Abstract: A solid immersion lens device and method of making. A solid immersion lens device is provided having a plurality of solid immersion lenses. The solid immersion lenses are provided in a predetermined pattern and secured so as to cause them to be in a fixed position with respect to each other.

Abstract: A holder support device in an electron microscope. The device has a detachable cylindrical holder extending along the X-axis. The holder support device permits the position of the inner end of the holder to be adjusted along the X-, Y-, and Z-axes and about the angular position about the X-axis. The support device has an inner cylinder rotatably held to an outer cylinder. The inner cylinder is provided with a holder through-hole and a pin guide hole. The holder is slidably held in the holder through-hole. The pin guide hole guides a pin on the holder when it is inserted into the holder through-hole. The outer cylinder is provided with a circumferential guide hole and axial guide holes.

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: The invention involves methods and apparata for manipulating micro-/nanoobjects. A holder exerts a weak attractive force on the micro-/nanoobject (by, for example, suction from negative fluid pressure, electrostatic attraction, magnetic attraction, etc.). A vibrator coupled to the holder generates orbital motion in the holder in at least one plane. As long as the attractive force is not too high, the orbital motion of the holder will cause rotation of the micro-/nanoobject, with the attractive force of the holder maintaining the micro-/nanoobject adjacent the holder during such rotation. Once the micro-/nanoobject has been rotated to a desired orientation, the attractive force of the holder on the micro-/nanoobject can be increased to such a level that the micro-/nanoobject will be firmly fixed to the holder.

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: The present invention relates to the analysis of specimens. Specifically, the invention relates to methods and apparatus for reviewing specimen slides, including apparatus for holding the slides. The invention also relates to an automatic focusing method for an imaging system and methods for accommodating vibration in the imaging system. In particular, the methods and apparatus may be applied to the automated analysis of cytological specimen slides.

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: A small footprint mechanical positioning stage capable of operating in two perpendicular orientations comprises a base plate, a carriage plate, linear bearings, a brushless linear motor, and a linear encoder. The linear bearings, the linear motor, and the encoder scale are all parallel to the direction of travel of the positioning stage.

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: 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: A drive mechanism includes a fine-movement ring provided at each of both ends of a fine-movement coupling shaft, disposed outside each of rough-movement handles, and having a smaller outside diameter than an outside diameter of each of the rough-movement handles, and a fine-movement handle detachably attached to at least one of the fine-movement rings.

Abstract: The invention discloses a scanner apparatus for performing bidirectional scanning by using an integration amplifying detector, which is capable of preventing the occurrence of jitters. To detect the n-th pixel from the left in a going direction, an integration timing setting circuit generates pulses indicating a resetting period Tr and a measuring period Ti by using the n-th pulse of a scanning position detecting clock as a reference, and then controls an integration circuit. To detect the n-th pixel from the left in a returning direction, an integration timing setting circuit generates a timing clock by delaying a difference period Td generated between the going and returning ways, with the n+1st pulse of the scanning position detecting clock from the left used as a reference, and then controls the integration circuit.

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 small footprint vertical lift and rotary positioning stage comprises a bottom wedge and a top wedge, a linear bearing between the bottom wedge and the top wedge, cam grooves and cam surfaces for constraining the motion of the top wedge in a vertical direction, a brushless linear motor for moving the bottom wedge back and forth along a horizontal path raising and lowering the top wedge, a circular table rotatably mounted on the top wedge and having a first cylindrical flange extending downward from a segment of the circumference of the circular table, a bracket mounted on the side of the top wedge, the bracket supporting an upwardly extending second cylindrical flange coaxial with the circular table and the first cylindrical flange, and a brushless curvilinear motor between the first and second cylindrical flanges.

Abstract: A positioning device and method for positioning objects is provided. The device includes a movable stage and a pair of levers. The pair of levers is symmetric about a first axis of the movable stage. Additionally, the pair of levers is parallel to a second axis of the movable stage. This second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the pair of levers applies a force to the movable stage. Each of the pair of levers moves in an arc. The two levers move in opposite directions along their respective arc. The two arcs are symmetrical about an axis of the movable stage.

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 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 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 carriage adapted for carrying a laboratory instrument such as a pipette, electrode, or syringe is driven by a drive shaft in the form of a lead screw. The lead screw is selectively driven by a high speed drive wheel or by a low speed drive wheel. The drive wheels are coaxially mounted around the drive shaft and concentrically and coaxially arranged with respect to one another. The drive shaft and the two drive wheels all rotate in unison in the same rotary direction.

