Abstract: The slide for the microscopic examination of biological fluids is constituted by two plates of transparent material, one plate being the bottom and the other plate being the cover, the plates forming wells which are filled by capillarity with the biological fluid to be examined. 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: A Z-axis stage for use in, e.g., an orthogonal motion microscope stage, includes a carrier plate, an actuator plate, and a base. Three or more upper camming elements with downwardly directed camming surfaces are mounted to the underside of the carrier plate using a semi-kinematic mounting technique. Three or more lower camming elements with upwardly directed camming surfaces are mounted to the top surface of the base using a semi-kinematic mounting technique. The actuator plate includes apertures to accommodate the lower camming elements and the upper and lower camming surfaces of adjacent camming elements are mated. Linear slides are interposed between the mated camming surfaces and the lower camming elements and the base. Movement of the actuator plate in an X-Y reference plane translates into movement of the carrier plate along the Z-axis (i.e., the optical axis) in response to the relative, sliding motion of the mated camming elements.

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 plurality of different adapters for a fiberoptic termination inspection microscope which permits the microscope to be used with a plurality of cable connectors where each cable connector has one or more cable termini. The purpose of the microscope is to inspect a cable terminus to determine if such is clean and polished in order to insure low attenuation levels. If the cable terminus is dirty or scratched, the cable terminus can be replaced or repaired. An indicator can be used to disclose to the user exactly which cable terminus is being inspected.

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: Microscopes, including viewing and other microscopic systems, employ a hinged, tiltable plate to adjust focus on a flat object such as a microscope slide or biochip by motion, achieved by tilting, which is substantially normal to the focus point on the plane of the object. By employing two such tiltable arrangements, relatively long scan lines of e.g., flying objective, single pixel on-axis scanning can be accommodated. The tilting support plate is specifically constructed to provide tailored locations for different objects in series along the Y axis of the plate. The plate can accommodate heaters and cooled plates and/or the flat object being examined. In a fluorescence scanning microscope, locations are specifically adapted to receive microscope slides and biochip cartridges such as Affymetrix's “Gene Chip®”. A scanning microscope under computer control, employing such a focusing action, enables unattended scanning of biochips with a simple and economical instrument.

Abstract: A magnifying scope and accessory holder having a main body having an upper end of reduced dimension for supporting a viewing aperture including an eye cup and window arrangement and a lower portion that includes an open-ended bore occupied by a focus tube in the form of a movable cylinder. The eye cup and window arrangement further includes a viewing lens which is of a suitable magnifying power. A mount is carried on the end of the focusing tube cylinder that detachably receives a variety of specimen holders.

Abstract: A microscope having little damage such as deformation, discoloration or the like given to a sample is disclosed. This microscope comprises an illuminance reducing unit for reducing illuminance of an illumination light on the sample. Assuming that a time width where illuminance is at a level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TF, a time width where illuminance is lower than the level enough for displaying an image of the sample is TN, and a value &agr; is as follows: &agr;=TF/(TF+TN) the value &agr; is changed according to a velocity of a stage or the like. A monitor displays a still picture of the sample for a period of TN, the still picture being one before the time width TN.

Abstract: A microscope device includes a support member which supports a specimen, a first optical system which generates an image of a partial region upon the specimen, a second optical system which generates an overall image of the specimen, a imaging device which photoelectrically detects the images which are generated by the first optical system and by the second optical system, and a changeover mechanism which changes over between a first path from the specimen via the first optical system to the imaging device and a second optical path from the specimen via the second optical system to the imaging device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening large numbers of chemical compounds and performing a wide variety of fluorescent assays, including live cell assays. The methods utilize a laser linescan confocal microscope with high speed, high resolution and multi-wavelength capabilities and real time data-processing. Imaging may be done at video-rates and with use of ultraviolet illumination.

