Abstract: A mechanical hard stop for a sensor system includes a base for fixation to a gimbal or static structure, a movable stop member for engagement with a fixed stop member, and an actuator. The movable stop member has a disengaged position, proximate the base, and an engaged position, spaced apart from the base. The actuator is operably connected to the movable stop member to displace the movable stop member between the disengaged position and the engaged position according to a sensor selection received by the sensor system. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.

Abstract: A gimbal arrangement includes a static structure, a gimbal supported for rotation relative to the static structure, an actuator operably connected to the gimbal and configured to rotate the gimbal relative to the static structure, and a magnetic soft stop. The magnetic soft stop is connected between the static structure and the gimbal to limit rotation of the gimbal relative to the static structure to within a predetermined range. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.

Abstract: A mechanical hard stop for a sensor system includes a base for fixation to a gimbal or static structure, a movable stop member for engagement with a fixed stop member, and an actuator. The movable stop member has a disengaged position, proximate the base, and an engaged position, spaced apart from the base. The actuator is operably connected to the movable stop member to displace the movable stop member between the disengaged position and the engaged position according to a sensor selection received by the sensor system. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.

Abstract: A mechanical hard stop for a sensor system includes a base for fixation to a gimbal or static structure, a movable stop member for engagement with a fixed stop member, and an actuator. The movable stop member has a disengaged position, proximate the base, and an engaged position, spaced apart from the base. The actuator is operably connected to the movable stop member to displace the movable stop member between the disengaged position and the engaged position according to a sensor selection received by the sensor system. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.

Abstract: An optical system mount arrangement includes a stop, a mount for an optical element, and an electromagnet. The mount has a first position and a second position, the mount abutting the stop in the first position and the mount spaced apart from the stop in the second position. The electromagnet is fixed relative to the stop and is arranged to exert a holding force when the mount is in the first position. Optical systems, vehicles carrying optical systems, and methods moving optical elements in optical systems are also described.

Abstract: An optical system mount assembly can include a first post and a movable mount configured to mount an optical element, the moveable mount being configured to move relative to the first post assembly between a first position and a second position. The assembly can include a first magnetic latch system member disposed on or within the first post, and a second magnetic latch system member disposed on or within the moveable mount such that the first magnetic latch system member magnetically interacts with the second magnetic latch system member to magnetically latch the moveable mount to the first post in the first position.

Abstract: An optical system mount arrangement includes a stop, a mount for an optical element, and an electromagnet. The mount has a first position and a second position, the mount abutting the stop in the first position and the mount spaced apart from the stop in the second position. The electromagnet is fixed relative to the stop and is arranged to exert a holding force when the mount is in the first position. Optical systems, vehicles carrying optical systems, and methods moving optical elements in optical systems are also described.

Abstract: A gimbal arrangement includes a static structure, a gimbal supported for rotation relative to the static structure, an actuator operably connected to the gimbal and configured to rotate the gimbal relative to the static structure, and a magnetic soft stop. The magnetic soft stop is connected between the static structure and the gimbal to limit rotation of the gimbal relative to the static structure to within a predetermined range. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.

Abstract: A mechanical hard stop for a sensor system includes a base for fixation to a gimbal or static structure, a movable stop member for engagement with a fixed stop member, and an actuator. The movable stop member has a disengaged position, proximate the base, and an engaged position, spaced apart from the base. The actuator is operably connected to the movable stop member to displace the movable stop member between the disengaged position and the engaged position according to a sensor selection received by the sensor system. Sensor systems and imaging methods are also described.

Abstract: An optical system mount assembly can include a first post and a movable mount configured to mount an optical element, the moveable mount being configured to move relative to the first post assembly between a first position and a second position. The assembly can include a first magnetic latch system member disposed on or within the first post, and a second magnetic latch system member disposed on or within the moveable mount such that the first magnetic latch system member magnetically interacts with the second magnetic latch system member to magnetically latch the moveable mount to the first post in the first position.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a sensor within a volume constrained sensor compartment, which includes a cam path defined within the compartment, a cam follower mounted for movement throughout the cam path, a support assembly connected to the cam follower for carrying the sensor within the compartment as the cam follower moves throughout the cam path, and a flipper cam mounted for movement relative to the cam path between a first position permitting the cam follower to move within a left side portion of the cam path so as to translate and rotate the sensor within a left side of the compartment and a second position permitting the cam follower to move within a right side portion of the cam path so as to translate and rotate the sensor within a right side of the compartment.

Abstract: A mechanism for moving a sensor within a volume constrained sensor compartment, which includes a cam path defined within the compartment, a cam follower mounted for movement throughout the cam path, a support assembly connected to the cam follower for carrying the sensor within the compartment as the cam follower moves throughout the cam path, and a flipper cam mounted for movement relative to the cam path between a first position permitting the cam follower to move within a left side portion of the cam path so as to translate and rotate the sensor within a left side of the compartment and a second position permitting the cam follower to move within a right side portion of the cam path so as to translate and rotate the sensor within a right side of the compartment.