With Plural Optical Axes Patents (Class 359/372)
  • Patent number: 7770689
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic lens configuration permitting the production of an acoustic field from low frequency ultrasound waves with predictable regions of energy concentration. The lens comprises at least three adjacent convex surface contours. Each surface contour corresponds to an arc of an ellipse. The first surface contour is within the center of the lens and is flanked by two adjacent contours. The flanking contours correspond to arcs from two symmetrical ellipses having semi-latus rectums at least equal to the semi-latus rectum of the ellipse to which the first, central, contour corresponds. The contours of the lens are arranged such that the flanking contours extend past the first contour by positioning the contours so that if the ellipses to which they correspond were drawn the ellipses of the flanking contours directly adjacent to the first contour would have their centers aligned on a plane parallel to and not below the major or minor axis of the ellipse of the first contour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Bacoustics, LLC
    Inventor: Eilaz Babaev
  • Publication number: 20100118269
    Abstract: This invention discloses an apparatus that is attached to the objective lens of a microscope to split its field of view into at least two. In one embodiment, a mirrored gonio lens is snapped to the objective of an ophthalmic surgical microscope to provide a view of the eye's anterior surface and a view of the eye's anterior chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: CLARITY MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: William Shea, Phillip Baker, Barry Linder
  • Publication number: 20100118297
    Abstract: A microscope includes an object splitter configured to split the object image into a first optical path and a second optical path, a first imaging module positioned on the first path and a second imaging module positioned on the second path. The object splitter includes a first beam splitter configured to direct an illumination light to an object, an objective lens configured to collect the reflected light from the object and couple the reflected light on the first beam splitter, and a second beam splitter configured to split the reflected light into the first optical path and the second optical path, wherein the distance between the object and the objective lens is constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: STAR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: YONG YU LIU, CHOON LEONG LOU
  • Publication number: 20100097692
    Abstract: A movable objective lens assembly that includes an infinity-corrected objective lens providing the microscope with an optical field of view. The assembly permits the imaging of a specimen under investigation over an area of the specimen much larger than the field of view of the objective lens without moving the microscope and/or a specimen stage relative to one another. The assembly includes a mirror system and the linearly movable infinity-corrected objective lens. The mirror system includes a plurality of mirrors that provide a folded optical path that allows the objective lens to be moved relative to the specimen without moving the entire microscope. The mirror system and the objective lens are pivotably mounted relative to the rest of the microscope so as to allow the objective lens to be located substantially anywhere within a circular, or circular-sectoral, viewing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: MICROBRIGHTFIELD, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob R. Glaser, Christoph Schmitz, Jeffrey H. Sprenger
  • Patent number: 7688503
    Abstract: A microscopy system allows to superimpose a light optically generated microscopic image of an object with an electronically generated image. The electronically generated image is composed of two input images, one of which is independent of optical settings of an ocular tube, such as a rotational position and a magnification thereof, and the other input image is dependent of the optical setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Stiftung
    Inventors: Karlheinz Hermann, Frank Rudolph, Martin Schneider, Joachim Steffen, Michael Wirth
  • Publication number: 20100020391
    Abstract: The observation device includes a micro optical system and a macro optical system. The observation device is configured in such a way that the micro and macro optical systems share an image position and that the first pupil position of the micro optical system and the second pupil position of the macro optical system substantially coincide with one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7649685
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for a stereomicroscope, having an illumination apparatus (20) whose light lies in a regulatable spectral region. This illumination apparatus can be freely supplemented by at least one further illumination apparatus (30) whose light lies in likewise regulatable spectral regions identical to or different therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Roger Spink
  • Patent number: 7639357
