Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor payload (20) capable of generating image signals, an electronic control unit (ECU) (40) for controlling the sensor payload and a hand held control unit (80) in communication with the ECU for use by an operator to input control commands to the ECU. The hand held control unit (80) includes a front facing control panel surface (84) having control elements distributed thereon and an orthogonally disposed bottom surface (94). A handle (96) extends from the enclosure bottom surface (94) with the handle longitudinal axis disposed at an angle (A) of between 175 and 135 degrees with respect to the control panel surface (84). In a second embodiment, the senor system includes a lap top control unit (LCU) (300) reconfigurable by an operator to swap movable control module (312, 306) from a base unit left side receiving port (320) to a base unit right side receiving port (318) to accommodate both left and right-handed users.

Abstract: A rotatable payload support turret for operation in a potentially hazardous environment includes a fixed element attached to a vehicle or fixed structure and a rotatable element, supported for rotation with respect to the fixed element. The turret includes a camera payload having a pointing direction configured to be upwardly pointing. An annular clearance gap formed between the fixed element and the rotatable element is sealed by a conventional gas tight magnetic fluid seal element. A wiper seal is also provided in the clearance gap between the location of the magnetic fluid and the external environment to prevent breakdown of the magnetic fluid by elements of the potentially hazardous environment. The clearance gap may also form a labyrinth seal having up to three legs that are oriented to oppose a gravitational force direction.