US2315406A - Television camera - Google Patents

Description

March 30,1943. w. c. EDDY 06 TELEVIS ION CAMERA Filed Feb. 28, 1942 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 W. C. EDDY March 30, 1943.

TELEVISION I CAMERA Filegl Feb. 28, 1942 9 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Mal-ch30, 1943; w. c. EDDY 2,315,406

TELEVI S ION CAMERA Filed Feb) 2a, 1942 9 Sheets-Sheet s l /erza I March 30, 1 943. w. c. EDDY TELEVISION CAMERA Filed Feb. 28, 1942 9 sheets-she t 4 March 30, 1943. "w. c. EDDY TELEVISION CAMERA Filed Feb. 28, 1942 Filed Feb. 28, 1942 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 wraggw March 30, 1943. w. c. EDDY 2,315,406

TELEVIS ION CAMERA Filed Feb. 28. 1942 9 Sheets-Sheet 8- 4/14/ 095? u/v/r March 30, 1943. w. c. EDDY TELEVISION CAMERA Filed Feb. 28, 1942 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented Mar. 30, 1943 TELEVISION'CAMERA William C. Eddy, Michigan City, Ind., assignor to Balaban & Katz Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Application February 28, 1942, Serial No. 432,765

29 Claims. (01. ire-7.2)

This invention relates to television cameras and more particularly to the physical'construction and arrangement of parts in a camera of this character.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a television camera formed by a plurality of units independently assembled on a supporting frame and any one or more of which can be removed and replaced without completely disassembling the camera.

Another object of the invention is to provide a television camera in which the viewing mechanism is arranged at the central portion of the camera at the back thereof, so that the operator can stand squarely behind the camera during use.

According to one feature, the view mechanism is of the electronic type, in which the image can enlarging the electrically produced image.

Another object of the invention is to provide a television camera in which the parts are so arranged that the output terminal of the iconoscope tube lies closely adjacent to the input of the first amplifier unit, so that a very short lead provides the connection therebetween.

Another objectof the invention is to provide atelevision camera in which the several functional parts are supported on a frame and enclosed by a casing connected to the frame in such a manner that no load is carried by the casing. Preferably, the casing is made of separate parts hingedly connected together sothat easy access may be obtained to any. part of the mechanism without completely removing the casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a television camera in which all of the wiring connections pass through a single distribution ered by a separate casing part, so that access to it may be obtained without disturbing any other parts of the mechanism, and so that the circuits may easily be checked under load.

Another object of the invention is to provide a television camera in which the focusing mechanism is arranged at one side of the camera and is enclosed by a separate cover plate so that easy access may be had thereto without disturbing other parts of the camera.

Another object of the invention is to provide a television camera in which the iconoscope tube is arranged in the lower part of the camera, and the amplifying and other electrical units are "block. This block may advantageously be covmounted above the tube, so that the tube will not tend to become overheated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a television camera enclosed in a casing which is provided at its upper and lower portions with ventilating openings for cooling the camera mechanism. According to one feature, at least the uppermost ventilating opening is so formed as to prevent direct ingress of rain or other foreign materials, whereby the camera may be used out-doors satisfactorily. If desired, a fan may be employed to increase the circulation effect through the camera casing.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a television camera of the type employing an iconoscope tube in which provisions are made for back lighting and rim lighting of the tube screen.

The above and other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be apparent from the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in

which:

Figure 2 is a side elevation with a portion of v the cover removed;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 of the opposite side with the upper cover portion raised;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing the upper and rear cover portions opened;

Figure 5 is a horizontal section on the line 5-43 of Figure 6;

Figure 6 is a vertical section on the line 6-6 of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a section on the line 'ii of Figure 6; a

Figure 8 is a section on the line 8-8 of Figure 6; I I

Figure 91s a perspective view of the frame with one side removed;

Figure 10 is an enlarged partial section on the line l0-i 0 of Figure 5, showing the amplifier unit mounting;

Figures 11 and 12 are partial enlarged sections showing the construction of one of the cover hinges in different positions;

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the rim and back lighting of the iconoscope screen;

Figure 14 is a partial longitudinal section illustrating a rim lighting construction;

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figure 14 of an al ternative construction;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the construction of Figure 15; I

Figure 17 is a perspective of the iconoscope yoke supporting plate; and V Figure 18 is a sectional view of another lighting construction.

