GB548378A - Apparatus for use in obtaining aerial photographs - Google Patents

Abstract

548,378. Mounting cameras in aircraft. FOLLETT, F. W. Sept. 6, 1940, No. 13949. [Class 98 (i)] [Also in Group XXXIII] A camera for use in aircraft is carried with its optical axis substantially vertical in a cradle sus pended from a universal joint the swinging movements being cushioned by means co-acting with a fixed rod secured at its upper end and normally in align ment with the optical axis of tht camera. As shown, the camera is rotatably carried in a flanged ring 11 bolted to a cradle 14 with interposed shock-absorbing rubber washers 15. The cradle is sus pended from a universal joint formed by a cruciform member 19 pivotally connected to it anc to a U-form bracket 18, the bracket being attached to a fixing plate 27 by a screw 28 having a semi-spherical head so that the bracket may be adjusted by means of four thumb-screws bearing on the plate 27. The means for cushioning the swinging movements of the cradle comprise four cylinders 37 with spring-pressed plungers 38 bearing on a disc 46 carried by a rod 22 rigidly attached to the bracket 18, the cylinders being arranged in an oil bath carried by the cradle and having ball valves to admit the oil and adjustable needle valves controlling its expulsion. A balancing weight 53 is adjusted manually along a rod as the film is wound from one spool to the other. In a modification, the cushioning cylinders have solid pistons with piston rods connected to them and the disc 46 by a ball and socket joints.