Importance

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Abstract

A sensor mount apparatus includes a loop for carrying a sensor payload. An upper portion of the loop includes at least one upper attachment point for receiving at least one upper tether line. A lower portion of the loop includes at least one lower attachment point to connect the sensor mount apparatus to a lower tether line. The sensor mount apparatus further includes an upper plate mounted to the loop, a lower plate for carrying a sensor payload, and a slide mechanism mounted between the two plates. The slide mechanism operates to slidably move the lower plate relative to the upper plate so that the lower plate and sensor payload attached to the lower plate move to a position where the sensing device of the sensor payload is not obstructed by the loop. Where the sensor payload is an optical sensor, such as a camera, the camera may be positioned to see an unobstructed, three hundred sixty degree field of view. A free mount arrangement between the upper plate and the loop reduces sensor performance degradation when the loop is under stress.

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First Claim