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Systems and methods for powering a gimbal mounted device

  • US 8,184,059 B2
  • Filed: 10/24/2008
  • Issued: 05/22/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/24/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A power source system comprising:

  • a gimbal comprising;

    a first rotational member configured to rotate about a first axis;

    a second rotational member configured to rotate about a second axis; and

    a moveable portion affixed to the first rotational member, wherein the moveable portion is oriented in a desired position by at least one of a first rotation of the first rotational member and a second rotation of the second rotational member;

    a communication device physically coupled to the moveable portion of the gimbal, and that receives power for operation;

    a first rotary power transformer comprising;

    a first rotor;

    a first rotor winding residing in the first rotor;

    a first stator;

    a first stator winding residing in the first stator; and

    a first power connector coupled to the first stator winding,wherein the first stator is affixed to the first rotational member; and

    a second rotary power transformer comprising;

    a second rotor;

    a second rotor winding residing in the second rotor;

    a second stator;

    a second stator winding residing in the second stator; and

    a second power connector coupled to the second stator winding and coupled to the first power connector,wherein the second stator is affixed to the second rotational member;

    a first electrical connection with a first end coupled to the first rotor winding and a second end coupled to the communication device, wherein the first end of the first electrical connection remains in a first substantially stationary position as the gimbal orients the movable portion in the desired position; and

    a second electrical connection with a first end coupled to the second rotor winding and a second end coupled to a remote power source, wherein the first end of the second electrical connection remains in a second substantially stationary position as the gimbal orients the moveable portion in the desired position,wherein the first power connector remains substantially stationary with respect to the second power connector as the gimbal orients the moveable portion in the desired position, andwherein the remote power source supplies the power to the communication device via the second electrical connection, the first rotor winding, the first stator winding, the second stator winding, the second rotor winding, and the first electrical connection.

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