Abstract: A portable single lens microscope that provides structure between the eye and the microscope slide, preferably including a single lens having an aperture optimized to attain the best image resolution, preferably including a focus mechanism, preferably including a slide holding and moving mechanism, and preferably including a slide position locking mechanism, or any combination of these structures and mechanisms. Methods are disclosed for determining an optimum aperture size for a single lens microscope (and other uses) including a lens of any type, and methods are disclosed for designing a single lens microscope lens system that provides superior image quality. A single lens microscope according to the present invention can provide substantial and unexpected imaging benefits over previous single lens microscopes and compound microscopes.

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 forming slot being provided in close proximity to opposite edge to provide spring bias of the grooves against the rails.

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: 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 forming slot being provided in close proximity to opposite edge to provide spring bias of the grooves against the rails.

Abstract: A calcium fluoride crystal in which the light transparency does not deteriorate with consecutive irradiation by high output short wavelength light over long time periods. A calcium fluoride crystal in accordance with the present invention has an internal transmittance of 70% or more for light of a 135-nm wavelength or more. A calcium fluoride crystal contains any one of strontium, aluminum, silicon and magnesium, with the strontium content ranging from 1 ppm to 600 ppm, the aluminum content ranging from 1 ppm to 50 ppm, the silicon content ranging from 1 ppm to 50 ppm, or the magnesium content ranging from 1 ppm to 10 ppm. A calcium fluoride crystal has an internal transmittance of 70% or more for light of a 135-nm wavelength or more and contains 1 ppm or less of La and 10 ppm or less of Y. An optical system for an excimer laser in accordance with the present invention comprises a lens comprising any calcium fluoride crystal set forth above.

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: A feeding mechanism for moving a table relative to a base has a pair of pulley (301, 302, 401, 402) supported by either one of the table (21) and the base (22), a loop-shaped belt (303, 403) stretched between the pulleys and having a part thereof extending in a movement direction of the relative movement, a joint (304, 404) for connecting the other one of the table and the base with the belt, and a pinch mechanism (310, 410) provided to the either one of the table and the base to hold a part of the belt.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microscope causing a variable-magnification optical system provided in the optical path of the microscope and having at least an optical member movable in the direction of optical axis of the optical path, to vary the magnification of the observed image of the specimen, a rotary knob for moving the optical member in the direction of optical axis, a position indicating device for indicating when the rotary knob is in a rotary position where the optical member is in a predetermined position and a varying device for varying the predetermined position.

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.

Abstract: A stage apparatus of a microscope comprises a base element fixed to a main body of a microscope, a first moving element movable in a first direction relative to the base element, a second moving element movable in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction relative to the first moving, element, a first rotary operation disposed on the base element for moving the first moving element, a second rotary operation disposed on the base element for moving the second moving element, a first drive disposed between the first operating and the first moving element for transmitting the rotational force of the first operation to the first moving element. A rotary shaft disposed on the base element, extend along the first direction and rotates in response to the rotary operation of the second rotary operation. A transmitting disposed coaxially with the rotary shaft, is movable in the direction of the axis of the rotary shaft, and is rotatable integrally with the rotary shaft.

Abstract: The endomicroscope system includes an operation microscope and a flexible image transmission system and is distinguished by the fact that the flexible image transmission system ends in an imaging device (2), which is arranged between the objective lens (10) and the object plane of the operation microscope (1) and can be removed from the beam path.

Abstract: A magnifying scope and accessory holder having a main body having an upper end of reduced dimension for supporting a viewing aperture including an eye cup and window arrangement and a lower portion that includes an open-ended bore occupied by a focus tube in the form of a movable cylinder. The eye cup and window arrangement further includes a viewing lens which is of a suitable magnifying power. A mount is carried on the end of the focusing tube cylinder that detachably receives a variety of specimen holders.

