Abstract: An optical assembly includes a lens unit capable of being moved along an optical axis of the optical assembly. The lens unit includes a lens mount for holding at least one lens. The optical assembly further includes a sleeve for receiving the lens mount. The lens mount is in sliding contact with and movable in relation to the sleeve as the lens unit is moved along the optical axis. The lens mount is formed of or comprises at its outer surface a self-lubricating material, and/or the sleeve is formed of or comprises at its inner surface a self-lubricating material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope for microscopic examination of a sample comprising a microscope housing enclosing an illumination optics, a microscope stage and an imaging optics, an integrated sample chamber located within the microscope housing and formed by a separated housing section within the microscope housing. The housing section has a lid which provides direct access to the microscope stage for placing the sample in the sample chamber. The housing section has an interface for connection of an external incubation environment conditioning unit to the sample chamber. The interface is configured to provide a connection between the external incubation environment conditioning unit and the sample chamber, such that the environmental conditions in the sample chamber can be controlled when the external incubation environment conditioning unit is connected to the interface.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a lens unit capable of being moved along an optical axis of the optical assembly. The lens unit includes a lens mount for holding at least one lens. The optical assembly further includes a sleeve for receiving the lens mount. The lens mount is in sliding contact with and movable in relation to the sleeve as the lens unit is moved along the optical axis. The lens mount is formed of or comprises at its outer surface a self-lubricating material, and/or the sleeve is formed of or comprises at its inner surface a self-lubricating material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope for microscopic examination of a sample comprising a microscope housing enclosing an illumination optics, a microscope stage and an imaging optics, an integrated sample chamber located within the microscope housing and formed by a separated housing section within said microscope housing, the housing section comprising a lid providing direct access to the microscope stage for placing the sample in the sample chamber, wherein said housing section comprises an interface for connection of an external incubation environment conditioning unit to the sample chamber, the interface being configured to provide a connection between said external incubation environment conditioning unit and the sample chamber, such that the environmental conditions in the sample chamber can be controlled when the external incubation environment conditioning unit is connected to the interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope (10, 50) having a specimen stage (12) movable in an X direction and/or a Y direction and having an objective turret (16), the microscope (10, 50) encompassing a first drive unit (14a) with which the specimen stage (12) is movable in the X direction, a second drive unit (14b) with which the specimen stage (12) is movable in the Y direction, and/or a third drive unit (14c) with which the objective turret (16) is rotatable. The connections between the drive units (14a, 14b, 14c) and the specimen stage or the objective turret (16) are respectively embodied as a frictional connection.

Abstract: A microscope includes a housing having a first opening and at least one second opening. A fluorescence device having exchangeable fluorescence cubes is arranged in a space enclosed by the housing. The fluorescence device is accessible through each of the first opening and the at least one second opening such that a total of at least two openings are provided, via each of which the fluorescence device is accessible and via each of which the fluorescence cubes of the fluorescence device are exchangeable.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a retainer (100) for sample carriers (P1-P4) of different shapes and sizes. The retainer includes a retaining plane (110) for receiving the sample carrier; at least three respectively movably mounted stop elements (120), each of the stop elements (120) having at least one stop surface (121) which is embodied to be adjusted, by movement of the stop element (120), against the sample carrier (P1-P4); at least three securing elements (125), a securing element (125) being associated with each of the at least three stop elements (120); each of the at least three securing elements (125) configured to secure the associated stop element (120) immovably on the retainer, and configured to be conveyable into a first position in which the associated stop element (120) is movable, and to be conveyable into a second position in which the associated stop element is secured immovably on the retainer.

Abstract: A changing apparatus for a microscope (10) comprises a carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350) supported rotatably around a rotation axis (R), having a first coupling part (52), and at least one optical element (100, 200, 300, 400) having a second coupling part (102) that is couplable to the first coupling part (52) for releasable mounting of the optical element (100, 200, 300, 400) on the carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350). The first coupling part (52) comprises a first mechanical coding structure (56) and the second coupling part (102) comprises a second mechanical coding structure (104) that, in a predetermined installation alignment toward the first coding structure (56), is complementary thereto and, in that installation alignment, is placeable onto the first coding structure (56) perpendicularly to the rotation axis (R) of the carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a retainer (100) for sample carriers (P1-P4) of different shapes and sizes. The retainer includes a retaining plane (110) for receiving the sample carrier; at least three respectively movably mounted stop elements (120), each of the stop elements (120) having at least one stop surface (121) which is embodied to be adjusted, by movement of the stop element (120), against the sample carrier (P1-P4); at least three securing elements (125), a securing element (125) being associated with each of the at least three stop elements (120); each of the at least three securing elements (125) configured to secure the associated stop element (120) immovably on the retainer, and configured to be conveyable into a first position in which the associated stop element (120) is movable, and to be conveyable into a second position in which the associated stop element is secured immovably on the retainer.

Abstract: A changing apparatus for a microscope (10) comprises a carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350) supported rotatably around a rotation axis (R), having a first coupling part (52), and at least one optical element (100, 200, 300, 400) having a second coupling part (102) that is couplable to the first coupling part (52) for releasable mounting of the optical element (100, 200, 300, 400) on the carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350). The first coupling part (52) comprises a first mechanical coding structure (56) and the second coupling part (102) comprises a second mechanical coding structure (104) that, in a predetermined installation alignment toward the first coding structure (56), is complementary thereto and, in that installation alignment, is placeable onto the first coding structure (56) perpendicularly to the rotation axis (R) of the carrying body (50, 150, 250, 350).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for modifying the distance between a microscope table and a microscope objective. The vertical adjusting mechanism of the microscope table encompasses a eccentric member which is rotatable about a shaft. At least one actuating button is mounted on the shaft. The eccentric member is embodied such that the microscope table can be subjected to a fine or rough vertical adjustment using of the eccentric member and a monolithic actuating button.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for modifying the distance between a microscope table (10) and a microscope objective (8). The vertical adjusting mechanism of the microscope table (10) encompasses a cam (50) which is rotatable about a shaft (26). At least one actuating button (25) is mounted on said shaft (26). The cam (50) is embodied such that the microscope table (10) can be subjected to a fine or rough vertical adjustment by means of the cam (50) and a monolithic actuating button (50).