Abstract: Slip ring apparatus that may be implemented to enable low profile rotating systems for a variety of different applications, such as articulated and non-articulated device applications. The assembly of the slip ring apparatus may be integrated into a printed circuit board (“PCB”) with feedback circuitry, and the number of signals crossing the slip ring rotational boundary may be minimized using serial electronics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for housing and/or cooling image sensors, for example, for use in video camera assemblies or any other application employing image sensors. The image sensors may be cooled within a sealed environment (e.g., vacuum sealed or dry gas sealed environment) to minimize the amount of power required by reducing heat transfer due to convection, and to substantially eliminate problems of fogging or condensation of the image sensor. In one embodiment, the systems and methods may be employed for cooling CMOS image sensors to improve low light performance of the CMOS sensors.

Abstract: A microphone isolation system. The system includes an isolation member, a support member, and at least two compliant members. The at least two compliant members mechanically support the isolation member and isolate the isolation member from vibrations. The at least two compliant members can also isolate the support member from any vibratory excitation source coupled to and/or supported by the isolation member.

Abstract: A positioning device is provided for rotatably positioning a camera or other article about orthogonal rotational axes. The positioning device includes a carriage supported for rotation about a horizontal axis by a yoke. The yoke is in turn rotatably coupled to a base assembly for rotation of the yoke about a vertical axis. Rotation of the camera about the horizontal and vertical axes is respectively effected by first and second voice coil actuators, each comprising a pair of magnets and at least one coil to which current is supplied. The amplitude and direction of the current supplied to the coil determines the speed and direction of rotation of the camera. The second voice coil actuator preferably includes a coil assembly comprising two opposed coils. This design overcomes the angular range limitations associated with prior art voice coil actuators and enables rotation of the camera about an extended angular range.

Abstract: A positioning device is provided for rotatably positioning a camera or other article about orthogonal rotational axes. The positioning device includes a carriage supported for rotation about a horizontal axis by a yoke. The yoke is in turn rotatably coupled to a base assembly for rotation of the yoke about a vertical axis. Rotation of the camera about the horizontal and vertical axes is respectively effected by first and second voice coil actuators, each comprising a pair of magnets and at least one coil to which current is supplied. The amplitude and direction of the current supplied to the coil determines the speed and direction of rotation of the camera. The second voice coil actuator preferably includes a coil assembly comprising two opposed coils. This design overcomes the angular range limitations associated with prior art voice coil actuators and enables rotation of the camera about an extended angular range.