A support system which allows for the use and mounting of a smart phone, or similar electronic device, in a variety of ways. The support system may be adapted to function as a hand grip while supporting the smart phone during image acquisition, or while watching images on the smart phone. In another configuration, the support system may be adapted to attach to the user's belt. In another configuration, the support system may function as a support stand. In another configuration, the support system may be mounted on a tripod. The support system may include a kit of parts which allow for the modification of support accessories to allow for different configurations. The support system may include a removable shutter which may actuate the camera functions via wireless communication.

A mounting assembly includes a base; a post extending from the base, the post defining a vertical axis; a beam mounted on the post and being pivotable about the vertical axis, the beam comprising a first portion extending in a first horizontal direction and terminating in a first end, and a second portion extending in a second horizontal direction opposite of the first direction and terminating in a second end; an equipment mounting bracket at the first end; a latch along the beam and having an engaged position and release position, wherein in the engaged position the latch prevents the beam from pivoting; and a latch release along the second portion of the beam. A method of accessing equipment mounted on the mounting assembly includes actuating the latch release such that the latch moves from the engaged position to the release position; and rotating the beam about the vertical axis.

The description relates to devices that include hinged portions and controlling rotation of the portions. One example can include a display that is configured to rotate relative to an axis. The example can also include a clutch assembly interposed between first and second planet gear assemblies positioned along the axis. The first and second planet gears configured to multiply resistance to rotation around the axis that is supplied by the clutch assembly.

An electronic device can include a motor that rotates a shaft that is coupled to a gear. A belt or a chain can be placed in contract with the gear and other rotational devices. For optimum performance, the chain or chain should be adjusted to an optimum tension. The tension can be adjusted by moving the motor and securing the motor in a position the provided the optimum tension. Alternatively, the motor can be in a fixed rigid position and an idler pulley in contact with the belt or chain can be positioned to provide the optimum tension.

This application discloses a stand assembly that includes an upper portion for holding electronic components and a lower portion for supporting the upper portion. The lower portion including a base, a joint, and a second fastener structure configured to mate with a first fastener structure of the upper portion. The first fastener structure and the joint are configured to respectively provide a first degree of freedom of motion and a second degree of freedom of motion of the upper portion with respect to the lower portion. Movement of the upper portion at the first degree of freedom has substantially consistent resistance through first part of a first full range of motion associated with the first degree of freedom of motion. Movement of the upper portion at the second degree of freedom has substantially consistent resistance through a second full range of motion associated with the second degree of freedom.

An assembly includes an attachment arm having an axle extending from a first end of the attachment arm. The attachment arm of the detachable wheel assembly further includes a securing portion forming a second end of the attachment arm, the securing portion of the attachment arm including a pin positioned to extend above a first frame member of a gantry truss and to secure the first frame member between the pin and a portion of the attachment arm. The attachment arm also includes a frame support corresponding to a second frame member of the gantry truss such that the frame support supports the second frame member when the assembly is secured to the gantry truss, and the assembly includes a wheel rotatably attached to the axle of the attachment arm.

A parallel link apparatus includes: a base section; three or more deployment sections that extend radially from the base section and that are pivotable with end parts coupled to the base section being pivot axes; arm sections that are coupled to end parts, of the respective deployment sections, that are on opposite sides of the end parts coupled to the base section, and are pivotable with respect to the deployment sections and expandable and contractible in one direction independently of each other; and a movable section coupled to each of second ends, of the arm sections, that are on opposite sides of first ends, of the arm sections, coupled to the deployment sections.

A method includes receiving selection of a target within an image captured by an image sensor of a payload and displayed on a user interface of the payload, detecting a deviation of the target from an expected target state within the image, generating, based at least partly on the deviation, a payload control signal including a first angular velocity for rotating the payload about an axis of the carrier to reduce the deviation about the axis in a subsequent image, and generating a base support control signal including a second angular velocity for rotating the payload with respect to the axis. When the first and second angular velocities are received, the carrier is controlled to rotate the payload at a third angular velocity about the axis. The third angular velocity is the first angular velocity, the second angular velocity, or a combination of both.

A security apparatus secures a laptop, and particularly a convertible laptop, to a mounting surface. The security apparatus comprises a housing assembly, and a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly extending from and retractable into the housing assembly. A first end assembly and second end assembly are mounted to the first arm assembly, and a second end assembly. Each arm assembly secures a first side and a second side of a lower body portion of the laptop. A trapping member is positioned in the housing assembly to lock the arm assemblies. A locking rod has a first end extending outside the support housing and a second end extending into the housing assembly and into engagement with the trapping member, the locking rod configured to move the trapping member into engagement with the first and second arm assemblies.

A method of stabilizing a payload fitted in a carrier includes providing a first carrier component of the carrier, supporting a second carrier component of the carrier using the first carrier component, and supporting a third carrier component of the carrier using the second carrier component. The first carrier component is configured to permit rotation of the payload about a pitch axis. The second carrier component is configured to permit rotation of the payload about a yaw axis. The third carrier component is configured to permit rotation of the payload about a roll axis and connects to the payload.