Inventors:
Winford C. Fraker - Orlando FL
Frank W. Gilleland - Orlando FL
International Classification:
H04N 530
H04N 718
B29B 1300
Abstract:
A television camera is encapsulated in plastic material providing protection from environmental hazards. The camera, including a camera body, lens and lens cover glued to the lens, is embedded in and chemically bonded to the encapsulate material. A lens opening in the forward end of the encapsulate housing exposes the lens cover. A camera cable and pushrod extend from the rearward end of the housing and are chemically bonded to the encapsulate material. Individual light sources, partially embedded in the encapsulate material, are disposed in respective recesses oriented in an annular pattern about the lens opening. The encapsulation process employs a mold assembly having a base with a raised pedestal on which the lens cover is placed to support the camera. Multiple lamp receivers are disposed in the base in an annular pattern about the pedestal to sealingly receive the forward portions of respective lamps while leaving the remaining rearward portions exposed. At least one additional mold section mates with the base to provide an enclosure having a single opening at its top through which flowable encapsulate material may be poured.