Abstract: A ballasted multifocal contact lens has a vent for releasing constrictive pressure provided in its lower and ballasted portion. The vent has a surface which tapers from the anterior surface toward the posterior surface to allow the lens to be positioned below the inferior lid. A stabilizing portion is formed on the lens adjacent each side of the vent. The stabilizing portions engage the inferior lid and adjust the lens should it be rotated off axis.

Abstract: A monoaxial coarse-fine adjusting apparatus for optical instruments has a pair of friction wheels whose peripheries are in engagement with the fine adjusting shaft. The axles to which the friction wheels are mounted are received in slots formed in the coarse shaft. The coarse adjusting knob has a surface which the friction wheel axles bear against. A pair of springs are provided which accommodate for torsion and backlash. Rotation of the coarse knob directly rotates the coarse shaft. Rotation of the fine knob rotates the friction wheels in a planetary fashion. The friction wheel axles which are received in the slots in the coarse shaft, drive the coarse shaft an amount which is proportional to the rotation of the fine knob.

Abstract: A compact portable microscope includes an optical tube assembly which is resiliently mounted therein. Adjusting members bear against the optical tube to shift the position of the objective relative to the stage. The image of the specimen being examined may, therefore, be selectively positioned within the field of view of the microscope. The optical tube assembly is also movable axially within the housing for focussing.

Abstract: A multi-objective optical instrument, such as a microscope, has a photocell disposed in the optical path so as to effectively detect the intensity of light being transmitted by an illuminator to a receptor plane, such as defined by an operator's eyes. The light detected by the photocell is compared against a preset level of light. The intensity of the illumination would be adjusted automatically to a minimum level when the carrier is rotated and to a preselected level when an objective is in place for viewing. An electrical switch is cooperatively mounted to the rotatable objective carrier and detects rotation of the carrier to control the flow of current to the illuminator.

Abstract: A portable microscope for inspecting fiber optic cables has an illumination system including a selectively positionable light occluder which permits end examination of a cable when in a first position and examination of the optical transmission of the cable when in a second position.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism is rotatably and pivotably mounted to a rotatable adjusting mechanism of an instrument. The rotatable mechanism includes a bearing surface and a friction surface. The actuating mechanism includes a pivot and friction means. By pivoting the actuating mechanism about the pivot against the bearing surface, the friction means engages the friction surface. The actuating mechanism and adjusting mechanism are thereby locked together and can be rotated in unison. The rotatable mechanism may include a second bearing surface and a second friction surface and the actuating mechanism may include a second pivot and a second friction means. The second bearing surface and the second pivot are adjacent each other, as are the second friction surface and the second friction means. Pivoting the actuating mechanism in a second direction will engage the second pivot to the second bearing surface and the second friction means to the second friction surface.

Abstract: A specimen mount for a microscope holds a fiber optic cable so that the end of the cable may be examined. The mount is rotatable to angularly displace the cable end being examined.

Abstract: An indexing mechanism for an optical instrument, such as a microscope, includes a support, a rotatable assembly having a plurality of detents, and a fixed member and a rotating wheel mounted to a spring. The non-rotating member is adapted to engage the detent formed in a flange on the nosepiece shell to provide positive and accurate alignment between the support and the rotatable assembly. When the rotatable assembly is rotated relative to the support, the rotating wheel engages the flange and provides for essentially friction-free rotation between detents. By insulating the spring and rotating wheel, the indexing mechanism may be used as a switch to control an electrical function of the optical instrument.

Abstract: A monoaxial adjusting system is provided for accomplishing both coarse and fine focusing adjustments between the nosepiece and stage of a microscope. The coarse adjustment is made by rotation of either of two coarse adjusting knobs which in turn directly rotates a coarse adjusting shaft and cam. Suitable linkage is connected to the cam to affect linear movement between the nosepiece and stage. Fine adjustment is made through rotation of either of two fine adjusting knobs which actuate the coarse shaft and cam through a planetary gear reduction system and follower. A further adjusting mechanism is lever operated so that the operator may easily provide fine adjustment while manipulating the North-South stage and East-West slide control knobs. The entire adjusting system is spring and gravity loaded to eliminate backlash.

Abstract: A digitizer cursor is provided with a multifunctional control panel. The panel is comprised of a multiplicity of switches for defining various modes of cursor operation in use with a digitizer coordinate axes grid assembly or pad. Novel circuitry provides for a cursor of convenient size with a complex control panel in combination with a point locating device used in conjunction with the coordinate grid assembly. The circuitry provides for electrical communication through a coaxial cable permitting easy maneuverability of the cursor assembly relative to the pad and a simple electrical path for processing of the cursor coil induced point location signal, to determine coordinate location, and the cursor control signals originating as a function of switch operation initiated on the cursor panel by the operator. One digitizer grid pattern is used for each of two coordinate axes, i.e. X and Y. Each grid pattern is used for coarse and fine digitizing to determine cursor positioning on each respective axis.