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 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: This invention provides an angled-dual-axis confocal scanning microscope comprising a fiber-coupled, angled-dual-axis confocal head and a vertical scanning unit. The angled-dual-axis confocal head is configured such that an illumination beam and an observation beam intersect optimally at an angle &thgr; within an object. The vertical scanning unit causes the angled-dual-axis confocal head to move towards or away from the object, thereby yielding a vertical scan that deepens into the object, while keeping the optical path lengths of the illumination and observation beams unchanged so to ensure the optimal intersection of the illumination and observation beams in the course of vertical scanning. The angled-dual-axis confocal scanning microscope may further comprises a transverse stage, causing the object to move relative to the angled-dual-axis confocal head along transverse directions perpendicular to the vertical direction, thereby producing a transverse scan.

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 stereoscopic microscope comprises a body tube provided with an objective lens, a base provided with a stage on which a sample as an object to be observed is mounted, a guide mechanism for driving the body tube to change a distance between the body tube and the sample for conducting a focusing operation, a focus driving unit for transmitting the driving force to a movable portion of the guide mechanism, and a focus operating unit which can be operated externally for giving the driving force to the focus driving unit in order to drive the guide mechanism. The guide mechanism is placed on one end of the base, the focus driving unit is placed inside the base, and the focus operating unit is placed on the other end of the base.

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: Scanning probe microscopes and scanning probe heads are provided having improved optical visualization and sample manipulation capabilities. The SPMs and SPM heads include at least one flexure stage for scanning in the x, y and/or z directions. In a preferred embodiment, the SPMs or SPM heads include flexure stages for scanning in the x, y and z directions. The z scanning stage is preferably positioned outside the lateral footprint of the x-y flexure stage so that a probe extending from the z scanning stage is outside the lateral footprint of the instrument. The SPMs and SPM heads are configured to provide top down and bottom up optical views of the sample and/or the probe and enable simultaneous scanning probe microscopy and optical imaging of a sample to be performed. The SPMs and SPM heads are designed to be readily combinable with existing upright and inverted optical microscopes currently available from various major manufacturers.

Abstract: A computerized control and display system for a stereo microscope is disclosed. The objective lens is selected for a minimum and maximum magnification range and then two sets of movable lenses within the stereo module are positioned through computer control to achieve a precisely desired magnification. In the preferred embodiment, a lookup table is used to smoothly select the proper position of the two movable lenses in relationship to one another as the magnification is either increased or decreased. A stereoscopic image is transmitted by cameras to a computer screen with the use of a wireless eyewear/shutter system cycling at 120 cycles per second for viewing.

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: 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 is disclosed with a stage which is adjustable in coordinates X, Y and/or Z, with a drive for stage adjustment and with a control circuit for presetting different adjusting speeds. In a microscope of the type mentioned above, a device is provided for showing the given adjusting speed during the adjustment of the stage in at least one of coordinates X, Y, Z. Therefore, it is advantageously possible during the adjustment and/or programming of the microscope to visually perceive the adjusting speed or to display speed gradations which are not otherwise detectable in the eyepiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light scanning device for exciting and detecting secondary light, especially fluorescent light, on a sample, comprising a light-emitting device for emitting excitation light having a wavelength which is suitable for exciting secondary light on or in the sample, a scanning unit for scanning at least one subarea of the sample with said excitation light, and a detection unit for the secondary light emitted in response to excitation of the sample, said detection unit comprising a detection optics and a detector device. In the case of conventional scanning devices, the spatial resolution on the sample is determined by the scanning element alone. If spot detectors without spatial resolution are used, the detector must be read out and re-initialized after the illumination of each scanning spot on the sample; this results in a waiting time before the scanning beam can be moved to the next scanning spot and, consequently, in a reduction of the read-out velocity.

Abstract: A system for facilitating microscope-based specimen analysis is disclosed. The system includes an improved optical microscope, which may be used, in one application, to analyze cell and tissue samples from specimens obtained from patients, to facilitate inspection of suspicious materials and identification of atypical or abnormal cells and further expert review. The system includes a motorized plate, an automatic focusing sub-system, an improved light source, an improved simple plug connector for direct hookup of the microscope to an external computer, and an electronic image capturing and analyzing sub-system for automatic scanning of the sample and for electronic capture and storage of images indicative of the specimen.

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: 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: The invention concerns a drive device for the mechanical stage (1) of a microscope, said device having a stationary base plate (2) and slides (3, 4) which are disposed thereon, are movable in the X and Y directions and are used to position an object to be examined. Secured on each of the slides (3, 4) is a rack (5, 6) which is drivingly connected in each case to a drive pinion (7, 8). Two superimposed control knobs (9) are provided on the microscope mechanical stage (1) for manually manipulating the drive device. Disposed in each case between the control knobs (9) and the respective drive pinion (7, 8) is a transmission element in the form of a toothed belt (10, 11) which transmits the rotational movement at the control knobs (2) to the respective drive pinion (7, 8).

