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 stage apparatus is provided with a table having a reference surface, support means for supporting the table, a first movable body movable in a first direction on the reference surface, first driving means for driving the first movable body, a second movable body movable in a second direction differing from the first direction with the first movable body as the reference, and second driving means for driving the second movable body, and the driving reaction forces of the first driving means and the second driving means are received by a base discrete from the table. Also, provision is made of a supporting mechanism for supporting the second driving means for minute displacement in the second direction relative to the first movable body. By this construction, the influence of a reaction force resulting from the acceleration and deceleration of the stage is made small.

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 high accuracy, orthogonal motion stage for microscopes and the like uses three frames for orthogonal motion. The lower most frame has provided thereon a series of downwardly depending ramps. An actuator plate having correspondingly positioned, upwardly directed ramps is translated with respect to the lower most frame to raise and lower the frames.

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 microscope stage comprising an upper stage and a lower stage provided on a preset microscope and overlapped on each other in a vertical direction, said upper stage being disposed to move in a straight direction with respect to said lower stage, a pair of pulleys disposed on one of said upper stage and said lower stage and arranged with a preset distance in a direction parallel to the movement direction of said upper stage, and an endless driving force transmission member stretched between said pair of pulleys and reciprocally moved between said pulleys.

Abstract: The linear slope range of the axial response curve of confocal imaging is utilized to obtain nanometer depth resolution, a sample which is at the top of a piezo-electric translator (PZT) 6, using a highly spatial-coherent light source, high numerical aperture focusing devices, a pinhole, and an optical detector to produce the axial response of confocal imaging Before the measurement, the calibration of height and resolution must be done by fitting the linear slope range of the axial response curve to a straight fitting line. While measuring surface profiles, the sample height is first finely adjusted to the linear slope range, and a two-dimensional scanning is then performed on the plane vertical to the detecting light beam. The signal of optical detector which represents the variation of the surface height, is then recorded. In this way, a three-dimensional image of the sample surface profile can be obtained with nanometer depth resolution.

Abstract: A computerized slide encoder for use with microscope analysis and pathological studies is provided. The slide encoder is attached to the movable microscope stage, whereby x-y direction plane movement and location, is correlated to examination of an identified slide, with information marking and location being directly correspondingly written, at pre-defined times, on computer storage media, during the examination. Subsequent use of the computer-stored information, coupled with the slide encoder, in a slide re-examination, permits independent retrieval of such information and location on the slide. The computer storage media includes digitized vocal transcription of history of the slide made during the original examination. An embodiment of the slide encoder includes a computer mouse pen affixed to the stage of the microscope and a rolling surface, for the mouse pen, being affixed to the movable slide holder.

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 slide mechanism combined rough and fine adjustment in micromanipulator comprising an inside slider 30 provided with a rough adjustment female screw 30a in axial direction slidably fitted in recessed grooves 12a of a basic outside slider 12 in axial direction, a rough adjustment screw shaft 31 fitted into the rough adjustment female screw 30a of the inside slider 30, a fine adjustment inside slider 32 fixing the basic end part of the rough adjustment screw shaft 31 and provided with a fine adjustment female screw 32b, a rough adjustment bearing metal and concurrently fine adjustment outside slider 20 to fit and support the fine adjustment inside slider 32 non-rotatively but movably in axial direction in a through hole provided in axial direction, a fine adjustment screw shaft 33 to fit in the fine adjustment female screw 32b of the fine adjustment inside slider 32, an annular rough adjustment operation handle 23 to rotate the rough adjustment bearing metal and concurrently fine adjustment outside slider 20,

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: To provide a surgical microscope comprising a microscope collimator for enabling the operator to easily recognize the swivel center of the microscope body regardless of what position the microscope body moves for easy setting of the swivel center point of the microscope body, a surgical microscope pivotally supporting a microscope body having, an observation optical system with one point on an observation optical axis of the microscope body as the swivel center. The surgical microscope comprises index projectors as swivel center visible indicators being capable of recognizing the swivel center. This configuration enables the operator to easily recognize the swivel center of the microscope body for easy setting of the swivel center point of the microscope body.

