Abstract: A drape for a surgical microscope comprising a flexible cover for separating the microscope from the surgical field. There is a frame in the cover adapted to be secured over the objective lens of the microscope, and a dome-shaped protective window in the frame. The window is oriented so that when the frame is secured over the objective lens the dome extends toward or away from the objective lens to minimize reflection of light from the protective window into the optical path of the microscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing counteracting force to overcome the off-center weight of a microscope assembly without counterweights. The apparatus is a microscope balance compensator which uses springs or gas pistons to compensate for a change in a moment developed in a microscope assembly when attachments are added or removed or when the tilt angle of the microscope is changed. The microscope balance compensator includes one device for applying counteracting force about a tilt axis and another device for applying counteracting force about a tip axis oriented perpendicular to the tilt axis. Each counteracting force is applied at discrete angles relative to the pivot centers and is adjustable. The apparatus provides balance compensation over a wide range without adding counterweight, thereby minimizing the total weight of the microscope.

Abstract: Oblique illumination system is provided for use with an ophthalmic microscope having a direct illumination system. The apparatus includes a first light deflector for deflecting light in the direct illumination axis transversely along a transverse axis. A first support movably connects the first light deflector to enable it to be shifted into and out of the direct illumination axis; a second light deflector redirects the light in the transverse axis along an oblique axis which intersects the microscope axis at the focal plane. The first light deflector can be alternatively shifted to vary the microscope between the direct and indirect illumination modes to minimize the duration of the exposure of the eye macula to the illumination system during a surgical procedure. A method for converting a conventional direct illumination operating microscope for use as an indirect illumination microscope is also provided.

Abstract: A documentation illumination module by which full illumination of a properly oriented image of a microscope's field-of-view is returned to a documenting camera or the like. The module includes a cavity with a forming and field-of-view controlling lens system, channel for returning the image, focusing and magnifying lenses in the image channel, and an iris across the image channel. Fiber optics light is transmitted through the cavity and its lens system to a microscope and its field-of-view, then returned to module and to binoculars for an observer (surgeon), without need of beam splitting optical elements. Full light is available to camera and observer. The focusing and magnifying lenses are mounted in an alternatively positionable lens system, while a zoom lens assembly can be substituted therefor.

Abstract: A stereoscopic microscope system having a primary and secondary viewing station which are rotatably positionable relative to one another for simultaneously viewing an object is disclosed. An objective lens focuses a plurality of rays of light aligned with a primary optic axis upon an object to be viewed. The light deflecting mechanism redirects a pair of rays of light from the objective lens orthogonally to form a diagonal optic axis spaced transversely from the primary optic axis. Both the primary and orthogonal optic axes extend perpendicular to an intersect a transverse optic axis extending therebetween. A second light deflecting mechanism redirects a pair of light rays in the orthogonal optic axis along a secondary viewing station optic axis spaced from and parallel to the transverse optic axis to be viewed by a secondary observer. A mechanism for stretching or compressing a passive light in the orthogonal axis as a secondary viewing station is rotated is provided.

Abstract: A documentation illumination module by which full illumination of a properly oriented image of a microscope's field-of-view is returned to a documenting camera or the like. The module includes a cavity with a forming and field-of-view-controlling lens system, channel for returning the image, focusing and magnifying lenses in the image channel, and an iris across the image channel. Fiber optics light is transmitted through the cavity and its lens system to a microscope and its field-of-view, then returned to module and to binoculars for an observer (surgeon), without need of beam splitting optical elements. Full light is available to camera and observer. The focusing and magnifying lenses are mounted in an alternatively positionable lens system, while a zoom lens assembly can be substituted therefor.

Abstract: The present invention is a microscope system including an objective lens common to at least two paths of light rays from an image to be viewed and a prism for re-directing at least one of the light rays in a direction orthogonal to the other of the light rays which travels to a first viewing station. An optical focus is provided in alignment with the orthogonal light ray for magnifying the orthogonal light ray. A plurality of prisms being rotatable are provided for redirecting the orthogonal light ray to a second viewing station which is maintained parallel to the image.

Abstract: A documentation illumination module by which full illumination of a properly oriented image of a microscope's field-of-view is returned to a documenting camera or the like. The module includes a cavity with a forming and field-of-view-controlling lens system, channel for returning the image, focusing and magnifying lenses in the image channel, and an iris across the image channel. Fiber optics light is transmitted through the cavity and its lens system to a microscope and its field-of-view, then returned to module and to binoculars for an observer (surgeon), without need of beam splitting optical elements. Full light is available to camera and observer. The focusing and magnifying lenses are mounted in an alternatively positionable lens system, while a zoom lens assembly can be substituted therefor.

Abstract: An optical system or apparatus whereby 3 identical optical trains or paths of light providing steropsis are obtained for surgery and other uses, and by which four (4) viewing stations with balanced light are achieved. Documentation devices and observers see the target or object area as viewed at these stations. The apparatus comprises a housing having a chamber divided into two communicable cavities at an obtuse angle to one another, with four viewing stations mounted on the housing having access to the chamber and cavities in which a network of prisms is located to provide redirection of light in a balanced manner to all four viewing stations. Light is introduced through an opening or a set of three ports on the base of the housing, and is channelled to the port stations by the network of prisms.

Abstract: A microscope for use in all surgical disciplines, without need for ordinary or special tools, comprising an assembly of microscope, illumination module (magnification changer), fiber optics cable to the module, a mechanical assembly to which they are connected, means for focusing the microscope, means for mounting such assembly of elements to a fulcrum axis through the mechanical assembly, and a tilt-axis adjustable counterweight to balance the assembly, with or without addition or removal of elements, all operatively mounted to a support arm. A second adjustable counterweight is provided to prevent lateral or transverse tipping of such assembly when laterally extending accessories (e.g., observer's tube assembly) are added or removed. The mechanical assembly includes tension controls to change tilt of the microscope about the support arm, with the tilt-axis counterweight being accordingly adjusted.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a pair of co-axially assembled tubes having their distal walls in bearing relationship and with registrable openings extending through such distal end and annular walls correspondingly joined to their respective distal walls. The inner tube reversibly rotates within its matched outer tube in operation of the invention, as action by cutting edges formed about such openings severs tissue drawn into the inner tube by suction. Each distal end wall includes a pair of circular cutting edges, those in the inner tube having a straight cut across its thickness while those in the outer tube have a full radiused cut across its thickness. Full radiused cuts across the thicknesses of the annular walls of the inner and outer tubes are provided for arcuately-formed and parallel cutting edges forming the respective openings in these tubes in their annular walls. A method to form these openings by means of these cutting edges is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, with method and apparata for making same. A pair of coaxial tubular members include cooperating oval openings the formations of which are developed by the apparata and method. One apparatus comprises a fixture for supporting the inner or blade member in a spindle having a follower, and a cam assembly and registry means for mounting to the fixture. The cam assembly is mounted to the fixture and through cooperative action with the follower directs movement of blade member and spindle during grinding formation of a blade's thickness including a positive cutting angle across its wall. The registry means comprises a body mountable to the cam assembly and having a pin which properly seats an initially formed opening in the blade member exteriorly of the cam assembly for subsequent grinding thereon. A second apparatus provides for the initial formation of both openings after which the first apparatus operates to finish the blade member's body formation for its opening.