Abstract: An inverted microscope has a microscope base, a stage, an observation optical system having an objective lens, a stage support member which is arranged on the microscope base and supports the stage at two ends, and a change member which can change the level position of the stage with respect to the microscope base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact microscope 4 especially for medical routine applications. The microscope is configured as a closed housing 8 wherein the specimen 30 to be microscoped is drawn in via an input opening 25. All optical components of the microscope are mounted within the housing. Alternatively, the microscope can be mounted in a standard drive bay of a personal computer 3. All movable components of the microscope are motorically driven and controlled by software via the computer. The specimen can be moved in two mutually perpendicular directions within the microscope to select the object detail of interest. An overview diagram of the specimen is produced with a line sensor when the specimen is drawn in.

Abstract: An inverted microscope capable of confirming a marking or the like on an objective lens arranged under a stage from a normal viewpoint near an eyepiece without having to take a forced posture. The inverted microscope has a main body, a stage on the main body which holds a sample container, a nosepiece arranged under the stage, an objective lens fitted on the nosepiece, an eyepiece located diagonally above the stage, and an illumination system held over the stage by an illumination column. The stage has a confirmation opening, which is used for confirming conditions under the stage, and an observation opening, which is used to observe the sample. The confirmation opening is formed closer to the observer side of the optical axis of the objective lens than the observation opening, and is formed separately from the observation opening. The confirmation opening secures an optical path to view and observe the objective lens from a normal viewpoint near the eyepiece.

Abstract: An anti-backlash device for a positioning stage arranged for the precise movement of components composed of a pair of plates having rail receiving grooves, a pair of rails joining the plates and attached thereto and a work piece mounting table, the anti-backlash device, having a plurality of circumferentially spaced elongate spring members for biasing an interrupted thread into zero clearance engagement with a threaded rod rotatable to move the table along the rails.

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 opposed grooves disposed in one edge of the table and a single groove in an opposite edge of the table, a leaf spring forming slot being provided in close proximity to opposite edge to provide spring bias of the grooves against the rails.

Abstract: Microscopes, including viewing and other microscopic systems, employ a hinged, tiltable plane to adjust focus on an object such as a microscope slide. A scanning microscope under computer control, employing such a focusing action, enables unattended scanning of biochips with a simple and economical instrument. Also shown are flexure-mounting of a support plate to define the hinge axis, techniques for automatically determining position and focus, and a rotatably oscillating flying micro-objective scanner combined with the tilting plane focus system. Construction and control techniques are shown that realize simple and accurate focusing. Methods of examination of biological materials are disclosed. Simple and efficient focused scanning with a flying micro-objective of ordered arrays of nucleotides and nucleic acid fragments carried upon a microscope slide or other substrate is discovered.

Abstract: A stage assembly for holding a work-piece in a charged particle microscopy system includes a magnetic motor (e.g., brushless linear servo motor) for driving an X-platform riding on a base along the X axis, a non-magnetic linear motor (e.g., piezoelectric motor) for driving a Y-platform riding on the X-platform along the Y axis, and a non-magnetic rotary motor (e.g., piezoelectric motor) for rotating a rotary platform over the Y-platform, wherein the duty cycle of the magnetic motor is substantially greater than the duty cycle of the non-magnetic linear and rotary motors. This along with the particular arrangement of the motors and the platforms yields a compact, durable, and vacuum compatible stage which has minimal mechanical vibrations, minimal interference with the charged particle microscope, minimal particle generation, and high speed area coverage.

Abstract: A microscope including a support section for supporting a viewing section and an objective lens section and slidably supporting a stage section and a lighting section. The objective lens section includes a plurality of objective lenses having different magnifying factors and arranged linearly in a direction perpendicular to the support section and the objective lenses are contained in a downwardly directed housing while the stage section is contained in an upwardly directed housing so that a hermetically sealed housing can be formed of the downwardly directed housing and the upwardly directed housing by driving the stage section to slide.

