Abstract: There is provided a three-dimensional object observing microscope which can easily observe a three-dimensional object in a three-dimensional manner. A three-dimensional object observing microscope comprising a table on which a three-dimensional object is placed, an imaging part which consists of an imaging lens and an imaging camera for imaging this three-dimensional object from an inclined upper position, and a casing which supports the imaging part rotatably in a horizontal direction and also integrally supports the table and the imaging part.

Abstract: A microscope stage providing improved optical performance. A carriage for supporting an object has a transparent portion for receiving the object and permitting trans-illumination thereof. A base supports the carriage, at least a portion of the base comprising a transparent material to permit illumination of the specimen there through. Bearings disposed between the base and the carriage support the carriage on the base and permit relative movement thereof. The base has a dovetail cross sectional shape with bearings between the top of the carriage and the base and between the sidewalls of the carriage and the base. A cover is coupled to the carriage so as to transfer force thereto without imparting a significant movement thereto. A mechanism connected to the cover for moving the carriage relative to the base is disposed at a position offset from the axis of lateral symmetry of the carriage and base.

Abstract: A comparison optical system (1) comprising several image-acquiring optical subsystems is disclosed. A bridge (3) mechanically and optically connects the optical subsystems to one another. Each of the image-acquiring optical subsystems possesses an XYZ stage (8a, 8b), movable in motorized fashion, on which a sample to be examined is placed. Also provided is a control unit which moves the XYZ stages (8a, 8b), movable in motorized fashion, synchronously in all three spatial directions. The synchronous motion of the XYZ stages (8a, 8b) can be switched on and off by the user.

Abstract: A magnetically positioned precision holder for optical components in an optical device comprises a carrier for replaceably holding at least one optical component. The carrier is arranged in positionally adjustable fashion in a housing recess including a precision stop surface. Magnet pairs (A1/A2 and B1/B2) are oriented with identical polarity being provided in order to achieve a continuous contact pressure of the carrier (2; 3) against the stop surface (6), in such a way that the one magnet (A1, B1) is located in the recess and the corresponding magnet (A2, B2) is located in the carrier. The use of identically poled magnet pairs for movable precision holders and for precision positioning systems is also proposed.

Abstract: A microscope system for detecting and compensating for changes within a recorded image content of a microscopic specimen is disclosed. A means for calculating signatures of a recorded multidimensional image (50) is provided. A means for calculating statistical signature parameters is also provided. Multiple positioning motors and/or actuators on the microscope receive from the software module control signals that can be ascertained from the signature parameters.

Abstract: A low profile stage having a specially configured channel for positioning a screw therein.

Abstract: The invention is a solid state process for analyzing genomes by visualizing sequence specific markers (e.g., proteins that bind a defined DNA sequence elements) by scanning probe microscopy. The method includes linear display of the nucleic acid on a solid surface, image acquisition by the scanning probe microscope, and digital data analysis. The acts of the method result in a bar code type display of each fragment of the DNA sample. These bar codes are then used to place the fragments in the order they appear on the original DNA sample.

Abstract: A lens module includes a non-cylinder lens and a clamping apparatus. The clamping apparatus includes a base, two side parts, and a top part. Two side parts are disposed on two ends of the base to form a containing trough for holding the lens. One end of the top part is connected to one side part and the other end is fixed on the other side part. Two screw holes on the top part allow two adjusting screws to be screwed into for pressing the lens. Two elastic devices provide the elasticity between the lens and the base and the relative height of two sides of the lens is adjusted by turning the two adjusting screws.

Abstract: An ergonomic adjustable microscope device comprising a second base pivotably attached to a first base positioned on a support surface is described. The device includes a mechanism for locking a microscope in a nonmovably mounted relationship on the upper surface of the second support base. Manually rotatable adjusting mechanisms located at each rearward corner of the second support base and at all four corners of the first base provide for selectively varying the rearward vertical height of the second support base and mounted microscope and the vertical height of the first base relative to the support surface, respectively, so that a user of the microscope is able to maintain a more neutral position in the neck, back, and shoulder areas.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an innovative micrometric measuring instrument which comprises a base, a flat entrainer, a microscope and a screen firmly engaged one another in a clustered construction instead of being constructed loosely and separately as that is usually seen in a conventional product. By means of up and down displacement of the microscope and 360° horizontally rotatable loading disc aided by two laser guides, the focusing of the objet can be rapidly carried out and the measurement is then worked out efficiently keeping upgraded working quality.