    Abstract: To provide a laser scanning microscope capable of enhancing the degree of freedom of observation while keeping its structure simple. Accordingly, a laser scanning microscope includes a light source, a spectroscopic unit guiding light from the light source to a specimen and guiding the light from the specimen to a detector, light path switching units switching a light path between the spectroscopic unit and the specimen to one among a plurality of light paths with different routes, and a plurality of light deflecting units each disposed in each of the plurality of light paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Hisashi Okugawa
  • Publication number: 20090316258
    Abstract: There is provided a microscope device comprising: means for creating a collimated beam of light collected from a sample and comprising at least a first spectral range and a second spectral range, means for separating the collimated beam into a first beam containing a higher percentage of light of the first spectral range than light of the second spectral range and a second beam containing a lower percentage of light of the first spectral range than light of the second spectral range, means for reflecting the first beam, means for reflecting the second beam, means for combining the first beam and the second beam, a detector, and means for imaging the combined first and second beam onto the detector in order to create an image of the sample on the detector, wherein the means for reflecting the first beam and the means for reflecting the second beam are arranged in such a manner that the image created by the first beam and the image created by the second beam are shifted relative to each other on the detector, w
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicants: TILL I.D., LUDWIGS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAET MUENCHEN
    Inventor: Rainer UHL
  • Patent number: 7580185
    Abstract: A microscopy system and method allow observing a fluorescent substance accumulated in a tissue. The tissue can be observed at a same time both with visible light and with fluorescent light. It is possible to observe a series of previously recorded fluorescent light images in superposition with the visible light images. An end of the series of images may be automatically determined. A thermal protective filter may be inserted into a beam path of an illuminating system at such automatically determined end of the series. Further, the fluorescent light image may be analyzed for identifying a coherent fluorescent portion thereof. A representation of a periphery line of the coherent portion may be generated, and depths profile data may be obtained only from the coherent portion. An illuminating light beam for exciting the fluorescence may be modulated for improving a contrast of fluorescent images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Surgical GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Haisch, Christoph Hauger, Gerhard Gaida, Andreas Raabe
  • Patent number: 7538940
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tube (3) for a microscope (1), in which at least two beam paths are provided, wherein a change-over device is provided in the tube (3), by means of which device a first (5) or a second flat-field optical element can be rotated and/or moved selectively into the beam paths (2) of the beam paths (8) aligned by an objective (7), for aligning the beam paths for an observer, wherein the second flat-field optical element has a function of exchanging the beam paths and inverting the image. Further, the invention concerns a microscope (1) with such a tube (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventor: Franz Merz
  • Publication number: 20090128897
    Abstract: A microscope comprises an object splitter and a plurality of image-outputting devices configured to receive object images. The object splitter includes a first beam splitter configured to direct an illumination light to an object, a positive lens configured to collect a reflected light from the object and focus the reflected light on the first beam splitter, a second beam splitter configured to split the reflected light into a plurality of optical paths and a plurality of negative lenses positioned on the optical paths to render object images. A probing apparatus for an integrated circuit device comprises at least one probe pin configured to contact a pad of the integrated circuit device and a microscope including an object splitter and a plurality of image-outputting devices configured to receive images from the object splitter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Star Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Yu Liu, Choon Leong Lou
  • Publication number: 20090109524
    Abstract: An assistant microscope as an add-on device for a surgical microscope (1) comprises at least one objective (22) that is inclined relative to an object plane (10) with an object field (10?), in which the objective defines an objective plane (22?) and an objective axis (16?) perpendicular thereto forming an angle ? of larger than 0° to the surface normal of the object plane (10). The light microscope further comprises a tube (23) and at least one eyepiece (24) having at least one eyepiece lens (27) which defines an eyepiece plane (27?) and an eyepiece axis (35) arranged perpendicular thereto. Due to the oblique viewing angle onto the object plane (10), an intermediate image plane (26) to be imaged by the eyepiece (24) is inclined relative to the objective plane (22?), on a conventional microscope it no longer corresponds to the nominal intermediate image plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: LEICA MICROSYSTEMS (SCHWEIZ) AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Sander
