Adjustable camera with belt tensioning apparatus

• Main Author: WRIGHT RICHARD R
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 23.11.2005
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USINGWAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FORPROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; BLASTING; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; ELECTROGRAPHY; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; FRAMES, CASINGS, OR BEDS OF ENGINES OR OTHER MACHINES ORAPPARATUS NOT SPECIFIC TO AN ENGINE, MACHINE, OR APPARATUSPROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; GEARING; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; HOLOGRAPHY; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PHOTOGRAPHY; PHYSICS; PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION; STANDS OR SUPPORTS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

A camera assembly including first and second rotating members and a motor assembly defining a first axis and operably coupled to first rotating member to drivingly rotate first rotating member. A flexible member operably couples first and second rotating members such that rotation of first rotating member causes rotation of second rotating member. A camera is operably coupled to second rotating member such that rotation of second rotating member repositions camera. The motor assembly includes a flange having an outer circumference defining a plurality of teeth and bearing against a support surface. The outer circumference defines a radially variable distance from first axis such that rotation of outer circumference against support surface displaces first axis relative to second rotational member and thereby adjusts a tensional force in flexible member. At least one pawl mechanism is fixed relative to support surface and is engageable with outer circumference.