Abstract: A system to obtain a high resolution image of a relatively large sample (11) for viewing by a researcher includes a rectangular holder (20) that receives a microscope slide (10) and which includes a glass filter (40) that reduces the amount of illumination of the sample without reducing the Kelvin light temperature, and a scanner (22) that receives the holder (20) and produces electrical signals which are fed to the hard drive of a computer (23) where a high resolution image of the sample is displayed on the monitor (24). One embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 5-8) utilizes a separate high intensity light source (60A) for the scanner (22A) for illuminating opposed surfaces of the slide (10A ), and a fiber optic light pipe (66A) connects the high intensity light source to the holder (20A ) within the scanner (22A ).

Abstract: An electrically-driven moving apparatus for a microscope includes a control device for rotating and stopping an electric motor on the basis of outputs of a detector for detecting a rotational quantity of an operation handle and of a detector for detecting a position changing quantity of a stage. There may be provided a speed control device for changing over the stage to extremely slow fixed speed control when using an objective lens having a high magnification. The stage may be moved at a relatively high speed in response to an operation of a rotary handle for a rough movement and moved at a relatively slow speed in response to an operation of a rotary handle for a micro movement. A braking device is provided on the rotary handle, and reaching of the stage to a movement limit position can be also sensed by the operator.

Abstract: A microscope with a C-shaped stand (1) for examining large-sized, disk-shaped objects (9), such as semiconductor wafers, comprises a base plate (2), a vertical portion (3) extending from the base plate, and a limb portion (4) extending forwardly from the top of the vertical portion. To achieve an ergonomic sitting position of an observer (B) and to be able to inspect the entire object surface, the vertical portion (3) has a forwardly opening slot-shaped recess (10) into which the object partially enters when it is at a rearmost position. The recess (10) is geometrically designed so as not to impair the stability of stand (1). In addition or as an alternative, a horizontally movable specimen stage (5) of the microscope includes a rearwardly opening recess (14) for partially receiving the vertical portion (3) when the stage is at its rearmost travel limit. The recess (14) may be U-shaped or specifically configured to correspond to the shape of the vertical portion (3 which it receives.

Abstract: A network system for review and analysis of computer encoded microscope slides and specimens which were originally computer encoded from a microscope (attached via an encoder device to a local computer site), during an initial examination. The encoding includes parameters of viewing locations and events of interest on the slide, with such information being stored on a networked file server. The encoding also includes information regarding the manner in which the initial examination was conducted, for quality control purposes. The computer encoded information is retrievable at all remote locations of the network (either local or connected via modem) for supervisor review or for pathologist analysis. The network is further constituted by microscope sites having similar computer encoding devices attached thereto, which function, in this aspect, as computer terminals of the network. For enhanced analysis, the computer terminals have direct access to patient background information, e.g.

Abstract: An object holder (7) for thin slides (4) is described, in which the object holder (7) has a baseplate (8) as well as a lower lying supporting surface (9) as a receptacle for the slide (4). Arranged on the baseplate (8) is a spring steel (10) which has a knife edge (11). This knife edge (11) projects beyond the baseplate (8) onto the lower lying supporting surface (9), the slide (4) being fixed via a clamping mechanism between the knife edge (11) and the supporting surface (9).

Abstract: A stage for microscopes has a transparent ceramic glass plate on the working region on its object side and a brightly colored, light-scattering layer between the ceramic glass plate and the metallic base portion of the stage. Light is coupled into end faces of the ceramic glass plate by means of lamps or a glass fiber arranged in the base portion. The stage has outstanding resistance to wear and scratches due to the ceramic glass. By the additional illumination of the ceramic glass, the specimen regions lying outside the illuminating field of the condenser are weakly illuminated against a bright background, so that the observer can select visually, without magnification, object regions of interest and then push them into the illuminating field of the condenser. The ceramic glass covers the condenser opening in the base portion of the stage, so that the condenser is protected against falling contamination.

Abstract: A microscope stage comprising a first stage part and a second stage part. The first stage part is supported so as to be displaceable along a first displacement direction in the second stage part. The second stage part is supported so as to be displaceable in the stationary guide along a second displacement direction at right angles to the first displacement direction. The microscope stage has a first operating element for the first displacement direction and a second operating element for the second displacement direction. A drive device is included for allowing the second operating element to communicate with the second stage part. The first operating element and second operating element are arranged to be stationary with respect to the first and second displacement directions. A first lever is provided at a first end which is swivelable about a stationary vertical first rotational axis.

