Abstract: A transparent multifunction display field (LCD display 23) is reflected by means of a transmitted-light projection ray path (21-27) into the intermediate image plane (11) of a photomicroscope.The LCD display (23) provides the viewer with information on the status of the microphotographic system by showing, superposed on the object image, corresponding symbols and numbers, illustratively for the nature and picture format of the camera used, its exposure counter, position and size of the spot used for the exposure-time measurement, the thus-determined exposure time, flashlight function, etc.

Abstract: A method for the structural, superficial and deep analysis of a body is disclosed. The method includes scanning the body to be examined using a modulated excitation radiation beam so as to impart a thermal modulation to the body. The thermal modulation is then measured on the side of the body distal to the side exposed to the beam. The amplitude as well as the phase of the measured thermal modulation is used to determine the thickness and structure of the body. A device for accomplishing the above described method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In order to regulate the absorptance of an electrochromic layer, the absorptance of the layer is measured optically. The signal derived therefrom is compared with a guide value and fed to a controller which has a dead zone between two hysteresis regions (at switch points), and charges are fed to or removed from the layer as required. Preferred fields of use are lenses, particularly eyeglass lenses, filters and dimmable mirrors to which an electrochromic layer is applied with provision for controlled change of its absorptance.

Abstract: For non-fatiguing observation through microscope eyepieces, the invention contemplates continuously displaceable eyecups for adjustment of pupil coincidence. The simple mechanical structure is based on force-fitted connection of one part of the eyecup to the eyepiece housing, together with guidance of another part parallel to the optical axis.

Abstract: This invention contemplates a rapid method of calibrating probe-pin combinations, such as star probes or rotary-swing probes, which method is applicable when the probe system forms part of or is coupled to the control system of a measuring machine wherein a self-centering probe of workpieces is possible. The calibration procedure employs a calibration standard having a plurality of probe-centering elements distributed over its surface and facing in different directions, the positional geometry of these elements being stored in the computer of the measuring machine. Each of the individual probe balls is successively introduced into a centering element which is accessible. Thereupon, the position of each ball-center point is determined in the computer, from the stored positional data and the pre-established diameter of corresponding probe balls.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a support stand having a weight-compensating four-bar linkage in the form of an elongate parallelogram, for adjustable-elevation support of an observation instrument such as an operation microscope. Weight compensation is achieved by a preloaded spring contained within opposed channels which constitute two elongate members of the linkage and which have nesting side walls to complete the enclosure of the spring, while also accommodating such electrical and optical cable connections as may be needed to communicate between the instrument and the base of the stand.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an electron microscope having provision for semi-automatic evaluation of the electron-optical image of the microscope, by superposing a light-optical image on the electron-optical image. For this purpose, an image plane (14) near the microscope column is imaged via two deflection mirrors (23, 25) and by an objective (24) onto the output-image fluorescent screen. A marking device having a light spot or an illuminated measurement diaphragm or the cursor of a digitizer equipped with a light spot is movable in the image plane (14).

Abstract: A retroreflection device is mounted beneath a transmitted-light specimen observed through a reflected-light microscope. The retroreflection device is in the form of an autocollimation system consisting of two high-aperture objectives and a flat mirror. The objectives image the specimen and the mirror one onto the other so that the specimen is further illuminated by its own coincident intermediate image. When making photometric measurements, the double passage of light through the specimen achieves an improvement in contrast as well as an increase in extinction values.

Abstract: The invention contemplates use of a bayonet mount for microscope objectives, instead of the customary threaded mounting of such objectives. The bayonet mount is characterized by the objective (1) having a centering cone (3) which engages and precisely centers in a conical opening (10) in the turret of the microscope. The structure not only permits rapid changing of the objective, but the thus-mounted objective always assumes the same accurately centered angular position with respect to the microscope housing.Each objective can therefore carry exposed coded indicia, containing technical data concerning the objective, and the coding may be read by a reading device which is fixed with respect to the microscope housing. The code which is read for the objective indexed into working position may be used for aperture control in the microscope.

Abstract: In order to control the absorptance of an electrochromic layer, the invention provides a plurality of steps for establishing different levels of coloring action. Quantities of charge are supplied to and removed from the layer, via one or the other of two constant-current sources, timed with clock pulses to a forward/backward counter. For decoloring processes, smaller quantities of charge are removed from the layer than are supplied to it during a corresponding coloring process. The quantities of charge removed for decoloring processes are, however, slightly greater than the quantities of removed charge needed to reach steps having exactly the same absorptance, so that even in the case of numerous changes between the color steps, destruction of the layer is definitely avoided. Preferred fields of use are lenses, particularly eyeglass lenses, filters and dimmable mirrors, each having an applied electrochromic layer whose absorptance is controlled for step-wise change.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a method of calibration (FIG. 1) for determining the distance (base length E.sub.b) between two angle-measuring instruments (theodolites 1, 2) used for triangulating measurement of coordinates of given points on larger objects.For this purpose, a horizontal measurement bar (3) is fixedly set up between the measuring instruments (1, 2). The bar mounts at least three spaced target marks (4, 5, 6) in the form of balls which can be sighted from both sides, i.e., by both angle-measuring instruments (1, 2). The base length is calculated from the predetermined distance between the marks (4, 5, 6), and from difference in angles measured for each sighting.Precise alignment of the bar (3) is not necessary, since inclination of the bar to the line connecting the theodolites can be calculated from the measured angles, for sightings made upon different pairs of marks (4/5 and 5/6, respectively).

