US 5,289,090 A · Automatic camcorder panning device

Abstract

An automatic panning device adapted for use with camcorders and similar equipment includes a bi-directional electric motor which is connected to rotate a mounting plate upon which the camcorder is secured. A control circuit controls the direction and speed of rotation of the mounting plate so as to pan the camcorder back and forth throughout a predetermined angular displacement. In a first embodiment, the amount of such angular displacement is controlled by a pair of limit arms which are pivotably secured to the mounting plate. A proximity sensor is provided for sensing panning movement of the limit arms with the mounting plate to a predetermined location. When this occurs, the proximity sensor generates a signal to the control circuit to reverse the direction of rotation. In a second embodiment, the proximity sensor is provided on the mounting plate and is moved relative to a pair of limit targets slidably mounted on a housing for the device. In a third embodiment, the amount of such angular displacement is controlled by an electronic rotational limit circuit connected to the control circuit. In a fourth embodiment, the amount of such angular displacement is controlled by an electronic rotational time circuit connected to the control circuit.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A device for effecting panning movement of an article in two rotational directions within a predetermined limit of rotation comprising:

a mounting plate adapted to be secured to the article, said mounting plate defining a plane;
motor means for rotating said mounting plate in either of two rotational directions;
a limit arm mounted on said mounting plate for rotation therewith, said limit arm being movable throughout a plane which is parallel to said plane defined by said mounting plate relative to said mounting plate to selectively define the predetermined limit of rotation;
and
control circuit means responsive to the position of said limit arm for controlling the operation of said motor means to change the direction of rotation at the predetermined limit of rotation to effect panning movement thereof.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automatic camcorder panning device

Life of this patent

Automatic camcorder panning device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22