Abstract: An electric revolver apparatus of a microscope comprises a revolver holding a plurality of objective lenses, a drive device for driving and braking the revolver based on a command signal from the outside of the electric revolver apparatus, a detection device for detecting a predetermined amount of rotation of the revolver and outputting a detection signal to brake the drive device, and a delay circuit for delaying the detection signal for a predetermined period of time and outputting it to the outside to delay the brake starting time of the drive device based on the command signal from the outside.

Abstract: A microscope attached slide dotting device includes a clamping ring arranged for selective mounting onto a microscope barrel having an objective lens. The clamping ring includes cooperative first and second semi-cylindrical members arranged for clamping about the microscope barrel. The second semi-cylindrical member employs a mounting boss provided with opposed dovetail projections slidably and complementarily received within a slide plate. The slide plate includes opposed first plate flanges to receive the dovetail projections projecting from a first side of the slide plate, with a second side of the slide plate projecting at a dovetail boss for complementary and slidable reception within a housing recess of an associated marker housing. The marker housing includes a marker assembly extending through the marker housing. A plurality of clamping members permits orthogonal and slidable relationship of the marker housing relative to the clamping ring via slide plate.

Abstract: A stage driving apparatus comprises a stage mounted with a sample and rotatable about an optical axis of an observation optical system for observing the sample, and two guides, for moving the stage within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical system, rotatable together with the stage and oriented orthogonal to each other. The apparatus further comprises an input device for inputting a signal representing a moving direction of the stage, a converter for converting a signal inputted to the input device on the basis of an observation image of the sample on the stage through the observation optical system into an output signal with a compensated relative rotational deviation between a moving direction defined by the observation image and a moving direction defined by the two guides and a driving device for moving the stage along the two guides on the basis of the output signal from the converter.

Abstract: An orthogonal motion stage provides Z axis motion, along an optical axis independently of translational motion in an orthogonal, X-Y axis reference plane. Conversely, motion in the X-Y reference plane does not induce unwanted motion in the Z axis. Straight line mechanisms interconnect the Z axis carrier to a base plate. Flexible connections are used in the straight line mechanisms to ensure accurate orthogonal motion.

Abstract: A large scale horizontal translation stage for a microscope or other instrument particularly a scanning probe microscope is disclosed. The translation stage is provided with air bearings which allow it to float over a planar surface. The translation stage is kinematically mounted on a guiding member such that the horizontal position of the translation stage is defined by the guiding member but the translation stage is free to move in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface. To position a sample, the air bearings are actuated and the guiding member moves the translation stage to a desired position. An attractive force, preferably suction in the air bearings, is then applied to hold the translation stage firmly against the supporting surface while the sample is analyzed. The preferred embodiment includes two optical microscopes.

Abstract: An apparatus using electrophoresis provides accurate manipulation of an object on a microscope stage for further manipulations add reactions. The present invention also provides an inexpensive and easily accessible means to move an object without damage to the object. A plurality of electrodes are coupled to the stage in an array whereby the electrode array allows for distinct manipulations of the electric field for accurate manipulations of the object. There is an electrode array control coupled to the plurality of electrodes for manipulating the electric field. In an alternative embodiment, a chamber is provided on the stage to hold the object. The plurality of electrodes are positioned in the chamber, and the chamber is filled with fluid. The system can be automated using visual servoing, which manipulates the control parameters, i.e., x, y stage, applying the field, etc., after extracting the significant features directly from image data.

Abstract: A slide positioning and holding device includes a base, a number of first bearing members defining a bearing surface for slidably engaging a first edge of the slide, at least one second bearing member for slidably engaging a second edge of the slide generally perpendicular to the first edge, and first and second arms for contact with third and fourth edges, respectively, of the slide to urge the first and second edges of the slide into contact with the bearing members.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact specimen inspection station (10) that processes vertically oriented specimens. Specimen storage, transport, and inspection components (26,28, and 30) are all mounted to a vibration-damped support structure (14) and are designed to handle specimens (34) positioned with a generally vertical orientation. The station is designed to minimize undesirable specimen motion and contamination caused by an operator (42). The station is also equipped with a microscope (32) and a display monitor (36) that provide a real image and a video image, respectively, of a microscopic region of the specimen under inspection. The station is equipped with failsafe mechanisms (176 and 182) that prevent the dropping of a specimen during an electrical power failure or a vacuum pressure loss.