The camera as illustrated in the drawings comprises a frame formed by a base portion 2|, which may be cast or otherwise suitably fabricated, and having adjacent one end thereof a pair of yokes or,webs 22 having circular edges for reinforcing the frame and for supporting the lens. Side plates 23 are secured to the base and extend upwardly therefrom, the side plates preferably being cut-away, as best seen in Figure 9, to reduce the weight of the frame and to provide for access to the mechanism. The frame is completed by cross-bars 24 and 25 extending from one side to the other, adjacent the upper portion of the frame. These bars not only reinforce the frame, but serve as'supporting and connecting means for the amplifier units, as will appear hereinafter.

The base 2| is reinforcedby a plate 26 which may be cast integrally therewith, or which may, if desired, be welded thereto for reinforcing the base at the point where it is supported. As seen in Figure 1, the base is supported on a pedestal, indicated generally at 21, and including a head 28 adapted to be connected to the plate 26 and base 2|. The position of the head 28 and of the camera mounted thereon may be controlled by a handle 29 connected to the head and adapted to be grasped by the operator to swing the camera in either a vertical or a horizontal plane.

The lens mounting The optical lens of the camera is adapted to be adjustably mounted therein in the manner more particularly described and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 432,763, filed February 28, 1942. As shown, the mounting comprises a plurality of bearing bars 3| secured to the webs 22 and extending longitudinally thereof. The bearing bars are adapted to contain a series of roller or like bearings 32 for slidably supporting a lens mounting tube 33. The tube 33 is engaged and supported at its upper portion by a pair of similar bearing bars 34 carried by straps 35 adjustably connected to the webs to accommodate tubes of slightly varying sizes. this construction, the tube 33 is rigidly and slidably supported on the base so that it may carry a lens system of substantial weight. Since the lens system and the supporting means therefor form the heaviest single unit of the camera, it is important that they be rigidly supported, and it will be noted that with the present construction the weight thereof is carried directly by the base without placing any substantial strain on the frame sides or other parts of the camera. The lens itself may be secured in the supporting tube 33 by means disclosed in my co-pending application, Serial No. 432,763, filed February 28, 1942. or in any other desired manner.

The tube is adapted to be shifted to bring into focus objects at different distances from the lens by a mechanism of the type more particularly described and claimed in my Patent No. 2,259,415. As best seen in Figure 3, this mechanism comprises a lever 36 pivoted on the frame at 31 and connected by a link 38 to a lever 39. The lever 39 is formed with an elongated slot to receive a pin 4| projecting from the tube 33. By swinging the lever about its pivot by means of a handle 42 on the upper end of the l ver, the lever 39 will be swung to move the tube forward or backward, as desired.

The means described above produces a rough focusing movement and in order to obtain fine focusing, a slide 43 is carried by the lever 36 and is pivotally connected to the rear end of the link 38. The slide is adapted to be moved on the lever by a screw 44 controlled through gears 45 by rotation of the handle 42. This provides a fine, easily controlled adjustment of the lens, so that a very recise focusing can be obtained. During focusing of the lens by turningthe handle the lever is held against swinging movement by means of a brake slide 46 engaging a fixed segment 41 under the influence of a spring 48.

' A button 49 on the top of 'the handle operates ranged on one side of the frame, with the handle 42 in a position to be'grasped conveniently by the right hand of the operator sothat he can adjust the camera focus by an easy, natural movement, swinging his arm in an arc across the upper portion of the camera.

Th iconoscope tube mounting The camera is adapted to contain an iconoscope tube having a cylindrical main body portion 53 and an elongated neck 54 extending therefrom at an angle and terminating in a pronged connecter 55. On the upperportion of the body portion 53 are a pair of contacts 56 and 51, the former being connected to ground by a suitable wire and the latter being the main terminal of the tube connected with the screen 58.

The tube is adapted to be suspended between the sides of the frame at the lower portion thereof by means of a flexible band 59 of insulating material, and an overlying flexible metal band 6| forming an anti-capacity'band for the tube. As best seen in Figure '1, the bands are connected to insulator blocks 62 and 63 on the sides of the casing, being hlngedly connected thereto at one side and removably connected to the other block at the opposite side. As shown, the block 63 carries a screw 64 over which a fitting on one end of the bands is adapted to be passed, with a wing nut 65 to hold the fitting in place. The opposite end of the bands carries a fitting on which a pin may be secured to fit into an opening in the block 63 so that the band may easily be removed for removal of the tube simply by taking off the wing nut 65. The particular constructionof the band and the other parts for supporting tne iconoscope tube are more fully disclosed and claimed in my co-pending application, Serial No. 432,764, filed Feb. 28, 1942.