Abstract: An interactive microscope assembly wherein when a slide is placed on a holder a program will audibly identify the slide. A keypad is used to input the slide number and a built-in program provides relevant information. An indexing system is also provided which in conjunction with a series of buttons provides audio information relating the portion of the specimen to which the indexing system is directed.

Abstract: The invention is related to a mechanical x-y-axis adjustable stage, which is designed for microscopic electro-physiological studies. The stage adopted a three-layer flat-slab structure. The up-most layer was a bearing layer on which other equipment could be mounted. The middle layer and bottom layer were guide layers, and rails for x-axis or y-axis guiding were installed. In order to move the top layer smoothly along two-dimension relative to the bottom layer, the three layers were jointed using grooved rails. By moving the top layer accordingly along the x-axis and y-axis, biological sample (animal/cells) as well as other instruments such as electrophysiological probes and manipulators could be moved smoothly and flexibly, and specific visual fields could be defined without moving the complex microscope system as well as other optical components. Therefore, the present invention has broad application values, for example two-electrodes electrophysiological recordings.

Abstract: A microscope stage supported on a base for movement in a direction of travel relative to the base by a resiliently biased support and guide structure disposed adjacent one edge of the stage, an opposed edge of the stage being supported on the base without guidance.

Abstract: A sample analysis device is provided, the device comprising a frame adapted to accept at least one analysis apparatus, with each analysis apparatus having an analysis distance associated therewith. A eucentric goniometer is operably engaged with the frame and is adapted to eucentrically support a sample at a eucentric point within a reference system defined by the eucentric goniometer. The reference system of the eucentric goniometer is independent of the analysis distance. An axial adjustment device is operably engaged with at least one of the frame and the eucentric goniometer and is configured to coincidentally position the eucentric point and the analysis distance for the respective analysis apparatus. An associated device and method are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a microscope stage comprising a substrate whose position is adjustable in a plane orthogonal to a optical axis of an objective lens, an upper plate which mounts an observation sample and is movable in a two-dimensional direction, and a movement restricting member which is provided between the substrate and the upper plate and restricts movement of the upper plate to two directions on the plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the objective lens.

Abstract: A slide for the microscopic examination of biological fluids, such as urine, blood, spinal fluids, designed to count particles or elements (e.g., corpuscles) present in a predetermined sample. The slide has two plates made of a transparent material, which distinguish on their inside at least one well that is filled, by capillarity, with drops of biological fluid deposited onto the slide itself. Counting chambers are formed on the bottom of at least one well. Each chamber defines a precise volume of biological fluid to be examined. The slide is characterized by the particular and innovative shape and definition of these counting chambers. In particular, the counting chambers have a bottom surface with a roughness differing from the roughness of the boundary defining or demarcating the counting chamber.

Abstract: A slide for use in microscopic examination of biological fluid is constituted by two plates of transparent material, one plate being a bottom and the other plate being a cover, the plates forming wells which are filled by capillarity with the biological fluid to be examined. A plurality of reliefs form a plurality of computation chambers in each well. The reliefs which define each computation chamber sectioned along a plane perpendicular to the bottom of the well have a shaped section along a profile assimilable to a polygon having at least one right angle.

Abstract: The apparatus for objective changing comprises an inventory of at least one objective (5) which defines a longitudinal axis (6). The objective change between an objective storage position (22) and a reference objective position (5a) is made possible by the apparatus, and the reference objective position (5a) lies within an optical beam path that defines an optical axis (3). A retaining element defines the reference objective position (5a), and during the objective change, the objective (5) with its longitudinal axis (6) is movable, in the vicinity of the retaining element (26), substantially coaxially with the optical axis (3). The objective change is accomplished along a guide rail (17).

