William Sargent and the Mini-Crab Dolly

In a future post, we will be taking a closer look at the acting career of William Sargent. Not only was William Sargent the genius designer and inventor of the Mini-Crab Dolly, he was also an accomplished actor, leaving his mark on both stage and screen. Soon, we will be posting awesome photos of Mr. Sargent in some of his memorable acting roles.

But first, here are two very rare business cards. Click on the above image to enlarge. The card on the left was printed as Mr. Sargent and Mr. Kelljchian (better known as SarKell or Sarkel as noted on the card) were preparing for the SMPTE show in Los Angeles (as seen in the photos below). This was when SarKell first unveiled the Mini-Crab to the Hollywood film community.

The card to the right was used by Mr. Sargent after a deal was struck with Berkey-Colortran. Mr. Sargent was retained as the Project Manager during the initial manufacturing and marketing of the new Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly.

Here are a few pictures of the Mini-Crab prototype before being discovered by former Berkey-Colortran's President, Milt Forman.

A live shot of 'Sarkell", William Sargent on the left and his partner Robert Kelljchian on the right during a demonstration of the Mini-Crab Dolly in LA.

William Sargent, the designer/inventor of our favorite crab dolly with the actual 'Mini-Crab' prototype he built by hand in his Los Angeles apartment. It doesn't get any cooler than this, ladies and gentlemen.

Patent Number 3,297,337 - Camera Crab Dolly

The inception of our favorite crab dolly began right here with the following Patent Number 3,297,337.

Mr. Sargent's Patent Attorney's filed for the Mini-Crab's patent on May 3, 1965. The patent was granted on January 10, 1967. Click on any image to enlarge.

These are actual patent diagrams that William Sargent's Patent Attorney's drew for obtaining the patent. You can download and study the entire patent PDF (all 11 pages!) for the Mini-Crab Dolly at this link: http://www.google.com/patents/US3297337

The complexity of these drawings show just how brilliant William Sargent and his design truly is! The Mini-Crab is the Patek Philippe of dollies!

This diagram in particular shows the crabbing modes and how they are achieved by using the control that's located above the Mini-Crab's push bar.

For Sale! Camera Jib for the Colortran Mini-Crab

We have the perfect accessory for your Mini-Crab! It's the Camera Turret CT-300 Jib that's pictured above and throughout this blog. We used it extensively with Mini-Crab #157. It has the proper mounting adapter that would enable it to fit easily onto the Colortran Mini-Crab Dolly.

The CT-300 is made out of aircraft aluminum and still being made today.The Jib head automatically articulates with the vertical movement of the Jib.

For specs, go to: http://www.cameraturret.com/

This professional Jib package includes the following; 5' 3" center Jib Arm, 3' extension Jib Arm, Monitor Bracket, cables for standard Jib length, cables for extension Jib length, counterweights bar, a tool kit, the adapter to mount Jib onto your Mini-Crab Dolly or use with your own tripod.

If interested or for more info, e-mail me at:
zarykfamily@twc.com