Abstract: A specimen holder for a hydrous specimen comprising: (a) an inner hollow cylinder of a heat conductive material, (b) an inner hollow cylinder of a material which can be cut, (c) a cylindrical interior space within the inner hollow cylinder for receiving the specimen, and (d) the space between the inner hollow cylinder and an inside wall of the outer hollow cylinder being filled by a layer which is liquid at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention concerns an imaging system comprising a first device (82) for acquiring image data for an object (93) using light, in particular a microscope, and a second device (94) for acquiring and displaying image data (in particular, of the kind not immediately visible to the eye) for the object (93) using (in particular invisible) radiation, preferably electromagnetic wave or particle radiation such as X-rays (X-ray or CT photographs), MRI or positron radiation. The system is also provided with a superimposition device (95) for superimposing the two sets of image data to form a single image which can be turned towards an observer. The optical parameters of the first device (82), e.g. the microscope and its image distortions, are incorporated in the image to be superimposed, thereby providing the observer with a dimensionally and geometrically accurate display of the two superimposed images.

Abstract: A device for forming two triangular glass knives from a glass square, such as for ultramicrotomy, has a rotary table and a holding device for receiving, aligning, and fixing the glass square to be broken positioned on the rotary table. The holding device has two opposingly arranged clamping jaws of U-shaped profile for holding the glass square therebetween arranged on the rotary table. The rotary table's axis of rotation is aligned with the center of the glass square held between the clamping jaws. A scoring and breaking device is positioned above the table alignable with the glass square.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drive device for the mechanical stage (1) of a microscope, said device having a stationary base plate (2) and slides (3, 4) which are disposed thereon, are movable in the X and Y directions and are used to position an object to be examined. Secured on each of the slides (3, 4) is a rack (5, 6) which is drivingly connected in each case to a drive pinion (7, 8). Two superimposed control knobs (9) are provided on the microscope mechanical stage (1) for manually manipulating the drive device. Disposed in each case between the control knobs (9) and the respective drive pinion (7, 8) is a transmission element in the form of a toothed belt (10, 11) which transmits the rotational movement at the control knobs (2) to the respective drive pinion (7, 8).

Abstract: A photoelectric semiconductor light-detection system with programmable dynamic performance includes a semiconductor photocell, preferably a photodiode, by which the impinging light intensity can be converted into a proportional photoelectric current. The drain of a first MOS FET of corresponding channel-type operated to saturation is coupled to the semiconductor photocell, e.g., the cathode or anode of the photodiode, and its source is maintained at a constant potential. A second MOS FET applies a predetermined variable charge amount to the gate of the first MOS FET. A capacitor is provided at the gate of the first MOS FET. The difference between the offset current and the photoelectric current can be integrated by an integration device. A third MOS FET can be operated as a switch to read the integration device and to reset it at a given value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electro-optical distance measurement. A series of pulses provided by a laser are received as echoes by a receiver. The pulses are each produced within respective intervals having a common predetermined duration. Each pulse is time-shifted relative to the beginning of its corresponding interval. A pulse pattern comprising echo signals for each of a series of pulses is used to determine the distance to an object producing the echoes.

Abstract: An imaging sensor (13) has a multiplicity of sensor elements (16). Each sensor element (16) has a light-sensitive zone (17) in which radiation is detected as a function of position. A multiplicity of storage cells (21) successively store charges detected in the light-sensitive zone (17) of each sensor element (16) in synchronism with a modulation signal which is produced by the radiation source. The imaging sensor (13) simultaneously detects and demodulates intensity-modulated radiation as a function of position. The invention makes it possible to determine a range of parameters for the object (11) being examined, thus ensuring that the object is accurately recorded for rangefinding purposes.

