Gimbal system with airflow

{
  "publication_number": "US2007194170A1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A1",
  "title": "Gimbal system with airflow",
  "abstract": "Systems, including apparatus and methods, for driving airflow along a surface of a gimbal, thereby cooling the system and potentially allowing operation at higher ambient temperatures.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A gimbal system, comprising: a payload; a gimbal assembly including a pair of gimbals that reorient the payload by pivotal movement about at least two nonparallel axes; and a fan positioned to drive airflow selectively along a surface of the pair of gimbals. 2. The gimbal system of claim 1, wherein the payload detects electromagnetic radiation. 3. The gimbal system of claim 2, wherein the payload includes a detection portion of an imaging system, and wherein the detection portion detects visible and/or infrared radiation. 4. The gimbal system of claim 1, wherein the payload includes a laser. 5. The gimbal system of claim 1, the gimbal assembly being a first gimbal assembly, further comprising a second gimbal assembly of one or more gimbals, wherein the payload is pivotally coupled to the first gimbal assembly via the second gimbal assembly. 6. The gimbal system of claim 1, wherein the pair of gimbals is separated by a gap, and wherein the fan is positioned to drive air through the gap. 7. The gimbal system of claim 6, wherein the gap has a substantially semi-spherical shape. 8. The gimbal system of claim 6, wherein portions of the gap have a smaller cross-sectional area than other portions of the gap, increasing air flow along at least one relatively hotter portion of the surface of the pair of gimbals. 9. The gimbal system of claim 1, wherein the pair of gimbals includes a first gimbal carrying a second gimbal, and wherein the fan is mounted to the first gimbal. 10. The gimbal system of claim 9, wherein the payload is at least substantially enclosed by the second gimbal. 11. The gimbal system of claim 10, wherein the payload is at least substantially hermetically sealed inside the second gimbal, and wherein the second gimbal is at least substantially spherical. 12. The gimbal system of claim 1, further comprising a controller that operates the fan according to a temperature measured by a temperature sensor operatively coupled to the controller. 13. The gimbal system of claim 12, wherein a gimbal of the pair at least substantially encloses the payload, and wherein the temperature sensor measures a temperature associated with the gimbal of the pair. 14. The gimbal system of claim 1, wherein the gimbal assembly includes an outer gimbal and inner gimbal, wherein the inner gimbal carries the payload, and wherein the outer gimbal defines a channel in which the fan is disposed. 15. A gimbal system, comprising: a payload corresponding to at least a detection portion of an imaging system; a gimbal assembly including a first gimbal and a second gimbal that reorient the payload by pivotal movement about at least two nonparallel axes, the second gimbal being carried by the first gimbal and at least substantially enclosing the payload; and a fan mounted to the first gimbal and positioned to drive airflow through a gap formed between the first and second gimbals. 16. The gimbal system of claim 15, wherein the payload is capable of detecting both visible radiation and infrared radiation. 17. The gimbal system of claim 15, wherein the payload includes a laser. 18. The gimbal system of claim 15, wherein the first gimbal has an outer wall and an inner wall, and wherein the fan is disposed generally between the outer wall and the inner wall. 19. The gimbal system of claim 15, wherein the first gimbal includes a tunnel, and wherein the fan is disposed in the tunnel. 20. A method of cooling a gimbal system, comprising: driving airflow selectively along an outer surface of a gimbal carrying a payload. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the gimbal is a second gimbal carried by a first gimbal, and wherein the step of driving includes a step of pushing or pulling air selectively through a gap formed between the first gimbal and the second gimbal. 22. The method of claim 20, further comprising a step of sensing a thermal aspect of the second gimbal, wherein the step of driving includes a step of operating a fan, and wherein the step of operating a fan is performed based on the step of sensing a thermal aspect. 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the gimbal system includes a vehicle to which the payload is mounted, and wherein the step of driving is performed according to a velocity of the vehicle."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "F41G 3/22",
    "F16M 11/10",
    "F16M 11/18",
    "F16M 11/2014",
    "G01C 21/18",
    "G03B 17/55",
    "H04N 23/11",
    "Y10T 74/1221"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "FLIR SYSTEMS"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2006-02-17",
  "publication_date": "2007-08-23",
  "priority_date": "2006-02-17",
  "application_number": "US-35725406-A",
  "family_id": "38427206",
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}