  • Publication number: 20090073552
    Abstract: A laser scanning microscope is disclosed that combines light from first and second scanning optical systems onto a common optical path using a beam combiner. A first plane-parallel transparent plate and a beam combiner are positioned on a support that may be moved relative to the common optical path. The first plane-parallel transparent plate has an optical thickness equal to the optical thickness of the beam combiner and is oriented with its surface normal lying substantially parallel with the surface normal of the beam combiner. An astigmatism-correcting optical element is provided on the common optical path, with the astigmatism-correcting optical element generating astigmatism that is equal in magnitude, but different in direction by 90 degrees, to the astigmatism generated by non-collimated light that is transmitted through the beam combiner. When the support is repositioned, spherical aberration in various light paths is maintained constant so that it may be easily corrected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eiji Yokoi
  • Patent number: 7505199
    Abstract: A microscope lens barrel includes an input port where observation light enters the microscope lens barrel; a plurality of output ports which the observation light goes out of the microscope lens barrel; an optical-path switching mechanism which selectively switches an optical path of the observation light to guide the observation light from the input port to at least one of the output ports; and a supporting part which supports the optical-path switching mechanism. The input port, the output ports, and the supporting part are integrally formed as a tubular body frame so that the input port, the output ports, and the supporting part are arranged at respective center positions of sidewalls of the tubular body frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Madoka Ito
  • Publication number: 20090059361
    Abstract: An imaging device and method of a bonding apparatus in which the imaging device includes: a high-magnification optical system having first and second high-magnification optical paths that extend to a common imaging plane through a high-magnification lens and have different optical path lengths from the high-magnification lens to the common imaging plane correspondingly to multiple subject imaging ranges which are at different distances from the high-magnification lens; a shutter for opening one of the two high-magnification optical paths and closing the other one; and a low-magnification optical system having a low-magnification optical path that extends to an imaging plane through a low-magnification lens and having a field of view wider than those of the high-magnification optical paths. The imaging element on the imaging plane in the high-magnification optical system images semiconductor chips, while the imaging element on the imaging plane in the low-magnification optical system images a lead frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Shigeru Hayata
  • Publication number: 20090059215
    Abstract: A system is provided herein for inspecting a specimen. In one embodiment, the system may include a dual-channel microscope, two illuminators, each coupled for illuminating a different channel of the dual-channel microscope and two detectors, each coupled to a different channel of the dual-channel microscope for acquiring images of the specimen. Means are provided for separating the channels of the dual-channel microscope, so that the two detectors can acquire the images of the specimen at substantially the same time. In one embodiment, the channels of the dual-channel microscope may be spectrally separated by configuring the two illuminators, so that they produce light in two substantially non-overlapping spectral ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Courosh Mehanian, Hans J. Hansen, Yingjian Wang, Yuval Ben-Dov, Zheng-Wu Li, Andrew V. Hill, Mehdi Vaez-Iravani, Kurt Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7473894
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for a scanning probe microscope, comprising a measuring assembly which includes a lateral shifting unit to displace a probe in a plane, a vertical shifting unit to displace the probe in a direction perpendicular to the plane, and a specimen support to receive a specimen. A condenser light path is formed through the measuring assembly so that the specimen support is located in the area of an end of the condenser light path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: JPK Instruments AG
    Inventors: Detlef Knebel, Torsten Jähnke, Olaf Sünwoldt
  • Patent number: 7463396
    Abstract: The invention concerns a confocal optical scanning device comprising a mobile scanning mirror, reflection on one side 101(b) compensating reflection on the opposite side 101(a) after passing through an array of microscopic holes. The invention is applicable to rapid 3D and 2D microscopy, in biology and in the study of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Vincent Lauer
  • Publication number: 20080297890