The neck 54 of the tube is adapted to pass through a biasing collar or yoke 61, which may contain electric windings for influencing the operation of the tube. Preferably the band or collar has a yielding lining of felt or like material adapted to fit around the neck of the tube to assist in supporting it. The yoke 61 is carried by a plate 68 secured by means of flanges 69 at its lower portion to the sides of the frame. As

best seen in Figure 17, the plate is cut out at 'to support tubes varying in size. The icono- The amplifier unit mountin According to one-of the principal features of the invention, the amplifier units are adapted to be removably emounted in the frame as complete units so that they can be assembled and tested outside of the camera and can easily and quickly be installed therein. As shown, two amplifier units II and 12 are provided, adapted to be mounted in the upper part of the frame adjacent opposite sides thereof. As shown in Figure 5, the unit 12 is L-shaped, so that a space is provided between the units in the forward portion of the frame within which the neck It of the iconoscope tube lies. It will be noted particularly from Figure 7 that the amplifiers are supported in a horizontal position with the tubes extending downwardly therefrom, the vertical positioning of the tubes being advantageous in that it reduces the tendency of the tubes to produce microphonics under vibration, and-enables them to absorb shocks more easily.

The front ends of the amplifier units are adapted to be carried by the frame cross bar 25 in the manner shown in detail in Figure 10. As shown in this figure, the cross bar carries a plurality of pins 13 having their heads imbedded in flexible rubber washers I4 and projecting upwardly from the cross bar. The casing of the amplifier unit is formed with openings therein registering with the pins 13 so that the forward end of the-unit may simply be set in place on the cross bar with the pins projecting through the openings. The flexible mounting of the pins provides a yielding support for the amplifier unit.

To support the rear ends of the amplifier units a cross bar 15 is formedwith down-turned ends 16 adapted to overlie the top of the frame sides 23. The flanges 19 may, if desired, receive screws or the like to hold the cross bar firmly in place on the'frame sides. The amplifier case adjacent the rear end thereof carries a plurality of headed pins ll anchored in flexible rubber washers 18, secured to the casing. Washers l8 slidably surround the pins and are urged upwardly toward the heads thereof by springs 8|. The plate 15 is formed with holes adapted to receive the headed pins with the washers I9 engaging the plate around the holes. After the heads of the pins have been pressed through the holes in the cross bar, 'a fastening plate 82, slotted to pass around the stems of the headed pins below the heads thereof, may he slipped in place to hold the pins from dropping down through the plate. Thus, the rear ends of the amplifier units are resiliently supported by these pins from the cross bar 15.

It is desirable in most cases to ground the casing of the amplifier unit and for this purpose the plates 82 may be connected to the casings by means of flexible metal conductors 83. When the plates are in place, as shown in Figure 10, contact is established between them and the cross bars 15 so that the casings of the amplifier units will be grounded to the frame.

This arrangement of the amplifier units as best seen in Figure 7 provides another important advantage in that it places the input connecter for the first amplifier unit 'll very closely adjacent the terminal 51 on the iconoscope tube.

A very short lead wire 84 may be provided to connect these two terminals. The use of a short connecter at this point is very highly advantageous, since the voltages and currents to be I handled are extremely small, and the resistance is substantially reduced by the ability to use the short connecter.

The viewing unit mounting In order that the operator of the camera may view the pictures being produced thereby in order properly to focus and direct the camera, a viewing unit is provided which is preferably of the electronic type. As shown, the unit comprises a frame 85 containing, ineffect, a television receiving set, and adapted to be mounted at the topof'the frame between the side plates. As shown, the frame 85 carries at its sides angle brackets 88 adapted to be fastened to the sides 23 by means of screws or the like, so that the viewing unit can easily be removed.

The unit includes a cathode ray tube Bl projecting rearwardly from the frame 85 at the upper part of the camera, and substantially mid way between the sides so as to be visible from the rear end of the camera. The viewing unit is preferably connected to the output transformer so as to reproduce electrically the image being transmitted by the camera so that the operator can at all times control the camera in such a way as to obtain the most effective transmission. The input to the viewing unit is by means of a plug and connecter indicated at 88 in Figure 6.

