Abstract: Radial counterbalance mechanisms and related techniques are provided to improve the accuracy and reliability of gimbal systems. A radial counterbalance system includes a radial counterbalance mechanism, an orientation sensor, and a logic device. The radial counterbalance mechanism includes a counterbalance weight and a motor configured to adjust a radial position of the counterbalance weight. The orientation sensor is configured to provide an orientation of a payload coupled to the gimbal ring, a platform coupled to the gimbal ring, and/or the gimbal ring. The logic device is configured to determine a compensating radial weight position for the counterbalance weight based, at least in part, on a received orientation, and to control the motor to position the counterbalance weight at the compensating radial weight position. The compensating radial weight position is configured to reduce a radial displacement of a center of gravity of the payload from the rotational axis of the gimbal ring.

Abstract: Radial counterbalance mechanisms and related techniques are provided to improve the accuracy and reliability of gimbal systems. A radial counterbalance system includes a radial counterbalance mechanism, an orientation sensor, and a logic device. The radial counterbalance mechanism includes a counterbalance weight and a motor configured to adjust a radial position of the counterbalance weight. The orientation sensor is configured to provide an orientation of a payload coupled to the gimbal ring, a platform coupled to the gimbal ring, and/or the gimbal ring. The logic device is configured to determine a compensating radial weight position for the counterbalance weight based, at least in part, on a received orientation, and to control the motor to position the counterbalance weight at the compensating radial weight position. The compensating radial weight position is configured to reduce a radial displacement of a center of gravity of the payload from the rotational axis of the gimbal ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for an imaging system having a plurality of sensors associated with input optics. In one example, an imaging system includes input optics configured to receive incident radiation along an input optical axis and a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor, each configured to detect the incident radiation. The imaging system further includes a rotating member positioned between the first and second optical sensors and configured to rotate about the input optical axis and a reflector coupled to the rotating member configured to be selectively positionable by the rotating member to a first orientation, in which the reflector directs the incident radiation along a first secondary axis to the first optical sensor, and to a second orientation, in which the reflector directs the incident radiation along a second secondary axis toward the second optical sensor.

Abstract: An imaging system may include input optics and a plurality of optical sensors. A positionable reflector may be disposed between the input optics and the optical sensors, and may be positionable to redirect incident radiation from an input optical axis toward any one of the optical sensors. The reflector may comprise a rotatable prism.