Abstract: A surveillance camera system comprises a spherical housing that has a partially transparent lower, hemispherically shaped gold coated dome with a geometric center. A camera mount is mounted in the housing for panning movements about a vertical pan axis and tilting movement about a horizontal tilt axis. A video camera is mounted to the camera mount and electric motors are mounted for panning and tilting the mount and camera. A computer and control circuit is mounted to the camera mount and coupled to actuate the electric motors to orient the camera and to actuate the camera zoom and focus as well as to enhance the camera's video image with descriptive word captions. The computer is programmed for automatic or manual operation of the system. A rotary electric connector is mounted to the housing and connects the on board computer with a joystick and control unit for issuing instructions to the computer and connects the camera to an ancillary video display.

Abstract: An anti-slagging apparatus for a furnace viewing system removes slag build up deposited on a closed circuit television camera lens tube by occasionally releasing a blast or large volume of air through specially designed ports surrounding the tube containing a furnace viewing lens system. The anti-slagging apparatus comprises a double walled cylindrical tube extending through a wall of a furnace for housing a lens tube assembly. An end plate is positioned at the furnace end of the tube and has formed therein a plurality of ports or openings, with each port being directed outwardly at a 30.degree. angle with respect to the axis of the tube assembly into the furnace and with each port being connected to the space formed between the double walled tube. A source of air is provided to the ports from a supply tank, which in turn is connected to a source of air pressure, such as a compressor, or a shop supply. A quick acting, high volume solenoid valve connects the air tank to the tube.

Abstract: A surveillance camera system comprises a spherical housing that has a lower, hemispherically shaped, gold coated dome 12 with a geometric center. A camera mount is mounted in the housing for panning movements about a pan axis that extends through the dome center and for tilting movements about a tilt axis that transverses the pan axis through the dome center. Electric motors 24/27 are mounted in the housing for panning and tilting the camera mount. A video CCD type camera 30 is mounted upon the camera mount with its center of gravity located adjacent the pan and tilt axes. A rotary electric coupler 39 is mounted to the housing and electric connectors provided for connecting the camera and the motors with an ancillary video display and camera orientation controller through the rotary coupler.