In order that the operator may obtain a more precise focus when desired, a relay mechanism is provided in conjunction wi-th'the viewing unit for reducing the field and thereby enlarging the image produced on the cathode ray 'tube. The relay mechanism may be controlled by a push button 89 on the control handle 29 so' that the operator can increase the size of the image for brief periods by increasing thehorizontal and vertical sweep circuits when he is adjusting the focus of the camera.

The electrical connections The several electrical units of the camera are connected by means of suitable wiring to a distribution panel 9i (Figure 2) mounted on one of the side plates 23. The panel 9| carries a plurality of terminals 92. The conduits leading both to the interior and exterior of the camera may be permanently connected, thereby eliminating plug-in connecters, for the main lead-in wires. The lead-in wires 93, as shown in Figure 2, may be both for the purpose of supplying power to the camera for conducting any controlling impulses, as in cases where the camera is remotely controlled, and for leading out from the camera the currents to be transmitted.

The several internal connections are made by sockets or connecters which are permanently wired to the terminals 92 of the distribution block and are adapted to be detachably connected to the amplifier units, iconoscope, and viewing unit. As best seen in, Figure 6, the amplifier units are adapted to be connected in the circuit by means of sockets 94 carried by the cross bar 24 and permanently wired to the connecter plug.

I 80 of the viewing unit may also be wired directly to the distribution block.

In addition to the, electrical units referred to above, the distribution block may be wired to a signal lamp 95 on the front of the casing and controlled remotelyto indicate when the camera is connected to an operating transmitting station. Other terminals on the distribution block may lead to an electric motor 96 operating a fan for ventilating the casing and to a light 91 for back lighting the iconoscope screen, as will be described later.

With this construction, in the event of failure of any part of the camera, it can easily be tested by connecting the test apparatus to the proper terminals on the distribution block and without the necessity of removing any of the camera parts. Furthermore, in this way, all of the leads coming into the camera may be brought in at the same point ,without the use of plug-in connecters.

If any independent sources of current are necessary or desirable, as for example, the biasing voltage provided by the usual B battery or the like, a battery 98 may conveniently be clipped on the base 2| by means of springs 99. This construction provides a very simple mounting for the battery and permits its easy removal when necessary for replacement.

The casing The frame and the operating mechanism of the camera, as so far described, is adapted to be enclosed in a suitable casing or housing for protecting it from the weather and for providing a pleasing appearance. The casing as shown is constructed in accordance with the design more particularly disclosed and claimed in my pending design application Serial No. D132,l74, filed Feb. 28, 1942, but it will be understood that various other casing designs might be employed.

In the present construction, all of the operating parts, with one or two very minor exceptions, are carried by the frame, so that the casing forms no part of the load supporting structure. In this way, the casing may be opened or removed to operate the camera for test purposes without affecting its functions in any manner, and without requiring dismantling of the camera. The casing is preferably formed of a plurality of parts, shown as including a lower casing part I'III adapted to fit over the lower forward portion of the frame, and having an opening in one end through which the lens carrier tube 33 projects. This casing part may be secured to the frame by screws or the like in any suitable manner. A second lower casing part I02 is connected to the part IOI at the bottom thereof bya hinge I03. This second part is adapted to overlie and cover the lower rear portion of the frame and may be held in closed position by a latch I04 on the frame, as shown in Figure 4. The casing parts IN and I02 are cut away at the center, so that the pedestal head 20 may pass therethrough to engage the base of the frame.

The casing is completed by a top casing part I05 hingedly connected at its forward end to the casing part IOI and adapted to cooperate with the upper edges of the casing parts IM and I02 to enclose the frame and the camera mechanism. The hinge connection between the parts IM and I05, as shown in detail in Figures 11 and 12, is formed by an offset flange I06 on the upper edge of the part I0 I, forming a shoulder against which the edge of the part I05 rests. A plurality of coil springs I01 are connected at their opposite ends to the two casing parts IOI--I05, and tend to hold the edge of the part I05 on the shoulder. With this construction, the upper part I05 may be swung upward freely to uncover the upper part of the camera mechanism. Preferably, locking links I08 are provided to hold the part I05 in raised position. I

In order to prevent ready ingress of water or other foreign material falling on the casing. the offset flange I06 is preferably continued completely around the exposed upper edges of the parts IN and I02 so that the lower edge of the upper casing part overlaps the flange. With this construction, a tight joint is made between the parts and any rain or the like falling on the casing can not flow readily therebetweeh.