Abstract: A system to obtain a high resolution image of a large tissue sample for viewing by a clinician includes a rectangular holder that receives a microscope slide and which includes a glass filter that reduces the amount of illumination of the sample without reducing the Kelvin light temperature, and a scanner that receives the holder and produces electrical signals which are fed to the hard drive of a computer where a high resolution image of the tissue sample is displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A microscope slide having on a first side an opaque, scratchable coating located at a marking region of the slide, and on a second opposing side located generally behind the scratchable coating at the marking region, a contrastingly-colored coating. Upon scribing an identification mark into the scratchable coating and thus removing the scratchable coating where scribed, the contrastingly-colored coating on the second side of the slide becomes visible from the first side of the slide in the area scribed.

Abstract: A multi-axes stage including a table for mounting an optical component having a plurality of optical paths; and first and second actuators for vertically movably supporting the table, the actuators having a control device for adjusting the vertical movement of the table by each actuator separately, and for controlling the movement of the table in at least one of the rotating direction about the optical paths and the vertical direction.

Abstract: An automated microscope slide marking device 10 for making reference marks on the surface of microscope slides 90. The slides 90 are marked by placing a remote push-button 14 or foot-switch 32 at an ergonomically desirable position for a microscope user. When either the push-button 14, or the foot-switch 32, is engaged by the user, a solenoid coil in an electrical actuator 26 is energized. This actuator 26 controls the movement of a plastic fiber 62 through an ink well 56 and through a thin needle-like tube 58, which is directed toward the surface of the slide 90. Thus, when the actuator 26 is energized, the plastic fiber 62 protrudes from the end of the tube 58 so as to come into contact with the surface of the slide 90 and make a reference mark thereon.

Abstract: The microscope stand foot serves to accommodate an illumination device having optical components and having an aperture diaphragm and field diaphragm. The latter are assembled in a cylindrical tube held by a carrier, the tube being able to be fastened in the stand foot as a prefabricated unit. In this way, the assembly of the illumination device is simplified. When fastening the carrier in the stand foot, the tube rests under tension on mating surfaces, as a result of which an adjustment of the tube and thus of the optical components is dispensed with.

Abstract: A microscope stage which provides for displacements in simultaneous rotation and linear translation or combinations thereof while also providing for optical coupling of an illumination light source to an object being addressed. The stage can generally be a plurality of optically transparent plates in proximity to one another having a grease interface therebetween. The grease allows movement of the plates with respect to each other in any direction parallel to their surfaces. The grease and plates are arranged to allow light to be transmitted therethrough. An object can be illuminated through the stage from a source located with the stage between the object and the source.

Abstract: A microscope slide and read-write system whereby the slide has a pathology specimen thereon and machine readable high density recording media in the form of a magnetic strip, optical reading strip or the like. The read-write system accommodates initial writing of slide and patient identification information on the recording media. The read-write system further embodies elements for operative connection to a microscope system whereby a computer generated representation of the screening history of pathology specimen is recorded and maintained during pathology analysis of the slide showing the mode and parameters of the analysis as well as position related events of interest. The computer generated screening representation is written to the recording media by the read-write system, for constant proximate availability with the slide.

Abstract: A microscope has an objective optical system coupled to an observation optical system with parallel optical axes. A stage, which holds a sample, rectilinearly moves in a direction toward and away from the observation optical axis, which is perpendicular to the plane of the stage. The objective optical system rectilinearly moves in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the stage. The microscope thus permits viewing of a large sample with a small stroke of the stage, whereby a compact and lightweight structure may be achieved.

Abstract: A confocal microscope system has a turntable with object locations for mounting multiple samples to be examined in a ring. The turntable is rotated about an axis concentric with the ring. At least one confocal microscope optical system is mounted with components movable axially and radially relative to the ring so that an object region may be scanned through samples mounted in the object locations, each microscope system including a point image detector providing a signal output, and a demultiplexer for receiving the signal output and isolating signal segments associated with different sample locations, and a multiple channel signal processor processes the signals associated with different locations, and a control unit moves axially movable components of each optical system firstly to establish focus reference data for each object and then to control the focus of the microscope responsive to the focus reference data as it scans successive object locations.

