part 220, and a third part 230. The first part 210 and the second part 220 are located on a side of one head-side engagement leg 186 of bifurcated head-side engagement legs 186 and 187 and are arranged to be rotatable about a pivot shaft member 193. The first part 210 and the second part 220 respectively have an arc-shaped peripheral wall 212 and an arc-shaped peripheral wall 222 protruded toward the third part 230 to fill a space on a bifurcation base side between the bifurcated head-side engagement legs 186 and 187. The third part 230 is located on a side of the other head-side engagement leg 187 and is arranged to be rotatable about the pivot shaft member 193.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Elmo Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamakose, Shinji Ono