Abstract: The invention contemplates an anti-friction bearing wherein the inner raceway for a complement of rolling elements is ground directly in the shaft which is to have anti-friction support. The outer raceway is provided in the bore of a relatively thin-wall outer ring which is locally split, as by an axial slit. The outer ring is compliantly widened at the split, to permit introduction of the complement of rolling elements through the widened slit; the outer ring is then relaxed for circumferential engagement of all rolling elements, whereupon the outer ring is clamped tight against the shaft without play by means of a tensed circumferential wrap of spring-steel wires or bands. Thereafter, the wrapped bearing is bedded via jointing agents in the bore of a bearing housing.

Abstract: The invention contemplates image-motion compensation in an aerial camera in which the slot of a focal-plane shutter (11) moves in a direction transverse to the direction of film (6) transport, and in which film transport is parallel to the direction of flight. In order to compensate for the component of image-motion which is dependent on the field angle and which occurs with laterally inclined displacements of the camera, the slotted shutter (11) is coupled with an encoder (17) which in the course of making the exposure reports to a computer (12) the instantaneous field position (x) of the shutter slot. This computer (12) also determines a speed profile (A, B) in the interval between successive exposures the speed profile being derived from ground-clearance altitude h, flight velocity V.sub.F, focal length f, angle of swing .beta.', and a basic function which is dependent on the type of lens.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an operation microscope which incorporates an eye-fixation feature to enable a patient's eye (under microscope observation) to precisely maintain infinity focus and viewing alignment, either with the central axis of the microscope or at desired controllable offset therefrom. Embodiments are shown for incorporation of this feature both as part of the field-illumination optical system associated with the microscope, and otherwise, but nevertheless also utilizing part of the observational optical system of the microscope.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a radiation sensor containing material which w fluoresce upon incidence of radiation to be detected, wherein the sensor comprises an elongate cylindrical and fluorescible collector core with a cladding wall of material that is transparent to the wavelength of radiation to be detected, and wherein at least one detector which is sensitive to the fluorescent radiation is coupled to at least one of the ends of the cylindrical collector.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an operation microscope in which three-dimensional viewing adjustment is possible with respect to an object (8) to be observed, all without forcing the surgeon or any co-observing person or instrumentality to move. To this end, the exit pupils and thus all viewing windows are positionally invariant, i.e., they are stationary and therefore can be securely related to a microscope support (5). An objective housing (7) in front of the microscope housing (1) is associated with all viewing systems (2, 3, 4), and this objective housing contains an objective of variable back focus as well as optical components (11, 12) for selective deflection of the observation ray path in each of two polar-coordinate directions. In making any one or all of the three-dimensional viewing adjustments, only elements of relatively low mass within the objective housing (7) need be moved.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a universal-action joint for adjustable mounting of an observation instrument upon a support, such as a conventional floor stand. The joint is of the ball and socket variety but incorporates two separate means for frictionally loading the parts against relative displacement. The first of these loadings is resilient and at a minimum level, designed to lightly retain an adjusted positioning; the second loading is selectively applied for much greater frictional engagement, to the point of effectively locking the parts against dislodgment from adjusted position.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an upright microscope construction and a system of interchangeable specimen holders for selective use therewith, to accommodate a variety of types and sizes of specimens, such that, whatever the inserted specimen-bearing holder, the specimen surface to be observed, whether by transmitted light or by reflected light, will be in focus, i.e., in the focal plane or effectively in the focal plane of the microscope. This result is achieved by building into the microscope stage a reference-abutment surface having a predetermined relation to the focal plane of the microscope, and by devising all holders of the interchangeable system to support their intended kinds of specimens in such relation to the part of the holder which abuts the reference-abutment surface, that the inserted holder places the desired specimen surface in the focal plane of the microscope.

Abstract: An angular-position encoder has a transparent scale (106) which is rotatably supported between an illumination device (109) secured to the housing and a photoelectric receiver. A self-scanning photodiode array (102) which has an annular photosensitive region (103) is used as the receiver. The otherwise uniform incremental graduation (108) of the scale (102) which is projected onto the array is interrupted at one point by a code field (111) which covers a few diodes of the array. Eased on the numbers of the diodes onto which the code field (111) is projected, the position of the scale (106) is determined as an absolute quantity by a "rough" read-out electronic system, while a "fine" reading (added to the "rough" determination) is effected by an interpolation based on the signal intensities of the other diodes covered by the incremental graduation (108).