Abstract: A complete in situ PCR system for amplification of nucleic acids contained in a prepared cell or tissue sample. The containment system for the PCR sample comprises a glass microscope slide, a specimen sample containing the target nucleic acid sequence mounted on the slide, a flexible plastic cover over the sample, and a retaining assembly fastened to the slide and to the cover to retain and seal a reaction mixture against the sample during thermal cycling. The retaining assembly includes a rigid ring on a rim portion of the cover, a cross beam having spaced parallel rails joined by opposite flat ends, and a pair of clips which are pressed over the ends and opposite sides of the slide to fasten the cross beam and cover to the slide.

Abstract: Microscopes having plastic components such as knobs, covers and eyepiece rings are rendered antistatic by using static charge dissipating plastic materials instead of conventional plastics. Such antistatic microscopes are especially useful in the manufacture and inspection of semi-conductors which are easily damaged by exposure to static charges.

Abstract: An ergonomic adjustable microscope base comprising a base positioned on a support surface; rubber bumpers to prevent the base from sliding on the support surface; fasteners for attaching and locking a microscope in a nonmovably mounted relationship with the upper surface of the base; and manually rotatable and lockable adjusters, located at each rearward corner of the base and operatively associated with the base, to provide for selectively varying the rearward vertical height of the base and mounted microscope relative to the support surface, thereby providing a range of forward tilt angles so that a user of the microscope is able to maintain a more neutral position in the neck, back, and shoulder areas.

Abstract: A microscope-telescope combination fitted with an illumination apparatus of a compact and simple structure having an illumination apparatus is effectively applicable both as the illumination for the microscope and as the flashlight. A microscope-telescope combination is fitted with an illuminating apparatus comprising of a telescope optical system, an auxiliary objection lens for forming a microscope optical system arranged so as to be projected into and retracted from the front of said objective lens of said telescope optical system, and a light source supported so that its illuminaing direction is changeable to a first direction parallel to an optical axis of said telescope optical system and to a second direction directing toward an observation position of said microscope optical system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated assay of biological specimens positioned on microscope slides. The apparatus comprises an interactive optical subsystem for viewing the biological specimen on the slide and for producing an interactive video signal corresponding to the viewed image. An automated optical subsystem includes a single high power microscope objective for scanning a rack of slides, portions of which having been previously identified for assay in the interactive optical subsystem. The system also includes a processor for processing the interactive and automatic video signals from the two optical subsystems. The processor receives the automatic video signal and performs biological assay functions upon it.

Abstract: A microscope includes an observation optical system having at least an optical axis, an eyepiece unit, and an objective lens unit, and a frame for arranging the observation optical system thereon. The frame has a Y-shaped body, constituted by forming a first foot extending along the optical axis, a second foot extending along the optical axis, and a base located immediately under the optical axis to substantially form a Y shape within an installation surface, and an arm member connected to the Y-shaped body and having at least the eyepiece unit and the objective lens unit mounted thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact specimen processing station (10) that processes vertically oriented specimens. Specimen storage, transport, and inspection components (26, 28, and 30) are all mounted to a vibration-damped support structure (14) and are designed to handle specimens (34) positioned with a generally vertical orientation. The station is designed to minimize undesirable specimen motion and contamination caused by an operator (42). A specimen processing station (10) that performs inspection functions is equipped with a processing means (32) and a display monitor (36) that provide a real image and a video image, respectively, of a microscopic region of the specimen under inspection. The station is equipped with failsafe mechanisms (176 and 182) that prevent the dropping of a specimen during an electrical power failure or a vacuum pressure loss.

Abstract: The stage plate of a sample carrying stage for optical instruments has a piezoelectric translator that drives the stage plate centrally and directly, and a linear guide comprising at least two elastic elements to guide the stage plate. The elastic elements are arranged coaxially to the piezoelectric translator, which extends through a central recess in the elastic elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in depositing and staining cytological material on a microscope slide has an elongated hollow tube, a base member, at least one flange, and a base plate. The base member is attached to the bottom end of the tube and projects outwardly from the tube perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube. At least one flange is connected to the base member and outwardly-extends from the base member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The base member has a recessed area configured to receive the microscope slide, and slots configured and dimensioned to receive the flange. A passage in the base plate extends from each slot to releasably secure the respective flange when the tube is rotated. As designed, this apparatus advantageously allows individual staining of a slide, thereby preventing false-positive results due to floater cells which can translocate between slides in a common bath.

