Abstract: A two axis (azimuth and elevation) stabilized common gimbal (SGC) for use on a wide variety of commercial vehicles and military vehicles which are employed in combat situations capable of stabilizing a payload of primary sensors and of mounting a secondary sensor payload that is independent of the moving axes. The SCG employs three gyroscopes, inertial angular rate feedback for providing gimbal control of two axes during slewing and stabilization. In addition the third (roll) gyroscope is used for performing automatic calibration and decoupling procedures. In this regard, the SCG provides an interface for the primary suite of sensors comprising one or more sensors having a common line-of-sight (LOS) and which are stabilized by electronics, actuators, and inertial sensors against vehicle motion in both azimuth and elevation.

Abstract: A battery apparatus which includes a battery housing having a plurality of battery cell receptacles, each of the battery cell receptacles having an inwardly tapered opening. A plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted in the battery cell receptacles, and electrodes of each battery cell are connected via wires or bus bars to electrodes of another battery cell. A collar is secured to and surrounds each of the plurality of battery cells, the collar being located at a central portion of the battery cells. A portion of the collar is inwardly tapered, with the inward taper of the battery cell receptacle matching the inward taper of the collar. Retaining tabs secure each battery cell and its respective collar to the battery housing. An adhesive material is applied to a surface of the central portion of each battery cell, with the adhesive material bonding to an inner surface of the respective collar. An electrically insulating material is also embedded in the adhesive material.