Abstract: A mechanical fastening system is disclosed in which standard micro-optical elements are initially mounted on respective one-piece frames which in turn may be secured in position on a mounting plate. Each frame has a platform to which at least three legs are flexurally joined along respective hinge axes. In one embodiment, the legs include corresponding spherical segments for point-contact with the mounting plate. In another embodiment, the legs include corresponding foot portions connected by a ball-joint for three-degrees of rotational freedom. The one-piece frames may be efficiently manufactured by laser beam cutting or punching a steel sheet. The proposed fastening system enables uni- or multi-dimensional layouts to be created using automatic placing and fastening technologies.

Abstract: A microscope with a C-shaped stand (1) for examining large-sized, disk-shaped objects (9), such as semiconductor wafers, comprises a base plate (2), a vertical portion (3) extending from the base plate, and a limb portion (4) extending forwardly from the top of the vertical portion. To achieve an ergonomic sitting position of an observer (B) and to be able to inspect the entire object surface, the vertical portion (3) has a forwardly opening slot-shaped recess (10) into which the object partially enters when it is at a rearmost position. The recess (10) is geometrically designed so as not to impair the stability of stand (1). In addition or as an alternative, a horizontally movable specimen stage (5) of the microscope includes a rearwardly opening recess (14) for partially receiving the vertical portion (3) when the stage is at its rearmost travel limit. The recess (14) may be U-shaped or specifically configured to correspond to the shape of the vertical portion (3 which it receives.

Abstract: The invention concerns the generation of synthetic light wavelengths in which light from a first light source (D.sub.1) is coupled into a common light path section (L.sub.G1) and its average frequency value (.nu..sub.1) is locked with a resonant frequency (.nu..sub.1) of the Fabry-Perot resonator (R). The light from a second light source (D.sub.2) is coupled into the common light path section (L.sub.G1) and its average frequency value (.nu..sub.2) is set in order to reach a subsequent resonant frequency (.nu..sub.2) of the Fabry-Perot resonator (R) and be locked therewith. A beat frequency (.DELTA..nu..sub.12), which is measured by electronic counters whilst a corresponding measured frequency value (f.sub.12) is prepared, is formed between the frequencies (.nu..sub.1, .nu..sub.2) of the light from the two light sources (D.sub.1, D.sub.2). The light from at least one further light source (D.sub.i) is coupled into the common light path section (L.sub.G1) and its average frequency value (.nu..sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device by means of which the direction of a graticule may be measured with high precision. To this end, the graticule is illuminated by a spotlight and the light reflecting from it collected by a theodolite telescope and a locating detector. To increase the range and to improve accuracy of measurement, use is made not of a conventional spherical metal graticule but a sphere of transparent material the refractive index n of which is greater than the square root of 2 and smaller than 2.

Abstract: Electro-optical measuring device for absolute distances to a target point. In addition to the beam polarization being modulated as is required for the Fizeau method, the invention provides that the modulation means contain a modulator crystal (8; 7) having electrodes which are connected to a variable DC source (11; 10), and that a control apparatus (19) is provided which initiates the determination of the value of the modulation phase in the region of minimum brightness at the associated modulation frequency, successively for different DC voltage values, over a full cycle of the basic polarization of the modulator crystal, stores and averages the measured values, repeats the measurement at a slightly changed modulation frequency if the mean value is not zero, and uses interpolation to determine the modulation frequency which is associated with the mean modulation phase value of zero. The measuring device is particularly suitable for coupling to a tracking system based on interferometry.

Abstract: A method is specified for stabilizing the directional display of magnetic compasses on bodies moving in a magnetic field, in particular the terrestrial magnetic field, against magnetic interference sources. The spatial components of the magnetic field vector are measured at a measuring point within a first interference-free measurement region. Taking account of the temporal changes in the measured components, the absolute value of the magnetic field strength and, as a function thereof, a quality function are determined, which quality function is a measure of the temporal distribution of the measured magnetic field vector components and a measure of the quality of the value of the magnetic field strength. For a further measuring point, the quality function and the measured component values are used to estimate the magnetic field vector at this measuring point and to measure the spatial components of this magnetic field vector.