In order that the focusing mechanism and the distribution block may be made accessible without opening the casing, the several casing parts IOI, I02 and I05 are cut away at the opposite sides to provide generally triangular openings, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, through which these mechanisms are exposed. These openingsmay be closed by separate cover plates I09 adapted to be bolted to the frame independently of the other casing parts. The cover plate I09 enclosing the focusing mechanism is formed, as best seen in Figure 8, with a slot in its upper portion through which the lever handle 42 projects, so that the lever can be swung. As will be seen in Figure 4, the edge of the casing at which the lever handle projects through it is formed on an are about 31 as a center, so that the operator may rest his hand against the cover when moving the lever to steady his hand. The upper cover part I05 is formed at the rear of the camera with an opening through which the screen of the cathode ray tube 81 may be viewed. This opening is at the upper central port of the camera in a position to be very convenient for the operator and is preferably surrounded by a head shown as formed of an oval metallic band I I I adapted to be connected to the cover part I05 around the opening. A yieldingpadding II2 formed of sponge rubber or the like, covered with leather, is secured over the flange III and projects rearwardly therefrom to provide a readily deformable head against which the operator may press his face to cut out external light.

The opening in the cover part I05 is preferably closed by amagnifying lens II3 designed to magnify the image produced on the end of the cathode ray tube to approximately the size of the screen in the iconoscope tube. With this lens, the operator is able to obtain a better image of the picture being transmitted, and is enabled to operate the camera more efficiently.

At its forward portion, preferably just above the lens tube 33, the casing part IOI carries the signal lamp 95, which is remotely controlled to indicate when the camera is ready to transmit.

By locating this signal light directly above the lens, it is in a position to be observed easily by the subjects being photographed.

The cooling means in their bottoms with a series of louvers II to Y admit air to the casing. Air is discharged from the casing through the top cover member I05,-

which is formed with an elongated opening II! covered by a screen H8 and surrounded by an upwardly extending flange III on the exterior of the casing. .Overlying the flange I" there is provided a curved cover plate us having downtumed sides spaced from the flange and the top of the casing to leave air passages therebetween. This cover plate prevents direct ingress of rain or other foreign material, andin this way protects the camera mechanism.

According to one very important feature of the invention, the parts are so arranged that the sensitive iconoscope tube is at the lower portion oi the camera and the hotter tubes included in the amplifier units are mounted above the iconoscope; In this way, cooling air entering the bottom of the camera passes first over the iconoscope and then over the relatively hotter amplifier tubes and finally out the top of the casing. Thus, the iconoscope is kept relatively cool so as not to be damaged by the high temperatures produced in operation of some of the other elements.

Circulation of air through the casing from the bottom to the top will normally be produced by the gravity effect due to heating of air within the casing. If this is insufilcient, or if additional cooling is desired, a circulating fan may be ineluded. .As shown in Figure 6, the fan comprises a series of blades H9 driven by the motor 98 and forcing air from the bottom of the casing through a fan housing and out through openings i2I in the top of the fan housing'into the casing. The fan housing, as shown, is cast integrally with the base 26, but may, if desired, be formed separately and secured to the frame in any suitable manner.

The iconoscope tube lighting In order for the iconoscope tube to operate properly, the screen 55 thereof must be lighted from the back and must also have its rim lighted on at least two sides from the front. To back light the screen the lamp 9! mounted in the casing part W2 is provided, and is arranged in a position when the casing is closed to illuminate the back of the screen 58. To confine the field of illumination properly, a shield I22 is secured to the casing and has an opening therethrough defining the area to be illuminated by the lamp t'l.

The front side of the screen 53 is rim lighted as shown in Figures 6, 13 and 14, by means 01 l 623, mounted in elongated holders IZfi which are carried by hinged plates I 25, hinged to the upper edge of the plate at. The holders ltd are shaped, as best seen in Figure 14, to provide edges G25 and 827 spaced longitudinally in a line between the lamps E23 and the edge of the screen 53 to limit difiusion of light from the lamps to a relatively narrow band striking the screen adjacent one edge. The position of the holders and of the pivoted plate lee may be determined by a stop member I28 carried by the holder and adapted to engage the side of the tube. In this way, accurate positioning of the band of light on the front side of the screen is obtained. It will be noted that the light passes through the cylindrical side of the tube at a portion where the tube is longitudinally straight, so that very little distortion of the light band occurs, and so that the screen may be accurately and properly illuminated.

