Patent ID: 7445399

Claim:
A gimbal, comprising: a first lug housing comprising a first base plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a first lug having a proximal end attached to the second surface of the first base plate, and a distal end distanced from the second surface of the first base plate; a second lug housing comprising a second base plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; and a second lug and a third lug, each having a proximal end attached to the second surface of the second base plate, and a distal end distanced from the second surface of the second base plate; a shaft passing through said lugs, thereby connecting the first lug housing to the second lug housing while enabling rotational movement relative to one another about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, such that the second surface of the first base plate is facing the second surface of the second base plate; the shaft being mounted in at least one of the lugs with a bearing, enabling pivotal movement of the first and second lug housings relative to one another about at least one axis; and a pair of bearing retaining sleeves mounted on the shaft between the bearing and the second and third lugs and configured to assist in distributing loads substantially evenly between the second and third lugs.