    Abstract: Various kinds of observation can be accurately realized using different types of image-acquisition unit. Low-magnification observation is possible and return light from a single specimen is acquired by a plurality of image-acquisition units. The invention provides an observation apparatus including an illumination light source for emitting illumination light for irradiating a specimen mounted on a stage; an objective lens for collecting return light from the specimen; an image-forming lens for imaging the return light collected by the objective lens; an image-acquisition unit for acquiring the return light imaged by the image-forming lens; and an attaching-and-detaching mechanism for attaching and detaching the image-acquisition unit in such a manner that the image-acquisition unit is capable of being positionally aligned with an optical axis of the image-forming lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuaki NATORI, Susumu Honda
  • Publication number: 20080266656
    Abstract: A microscope having a night vision apparatus, which apparatus can be impinged upon by beam paths proceeding from a specimen or object to be observed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: LEICA MICROSYSTEMS (SCHWEIZ) AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Sander
  • Publication number: 20080247037
    Abstract: An objective changer for a telescope-type stereomicroscope which has two telescope systems whose entrance-side beam paths are oriented parallel to one another comprises a carrier and an objective holder which is held at the carrier so as to be movable relative to the carrier between a first stereoscopic working position and a second stereoscopic working position and a third working position. The objective holder has at least a first and a second receptacle for stereo objectives and a third receptacle for an additional objective. The two telescope system beam paths penetrate one of the receptacles for the stereo objectives at least in the stereoscopic working positions when the objective changer is arranged at the stereomicroscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Detlef Hein, Peter Huettel
  • Patent number: 7405875
    Abstract: A system microscope has a specimen mounting part which mounts a specimen, an inverted microscope including an illumination path which radiates illumination light from under the specimen mounting part, and an observation optical path which acquires detection light emitted from the specimen to which the illumination light is radiated, a microscope with upright frame including an illumination path which radiates illumination light from above the specimen mounting part, and an observation optical path which acquires detection light emitted from the specimen to which the illumination light is radiated, and a driving unit which moves at least one of the inverted microscope and the microscope with upright frame in a plane perpendicular to the observation optical path of the inverted microscope or the microscope with upright frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Honda, Yasushi Aono
  • Patent number: 7394979
    Abstract: A camera adapter for optical devices, in particular microscopes. The present solution includes a camera adapter which enables any video cameras and photographic cameras to connect to an existing image out-coupling system, e.g., the beam splitter of a microscope. The adapter can also be used for stereo microscopes. The camera adapter is arranged between the image out-coupling element and the camera. Its housing has two connection pieces. The microscope-side connection piece has a quick-change device and the camera-side connection piece has a filter thread. The technical solution provides a camera adapter for connecting digital cameras to a microscope. By using intermediate rings, the camera adapter is suitable for different cameras and facilitates exchange of cameras. The camera can be positioned in such a way that the observer can view the object through the eyepiece as well as on the camera monitor without substantially changing his/her sitting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Egon Luther, Ingo Koschmieder, Jan Buchheister, Eberhard Hofmann, Mario Gerlach, Stephan Ruehling
  • Patent number: 7379239
    Abstract: A zero-degree assistant's device for a microscope has a tube carrier (2) for the principal observer's tube, an interface (5) for the microscope body, an assistant's module (6), pivotable about an axis (4), having an interface (7) for an assistant's tube, and having a retaining device (8, 12) for releasing and immobilizing the assistant's module (6), the tube carrier (2) for the principal observer's tube being mounted tiltably about a rotation axis (10) in such a way that tilting of the tube carrier (2) for the principal observer's tube into a tilted position makes possible unrestricted pivoting of the assistant's module (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Peter Strobel, Heinz Suhner, Lothar Knuenz
  • Patent number: 7369306
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image reversion system (500) which enables an image reversion and beam transposition of a plurality of observation beam paths (503a, 503b, 504a and 504b) to be carried out simultaneously. The system includes at least one Porro prism system and is designed in such a way that it can be arranged in a convergent beam path. The inventive system is suitable as an image reversion system in an ancillary module for operational microscopes used in ophthalmoscopy due to the low overall height thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