Abstract: A specimen holder for use in a particle beam optical apparatus, for example an electron microscope. The motions of the specimen in orthogonal Z and Y directions are realized in known manner by motions of a tubular housing in a ball joint. In order to achieve a defined and reproducible motion of the specimen in the x-direction, a rod-shaped specimen support is supported in V-grooves in the housing. The specimen support is connected to a cylindrical flange member which is coupled to the housing via a bellows, providing a vacuum passage which is static for the x-motion. Static vacuum sealing is provided by an O-ring.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling biological specimens for a diagnostic device and an apparatus to load the diagnostic device, the diagnostic device including a transport system and a carousel bearing several cassettes containing biological specimens. By means of the mechanical separation of the carousel, transport system and diagnostic device, simultaneous, independent movement of the individual components is possible. Thus, tedious routine inspections for which a selection of biological specimens is necessary can be conducted very quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: A microscope slide stage for holding a plurality of slides in a plane for sequential viewing by any slide viewer, the stage including a plurality of slide slots have associated with each slot a slidable wedging clamp for securing slides on the stage. The slide stage is particularly suitable for use with computerized slide mapping and analyzing devices.

Abstract: A mechanical stage having stacked parallel plates which are movable orthogonally is used to locate a specimen mounted on one plate at a desired location for observation through a microscope, photography or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a compact specimen inspection station (10) that processes vertically oriented specimens. Specimen storage, transport, and inspection components (26,28, and 30) are all mounted to a vibration-damped support structure (14) and are designed to handle specimens (34) positioned with a generally vertical orientation. The station is designed to minimize undesirable specimen motion and contamination caused by an operator (42). The station is also equipped with a microscope (32) and a display monitor (36) that provide a real image and a video image, respectively, of a microscopic region of the specimen under inspection. The station is equipped with failsafe mechanisms (176 and 182) that prevent the dropping of a specimen during an electrical power failure or a vacuum pressure loss.

Abstract: A protection device for a lens used in a scanning apparatus for imaging data on photographic film, comprises a plate and having a finger gripping portion, a member slidably retained in the plate, a glass piece removably carried by the member, and a biasing member operatively associated with the member for selectively permitting secure holding of the glass piece on the member and easy removal of the glass piece from the member. The plate is provided with a biasing device for securely retaining the member in a desired location such that the glass piece is in a predetermined lens protecting position. A switch is associated with the plate such that the switch is moved to an open position upon movement of the member away from the plate. The biasing member is a pivotally mounted spring configured to hold the glass piece in a desired location on the member and has V-shaped portions to engage portions of the member for positive locking of the spring in the member.

Abstract: A stage (1) for fixing at least one porous or non-porous medium (27) that carries one or more samples to be observed and to be analyzed by means of a microscope. The stage includes a hole (10) for receiving a plate (20; 28) for supporting the medium (27) and thus for observing the samples carried thereby. The stage is designed for pressing the medium (27) against the support plate (20; 28) by suction. The invention is applicable to the biological industry for rapid and indexed analysis under a microscope of filters and other media carrying multiple samples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a high time resolution study of a reaction pattern of a cell or cell aggregates by light transmission microscopy during perfusion by different media. The apparatus comprises a light transparent chamber defining a first space for receiving a medium and a second space for receiving a cell or cell aggregates. The first space and second space are separated by a transparent slide and communicate with one another through a slit shaped opening. The slit shaped opening allows a first medium in the first space, for instance a control medium, to be drawn through the cell space by an external pump. The control medium in the first space may be replaced by a different medium, for instance a cytotoxic drug, by pumping the control medium from the first space and replacing it with the test medium. Pumping the control medium out of the first space however does not remove the control medium from the second space.

Abstract: A magnetic slide loading is used with automated cell counting equipment or manual optical microscopes to measure the number of cells in a fluid biological sample. A slide having a defined volume region holds the sample for measurement. A cover slip is placed over the defined volume region creating an enclosed volume. An actuable holder clamp is placed over the slide securing it as well as the cover slip in position by virtue of magnets secured to the bottom of the device exerting a magnetic force upon the holder clamp such that it is attracted toward the slide forcing the cover slip to flatten, thereby removing any defects or distortions from the volume. This action ensures that the volume has a uniform depth allowing accurate measurement of cell concentration within the biological sample.