Abstract: A linear motor driven positioning stage comprises a wedge positioned between a carrier and a base and a linear motor positioned between the wedge and the base for moving the wedge relative to the base along a second axis whereby the carrier moves relative to the base along a first 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: The invention relates to a one-hand control unit for controlling movements in optical instruments. The control unit corresponds in its configuration essentially to a computer mouse and has a mouse roller ball 2 on its lower side, an additional rotational transducer 3 at the thumb position and two or three keys (5, 6, 7) on the side of the mouse lying opposite to the rotational transducer 3. The keys (5, 6, 7) are for actuation by the middle finger, index finger and little finger, respectively. The mouse roller ball 2 and the rotational transducer 3 preferably function to drive continuously movable elements such as the illuminating field diaphragm 13, the aperture diaphragm 12, the motorized focus 20 or a motorized object stage 21. The keys (4, 5, 6, 7) are provided for driving discretely adjustable elements such as the objective-lens turret 14 or the incident-light reflector turret 15 or for switching over between coarse drive and fine drive for a motor-driven focus drive.

Abstract: An optical package and methods for its use are disclosed. The optical package may suitably include a container and a rail that fit within the container for receiving a plurality of mounted optical components. The rail may be secured within the container so that neither the rail nor the received mounted optical components move within the container. The optical package may further have at least one optical fiber termination mounted to the end of the container that is in optical communication with the optical components within the container. In methods according to the present invention, the optical package may be used for the transportation, operation, manufacturing and rapid prototyping of optical systems.

Abstract: A method and device for the calibration of microscope slides for use in accurate and repeatable position location and relocation of specific areas of a specimen on the slide, particularly with use of computer correlated location of specimen events. Deviation from orthogonality of a specimen holder positioned on a stage (relative to movement of the microscope slide stage) is determined and compensated for by means of a rectangular calibration slide having a predetermined fixed length diagonal, and visual fixation sites at the ends of the diagonal, i.e., opposite corners of the slide, for the position marking of the corners and determination of the diagonal and its position. The calibration slide is placed on the microscope stage, against a fixed position portion of the slide holder.

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: 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 first a confocal optical microscope in which a good image with high contrast can be observed with which a bright image can be observed over a long time interval. The confocal optical microscope has a quarter wave plate arranged in an optical path between an imaging lens and an objective such that it is inclined relative to a reference optics axis extending between the imaging lens and the objective. Furthermore, the confocal optical microscope has a shortwave radiation attenuator for attenuating light radiated from the light source with wavelengths of less than or equal to 340 nm. The confocal optical microscope can form part of a length measuring device which can take a length measurement of a sample to be measured with high measurement accuracy and high reproducibility. The length measuring device also has a movable carrier, a carrier device for a sample to be measured, a computing device, a display device and a control device.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a combination of a microscope and an interative 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 guide device for the backlash-free alignment of mutually relatively displaceable parts of an optical instrument, preferably of a rack-and-pinion housing of a microscope on a profile column. The rack-and-pinion housing is constructed with a gearing such that it can be moved along the profile column. Arranged between the rack-and-pinion housing and the profile column are a plurality of sliding elements (8), which are firstly constructed resiliently and form a force-closed connection between the rack-and-pinion housing and the profile column. For the purpose of fixing in the rack-and-pinion housing, the sliding elements (8) have a receptacle (11) for inserting an adhesive. After curing the adhesive, the sliding elements (8) lose their spring action.

Abstract: A computerized specimen encoder for use with microscope analysis and pathological studies. The slide encoder is attached to the movable microscope stage, whereby X-Y plane movement and location, is correlated to examination of a specimen on an identified slide, with information marking and location being directly correspondingly written on computer storage media, during the examination. The information marking is in the form of computer generated indicia which are placed at a computer image location of the slide at predetermined time intervals. Subsequent use of the computer-stored information, coupled with the slide encoder, in a slide re-examination, permits independent retrieval of such information and location on the slide. The encoder device is provided with a grayscale marker which marks in varying shades of gray, ranging from white to black, the time spent by a slide screener on a particular portion of the specimen and the number of times spent viewing a particular portion of the specimen.

Abstract: A computerized slide encoder for use with microscope analysis and pathological studies. The slide encoder is attached to the movable microscope stage, whereby x-y direction plane movement and location, is correlated to examination of an identified slide, with information marking and location being directly correspondingly written, at pre-defined times, on computer storage media, during the examination. Subsequent use of the computer-stored information, coupled with the slide encoder, in a slide re-examination, permits independent retrieval of such information and location on the slide. The computer storage media includes digitized vocal transcription of history of the slide made during the original examination. An embodiment of the slide encoder includes a computer mouse pen affixed to the stage of the microscope and a rolling surface, for the mouse pen, being affixed to the movable slide holder.