    Inventors: Fritz Straehle, Peter Reimer, Klaus Gottwaldt, Franz Merz
  • Publication number: 20080099661
    Abstract: A focusing method is provided for the high speed digitalization of microscope slides using an imaging device, wherein the slide is divided into fields of view according to the imaging device and focusing is performed. During rough focusing, several images are captured within the focus range using large focus steps. On the basis of this set of images the position of the best contrast is determined. Fine focusing is performed by adjusting the focus according to the focus distance already determined for another field of view and by focusing with fine steps. A slide displacing device is provided, which enables the displacement of a slide parallel to the optical axis. The slide displacing device includes slide holding elements affixed to one side of a supporting member having two parallel sides, which are connected by stiffening elements defining at least two parallel planes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: 3Distech Kft
    Inventors: Tibor Virag, Attila Laszlo, Bela Molnar, Attila Tagscherer, Viktor Sebestyen Varga
  • Patent number: 7342717
    Abstract: The present invention relates to two new wave field microscopes, type I and type II, which are distinguished by the fact that they each have an illumination and excitation system, which include at least one real and one virtual illumination source, and at least one objective lens (in the case of type II), i.e., two objective lenses (in the case of type I), with the illumination sources and objective lenses being so positioned with respect to one another that they are suited for generating one-, two-, and three-dimensional standing wave fields in the object space. The calibration method in accordance with the present invention is adapted to this wave field microscopy and permits geometric distance measurements between fluorochrome-labeled object structures, whose distance can be less than the width at half maximum intensity of the effective point spread function. The invention relates moreover to a method of wave-field microscopic DNA sequencing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Ruprecht Karts Universitaet Heidelberg
    Inventors: Michael Hausmann, Christoph Cremer, Joachim Bradl, Bernhard Schneider
  • Patent number: 7315413
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a microscope includes a light source portion that projects a light beam, two splitting elements that split the light beam into three, wavelength selection elements that independently select transmission wavelengths of the three light beams, shutters that independently shield or guide the three light beams, a first combining element that combines optical paths of two light beams, a second combining element that combines an optical path of the remaining light beam with a combined optical path, a pinhole that is located on an optical path between the first and second combining elements and has an aperture that selectively transmits only part of a light beam, and a projection optical system that applies a light beam from the second combining element to a sample and, when applying a light beam from the pinhole to the sample, projects the aperture of the pinhole onto the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignees: Riken, Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Miyawaki, Takashi Fukano, Yasushi Aono
  • Publication number: 20070285768
    Abstract: An obtainment unit obtains microscopic images in a time series obtained by picking up images of a specimen as a motion image and also obtains microscope information that is information correlated with each of the microscopic images and the information that indicates an observation state of the microscope when the microscopic image has been picked up. An image synthesis unit synthesizes individual microscopic images constituting the motion image based on position information which is included in the microscope information and which indicate positions of the specimen when the microscopic image has been picked up, thereby synthesizing a wider view image than the microscopic image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kawanabe, Takashi Yoneyama, Tetsuya Shirota
  • Patent number: 7248293
    Abstract: An image-sensing apparatus has a zoom lens system for forming an optical image of an object with variable magnification, which zoom lens system includes a plurality of lens units and achieves zooming by varying distances between the lens units, and an image sensor for converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system into an electrical signal. The zoom lens system has, from the object side, a first lens unit that has a positive optical power, includes a reflective member for turning the optical path, and is kept stationary relative to the image sensor during zooming, a second lens unit that is disposed on the image side of the first lens unit and has a negative optical power, an aperture stop that is disposed on the image side of the second lens unit and is kept stationary relative to the image sensor during zooming, and at least one lens unit that is disposed on the image side of the aperture stop and is moved relative to the image sensor during zooming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshito Iwasawa
