Abstract: A universal folding condenser (1) with a support plate (4), which is fastened on the microscope and has an arm (4') angled off through 90.degree., is described. Arranged in the support plate (4) is a fixed lens (5). Above the support plate (4) there is provided a first, rectangularly shaped swivel arm (7) with a condenser head and a lens element (2) for optional introduction into the path of the illuminating beam (11). Arranged underneath the support (4) is a second, rectangularly shaped swivel arm (8) with a second lens element (3). The two swivel arms (7, 8) are forcibly coupled by means of a shifting linkage (6) in such a way that, for objectives with low magnification, the two lens elements (2, 3) are introduced into the path of the illuminating beam (11) and, for objectives with high magnification, only the condenser head is introduced into the path of the illuminating beam (11).

Abstract: A video microscope capable of optionally and continuously varying image pickup magnifying power of an observed object over a wide range without requiring replacement of a lens. A lens barrel in which a lens system is arranged is slidably positionally adjusted relative to an observation stand in which an illuminating light source is arranged by means of an objective distance adjusting mechanism, to thereby adjust a relative distance between the observed object and an objective side of the lens system. Also, a cylinder of a video signal converting section in which a two-dimensional CCD element is provided is slidably positionally adjusted relative to the lens barrel by means of an enlargement (reduction) magnification and focus adjusting mechanism, resulting in desired magnifying power of the observed object being readily obtained.

Abstract: An illumination system for optical equipment, such as an operating microscope, includes at least two separate illuminating beam paths, a first light source, and a lamp housing. At least one additional light source is provided on a rotatable lamp quick-change attachment. When the first light source fails, the first light source is automatically replaced with the additional light source.

Abstract: Illuminating apparatus for a microscope comprising a light source and fil changer which is arranged in a beam path between the light source and a specimen location of the microscope. The light source and the filter changer are arranged in a unit spatially and mechanically separate from the microscope and the beam path between the filter changer and the microscope includes a flexible fiber light guide.

Abstract: An adapter which can be easily attached to and detached from the body and objective lens of a conventional microscope to provide fluorescence microscopy capability. The adapter includes (a) a main body which is for mounting between the objective lens and body of a microscope in the axis of the viewed light path, (b) a compact, high intensity light source disposed to a side of the viewed light path, which includes a condensing lens and an excitation filter, and (c) a dichroic mirror disposed at the intersection of the radial light path from the light source and the axial viewed light path, the mirror reflecting excitation wavelengths, but passing emission wavelengths, and (d) an emission filter disposed between the mirror and the microscope body, when the adapter is mounted in a microscope.

Abstract: An illumination system and method for providing real-time 3-D viewing and increased resolution, sharpness, depth of field, and perception of depth for a transmitted light microscope including a condenser lens having an optical axis, objective lens having an optical axis, and an eye piece, wherein a light beam path shift device enables two or more separate light beams to be directed onto the condenser along paths that are not coincident with the condenser lens optical axis and that produce beam exit paths from the condenser lens which are at maximum oblique angles relative to the objective lens axis which are within the objective lens aperture.

Abstract: A zoom lens is disclosed which makes use of a space between an inner tube and an operating ring which does not impair operability of the zoom lens. Light guides are disposed in the space and illumination systems are incorporated in the zoom lens.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic apparatus for the examination of biological material, in particular for the self-examination of a specimen containing substances which differ as a function of ovulation. The housing of the apparatus is designed such that the apparatus is of a size which allows the examining apparatus to be carried in the pockets of articles of clothing.

Abstract: A microscope slide illuminator for lighting a slide from the edges in a manner that limits light entering the microscope lens to light that is reflected or refracted by the specimen on the slide. The light source includes one or more fiber optic bundles with one end arranged in a fan like array aligned with the edge of a slide and the other end adopted to be connected to a lamp. The bundles are contained in a housing shaped to receive a slide.

Abstract: A microscope is provided with a supplementary means for producing a light spot in the object plane of the microscope objective lens. The supplementary means comprises a light source from which a collimated light beam is derived, a focusing lens receiving the collimated beam and a coupling lens disposed between the first lens and the objective lens. The supplementary means has the following features: the focal point of the focusing lens is in the plane of the image of a specimen in the object plane as obtained through the objective lens and the coupling lens, the light beam fills the clear aperture of the objective lens without substantial light loss and the light source and the focusing lens may be moved together to displace the light spot within or away from the object plane of the objective lens.

Abstract: An adapter which can be easily attached to and detached from the body and objective lens of a conventional microscope to provide fluorescence microscopy capability. The adapter includes (a) a main body which is for mounting between the objective lens and body of a microscope in the axis of the viewed light path, (b) a compact, high intensity light source disposed to a side of the viewed light path which includes a condensing lens and an excitation filter, and (c) a dichroic mirror disposed at the intersection of the radial light path from the light source and the axial viewed light path, the mirror reflects excitation wavelengths, but passes emission wavelengths, and (d) an emission filter disposed between the mirror and the microscope body when the adapter is mounted in a microscope.

Abstract: An illuminator for a microscope contains a source of light and the microscope has a stage with an opening for upward passage of light from the light source to illuminate a specimen on the stage. The housing defines a window for passage of light from the source through the opening in the stage for illuminating the specimen. The housing also includes first and second support arms, and the housing is adjustable both horizontally and vertically, e.g. relative to the opening in the microscope stage.

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.