Abstract: A device for sharp-edge uniform illumination of an observation field lying in a preselectable plane is adapted to utilize light from a remote source, via a flexible fiber-optic connection having a glass-rod termination for producing a uniformly illuminated light-exit surface. The glass rod is insertably connected to the device via clamping mechanism (9, 10) in such manner that its light-radiating surface is immediately adjacent to a diaphragm (7). In front of the diaphragm (7), a collector (2, 3) is fixedly positioned, to focus the diaphragm as a real image in the observation plane. The diaphragm (7) (together with the glass rod) is displaceable axially with respect to the collector (2, 3), thus enabling sharp adjustment for different distances from the observation plane.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a support stand having a weight-compensating four-bar linkage in the form of an elongate parallelogram, for adjustable-elevation support of an observation instrument such as an operation microscope. Weight compensation is achieved by a preloaded spring contained within opposed channels which constitute two elongate members of the linkage and which have nesting side walls to complete the enclosure of the spring, while also accommodating such electrical and optical cable connections as may be needed to communicate between the instrument and the base of the stand.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a binocular-telescope construction wherein no precision optical alignment or realignment procedures are needed within the telescope tubes, once the telescope tubes are assembled to their connecting bridge structure. The nature of the connecting bridge structure is such as to provide a range of universal action in the connection of each telescope tube to the bridge structure so that optical-axis parallelism can be mechanically effected and clamped at the universal connections without operating upon any of the individual optical elements within the telescope tube. The universal action and clamping is without prejudice to the single-articulated or double-articulated nature and action of the connecting bridge, for interpupilary-distance accommodation.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a binocular observation instrument wherein two viewing tubes are pivotally connected for articulation about a first axis to adjust for interpupilary distance and wherein provision is made for further articulation about a second axis to enable adjustment of the angle between the respective optical axes of the two viewing tubes.

Abstract: The invention contemplates slit-lamp apparatus for ophthalmological examinations and is characterized by simplicity of components designed to facilitate use, the use being assumed to involve the analytical operations most often needed. The instrument is portable and provides ready availability of slit-projector means and tonometer means when desired, on the microscope-viewing axis. All components are upstanding, with respect to the mounting base, and simple knurled-ring adjustments enable selection of projected-slit dimensions and filters.