Abstract: An inverted microscope has a microscope base, a stage, an observation optical system having an objective lens, a stage support member which is arranged on the microscope base and supports the stage at two ends, and a change member which can change the level position of the stage with respect to the microscope base.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inspection microscope for the semiconductor industry. The microscope stand consists of a foot (1), a pillar (4) and a crosshead (5). In order to facilitate unobstructed feeding of samples from the back part of the microscope stand, the pillar (4) is mounted laterally next to the back end of the foot (1) and the crosshead (5) arranged thereon when seen from the front. This makes it possible to save space and avoid adaptations when integrating the microscope stand into the clusters in the test area of the semiconductor industry and to feed test objects directly from the back of the microscope stage (3). In an especially advantageous construction of the stand, the inspection microscope is particularly suitable for examining large-surface objects (e.g. flat screens or 400 nm wafers).

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a WDM optical communication system, which is small-sized and low-priced, and equalizes transmitting optical signal levels. WDM optical signals is amplified by an optical fiber amplifier, split by a multiple splitter, separated by optical band pass filters into several groups of optical signals of different wavelengths, which are separately and collectively amplified by optical fiber amplifiers, adjusted in their levels and multiplexed by a multiple coupler.

Abstract: A temperature control unit provides means for observing samples under microscopy at greatly elevated and greatly reduced temperatures. The temperature control unit is constructed to insulate a sample from ambient temperatures while providing a highly heat conductive substrate for the sample that provides for rapid heat transfer to/from the sample. A dry gas provided a positive pressure around the sample, as compared to atmospheric pressure to help prevent atmospheric contract with the sample.

Abstract: An active optical image enhancer for a microscope, and a method of enhancing an image for a microscope, are provided. The image enhancer has a tube for attachment to a microscope. Photo-detector elements are disposed on an end of the tube remote from an end thereof that is attachable to the microscope. Lens elements are disposed in or on the tube between the photo-detector elements and the end of the tube that is attachable to the microscope. The optical path length of the tube is adjustable via an appropriate device.

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 method and apparatus for optimizing biological and cytological specimen screening and diagnosis. A slide review process is recommended for cytological specimen screening to identify abnormal sub-populations for further review and also diagnosis by a human expert. An automated screener processes a cytological specimen. Using a slide score generated by the automated screener, a slide review process using a slide score classification is determined. The recommendation of slide review processes improves overall performance of the screening process as measured by sensitivity to abnormal specimens, and at the same time reduces the work load of a human reviewer. The system also effectively and smoothly integrates the process of initial screening of the specimen with the process of further review of the specimen and final diagnosis of the specimen.

Abstract: An inverted microscope having a variable stage position, a compact size, excellent operability, and low cost. The inverted microscope includes a detachable stage unit to support a stage on which a specimen is positioned and to support an objective lens facing the specimen. A microscope housing supports the stage, and includes an imaging lens positioned to image a parallel light beam from the objective lens. An observation unit is positioned on the microscope housing to observe the image formed by the imaging lens. An illumination unit, positioned between the microscope housing and the stage unit, irradiates light having a predetermined wavelength toward the specimen, and includes a fluorescent light unit. The illumination unit is detachably mounted to the microscope housing, and the stage unit is detachably mounted to the illumination unit, and a height of the stage with respect to the microscope housing is variable.

Abstract: A fine-focusing stage for microscopes, with an object carrier (1) , a holder (2) for the object carrier (1) and a positioning mechanism (3) adjusting the support in its horizontal position. In order to achieve parallel vertical displacement of the object carrier (1) using simple methods of construction the invention is so designed that the holder (2) comprises a mounting portion (4) preferably for mounting on an object stage or on the microscope and a connecting portion (5) with the object carrier, and articulated parallel arms (8,9) through bending elements (6,7) extend between the mounting portion (4) and the connecting portion (5).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a slide holder for receiving one or more microscope slides. The slide holder includes a generally rectangular frame and at least one slot, each of the slots for receiving one slide. Flexible retaining latches and retaining grooves are provided at each of the slots for facilitating the securing of the slides.

Abstract: A machine, method and medium for implementing functions using an input device in a manner that enhances efficient operation of a mechanism capable of operating in at least two states. The functions are implemented via a convenient input device, such as a mouse. One or more specified actuators of the input device implement a given function when the mechanism is in a first state, while at least one of those actuators implements a different function when the mechanism is in a second state. In embodiments of the present invention contemplating that the mechanism is a microscope system, two states in which the microscope system is envisioned to operate are a scan state and a pause state. The scan state allows the microscope system to execute a pre-defined scan sequence, while the pause state allows the microscope system to pause from that sequence.