Abstract: A process for displaying three-dimensional point distributions in a laser scanning microscope with a tiltable fine focusing stage, wherein an actual scanned first raster point distribution is compared with a computer-generated second raster point distribution, and the first raster points are utilized for display in the second raster point distribution when the raster points in both distributions correspond with one another, while intermediate values are formed from points of the first raster point distribution lying in the vicinity of second raster points when there is no correspondence, wherein the position of these intermediate values corresponds to the position of the second raster points, or a displacement of the X/Y-scanner of the microscope and/or of the stage tilting means is carried out in a particularly advantageous manner with reference to a computer-determined two- or three-dimensional raster point distribution in such a way that the scanned raster points in and/or on an object correspond completel

Abstract: A microscope for inspecting each optical fiber endface in a multi-fiber connector is disclosed. The microscope includes a tip for interfacing with the multi-fiber connector, a slider assembly connected to the tip, a slider chassis capable of constraining the movement of the slider assembly along an axis of motion, and a cam assembly which forces the slider assembly to move along its constrained axis of motion. The cam assembly is rotated preferably by means of a remotely located adjustment knob. This rotational motion of the cam assembly results in a force against the slider assembly which causes it to move along its constrained axis of motion and, hence, causes the translation of the optical imaging axis of the microscope along the same axis such that each optical fiber endface may be inspected.

Abstract: In order to center a microtiter plate (4) on a supporting plate (15), two centering stops, which are provided as pairs of centering heads (23), are located opposite one another on the top side of the supporting plate, and which can he diagonally displaced outward in a diametrically opposed manner, are fastened to diagonally displaceable sliders (26a, b). Said sliders engage with a turning coupling lever (24) at the opposing ends thereof. The coupling lever (24) rests against a vertical shaft (30) which projects downward from the underside of the supporting plate (15) and supports an actuating lever (31) at its end. Said actuating lever can be turned in order to move the centering stops outward for the purpose of lowering or lifting the microtiter plate (4) counter to the restoring force of a spiral spring (34).

Abstract: A microscope stage of this invention includes an upper stage, a handle shaft rotatably supported on the upper stage, a pulley rotatably supported on the upper stage in a position different from the handle shaft, a lower stage directly driven and guided with respect to the upper stage and a transmission member for interlocking the handle shaft, pulley and lower stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in-situ microscope device for reactors, in particular bioreactors, with a dip tube in a reactor connection port which in the inside of the reactor has an inlet for a specimen zone, and with a microscope external tube, arranged coaxially in the dip tube, which at the inner end is directed with a lens towards the specimen zone which lies between a lens cover glass and a slide glass body lying opposite, and is coupled outside with a camera for photographing the image of the specimen zone, the lens cover glass and the slide glass body being movable relative to each other, in order to be able to open and close the specimen zone.

Abstract: A low-profile cutter assembly for use on a microscope and related cutting method are provided. The cutter assembly includes a support subassembly having a mounting ring for receiving and engaging the objective of a microscope. A cutter subassembly carried by the support subassembly is displaceable between a home and a forward position in response to actuation. Upon reaching the forward position, additional actuation causes the front end of the cutter subassembly to pivot toward the stage, thereby placing a cutter adjacent to or in contact with the specimen. By selectively actuating the cutter subassembly, multiple cuts may be performed, as necessary or desired for cutting a spore or isolating a particular specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laser microdissection device comprised of a microscope table (1), which supports a specimen (3) to be dissected, of an incident lighting device (7), a laser light source (5) and of an objective (10) for focussing the laser beam (18) of the laser light source (5) onto the specimen (3). According to the invention, the microscope table (1) is not moved during the dissecting process. A laser scanning device (9) is arranged in the incident lighting device (7), is comprised of two thick glass wedge plates (11a, 11b), which are tilted toward the optical axis (8) and can be rotated independently of one another around said optical axis (8). In addition to the beam deviation caused by the wedge angle of the wedge plates (11a, 11b), a beam offset of the laser beam (18) is produced by the thickness and the tilt of the wedge plates (11a, 11b).

