US4625938A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Suspension system for supporting and conveying equipment, such as a camera
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1983-10-24
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Granted: 1986-12-02
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Expires: 2003-10-24
Abstract
Abstract An improved suspension system for supporting and conveying equipment, such as a camera assembly, which equipment is capable of being panned and tilted. The system comprises of a first elongated support means positioned in the direction of the panning axis of the equipment; a second support means arranged concentric with the panning axis of the equipment and which is rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means; and suitably arranged attaching means for said equipment and drive means to cause rotation between the support means about the axis and controllable to maintain a pre-selected rate of rotation. The equipment is capable of taking pictures and views in situations where the traditional camera system are inadequate.
Inventors
- 👤 Garrett W. Brown
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 09:24
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16M; F16M11/00; F16M11/02; F16M11/18; F16M11/04; F16M11/06; F16M11/10; F16M11/20; F16M11/2007; F16M11/2014; F16M11/2085; F16M11/2092; F16M11/24; F16M11/42; F16M11/425; F16M13/00; F16M13/02; F16M2200/00; F16M2200/04; F16M2200/041
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
A support system for equipment which is to be capable of being panned and tilted by remote control, said support system comprising: first support means elongated in the direction of the panning axis of said equipment; means for attaching said equipment tiltably adjacent one end of said support means; second support means concentric with said axis, rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means, and mounted along said first support means spaced from said equipment attaching means; and drive means coupling said first and second elongated support means, said drive means being adapted to be energized to produce relative rotation between said support means about said axis, and controllable to maintain a predetermined rate of such rotation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
A support system for equipment which is to be capable of being panned and tilted by remote control, said support system comprising: first support means elongated in the direction of the panning axis of said equipment; means for attaching said equipment tiltably adjacent one end of said support means; second support means concentric with said axis, rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means, and mounted along said first support means spaced from said equipment attaching means; and drive means coupling said first and second elongated support means, said drive means being adapted to be energized to produce relative rotation between said support means about said axis, and controllable to maintain a predetermined rate of such rotation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising; gimbal supports attached to said second support means for enabling rotation of said system about each of two axes perpendicular to each other and to said support means axis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 further comprising; means for attaching adjacent the other end of said first support means counterbalancing means for statically counterbalancing the weight of said equipment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 3 wherein said first elongated support means is substantially free of twisting movement about its own axis between said equipment and counterbalancing means, whereby said equipment and counterbalancing means are rotatable about the panning axis as a unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said equipment is a camera.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said equipment is independent of said support system in said panning axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
176 words
A support system for equipment which is to be capable of being panned and tilted by remote control, said support system comprising: first support means elongated in the direction of the panning axis of said equipment; means for attaching said equipment tiltably adjacent one end of said support means; second support means concentric with said axis, rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means, and mounted along said first support means spaced from said equipment attaching means; drive means coupling said first and second elongated support means, said drive means being adapted to be energized to produce relative rotation between said support means about said axis, and controllable to maintain a predetermined rate of such rotation; gimbal supports attached to said second support means for enabling rotation of said system about each of two axes perpendicular to each other and to said support means axis; and means for attaching suspension members of controllable lengths to the outer one of said gimbal supports, whereby said support system is held aloft in three-dimensionally adjustable positions.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
176 words
A support system for equipment which is to be capable of being panned and tilted by remote control, said support system comprising: first support means elongated in the direction of the panning axis of said equipment; means for attaching said equipment tiltably adjacent one end of said support means; second support means concentric with said axis, rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means, and mounted along said first support means spaced from said equipment attaching means; drive means coupling said first and second elongated support means, said drive means being adapted to be energized to produce relative rotation between said support means about said axis, and controllable to maintain a predetermined rate of such rotation; gimbal supports attached to said second support means for enabling rotation of said system about each of two axes perpendicular to each other and to said support means axis; and means for attaching suspension members of controllable lengths to the outer one of said gimbal supports, whereby said support system is held aloft in three-dimensionally adjustable positions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
145 words
A support system for equipment which is to be capable of being panned and tilted by remote control, said support system comprising: first support means elongated in the direction of the panning axis of said equipment; means for attaching said equipment tiltably adjacent one end of said support means; second support means concentric with said axis, rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means, and mounted along said first support means spaced from said equipment attaching means; and drive means coupling said first and second elongated support means, said drive means being adapted to be energized to produce relative rotation between said support means about said axis; wherein said drive means is controllable to maintained a predetermined rate of desired relative rotation, and is constructed and arranged to counteract undesired relative rotation about said axis between said first and second support means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
145 words
A support system for equipment which is to be capable of being panned and tilted by remote control, said support system comprising: first support means elongated in the direction of the panning axis of said equipment; means for attaching said equipment tiltably adjacent one end of said support means; second support means concentric with said axis, rotatable about said axis with respect to said first support means, and mounted along said first support means spaced from said equipment attaching means; and drive means coupling said first and second elongated support means, said drive means being adapted to be energized to produce relative rotation between said support means about said axis; wherein said drive means is controllable to maintained a predetermined rate of desired relative rotation, and is constructed and arranged to counteract undesired relative rotation about said axis between said first and second support means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said controllable drive means includes a torque motor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 9 wherein said torque motor is so constructed as to not transmit rotational vibrations when unenergized.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-12-01 | 1990-06-02 | 1990-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-12-01 | 1994-06-02 | 1994-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-12-01 | 1998-06-02 | 1998-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |