Flir Systems, Incorporated

Michael R Hughes

Thomas M Sommer

James J Hebert

Ronald J Rosi

The present invention relates to a device package, such as an electronic system package, that is suitable for use in harsh military or commercial environments. The package components, including a base enclosure and mating cover, comprise a series of interconnected electrically conductive materials, forming a tortuous electrically conductive path, that advantageously shield electromagnetic interference ('EMI'). The electrically conductive, EMI-shielding layers and other coated layers (e.g., insulative electrocoated paint layers) are smooth layers that provide corrosion resistance to the interior and exterior surfaces of the package. The package is also designed such that its components form a water tight seal. Thus, innovatively, the package comprises a combination of components that synergistically shield electromagnetic interference, resist interior and exterior corrosion, and form a water tight seal. The package is configured to pass military specification EMI and salt fog standard testing.

Electronic package

A sensor system includes a sensor payload () capable of generating image signals, an electronic control unit (ECU) () for controlling the sensor payload and a hand held control unit () in communication with the ECU for use by an operator to input control commands to the ECU. The hand held control unit () includes a front facing control panel surface () having control elements distributed thereon and an orthogonally disposed bottom surface (). A handle () extends from the enclosure bottom surface () with the handle longitudinal axis disposed at an angle (A) of between 175 and 135 degrees with respect to the control panel surface (). In a second embodiment, the senor system includes a lap top control unit (LCU) () reconfigurable by an operator to swap movable control module () from a base unit left side receiving port () to a base unit right side receiving port () to accommodate both left and right-handed users.

Sensor system with improved operator input devices

A rotatable payload support turret for operation in a potentially hazardous environment includes a fixed element attached to a vehicle or fixed structure and a rotatable element, supported for rotation with respect to the fixed element. The turret includes a camera payload having a pointing direction configured to be upwardly pointing. An annular clearance gap formed between the fixed element and the rotatable element is sealed by a conventional gas tight magnetic fluid seal element. A wiper seal is also provided in the clearance gap between the location of the magnetic fluid and the external environment to prevent breakdown of the magnetic fluid by elements of the potentially hazardous environment. The clearance gap may also form a labyrinth seal having up to three legs that are oriented to oppose a gravitational force direction. In addition, the fixed element may include a fluid repelling feature for repelling streams of incoming fluids thereby deflecting elements of the potentially hazardous environment away from an outer opening of the clearance gap.

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Brookline, NH, United States of America

Michael R Hughes