  • Patent number: 7244396
    Abstract: A method of screening solution conditions suitable for the crystallization of macromolecules with a picogram to a microgram of protein using picoliter or nanoliter volumes is provided. A preferred method comprises preparing a plurality of recipe solutions in milliliter volumes, aspirating protein and recipe solutions, respectively, from a plurality of wells, and dispensing the protein and recipe solutions into a plurality of wells, covering the combined protein and recipe solutions with oil, and maintaining the solution wells until crystallization or precipitation occur therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: UAB Research Foundation
    Inventors: Arnon Chait, Lawrence DeLucas, Brad Stoops, Alexander Belgovskiy
  • Patent number: 7242521
    Abstract: An optical head for confocal microscopy that is especially advantageous for measurements on thick samples is provided. An interface between the optical head and the sample is index matched, to avoid beam aberration at this interface. The optical head includes a window having a convex surface facing away from the sample, so that light beams crossing this convex surface do so at or near normal incidence and are therefore not significantly aberrated. The window is rotationally symmetric about an axis perpendicular to the interface between the head and the sample. The head also includes at least two optical fibers, which can be used for input and/or output. Beams passing to and/or from the fibers are collimated by collimators. A single focusing element couples all the collimated beams to focused beams which pass through the window to intersect within a target region of the sample as confocal beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: Optical Biopsy Technologies, Inc., The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Michael J. Mandella, Gordon S. Kino, Ning Y. Chan
  • Patent number: 7180689
    Abstract: A lens tube of a microscope includes a plurality of observation ports, and first and second optical path switching portions that move relative to each other for switching an optical path to an arbitrary one of the observation ports. The first optical path switching portion can switch for guiding light from a specimen to the second optical path switching portion through a first optical element of the first optical path switching portion, or for guiding the light to the second optical path switching portion iwthout passing through the first optical element. The second optical path switching portion can switch for guiding the light from the first optical path switching portion to an arbitrary one of the observation ports through a second optical element of the second optical path switching portion, or for guiding the light to an arbitrary one of the observation ports without passing through the second optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Shinada
  • Patent number: 7180542
    Abstract: Imaging lens device has a zoom lens system and an image sensor. The zoom lens system has a first reflecting surface, a first movable lens unit, an aperture stop, a second reflecting surface, a second movable lens unit. A first reflecting surface bends a first optical axis which is an incident optical axis of the zoom lens system 90 degrees into a second optical axis. A second reflecting surface bends the second optical axis 90 degrees into a third optical axis. The first optical axis, the second optical axis and the third optical axis are mutually perpendicular. The first movable lens unit and the aperture stop are disposed on the second optical axis. The second movable lens unit is disposed on the third optical axis. During zooming, the first and second reflecting surfaces and the aperture stop are stationary; the first and second movable lens units are moved, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshito Iwasawa, Kazuaki Matsui, Yoshihiro Hara, Akira Kosaka, Sadanobu Ueda, Satoshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 7170558
    Abstract: A digital camera which allows to make thickness, height and width of its camera body small. The camera has a first optical member for generally perpendicularly bending a first optical axis of light coming from an object through a lens opening part, a second optical member for bending a second optical axis of light coming from the first optical member, and an image taking element having a light receiving surface for receiving a third optical axis of light coming from the second optical member in which the light receiving surface crosses the third optical axis of light. The third optical axis of light is included in a plane which is different from a plane including both of the first optical axis of light and the second optical axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yokota, Akira Kosaka, Toshiyuki Tanaka, Yoshihiro Hara, Kazuaki Matsui, Sadanobu Ueda, Yoshito Iwasawa
  • Patent number: 7139121
