Abstract: A swing down mount system for mounting a camera gimbal or other viewing/recording device to a helicopter is disclosed. The system comprises a frame, an axle mounted on the frame, an arm attached to the axle, a camera gimbal or other device mounted on the arm, and one or more counterweights. During landing and takeoff, the system is positioned substantially horizontally below the fuselage of the helicopter so that the helicopter can touch down on the ground without interference from the system. In the air, the mount is able to position the camera gimbal below the skids or wheels of the helicopter so that the camera gimbal has a 360-degree field of view that is unobstructed by the structure of the helicopter. When the camera gimbal is moved from one position to another, the counterweights swing in opposition such that the lateral center of gravity remains substantially unchanged or within acceptable limits.

Abstract: A swing down mount system for mounting a camera gimbal or other viewing/recording device to a helicopter is disclosed. The system comprises a frame, an axle mounted on the frame, an arm attached to the axle, a camera gimbal or other device mounted on the arm, and one or more counterweights. During landing and takeoff, the system is positioned substantially horizontally below the fuselage of the helicopter so that the helicopter can touch down on the ground without interference from the system. In the air, the mount is able to position the camera gimbal below the skids or wheels of the helicopter so that the camera gimbal has a 360-degree field of view that is unobstructed by the structure of the helicopter. When the camera gimbal is moved from one position to another, the counterweights swing in opposition such that the lateral center of gravity remains substantially unchanged or within acceptable limits.

Abstract: The camera or periscope system may include a taking lens, a beam steering device, a relay device, and an image rotation device. The camera or periscope system can be used to image in situations where the camera is not easily redirected to view a desired object of interest. The camera or periscope system is designed to be fixed to a mounting platform where the taking lens can be configured to point to the desired object of interest.

Abstract: The camera or periscope system may include a taking lens, a beam steering device, a relay device, and an image rotation device. The camera or periscope system can be used to image in situations where the camera is not easily redirected to view a desired object of interest. The camera or periscope system is designed to be fixed to a mounting platform where the taking lens can be configured to point to the desired object of interest.

Abstract: A stabilized platform for mounting a camera or other sensor is suspended from a support post by a universal or Cardan joint with two torque motors powering its axes. Below this universal joint is a rotational joint also powered by a torque motor. A gyro stabilizer assembly comprising three orthogonally arranged gyroscopes is mounted on the platform. Position sensors detect the precession angles of the three gyroscopes and provide inputs to servo control loops which deliver drive signals to the torque motors. The platform including the gyro stabilizer assembly and the payload of camera or other sensor is configured such that the center of gravity is precisely located at the intersection of the three motor driven axes so as to eliminate unwanted torquing moments as a result of vehicle accelerations.

Abstract: A fiber optic video viewfinder for a motion picture camera. The conventional ground glass focusing screen of the camera is replaced by a fiber optic element that comprises a fused coherent bundle of optical filaments. A front face of the fiber optic element is located at the focal plane of the camera. A video imaging device such as a photodetector array is secured to the opposite face of the fiber optic element. An image presented at the front face of the fiber optic element is transmitted through the element to the video imaging device whose electrical outputs are converted into a video image. The fiber optic element may be tapered to provide image magnification or demagnification.

Abstract: A film magazine for a motion picture camera has film rolls mounted on a movable carriage so that the magazine's center of gravity remains fixed as film is exposed. A feed spindle and a take-up spindle are mounted on a carriage which is longitudinally movable within the magazine housing. As film is fed into the camera it passes over a sprocket which drives the carriage through a gear train. The displacement of the mass of the carriage compensates for the transfer of film from the feed roll to the take-up roll, thereby maintaining a constant center of gravity.