Abstract: A structure includes a cover body having a plate-like shape and a support body of open light-weight structure composed of struts, connecting nodes and support points. Attachment locations are spatially separated one from the other and the cover body and the support body are bonded at these locations.

Abstract: A microscope condenser with a condenser head, with the condenser being fastened to a microscope stand in a manner which allows it to move. A holding device for a glass container filled with a liquid is arranged above the condenser head. A living sample or cell for examination is arranged in the glass container. The microscope condenser in this case has a catch pan for liquid that has overflowed.

Abstract: A microscope slide receptacle system for positionably receiving and releasably holding specimen retaining microscope slides in a generally vertical disposition. The system includes a plurality of hinged first and second frames each frame comprising a generally inverted "U"-shaped changer and having complementary coupling hinges for inter-coupling multiple frames together to form the system. A releasable clip is fastened to the frame structure for engaging and supporting the slides. Each frame has a support hanger along the upper surface to permit coupling to a system support.

Abstract: Coaxial drive for the object stage of a microscope, with a stationary guide supporting a first stage part which is horizontally displaceable in a first displacement direction. The first stage part supports a second stage part which is displaceable horizontally in a second displacement direction. A first control element displaces the first stage part in the first displacement direction and a second control element displaces the second stage part in the second displacement direction. The two control elements are rotatable about a coaxial axis and spatially retain their respective positions during displacement of the first stage part or second stage. A first force transmission device swivels about a second axis and displaces the second stage part. A second force transmission device acts on the second stage part. A rotating rod is provided between the first and second force transmission devices and transmit a rotation of the first to the second force transmission device.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus with a specimen slide holder, an illumination source, an optical cavity producing multiple reflection of illumination light to a specimen comprising a first and a second reflective surface arranged to achieve multiple reflections of light to a specimen is provided.

Abstract: A system for managing specimens in a clinical laboratory comprises specimens and a computer controlled instrument. Each specimen includes a biological sample and an identifier which is unique to the specimen to which it is applied. The computer controlled instrument includes a reader for automatically logging and verifying the specimen to be analyzed, and a print head for modifying the identifier to indicate whether the specimen has been analyzed and whether the sample includes any abnormalities. The print head is also used to indicate whether the specimen has been reanalyzed. Further, the print head works to print symbols adjacent the locations of the abnormalities in the sample.

Abstract: An indirect ophthalmoscopy lens system includes a contact lens device and a separate image erecting component. The contact lens device includes a first holder, a contact lens element having a concave posterior surface for placement on a cornea of a patient's eye and a first image forming lens system located anterior of the contact lens element and cooperating with the contact lens element for focussing light emanating from the retina of the patient's eye for forming a real, inverted, aerial image of the patient's retina anterior of the first image forming lens system. The first holder mounts the contact lens element and the first image forming lens system in a fixed relationship to one another.

Abstract: An erect movable objective lens type optical microscope includes a frame, an observation optical portion having an objective lens, a stage portion, a moving mechanism, and a vibration synchronizing mechanism. The observation optical portion is movably provided on the frame, and the stage portion is fixedly provided on the frame. The stage portion includes a specimen moving stage, and a stationary stage adapted to receive a manipulator for manipulating a specimen provided on the specimen moving stage. The moving mechanism is provided on the frame for moving the observation optical portion and the stage portion relative to each other, and the vibration synchronizing mechanism is provided for synchronizing a vibration system of the stationary stage and a vibration system of the specimen moving stage.

Abstract: A portable microscope includes a handgrip-mounted magnifying system and a base to which the handgrip may be removably mounted. An articulating arm is mounted to the base and supports interchangeable specimen holders. Focus of the microscope is accomplished by positioning the arm and mounted specimen holder as required.