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: 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: Apparatus for manually controlling a motorized microscope stage for movement about the X, Y and Z axes. The apparatus includes a main housing having an X axis control knob and a Y axis control knob rotatably mounted to the housing. A Z axis control knob is provided for controlling movement about the Z axis. The Z axis knob is mounted to a removable module so that the position of the Z axis control knob is adjustable with respect to the other knobs. There is a controller for generating stage control signals in response to movement of the knobs. A plug-in connector connects the apparatus to the microscope stage controller such that the stage control signals create corresponding movements of the motorized stage. The apparatus simulates the controls of a nonmotorized stage while maintaining compatibility with existing stage controller units. The apparatus is designed to provide tactile position feedback to the user similar to that of a manual non-motorized microscope.

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

Abstract: A positioning stage wherein encoder pair means on a table which is movable on a frame by a drive and transmission system generate a signal independent of lost motion in that system so that a microprocessor can fix the position of the table in a predetermined position with respect to the frame irrespective of that lost motion.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a combination of a microscope and an interative 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 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: A surgical microscope apparatus comprising a supporting device for suspending a microscope, a detecting device for detecting a location of a pupil of an observer relative to an observing pupil of the microscope and a drive controller for automatically moving the microscope, on the basis of a result detected by the detecting device, so that the observing pupil of the microscope is coincident with the pupil of the observer. This surgical microscope apparatus requires no manual handling for shifting the microscope and permits a continuous observation of a visual field without fail.

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: A precision component mounting and positioning apparatus comprises a frame member and a stage member suspended in the frame member. The frame member is adapted to be mounted on a support surface, and the stage member is adapted to receive a precision component, typically a precision optical component such as an optical fiber or waveguide. The stage member can be positionally adjusted relative to the frame member in five degrees of freedom. Three axially oriented actuators are grounded in the frame member to provide for selectively rotating the stage member about two orthogonally disposed transverse axes relative to the frame member as well as for axially translating the stage member relative to the frame member. A pair of orthogonally opposed transverse actuators are grounded in the frame member and oriented to provide for transverse translation of the stage member relative to the frame member.

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 invention is directed to a mechanical control unit for a supporting stand for a surgical microscope. The mechanical control unit constrains the surgical microscope to move along the surface of a sphere about the point at which surgery is performed when spatially moving the microscope. In this way, the focusing adjustment of the surgical microscope onto the point of surgery is maintained for each viewing direction. The mechanical control unit is connected via adaptation positions to the supporting stand which is translationally movable in three spatial directions and is rotationally movable about three axes.

Abstract: An X-Y microscope stage is provided with a tiltable support for a specimen. The specimen may be tilted about the tilt axis to re-orient the specimen for viewing. The re-orientation of the specimen may require a small adjustment in the X or Y direction and a subsequent refocus of the microscope optics.

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 table moving apparatus includes a reference table, a object movable holizontally to generate a driving force acting holizontally, a lever member receiving the driving force to swing round a fulcrum and change the driving force to a vertical force, and a movable table receiving the vertical force to move vertically. The height of movable table on the reference table can be made relatively low. Pitching and rolling errors can be reduced. When the ratio of the lever member is of the reduction type, the resolution of the movable table can be made high or good. When the ratio of the lever member is of the enlargement type, the movable range of the movable table can be made large.

Abstract: A fine displacement device for establishing a measured micro displacement includes first and second plate members disposed in spaced relation to each other to define a gap therebetween with the plate members being secured to each other at opposed portions thereof. An internally threaded hole is formed through one plate member perpendicular thereto and an externally threaded screw is fastened in the hole with an end of the screw abutting against the other plate member. Upon turning the screw in one direction, the plate members will be deformed elastically in a direction perpendicular to the plate members and a distance between a plane of the first plate member and a deformed portion of the first plate member is used as a measure for establishing the micro displacement.

Abstract: A precision component mounting and positioning apparatus comprises a frame member and a stage member suspended in the frame member. The frame member is adapted to be mounted on a support surface, and the stage member is adapted to receive a precision component, typically a precision optical component such as an optical fiber or waveguide. The stage member can be positionally adjusted relative to the frame member in five degrees of freedom. Three axially oriented actuators are grounded in the frame member to provide for selectively rotating the stage member about two orthogonally disposed transverse axes relative to the frame member as well as for axially translating the stage member relative to the frame member. A pair of orthogonally opposed transverse actuators are grounded in the frame member and oriented to provide for transverse translation of the stage member relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A positioning device, includes a first positioning portion for moving an article in a direction substantially perpendicular to a predetermined plane and/or in a direction inclined with respect to the predetermined plane; a second positioning portion for moving the article in a direction substantially parallel to the predetermined plane, wherein the first positioning portion is mounted on the second positioning portion; a base member on which the second positioning portion is mounted; and a position detecting system for controlling movement of the article through the first positioning portion, the position detecting system being operable to measure displacement with respect to the surface of the base member.

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.