Abstract: A laser microscope for picking up an image of a specimen at a high speed and a pattern checking apparatus for checking a pattern at a high speed with a high sensitivity can be provided. A plurality of light beams aligned in a first direction are produced from a light source device (1, 10), and these light beams are projected onto a specimen (7, 30) by an objective lens (6, 29) to form a light spot array on the specimen. The specimen is moved in a direction perpendicular to the light spot array or the light beams are moved by a beam deflecting device in said direction to scan the specimen two-dimensionally. Light beams emanating from the light spots on the specimen are made incident upon corresponding light receiving elements of a linear image sensor (11, 33). In case of checking periodic patterns such as memory cell patterns, a pitch of the light spots is corresponded to a pitch of the patterns, and defects in the patterns can be detected by comparing output signals from respective light receiving elements.

Abstract: An X-Y table of a microscope includes an a X-axis moving plate, an object holder mounted on an upper surface of the X-axis moving plate, a Y-axis moving plate to which the X-axis moving plate is slidingly coupled for movement in the X direction, a fixed plate to which the Y-axis moving plate is slidingly coupled for movement in the Y direction, an X-axis driving system which uses a belt for moving the X-axis moving plate in the X direction, and Y-axis driving system which also uses a belt for moving the Y-axis moving plate in the Y direction. The X-axis moving plate and the Y-axis moving plate serve as the stage of the microscope. In operation, when it is desired to move the X- and Y-moving plates rapidly to generally position the object under the microscope, the belts of the X- and Y-driving systems are disengaged from drive elements associated therewith.

Abstract: A microscope stage assembly prevents particles generated by the meshing of gears of the assembly from dispersing onto the hands of an operator. The assembly includes a stage, a drive system for the stage which is made up of X- and Y-axis drive pinions meshing with X- and Y-axis racks, respectively, and control knobs which are manipulated by an operator to rotate the drive pinions. In one embodiment, a particle collection tray is positioned between the gears and the control knobs to catch any particles falling from the gears before the particles reach the hands of the operator. In another embodiment, a vacuum system includes vacuum lines which open to the sides of the racks meshing with the drive pinions. Any particles produced by the meshing of the gears are removed from the area of the microscope via the vacuum lines.

Abstract: A micromachined xyz stage, and microscopes utilizing such a stage, are disclosed. The xyz stage includes co-planar x- and y-drive means linked to a sample stage. Such x- and y- drive means are operable to position the sample stage in an x-y plane. The xyz stage further includes z-drive operable to moves the sample stage out of the x-y plane. The z-drive can be implemented by suspending a flat-plate electrode over the sample stage using hinged plate supports. As a voltage is applied across the plate electrode and the sample stage, an electrostatic force is generated, causing the sample stage to move towards the plate electrode. The hinged plate supports facilitate assembly of the z-drive, in addition to providing support for it in its assembled configuration. By incorporating an optical fiber, the aperture of which has be drawn down to submicron size, a near-field scanning optical microscope can be formed.

Abstract: A microscope includes a light source, an objective lens for converging light emitted from the light source onto a sample, and an optical detector for detecting either light from the sample via a confocal point diaphragm or light from the sample which does not pass through the confocal point diaphragm. A range of a focusing point is detected in accordance with the light which does not pass through the confocal diaphragm, and the focusing point is then detected in accordance with the light detected via the confocal point diaphragm in the detected range of the focusing point.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a combination of a microscope and an interactive image analysis system comprising a camera and a computer work station. The purpose of the apparatus is to facilitate the interactive control of coordinate displacements of the stage of the microscope. For each coordinate x and y an electromechanical control channel is established. At the input of the control channel two cascaded wheels in a coaxial arrangement and two angle encoders are used as a detached, independent tool which is not kinematically linked to the stage. In the middle of the control channel, the pulses of the angle encoders undergo a non-linear transformation. A processor performs a calculation which discriminates between slow displacements and fast displacements. At the end of the control channel, a flat, easily accessible platform of the microscope stage has two working areas, one for manual previewing and one for interactive scanning of a specimen.

Abstract: A bi-directional optical scanning system includes a spring-stiffened, taut-band mechanical subsystem that translates rotational motion of a servo-controlled actuator to translational (scan line or "fast axis") motion of a sample relative to a stationary objective lens. A first taut steel band attaches to a first end of a shuttle that moves the sample over the fast axis. The band then wraps partially in one direction around a light-weight wheel that is rotated by the servo-controlled actuator. The second end of the band attaches to a pre-loaded spring that is, in turn, attached to the wheel. A second taut steel band wraps partially around the wheel in the opposite direction, with one end of the band attached to the wheel and the other end attached to a second end of the shuttle. When the wheel rotates in one direction, the first band pulls the shuttle, and thus, the sample, in the forward scan direction.

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.