Abstract: Method for the incubation of specimens (7) in fluids (5) for subsequent embedding in capsules by polymerization, the specimens (7) being put into hole capsules (2') which are open at the top and, in the lower third of their cylindrical wall, have at least a circle of passage orifices (6) which are smaller than the diameter of the specimens (7). These specimens (7) are incubated in a fluid (5) extending above these passage orifices (6). The hole capsules (2') are then introduced into enveloping capsules (3) of a larger diameter and with a likewise preferably cylindrical wall, a fluid (5) (a polymerizable monomer batch) present in the enveloping capsules (3) filling at least the gap (S) between the hole capsule (2') and the enveloping capsule (3), and this fluid (5) being finally polymerized under UV radiation or action of heat. The hole capsules (2') and the enveloping capsules (3) can be successively slipped over rams (4') which are located on a carrier (1).

Abstract: A protraction device for a measuring microscope comprises a reticle aligned on an optical path of the microscope at an intermediate image plane thereof and adapted for rotation about a central axis, and an angle encoder operably coupled to the reticle such that when the angle encoder is rotated about its rotational axis, a corresponding rotation is produced in the reticle. The angle encoder provides a signal representative of an angular displacement of the reticle which is delivered to a printer, digital display, or the like.

Abstract: A device for holding a cylindrical laser tube (3) in a stable radiation direction in the cylindrical internal space of a metallic housing (2), the internal space having a larger diameter than the laser tube (3) and O-rings (4) for mounting the laser tube (3) being fitted in the end regions of the internal space and the metallic housing (2) being mounted on a baseplate (1), characterized in that the interspace, enclosed by the O-rings, with respect to the laser tube (3) within the metallic housing (2) is filled with a thermally conducting paste (16), controllable heating and cooling elements are fitted in contact with the outer wall of the housing (2) and the housing (2) is mounted on the baseplate (1) in a fixed location only on one end.

Abstract: A guide device for the backlash-free alignment of mutually relatively displaceable parts of an optical instrument, preferably of a rack-and-pinion housing of a microscope on a profile column. The rack-and-pinion housing is constructed with a gearing such that it can be moved along the profile column. Arranged between the rack-and-pinion housing and the profile column are a plurality of sliding elements (8), which are firstly constructed resiliently and form a force-closed connection between the rack-and-pinion housing and the profile column. For the purpose of fixing in the rack-and-pinion housing, the sliding elements (8) have a receptacle (11) for inserting an adhesive. After curing the adhesive, the sliding elements (8) lose their spring action.

Abstract: A relative visibility measuring process measures and stores a reference propagation time of a measurement pulse over a reference distance between a pulse propagation time rangefinder and a reflector under ideal conditions. A reference amplitude of a measurement pulse, which is reflected by the reflector under ideal conditions, is measured and stored. An actual signal which is equal to the time response of the received signals of the rangefinder under actual conditions, is measured and stored. A determination is made of an actual amplitude which is equal to the amplitude of a time element of the actual signal having a propagation time equal to the reference propagation time. A determination is made of the ratio of the actual amplitude to the reference amplitude and comparison of the ratio with a threshold value which is dependent on the visibility to be determined.

Abstract: A connectible locking mechanism sets defined magnifications in a continuously operating zoom system of a microscope. The mechanism has a drive unit for setting the zoom, a locking disk fixedly connected to and provided axially on a drive shaft of the drive unit and a disk-shaped locking spring arranged fixedly to an instrument of the microscope. The locking disk has defined grooves arranged side by side. Arranged between the locking spring and the locking disk is a ball and a locking slider which is provided with a recess. The ball is positioned in the recess of the locking slider and is movable into and out of engagement with the grooves of the locking disk through a sliding motion of the locking slider.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inserting optical and mechanical components into mounting sleeves. The components are introduced upward from below into the mounting sleeve through a lead-through opening having movable locking elements. Although the locking elements allow the insertion of the components, they prevent the locking elements from leaving the mounting sleeve. The mounting sleeve is thus successively filled with insert parts. This type of insertion to a large extent counteracts the generation of dirt particles, in particular between the insert parts, and is outstandingly suitable for automation.