Abstract: A drive system for slides and x-y stages in microscopes and similar instruments having the possibilities of both fine control and rapid displacement of the slides over larger distances. The drive system comprises a friction wheel and a friction track provided between the slide and the stationary slide guide. A friction wheel together with an actuation knob are solidly fixed on a common shaft and this common shaft is displaceable against a spring force so that the friction wheel is out of contact with the friction track. A brake shoe is provided for each shaft and a clamping element is provided for each brake shoe. The shafts are supported in ball bearings. The brake shoes are closed plastic rings and the clamping elements press uniformly by their U-legs and from diametrically opposite sides against the plastic rings in the braking position, the direction of the force passing through the center axis of the coaxial shafts.

Abstract: A drive system for slides and x-y stages in microscopes and similar instruments having the possibilities of both fine control and rapid displacement of the slides over larger distances. The drive system comprises a friction wheel and a friction track provided between the slide and the stationary slide guide. A friction wheel together with an actuation knob are solidly fixed on a common shaft and this common shaft is displaceable against a spring force so that the friction wheel is out of contact with the friction track.