    Abstract: This projection microscope (10) includes an elongate support member (12) carrying a stage assembly (22) between its ends, the stage assembly (22) having opposed sides and an associated specimen holder (28). A light emitting source (24) and a light receiving point (26) are spaced from the stage assembly (22), the linear distance between them defining an optical path (100). An adjustable mirror assembly (18, 19) is carried at one end of the support member (12) including laterally spaced first and second mirrors (18, 19), the first mirror (18) receiving light from the light emitting source (24) and the second mirror (19) directing light to the light receiving point (26). An objective lens assembly (30) is disposed between the stage assembly (22) and the first mirror (18), and a secondary lens (40) is disposed between the second mirror (19) and the light receiving point (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Quickmate Company, Inc
    Inventors: Alan W. Bogle, Russell H. Bogle
  • Patent number: 7130115
    Abstract: A multi-mode scanning imaging system. The system includes a plurality of sets of optical elements and a scanning mechanism. Each set is disposed with respect to a corresponding image plane and configured to image respective portions of an object. A scanning mechanism produces relative translation between the sets and the object so as to scan the object. Sets of image sensors corresponding to the sets of optical elements are adapted to capture image data representative of the respective portions of the object. A mode implementation system coordinates the image data according to one or more desired modes of operation of the imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Dhetrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Artur G. Olszak, Chen Liang, Michael R. Descour
  • Patent number: 7106504
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stereo microscope, which as a microscope used for operations comprises a viewing output for a surgeon (41) and at least one additional viewing output for an assistant (40). The stereo microscope is characterized by shutters (17a to 20b) for selectively screening off object information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Roger Spink, Olivier Déverin, legal representative, Benno Moser, Jürgen Mannss, Jacques Alain Déverin, deceased
  • Patent number: 7085045
    Abstract: A stereoscopic microscope is disclosed that includes an objective lens which substantially collimates light from an object of interest, left and right afocal zooming systems, left and right afocal relay systems, and an ocular tube optical system which forms magnified images of the object. The optical axis of the objective lens is substantially normal to a plane that includes the optical axes of the left and right afocal zooming systems, a beam splitter is arranged in each optical path between the left and right afocal zooming systems and said ocular tube optical system, and in each optical path between the left and right afocal zooming systems and the ocular tube optical system, there is at least one region between the beam splitter and the ocular tube optical system where the optical axes of light fluxes from an observation object point intersect. Preferably, there are additional regions of intersecting light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Toyoharu Hanzawa, Kazuo Morita, Yasushi Namii
  • Patent number: 7075717
    Abstract: A comparison optical system (1) having an illumination system for specimens, the comparison optical system (1) being equipped with several macroscopes (2a, 2b). The macroscopes (2a, 2b) are connected to one another via a bridge (3). Each macroscope (2a, 2b) is connected to an attachment device (25a, 25b) for the illumination system. The attachment device (25a, 25b) is constructed from several movable arms (30, 32, 35) and an adjustable holder (37) for a light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems CMS GmbH
    Inventors: Claudia Gluch, Horst Frimmel, Christian Woditschka
  • Patent number: 7076286
    Abstract: First sensing means senses the three-dimensional position of a microscope, with an operating site as the origin. Second sensing means senses the three dimensional position of a surgical instrument with respect to the microscope. On the basis of the sensing results of the first sensing means and second sensing means, computing means calculates the three-dimensional position of the surgical instrument, with the operating site as the origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Mizoguchi, Masahiko Kinukawa, Takashi Fukaya
  • Patent number: 7057807
    Abstract: Microscope, particularly a stereomicroscope, for simultaneous observation of an object by a first and a second observer, comprising a main objective (2) having an optical axis (2a); an optical viewing path; a plurality of deflector elements (5, 6, 7) for deflecting the optical viewing path into a first plane I extending at an angle to the optical axis of the main objective and subsequently into a second plane II substantially parallel to and above the first plane I; an uncoupling device (7) in the optical viewing path for uncoupling an optical viewing path of the second observer from an optical viewing path of the first observer; and a deflector element (20) for deflecting the optical viewing path of the second observer into a third plane III which extends substantially parallel to the first and second planes I, II, wherein the second plane II is located between the first plane I and the third plane III.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microysstems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Sander