Abstract: A speed variation mechanism includes a base, a first sliding member, a second sliding member and a fixing device. The base has a first surface. The first sliding member is able to slide on the first surface and has a second surface. The second sliding member is able to slide on the second surface and has a third surface. The third surface is in contact with a driven member to drive an optical device. The fixing device can selectively fix the first sliding member to the base or the second sliding member. When the second sliding member is pushed, the speed variation mechanism of the invention can provide different moving speeds for the driven member to drive the optical device by fixing the first sliding member to the base or the second sliding member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microscope constitution in which an base including an image pickup device is disposed confronting the underside of a stage portion via an optical portion having a linear optical axis, and a lighting head is assembled/disposed with respect to the stage portion so as to be rotatable/adjustable around two axes different from the optical axis via first and second arms.

Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for scanning a specimen receiving device (1) for data recording with a laser scanning microscope, preferably with a confocal laser scanning microscope (2), with which imaging of large specimen fields with sufficient speed is possible by scanning of the specimen receiving device (1), which is characterized in that the specimen receiving device (1) is alternatingly rotatable about a first axis (4) by a rotation device (3).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microscope support by means of which the microscope can be moved into an ergonomic position for the user. A base plate with adjustable inclination serves at the same time as an arm support. A support plate for the microscope whose height and inclination can likewise be adjusted is articulated at the arm support.

Abstract: A Vibration damping device for a microscope comprises a housing. In the housing a foam rubber defining a cavity is formed which encloses a weight. The foam rubber has a plurality of interconnected pores. The housing is of the vibration damping device has in one embodiment a rectangular shape.

Abstract: A microscope stage of this invention includes an upper stage, a handle shaft rotatably supported on the upper stage, a pulley rotatably supported on the upper stage in a position different from the handle shaft, a lower stage directly driven and guided with respect to the upper stage and a transmission member for interlocking the handle shaft, pulley and lower stage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scanning confocal microscope image detection system having a simple and inexpensive objective lens and a high acceleration/high speed voice coil driven translation system. The objective lens provides high light collection efficiency at low cost. The voice coil provides improved acceleration for fast scanning of at least one axis (scanning direction; fast scan axis) of a polymer array that can be used effectively with the inexpensive objective lens having high light collection efficiency. In one embodiment the translation stage includes a voice coil, a linear slide, and a light weight bracket connecting the voice coil to the linear slide. The bracket is rigid and designed to support a polymer array to be scanned or a turning prism and objective lens. Thus, the present invention provides systems and methods for high speed low cost scanning of, for example, polymer arrays, i.e., high performance cost effective polymer array scanning using a voice coil driven translation stage.

Abstract: A single cell isolation apparatus is provided having a base plate with at least one micromachined well therein, a micromachined membrane, and a housing for holding the other components of the apparatus. The apparatus also may include a gel deposited above the base plate, a second membrane intermediate the base plate and the gel, and a filter above the gel, with the micromachined membrane being above the filter. Each micromachined well associated with the apparatus has a tapered sidewall, with the upper diameter corresponding to the average size of the type of cell attempting to be isolated through the use of the apparatus, and a lower diameter which is less than the upper diameter. The gel component of the apparatus is a nitrocellulose gel. The filter is permeable to cellular products, and preferably is fabricated from paper. The second membrane provides fluid for the gel necessary for maintaining the gel's physical properties.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for changing objective lenses in a microscope, the microscope being used primarily with a microscope stage that has a so-called fixed stage arrangement. The disposition of the objective lens turret in the microscope makes it possible to avoid damaging manipulators or samples during an objective lens change. The damage is avoided due to a lateral tilt of the rotational axis of the objective lens turret relative to the first and the second side walls of the microscope. The lateral tilt of the turret also ensures that a particular part of the sample remains located in the field of view of the microscope after the lens change. The entire process of objective lens change, as well as the magnification setting and focusing necessary for the purpose, is performed in a completely automatic and motorized fashion.