Abstract: A subject position adjusting apparatus for use with an interferometer has a leveling stand disposed on a stationary stand of the interferometer. A leveling standard is stationary relative to and extends upright from the leveling stand. The leveling standard carries a subject stage for up and down movement in an axial direction of a light beam. A leveling mechanism is disposed between the stationary stand and the leveling stand. The leveling mechanism controls the angle of the leveling stand relative to a horizontal plane so as to level the leveling standard and make it parallel to the axial direction.

Abstract: A raster scan apparatus provides a scanning assembly capable of moving in a sinusoidal motion along a first direction and stepping in fine steps in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In one embodiment, a piezoelectric bimorph sets in scanning motion a scanning assembly formed by a wafer holder and leaf springs. The amplitude of the scanning motion is controlled by a voltage applied across the piezoelectric bimorph. A Hall effect sensor provides an output signal indicating the instantaneous location of the scanning assembly in motion. The output signal of the Hall effect sensor is compared against a predetermined threshold to provide a trigger signal for synchronization. The output signal of the Hall effect sensor is also fed back to the source of sinusoidal voltage to adaptively adjust the sinusoidal voltage so as to achieve a predetermined amplitude for the scanning motion.

Abstract: The disclosed pivoting device is used with a frame structure that supports optical units, such as surgical microscopes and the like, for viewing a predetermined observation point, the frame structure being adjustable in height and in relation to three coordinate axes. The pivoting device carries the optical unit and permits adjustment of the unit about three axes of rotation to any desired position over a spherical surface. The pivoting device includes counterbalancing apparatus that adjusts synchronously with the movement of the optical unit. With this apparatus, it is easy to move the optical unit, and minor adjustments in the position of the optical unit do not require an adjustment of the frame structure. In addition, since the pivoting device's three primary axes of rotation all intersect at the observation point, focus of the optical unit relative to the observation point is not changed by such minor spatial adjustments of the unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spatially-adjustable supporting frame for a surgical microscope unit which can be selectively locked in any adjusted position. The frame includes a hinged parallelogram which can be pivoted about a bearing supported on a column. The hinged parallelogram carries a second structure in the form of a coupled-hinge parallelogram which, in turn, carries the surgical microscope. Two counterweights are independently adjustable along paths parallel with two adjacent sides of the hinged parallelogram to permit the continuous balancing of the weight of the surgical microscope.

Abstract: A durable, frictionless remote controlled manipulator, which is compact, stable, easy to construct, and has good dynamic capability, is a cradle suspension of lever arms, joined by crossed spring hinges to form a parallelogram suspension. The suspension creates vertical motions that have minimal cross-coupled horizontal error. Vertical cross-coupling error that arises at the extremes of parallelogram displacement in the two horizontal axes is hydraulically corrected by the remote controller. Thus, displacements are more nearly mutually perpendicular, and the position of the microtool more faithfully corresponds to the micromter settings. Being compact, the device can be mounted on a microscope stage to minimize cantilevering of the microtool, which is an unwanted source of vibration and also limits the load bearing in larger devices that can only be placed alongside the microscope.

Abstract: A microscope includes a first stage for placing a specimen on a first plane, a second stage for placing the specimen on a second plane, an objective lens provided between the first plane and the second plane, the objective lens being provided so that the first plane and the second plane are in conjugate relationship with the objective lens, a Koehler illuminating optical system for supplying an illuminating light beam for illuminating the first plane, the illuminating optical system supplying the illuminating light beam to the second plane through the objective lens when the specimen is placed on the second plane, and an observation system for observing therethrough the image of the specimen formed on a third plane, the observation system being provided with an optical system cooperating with the objective lens to cause the image of the specimen placed on the first plane to be formed on a third plane, or cause the image of the specimen placed on the second plane to be formed on the third plane.

Abstract: A glass microscope slide made of low annealing temperature glass and having an opaque, porous, ceramic marking surface permanently fused thereto, and a method for making same. The ceramic marking surface may be formed on one side or on both sides of the glass microscope slide and at either end on either side. Different ceramic colors may be used for color coding the slide.

Abstract: A holder is selectively secured to the stage of a microscope for adapting the microscope to hold a test tube oriented horizontally between the microscope objective and a light source for microscopic examination of a biological specimen while retained in the test tube, thereby eliminating the necessity of preparing a microscope slide for the specimen. The holder includes a base assembled of slotted base plates selectively slidable relative to one another to be fitted to the microscope so as to establish a slot for retaining the test tube in registration with the microscope objective and the light source, and fasteners for fastening the base plates together in secure attachment to the stage of the microscope.