  • Patent number: 7022985
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for a scanning probe microscope, comprising a measuring assembly which includes a lateral shifting unit to displace a probe in a plane, a vertical shifting unit to displace the probe in a direction perpendicular to the plane, and a specimen support to receive a specimen. A condenser light path is formed through the measuring assembly so that the specimen support is located in the area of an end of the condenser light path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: JPK Instruments AG
    Inventors: Detlef Knebel, Torsten Jähnke, Olaf Sünwoldt
  • Patent number: 7002738
    Abstract: A stereomicroscope includes a binocular tube for a pair of main stereo beam paths and an assistant's tube for an assistant's beam path. The assistant's tube can swivel about an axis of the assistant's beam path in a plane parallel to the main stereo beam paths. One or more optical beam splitters divert the assistant's beam path to the assistant's tube via the back of the housing of the stereomicroscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventors: Max Sturgis, Ulrich Sander
  • Patent number: 6972900
    Abstract: Microscope, particularly a stereomicroscope, for simultaneous observation by a first and a second observer, comprising a main objective (2) defining an optical axis (2a) and an optical beam path (17) following a direction of the optical axis (2a); a magnification system (12, 13) mounted after the main objective (2); a beam splitter device (5) mounted after the main objective (2) for deflecting a first partial optical beam path (17a) into a first plane (I) of the microscope, and for transmitting a second partial optical beam path (17b) in the direction of the optical axis (2a); a plurality of deflector elements (6a, 6b) for deflecting the first partial optical beam path (17a) out of the first plane (I) and into a second plane (II) of the microscope extending substantially parallel to the first plane (I); and a further deflector element (6c) for deflecting the second partial optical beam path (17b) into a third plane (III) of the microscope extending substantially parallel to the first and second planes (I, II)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Sander
  • Patent number: 6947211
    Abstract: The invention concerns a surgical microscope having a stand and having an optics carrier (7a) joined movably to the stand and mounted movably with respect to the stand. The optics carrier (7a) is mounted, in the region of its center of gravity, pivotably about at least one axis (17a) with respect to a pivot support (6a) of the stand. At least one of the pivot axes (17a) is constituted virtually by the center of an arc-segment-shaped guidance element (10a) that coacts with a guide carriage (11a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Leica Microsystems (Schweiz) AG
    Inventor: Andrzej Metelski
  • Patent number: 6839179
    Abstract: An optical imaging system with a first imaging lens, a field stop, and a second imaging lens configured to reduce the amount of dead space between images of samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventor: Steven J. Boege
  • Publication number: 20040268445
    Abstract: Methods and systems for three-dimensionally imaging an apical dome located at the cotyledon end of a plant embryo are provided. Three-dimensional information of an apical dome can be obtained by scanning the apical dome at varying focal planes along an axis of the embryo, or by using multiple cameras arranged in a confocal manner to image the apical dome. It can also be obtained by irradiating the apical dome with polychromatic light, wherein light beams of multiple wavelengths are focused at multiple focal planes along the axis of the embryo so that the dome's height information can be obtained based on the wavelength of the light precisely focused and reflected at each surface point of the dome. The three-dimensional information is used to ascertain various morphological features (e.g., size, shape, texture, etc.) of the apical dome, which are in turn used to assess the embryo's germinant vigor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: William Carlson, Edwin Hirahara, Paul Roger Spencer
  • Patent number: RE38847
    Abstract: Caged reagent release experiments are carried out by introducing laser light of a laser light source for the Caged reagent release of a first reflected illumination optical system light path into a sample side through a first dichroic mirror on a cube turret and also introducing excitation light of a mercury lamp for the excitation light irradiation of a third reflected illumination optical system light path into the sample side through a first dichroic mirror on a slider. Laser trap experiments are carried out by introducing excitation light of a mercury lamp for the excitation light irradiation of a second reflected illumination optical system light path into the sample side through a second dichroic mirror on the cube turrent and also introducing laser light from the laser light source for the laser trap of the third reflected illumination optical system light path into the sample side through a second dichroic mirror on the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Nonoda, Yasushi Aono, Katsuyuki Abe