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US 8,087,315 B2Granted
Methods and systems for attaching and detaching a payload device to and from, respectively, a gimbal system without requiring use of a mechanical tool
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsEmray R. Goossen, Ken E. Young
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for attaching and detaching a payload device to and from, respectively, a gimbal system without requiring use of a mechanical tool. The gimbal system includes a gimbal assembly that includes a payload socket arranged to attach a payload device to the gimbal assembly. The payload socket is preferably arranged to allow any of a plurality of payload devices to attach to and detach from the payload socket without requiring use of a mechanical tool.
Claims18
A gimbal system comprising:
- a gimbal assembly that includes:
- a dovetail insert that is arranged to connect to a payload device;
- and
- a payload socket arranged to attach the payload device to the gimbal assembly via the dovetail insert,
- wherein the payload socket and dovetail insert are cooperatively arranged to electrically couple the gimbal system and payload device upon attachment of the payload device and dovetail insert to the payload socket, and
- wherein the payload socket is arranged to allow any of a plurality of payload devices to attach to and detach from the payload socket without requiring use of a mechanical tool.
3 more elements
A method comprising:
- enabling attachment of a payload device to a gimbal system, wherein enabling attachment comprises enabling any of a plurality of payload devices to attach to and detach from the gimbal system without requiring use of a mechanical tool;
- detecting attachment of the payload device;
- obtaining identification information corresponding to the payload device;
- using at least the identification information as a basis to select at least one driver for the payload device;
- and
- connecting the payload device to at least one gimbal control system via the selected driver, thereby enabling communications between the gimbal control system and payload device.
3 more elements
A gimbal system comprising:
- a gimbal assembly that includes a payload socket arranged to attach a payload device to the gimbal assembly, wherein the payload socket is arranged to allow any of a plurality of payload devices to attach to and detach from the payload socket without requiring use of a mechanical tool;
- a payload-identification routine stored in memory and arranged to detect attachment of the payload device and query the payload device for identification information;
- and
- a connection routine stored in memory and arranged to use at least the identification information as a basis to select at least one driver for the payload device, and to connect the payload device to at least one gimbal control system via the selected driver, thereby enabling communications between the gimbal control system and payload device.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.