CONCEALMENT OF CAMERAS FOR OBSERVATIONAL PURPOSES

• US 3,739,703 A
• Filed: 03/08/1971
• Issued: 06/19/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/1970
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Guy Behles
• Original Assignee: Guy Behles
• Inventors: Behles, Guy
• Primary Examiner(s): Horan, John M.
• Application Number:
  US05/122,112
• Time in Patent Office: 834 Days
• Field of Search: 95/15,82,86
• US Class Current: 396/427
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/00 Special procedures for taking photographs; Apparatus therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19619 Details of casing
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1963 Arrangements allowing camera rotation to change view, e.g. pivoting camera, pan-tilt and zoom [PTZ]

Abstract

A camera for observing a selected area is concealed by a hollow dome-like member partially metallised to form a convex mirror from the point of view of an observer in the selected area, whilst allowing light to pass through the member from the area to the camera.

Claims

1. A device for observing a selected area comprising, a camera mounted to have a field of view in a given area, a generally dome-shaped hollow member between the camera and said area, the dome-shaped member comprising partially reflective means comprising an inner metallized surface on said dome-shaped member and an opaque screen adjacent said inner surface said opaque screen having an aperture to allow passage of light through the member from said given area to the camera thereby defining a convex mirror from externally thereof to conceal the camera from the view of an observer while allowing light to pass through the member from exteriorly thereof to the camera to provide in operation an image of an area viewed by the camera, means mounting said camera, means for moving said camera and means mounting said screen for cooperation with said camera.

2. A device according to claim 1, in which said means mounting the camera and screen comprise means for moving the camera and screen about an axis passing substantially through the center of the dome-shaped member and through the apex of the dome-shaped member.

3. A device according to claim 2, in which said camera comprises an objective and in which said aperture in the screen is a longitudinal slot and in which said means mounting said camera mount the camera pivotally for movement so that said objective thereof can be moved along said slot.