Abstract: An improved mounting apparatus for use in recording microscopic images with an image recording device, such as a camera or camcorder is provided. The apparatus is capable of readily aligning the optical axis of the image recording device and the optical axis of the microscope optical tube of the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using the device to observe, record and/or alter a specimen on which the apparatus is mounted. In addition, a microscope is provided which has simple but durable means for gross and fine focus adjustments. The microscope includes an optical tube for magnifying an image of a specimen to be viewed, and an optical tube sleeve in which the optical tube is rotatably and slideably retained. The optical tube includes a radial projection which is adapted to slide along the edge of the sleeve to grossly and finely adjust the focus of the microscope.

Abstract: A collapsible holder for a camcorder or camera for use with a microscope or for use as a copystand in general.

Abstract: An assembly of a microscope, a multi-specimen holder, and a display stand. The microscope includes an optical tube, a stage having an aperture therein, and a light transmissive rod having an ambient light gathering end portion located below the stage and arranged to receive ambient light to convey it through the aperture to illuminate a specimen located above the stage. The microscope is mounted on the display stand, as is the specimen holder. The specimen holder is a rotatable wheel having plural specimen holding portions and at least one light transmissive opening associated therewith. The specimen holder is supported by plural shock absorbing pads. The specimen holder is arranged to be manually rotated to bring any of the specimens into the microscope's field of view. The at least one opening in the specimen holder enables ambient light to pass therethrough to the light gathering end of the light transmissive rod.

Abstract: A polarizing accessory system for use with a microscope. The microscope comprises an optical tube having a eye-piece lens and an objective lens, a stage having an aperture therein, and a light conveying rod arranged to covey light through the aperture to the objective lens and the eye-piece lens. The accessory system comprises a first, tray-like polarizing unit arranged to be disposed on the microscope stage over the aperture, and a second, cup-shaped polarizing unit arranged to be releasably mounted over the eye-piece lens. Each polarizing unit includes a planar polarizing filter or film mounted therein. The tray-like unit comprises a peripheral planar frame defining a central window in which a first polarizing filter element is located. The central window forms a support surface for two, conventional specimen-holding slides disposed in a side-by-side array. The width of the window is equal to the width of the slides to hold them securely in place thereon.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching a camera to a microscope has a mounting structure for securing a camera above the eyepiece of the optical tube of the microscope, and an adaptor for providing a light shield extends between the lens opening of the camera and the optical tube. A downstream end of the adaptor closely surrounds the outer periphery of the optical tube to prevent the undesired ingress of ambient light into the adaptor, while permitting relative movement between the adaptor and the optical tube. An illuminating system for a microscope employs a curved, transparent, light transmissive rod having a light-receiving end surface, a light-receiving peripheral side surface and a light emitting end surface. The rod is mounted with its light emitting end surface aligned with a passage extending through the stage of the microscope upon which a specimen to be viewed and/or to be photographed is retained.