An alternative construction for rim lighting the screen is illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 as coma connecter element mounted prising lamps I 29 mounted in enclosed holders e tested and repaired in a laboratory.

Ill on an angular plate I32. The holders carry elongated tubes 01' light conducting material I33.

prises a plate or bracket I35 mounted ior pivotal movement about a pivot I36 and formed at its top with an upstanding externally threaded flange The flange is adapted to support a socket I38 for an electric lamp I39, the socket, as shown, resting on top orthe flange and being held in place by a collar Ill threaded on to the flange.

The plate carries a light shield I42 formed by an angularly shaped sheet or metal or the like, secured to-the plate at one side and extending below and across the lamp I39. At its outer end, the plate I42 carries a gate- I43 adjustably connected thereto by bolts I or the like,-so that it can be slid along the lower portion of the plate. At the opposite side of the plate. a second shield I45 is carried and'has a downwardly extending flange upon which there is adjustably supported a gate I46. By adjusting the gates m3 and Ma, and by swinging the plate I35 about its pivotal mountin the width, intensity andposition of the light beam to be thrown upon the screen can be controlled. Furthermore, due to the shielding arrangement all direct rays irom the lamp are cut-oil, so that the beams of light passing between the gates are substantially parallel and form a relatively narrow well-defined beam.

With the construction of the present invention, the camera is made up completely of independent units supported on a frame in such a manner that any one or more of the units can be removed easily and quickly for repair or replacement. Thus, it an amplifier should become faulty, the defect can quickly be located by observation and may easily be replaced by a spare unit. When the defective unit has been located, it may be removed simply by swinging open either or both of the cover parts I02 and lot, so that the unit may Thus, for television work in the field, several'spare units might be carried so that upon the failure or any part in the camera, the iaulty unit can be replaced in a very few minutes by a new on the faulty unit being returned to the laboratory i'or testing and repair. Variou other advantages or the construction have been pointed out in the course of the description and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

While one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described in detail, it will be understood that this is illustrative only and is not to be taken as a definition of the scope or the invention, reference being had for this purpose to the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1., A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, an iconoscope tube mounted between the sides rearwardly of the lens, on the frame, an amplifier unit having a connector thereon for connection to the last named connector, and

means for detachably supporting the amplifier unit in the frame.

2. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, an iconoscope tube mounted between the sides rearwardly of the lens, a connecter element mounted on the frame, an amplifier unit having a connecter thereon for connection to the last named connecter, cross members extending between the sides of the frame at the upper part thereof, and detachable means for supporting th amplifier unit on the cross pieces.

3. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, an iconoscope tube mounted between the sides rearwardly of the lens with its neck extending forwardly and upwardly through the frame, a pair of amplifier units, and means for detachably supporting the amplifier units in the upper part of the frame on opposite sides of the neck of the iconoscope tube.

4. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, an iconoscope tube mounted between the sides rearwardly of the lens, a focusing unit including a frame supporting a cathode ray tube and electrical means for operating the cathode ray tube, and means for supporting the last named frame across the sides at the upper portion thereof withthe cathode ray tube extending toward the rear of the first named frame.

5. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, an iconoscope tube mounted between the sides rearwardly of the lens, a pair of amplifier units, means detachably supporting the amplifier units between the sides at the upper portion of the frame, a focusing unit including a frame supporting a cathode ray tube and electrical means for operating the tube, and means for detachably supporting the last named frame across the sides and above the amplifier units with the cathode ray tube extending toward the rear of the first named frame and substantially midway between the sides.

6. A television camera comprising a frame hav ing a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, an iconoscope tube mounted between the sides rearwardly of the lens,

' the frame and including a part receiving an image the tube having a connecter disposed adjacent the top thereof, an amplifierunit, means supporting the amplifier unit between the sides in the upper part of the frame and above the tube. the amplifier unit having a connecter overlying and closely adjacent to the connecter on the tube, and a short wire directly connecting said connecters.

7. A television camera comprising a frame, a lens carried by the frame, scanning means carried by the frame to receive an image projected by the lens, the frame including a horizontal bar having openings therein, an amplifier unit adapted to be removably mounted in the frame, and fastening means for the amplifier unit including headed pins carried by the amplifier unit and adapted to project through the openings in the bar, a fastening plate having slots therein to fit over the pins above the bar, and a ground connection from the amplifier unit to the plate.

8. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, adjustable supporting means connected to the base, a control handle for moving the adjustable supporting means to direct the projected by the lens, a focusing unit supported on the frame and including electronic means for reproducing the image received by said part, electrical means connected to thefocusing unit for selectively changing the size of the image reproduced by the electronic means, and a control member for the electrical means mounted on the control handle.

9. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, scanning means carried by the frame for receiving an image projected by the lens, a distribution block carried by the frame at one side thereof and having a plurality of electric terminals thereon, the scanning means being connected to certain of said terminals, sockets carried by the frame and connected to certain of said terminals, an amplifier unit including a frame supporting a plurality of tubes and having a connecter for cooperation with one of the sockets, means for detachably supporting the last named frame in the first named frame, and lead-in wires connected to certain of said terminals. v

10. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, scanning means carried by the frame for receiving an image projected by the lens, a distribution block carried by the frame at one side thereof and having a plurality of electric terminals thereon, the scanning means being connected to certain of said terminals, sockets carried by the frame and connected to certain of said terminals, an'amplifier unit including a frame supporting a plurality of tubes and having a connecter for cooperation with one of the sockets, means for detachably supporting the last named frame in the first named frame, lead-in wires connected to certain of said terminals, and a cover removably secured over the distribution block and removable without affecting any other parts of the camera.

11. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, scanning means carried by the frame for receiving an image projected by the lens, a distribution block carried by the frame at one side thereof and having a plurality of electric terminals thereon, the scanning means being connected to certain of said terminals, amplifying means carried by the frame and connected to certain of the terminals, and

lead-in wires permanently connected to certain of the terminals for supplying power to the camera parts and for conducting therefrom impulses generated by the camera.

12. A television camera comprising a frame having a base and sides, a lens supported on the base at one end of the frame, scanning means carried by the frame for receiving an image projected by the lens, a distribution block carried by the frame at one side thereof and having a plurality of electric terminals thereon, the scanning means being connected to certain of said terminals, amplifying means carried by the frame and connected to certain of the terminals, leadin wires connected to certain of the terminals. 2. cover enclosing the frame and scanning and amplifying means, the cover having an opening therein through which the distribution block is exposed, and a cover part removably connected to the cover and closing said opening,

13. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like, a lens carried by the frame, electrical mechanism carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled.

by an image projected by the lens, and an enclosing casing supported on the frame independently of the, lens and electrical mechanism.

14. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like, a lens carried by'the frame, electrical mechanism carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled by an image projected by the lens, a plurality of casing the frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled by an image projected by the lens, a cover part fitting over the forward portion of the frame and having an opening therein through which the lens projects, and a plurality of other cover parts hingedly connected to the first'cover part and cooperating therewith to enclose the frame and the electrical mechanism carried thereby.

16. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like, a lens carried by the frame and projecting from one end thereof, electrical mechanism. carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled by an image projected by the lens, a cover part fitting over the forward portion of the frame and having an opening therein through which the lens projects, a plurality of other cover parts hingedly connected to the first cover part and cooperating therewith to enclose the frame and the electrical mechanism carried thereby, one of the hinged connections including a shoulder formed on one of the cover parts receiving the edge of the cooperating cover part, and a spring connected to the two cover parts and spanning the joint therebetween to hold .said edge in engagement with said shoulder.

17. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like, a lens carried by the frame and projecting from one end thereof, electrical mechanism carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens'to produce electric impulses controlled by an image projected by the lens, lower cover parts enclosing the lower part of the frame and mechanism and terminating in an upper exposed edge, and a top cover part overlying the top of the frame and mechanism and having its lower edge overlying said upper exposed edge to prevent ingress of rain or the like.

openings, focusing mechanism for the lens exposed through the other opening, and separate covers for said openings connected to the frame independently of said cover parts.

19. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like, a lens carried by the frame and projecting from one end thereof, electrical mechanism carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled by. an image projected by the lens, viewing means carried by the frame at the top thereof and including means for receiving the electric impulses and producing therefrom an image on a screen at the central upper portion of the frame and exposed at the other end of the frame, and a cover enclosing the frame and mechanism and viewing means and having an opening in one end through which the lens projects and an opening in its other end through which the screen may be viewed.

20. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like, a lens carried by the frame and projecting from one end thereof, electrical mechanism carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled by an image projected by the lens. viewing-means carried by the frame at the top thereof and including means for receiving the electric impulses and producing therefrom an image on a screen at the central upper portion of the frame and exposed at the other end of the frame, a cover enclosing the frame and mechanism and viewing means and having an opening in one end through which the lens project and an opening in its other end through which the screen may be viewed, and a lens system in the last named opening for producing an optical magnification of the image on the screen.

21. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like, a lens carried by the frame and projecting from one end thereof, electrical mechanism carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens I to produce electric impulses controlled by an 18. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like,

image projected by the lens, a cover enclosing the frame and mechanism, and means forming ventilating openings in the top and bottom of the cover for circulation of cooling air over 'the mechanism.

22. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supportedon a pedestal or the like, a lens carried by the frame and projecting from one end thereof, electrical mechanism carried by the. frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled by an image projected by the lens, a cover enclosing the frame and mechanism, and means forming ventilating openings in the top and bottom of the cover for circulation of cooling air over the mechanism, and a circulating fan associated with one of the openings to increase the circulation of air through the cover. t

23. A television camera comprising a frame adapted to be supported on a pedestal or the like,

- a lens carried by the frame and projecting from a lens carried by the frame and projecting from one end thereof, electrical mechanism carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled by an image projected by the lens, cover parts fitting over the frame and mechanism and formed to provide openings in the sides, a distribution block on one side of the frame exposed through one of the one end thereof, electrical mechanism carried by the frame and cooperating with the lens to produce electric impulses controlled by an image projected by the lens, a cover enclosing the frame and mechanism, the cover having openings in its top and bottom for circulation of air therethrough, an upstanding flange around the top opening, and a cover plate overlying and spaced from the flange to prevent ingress of foreign ma,- terial through the top opening while permitting flow of air therethrough. a

24. A television camera comprising a frame, a lens carried by the frame adjacent one end thereof, an iconoscope tube mounted in the lower portion of the frame in a position to receive an image projected by the lens, an amplifier unit mounted in the upper portion of the frame above the tube, a cover enclosing the frame, tube and amplifier unit, and means forming ventilating openings in the top and bottom of the cover for circulation of cooling air upwardly over the tube and' then over the amplifier .unit.

25. A television camera comprising a frame, a lens carried by the frame adjacent one end thereof, an iconoscope tube mounted in the lower portion of the frame in a position to receive an image projected by the lens, a pair of amplifier units mounted in the upper part of the frame at the opposite sides thereof and above the tube, and means forming ventilating openings in the top and bottom of the cover for circulation of air upwardly around the tube and then around the amplifier units.

26. A television camera comprising a frame, a lens carried by the frame, an iconoscope tube carried by the frame with its screen in a position to receive an image projected by the lens, a cover enclosing the frame, a light carried by the cover on the side of the tube opposite the lens and positioned to illuminate the back of the screen, and a shield carried by the cover to limit the field of illumination of the light.

27. A television camera comprising a frame, a lens carried by the frame, an iconoscope tube carried by the frame with its screen in a position to receive an image projected by the lens, a cover enclosing the frame, a light carried by the cover on the side of the tube opposite the lens and positioned to illuminate the back of the screen, a light mounted at one side of the tube to illuminate the front of the screen, and a shield adjacent the side of the tube to limit the illumination of the front of the screen to a narrow band adjacent the screen edge.

28. A television camera comprising a frame, a lens carried by the frame, an iconoscope tube carried by the frame with its screen in a position to receive an image projected by the lens, a cover enclosing the frame, a light carried by the cover on the side of the tube opposite the lens and positioned to illuminate the back of the screen, a light mounted at one side of the tube to illuminate the front of the screen, and a shield having spaced edges substantially in a line between the edge of the screen and the last named light to limit the illumination of the front of the screen to a narrow band adjacent its edge.

29. A television camera comprising a frame, a lens carried by the frame, an iconoscope tube carried by the frame with its screen in a position to receive an image projected by the lens, a cover enclosing the frame, a light carried by the cover on the side of the tube opposite the lens and positioned to illuminate the back of the screen, a light mounted at one side of the tube to illuminate the front of the screen, a rod of light conducting material extending from the last named light to a point adjacent the side of the tube to direct the light toward the screen, and a shield mounted adjacent the end of the rod to limit diffusion of the light therefrom.

WILLIAM C. EDDY.

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