GB784094A - Mounting means for television cameras and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

784,094. Television. PALLEMAERTS, J. E. H. Feb. 25, 1955, No. 5782/55. Class 40 (3). [Also in Group XX] A mounting means for a television camera comprises a weather-proof cylindrical case formed in two parts relatively rotatable about their common axis, the front part R containing the optical system and camera tube, whilst the rear part S contains a monitor tube. The front part of the case is formed with peripheral tracks 15, 16 and is supported by a system of rollers 2, 10, 11 so as to be rotatable in a cradle C whilst an extension 17, 36 from the cradle is provided to hold the rear part of the case stationary. A handle 32 is provided for rotating the front part, and the two parts are joined at J-J by a ball-race joint. The upper half of cradle C is formed as two quadrants 7 which are normally drawn together around the case by springs 13 but which may be opened out as shown dotted to allow the case to be withdrawn from the mounting. To permit limited tilting movement of the camera, cradle C is supported by pivots 4, 5 in a bracket G, and to permit extended tilting through nearly 90 degrees up or down bracket G is itself pivoted at 22 to a base or tripod 30 rotatably supporting the whole structure. The bracket G carries crank arms 46, 47, each connected via three springs 49-51 to lugs 26-28, and the system is arranged to compensate for the weight of the camera when bracket G is displaced from the vertical. Handles 55 engaging slotted arms 53, 54 are provided to lock bracket G in a displaced position. The camera case is balanced for equilibrium through pivots 4, 5 and to stabilize the camera inclination, when the front part of the case is rotated, there are provided a pair of air-mercury damping devices (illustrated in detail in Fig. 1a, not shown), each comprising semi-circular tubes 39 containing a suitable quantity of mercury and having the ends joined through a narrow bore air tube 42, containing a restriction. Similar devices or a counterweight may replace springs 49-51 on bracket G. These arrangements may be employed where the camera is used at sea to stabilize the camera against pitching. A pendulum may also be attached to the camera case at 60 to stabilize against rolling. Handle 45 is provided for locking cradle C at any position in bracket G. A plunger is provided on extension 36 which may be depressed to engage handle 32 and lock the front part of case 32 in position. The monitor tube screen is provided with a cross wire and degree scale. The invention may constitute the outer easing for the television tube mounting described in Specification 775,442.