Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are disclosed for controlling a turret assembly with two or more gimbaled, swivel assembly sub-systems, such as a gimbaled gun and a gimbaled electro-optical sensor. The turret can be automatically slewed in response to one of the swivel assemblies rotating. A user can switch turret modes reflecting a priority between the gimbaled sub-systems system so that one takes priority over the other(s) during a mission.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are presented for compensating for gyroscopic drift in a stabilized gimbal system mounted on a vehicle. When the vehicle is parked and the gimbal is not being commanded to move by an operator, encoders or resolvers of the gimbal stabilized system are read and periodically read thereafter. When the vehicle begins to move or the gimbal is commanded to move, the last periodic reading of the resolvers is used to determine the amount that the gimbal has moved during the rest period. A gyroscopic drift rate is computed by dividing the amount of angular movement by the time period between the readings, and the gyroscopic drift rate is used for corrections while the vehicle is moving or gimbal is commanded to move. Each time the vehicle stops, the gyroscopic drift rate is re-computed and updated. The gyroscope can be heated until the drift rate is constant with respect to temperature, further helping the calibration.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems are disclosed for controlling a turret assembly with two or more gimbaled, swivel assembly sub-systems, such as a gimbaled gun and a gimbaled electro-optical sensor. The turret can be automatically slewed in response to one of the swivel assemblies rotating. A user can switch turret modes reflecting a priority between the gimbaled sub-systems system so that one takes priority over the other(s) during a mission.

Abstract: Multiple independently gimbaled devices, such as an electro-optical sensor and machine gun, are mounted to a rotating platform on a vehicle. The platform can rotate to prevent one device from blocking the other while aiming at an off-board location. A control system can harmonize the rotation of the device gimbals and rotating platform so that they remain pointed at the same location. The platform can be rotated to place a firing weapon downwind of a sensor or otherwise compensate for effects of one on the other.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are presented for compensating for gyroscopic drift in a stabilized gimbal system mounted on a vehicle. When the vehicle is parked and the gimbal is not being commanded to move by an operator, encoders or resolvers of the gimbal stabilized system are read and periodically read thereafter. When the vehicle begins to move or the gimbal is commanded to move, the last periodic reading of the resolvers is used to determine the amount that the gimbal has moved during the rest period. A gyroscopic drift rate is computed by dividing the amount of angular movement by the time period between the readings, and the gyroscopic drift rate is used for corrections while the vehicle is moving or gimbal is commanded to move. Each time the vehicle stops, the gyroscopic drift rate is re-computed and updated. The gyroscope can be heated until the drift rate is constant with respect to temperature, further helping the calibration.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling a turret assembly with two or more gimbaled, swivel assembly sub-systems, such as a gimbaled gun and a gimbaled electro-optical sensor. The turret can be automatically slewed in response to one of the swivel assemblies rotating. A user can switch turret modes reflecting a priority between the gimbaled sub-systems system so that one takes priority over the other(s) during a mission.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for controlling a turret assembly with two or more gimbaled, swivel assembly sub-systems, such as a gimbaled gun and a gimbaled electro-optical sensor. The turret can be automatically slewed in response to one of the swivel assemblies rotating. A user can switch turret modes reflecting a priority between the gimbaled sub-systems system so that one takes priority over the other(s) during a mission.

Abstract: A connector for a coaxial cable includes a connector body and a fastening member for connecting said connector to an object such as an equipment port. A post is fitted at least partially inside the connector body for receiving a prepared end of the cable. A compression member is fitted to a back of the connector body. An elastomeric band is fitted inside a cavity formed at least in part by the compression member. Axial movement of the compression member onto said connector body causes the elastomeric band to seal an outer layer of the cable to the connector to isolate the inside of the connector from environmental influences.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a coaxial cable to an externally threaded connecting part. The connecting assembly has a tubular fitting with a central axis and axially spaced first and second ends. The tubular fitting includes a rotatable nut at the first end to threadably engage an externally threaded connecting part. The second end is adapted to receive a coaxial cable. The rotatable nut has a contoured surface portion configured to be operatively engaged by a complementary turning tool having a first configuration that is directed radially into turning engagement with the rotatable nut and useable to turn the rotatable nut around the central axis. The shield assembly extends around the rotatable nut and blocks radial access to the contoured outer surface by a turning tool having the first configuration. The shield assembly does not extend substantially beyond the rotatable nut towards the second end of the tubular fitting.

Abstract: An assembly for connecting a coaxial cable to an externally threaded connecting part. The connecting assembly has a tubular fitting with a central axis and axially spaced first and second ends. The tubular fitting includes a rotatable nut at the first end to threadably engage an externally threaded connecting part. The second end is adapted to receive a coaxial cable. The rotatable nut has a contoured surface portion configured to be operatively engaged by a complementary turning tool having a first configuration that is directed radially into turning engagement with the rotatable nut and useable to turn the rotatable nut around the central axis. The shield assembly extends around the rotatable nut and blocks radial access to the contoured outer surface by a turning tool having the first configuration. The shield assembly does not extend substantially beyond the rotatable nut towards the second end of the tubular fitting.

Abstract: An F-type connector for mounting to a prepared terminal end of a coaxial cable for threaded engagement of a nut on the connector to a threaded shaft at a port on video equipment to which the coaxial cable is to be electrically connected. Prior art connectors of this type typically required as many as six or more revolutions of the nut to bring a metal post of the connector into contact with the end of the metal shaft to provide a properly shielded coupling of the connector and video equipment. In the connector of the present invention, the nut is mounted for limited axial movement with respect to the post, body and compression ring. A coil spring biases the nut toward a rest position with respect to the other elements wherein not more than three revolutions of the nut into engagement with the shaft are necessary in order to bring the post of the connector into contact with the shaft on the equipment, providing a satisfactory coupling.

Abstract: An F-type connector for mounting to a prepared terminal end of a coaxial cable for threaded engagement of a nut on the connector to a threaded shaft at a port on video equipment to which the coaxial cable is to be electrically connected. In the connector of the present invention, the nut is mounted for limited axial movement with respect to the post, body and compression ring. A coil spring biases the nut toward a rest position with respect to the other elements wherein not more than three revolutions of the nut into engagement with the shaft are necessary in order to bring the post of the connector into contact with the shaft on the equipment, providing a satisfactory coupling. Upon further revolution of the nut, the post and shaft remain in contact as the nut moves axially away from the rest position with respect to the other elements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and calibrating fluid flow through a conduit comprises sliding a control plate into the conduit and restricting the flow of fluid through the conduit so as to determine the minimum acceptable flow. The position of the control plate at minimum acceptable flow is determined, following which the plate is removed from the conduit. At periodic intervals the control plate again may be slid into the conduit to ascertain whether the acceptable minimum flow has changed, thereby verifying acceptable fluid flow and enabling remedial measures to be taken if the fluid flow has deteriorated.