Abstract: An arrangement for micromanipulation of biological specimens (16), which comprises a microscope (1, 14) having at least one motor-adjustable microscope functional element and at least one motor-adjustable micromanipulator (7, 13) having an injector (20, 21), is described. According to the present invention, the arrangement has associated with it at least one operating console, (8, 23, 24), which comprises at least one operating element (9, 37, 38, 39) for operating both the at least one motor-adjustable microscope functional element and the at least one motor-adjustable micromanipulator (7, 13). The most important functions of the microscope (7, 13), the microscope stage (4), and the micromanipulator (7, 13) can thus be performed centrally at the operating console (8, 23, 24). The operating elements (9, 37, 38, 39) are mounted ergonomically on the operating console (8, 23, 24) in such a way that the hands of a user of the arrangement can remain on the operating console (8, 23, 24) while working.

Abstract: A stationary member is fixed to a microscope. A movable member holds a sample and can move in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the microscope. A stepping motor moves the movable member. A rotation of the stepping motor is transmitted to the movable member by a power transmitter. An origin detector detects the movable member being positioned in an origin. A control unit controls the position of the movable member based on a signal from the origin detector and the number of driving pulses of the stepping motor. A power transmitter includes a reducer having a spur gear which reduces a speed of the rotation of the stepping motor, and an urging unit which applies a rotation force to the spur gear in one direction in a movement range of the movable member.

Abstract: A microscope system includes: a stage that shifts a specimen in x and y directions; a detection section that detects a position of the stage after shifting; a reception section that receives an input of a shift target position for the stage inputted by an observer; an optical system that forms a light flux into a focused and magnified image of the specimen; an image capturing section that captures the magnified image; and a shift section that, if the position detected by the detection section and the shift target position received by the reception section do not agree with one another, shifts a relative positional relationship between the light flux and the image capturing section.

Abstract: A compensation mechanism for correcting component fabrication and assembly deviations in component precision positioning stages utilizing a planar mounting table arranged to slide between two rails consisting of a pair of grooves disposed adjacent one edge of the table and a single groove adjacent an opposite edge of the table, a spring arrangement being provided to provide spring bias between the grooves and the rails.

Abstract: A microscope with an objective turret (2) carrying an objective (1) and with a specimen holder (4) serving to receive a specimen (3), in order to assure an undesired transport of heat between the specimen (3) and the objective (1), is characterized by the fact that all objectives (1) carried by the objective turret (2) are simultaneously adjusted for temperature by means of the objective turret (2).

Abstract: In a microscope system in which at least one of a stage on which a sample 4 is mounted and an objective lens 6 can move relatively in a direction of an optical axis, a contact judgment section 12 judges the possibility of contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 based on a result of comparison between a detection output from a contact sensor 11 which detects contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 and a preset threshold value, excessive contact between the sample 4 and the objective lens 6 is avoided based on a result of this judgment, and a threshold value in the contact judgment section 12 is updated based on the output from the contact sensor 11 every predetermined time.

Abstract: A method for detecting the maximum quantity of possible positions of an exchangeable nosepiece or slide in a microscope system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: starting from an initial position which corresponds to a first position, adjusting the maximum position; comparing the maximum position to a position registered in a memory; and storing the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A cassette for retaining a specimen of surgically exposed tissue from a patient in an orientation that facilitates optical sectioning of the tissue by a confocal microscopic or other optical imaging microscope. The cassette includes a base member having a rigid optically transparent window upon which a tissue specimen is situated, a pliable membrane locatable over a substantial portion of the base member including the window, and an upper member, having an aperture therethrough, which can cover the base member to provide an enclosed cavity between the membrane and the window sealing the tissue specimen therein. With the tissue specimen in the enclosed cavity of the cassette, the edges of the tissue specimen may be positioned planar against the window and retained in that position by bonds formed between the membrane and window at multiple points or locations around the tissue specimen.

Abstract: A mechanism for a multi-axis flexure positioner includes a fixed part and a movable part (7), the movable part (7) being connected to the fixed part via a plurality of transmission means, one for each axis, for transmitting actuation forces for the respective axes to the movable part (7). The transmission means for each axis includes a flexure member (2,3,8) arranged to transmit actuation forces for that axis to the movable part (7) and to flex between the fixed part and the movable part in response to actuation forces associated with the or each other axis. There are three flexure members (2,3,8) arranged to extend along three mutually-perpendicular axes so that each flexure member (2,3,8) is flexible along the axes of extent of the other two flexure members (2,3,8). Each of the three flexure members (2,3,8) comprises a pair of flexure linkages arranged to extend parallel to each other, the three pairs of linkages thus defining three mutually-perpendicular planes.

Abstract: A microscope frame structure having a front brace for added stability and having a dual plate structure. The front brace is rigidly coupled to the front ends of an upper portion and a base portion. The upper portion then carries optical elements such as a camera for instance. In effect, the optical elements thus reside on a bridge structure, with substantially the same structural support at both ends of the bridge. The arrangement is particularly useful in automated specimen imaging and analysis systems. The dual frame is composed of an upper plate, which supports a sample, a lower plate which contacts an elevating screw, and a spacer post in between the upper plate and lower plate. This configuration allows for more stable movement of samples.

Abstract: A sample holder for use with a system for imaging a sample is disclosed. The sample holder includes a stage contact member for contacting with a stage. A sample holding member holds the sample to be imaged by the system. One or more adjustment mechanisms can be used to adjusting the position of the sample holding member relative to the stage.

Abstract: A microscope for inspecting a semiconductor wafer includes an optical unit including objective lenses and oculars for observing the semiconductor wafer; a display unit for magnifying and displaying an image of the semiconductor wafer observed by the optical unit; a sample piece stage holding the semiconductor wafer; a stage moving unit for moving the semiconductor wafer in an x-axis direction, a y-axis direction or a z-axis direction; a stage rotation unit for rotating the semiconductor wafer in a horizontal direction; a stage tilting unit for tilting the semiconductor wafer; and a controller for controlling operation of the microscope.

Abstract: A microscope objective lens is constructed with fixed lens units having a numerical aperture NA which is 0.6≦NA≦0.8 and a magnification &bgr; which is 40≦&bgr;≦63, to observe a sample placed on a sample holding member and covered with a protective transparent member having a thickness t which is 0.1 mm<t<0.15 mm.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a microscope, in particular a confocal or double confocal scanning microscope, as well as a method for operating a microscope, at least one specimen support unit associated with the specimen being provided, at least one reference specimen of known configuration being provided, and the reference specimen being detectable by light microscopy for calibration, alignment or adjustment of the microscope. With the microscope according to the present invention and the method according to the invention for operating a microscope, drift-related changes can be detected and compensated for. Auxiliary means with which a specimen can easily and reliably be focused are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a holder (1) for positioning a specimen slide (2) on a microscope stage (7), having a baseplate (3), retainable on the microscope stage (7), in which is configured, for reception of the specimen slide (2), an opening (3a) comprising flat support surfaces (3b) and at least one abutment surface (3c), extending substantially perpendicular to the support surface (3b), for the specimen slide (2); and having at least one spring element (4) with which, by means of a compressive force (F) acting substantially horizontally, the specimen slide (2) arranged in the opening (3a) of the baseplate (3) can be pressed against the at least one abutment surface (3c) of the opening (3a).

Abstract: A tray or holder for tissue specimens, especially of excised tissue, such as biopsied specimens, is used with a confocal imaging system, especially a laser scanning confocal microscope system. The tray may be disposable after imaging of the specimen carried therein or may archive the specimen. A window supports the specimen. Clamps mounted inside the tray restrain the tissue. A compliant bag is mounted outside the tray on one side of a window of the tray on which the specimen is disposed. During imaging the specimen is immersed in a liquid contained in the tray having an index of refraction which closely matches the index of refraction of the tissue. The bag also contains an index matching liquid preferably having the same index as the liquid in the tray. A stabilizing plate is attached to a surface of the bag which faces the window.