Abstract: Method and device for determining one or more Z distances from an object surface to a reference plane, for example the primary plane of the primary objective of a microscope. By projecting an optical pattern onto an object, and subsequently detecting and computationally evaluating the object's reflection of this pattern by means of an image processing unit, it is possible to obtain relief-like imaging of the object and to identify the individual Z distances, irrespective of the object's contouring.

Abstract: A magnetically positioned precision holder for optical components in an optical device comprises a carrier for replaceably holding at least one optical component. The carrier is arranged in positionally adjustable fashion in a housing recess including a precision stop surface. Magnet pairs (A1/A2 and B1/B2) are oriented with identical polarity being provided in order to achieve a continuous contact pressure of the carrier (2; 3) against the stop surface (6), in such a way that the one magnet (A1, B1) is located in the recess and the corresponding magnet (A2, B2) is located in the carrier. The use of identically poled magnet pairs for movable precision holders and for precision positioning systems is also proposed.

Abstract: A tilting mirror for optical devices is described, in particular microscopes, which is retained in precision-mounted fashion in a carrier in a working position. For that purpose, the carrier has a three-surface support.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatically focusing an optical device onto a specific and predetermined region of a specimen. The apparatus compares signals corresponding to the vertical distance between a principal objective and a region of a specimen which is in focus to the vertical distance between the principal objective and a target region on the specimen. If the comparison of the distances indicates that they are not the same, the system automatically alters the distance between the specimen and the principal objective so that the target region is properly focused.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for illuminating a viewing field by means of two light sources. The beam paths of the two light sources are guided through a combining flexible light guide, a common flexible light guide, and a separating flexible light guide splitter. One of the two beam paths is directed to the microscope as principal illumination, and the other beam is directed to a handpiece. In addition, at least one of the two light sources can be configured as an interchangeable unit having two individual light sources.

Abstract: A microscope, which may be a stereomicroscope, includes: at least one objective; at least one eyepiece; at least one optical component configured to form a beam path from the objective to the eyepiece, where each optical component includes a lens, mirror, or deflection prism; and a tube configured to enclose a portion of the beam path, including at least one region of modifiable length configured to connect to at least one optical correction element and configured so that the optical correction element may be inserted into or removed from the portion of the beam path. The microscope may include a linkage between the tube and the correction lens configured to pivot or slide the correction lens as a function of a length of the region of modifiable length.

Abstract: A microscope is disclosed for observing a magnified area. Fade-in means (32a) arranged in the path (1) of the rays of the microscope (82) reflect a thin focused beam of light (101) into the path (1) of rays. The beam of light (101) is deflected or modulated by deflecting means (102) to supply an image that can be recognised by an observer (100). The image may be projected onto the object (22) either directly or indirectly, for example through a diffusing screen (108a).

Abstract: A stereo microscope comprises: a main objective; a main observation output configured so that a left-hand beam path and a right-hand beam path are formed between the main objective and the main observation output; at least one input reflection beam splitter in each of the left-hand and right-hand beam paths configured to reflect additional information into its corresponding beam path; at least one output reflection beam splitter in at least one of the left-hand and right-hand beam paths; at least one first switchable shutter associated with at least one of the left-hand and right-hand beam paths, located in front of a corresponding input reflection beam splitter; and at least one second switchable shutter associated with at least one of the left-hand and right-hand beam paths, located between the main observation output and a corresponding output reflection beam splitter.

Abstract: A stand, in particular for surgical microscopes, in which motor-activated balancing adjustment systems provide additional positioning capability in the three spatial axes X, Y, and Z.

Abstract: In order to ascertain what a person really sees, a monitoring, picture recording system has at least one video camera (3) arranged in such a way that the captured images at least approximately match the field of vision observed by the person. For that purpose, at least one eye parameter, such as the viewing direction and/or the refractive power of at least one eye (2), is determined and the picture recording monitoring system (3) is controlled depending on the thus determined parameters. The position of the center of the pupil is determined by image sensors (4) associated to the eyes and the visual axis is derived therefrom. At least one video camera (3) secured in an adjustable manner to the head is oriented according to the visual axes. Focusing may also be adjusted depending on the refractive power of the eye. The parallel capture of visual information may be used in many fields, in particular for monitoring tasks and also for therapeutic uses.

Abstract: Stand arrangement, in particular for medical examining and surgical microscopes, having a support foot (1), an upper part (2a), which can be rotated with respect to the support foot (2) about a vertical axis (A), and a boom (3), mounted pivotably thereon, for holding the microscope (9). The lamp housing (11) is arranged on a carrier (10) connected to the boom (3) and thereby serves to balance the stand.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stand comprising an automatic balancing device in which an electric motor (5), an effective lever arm (h) is (automatically) modified by displacement of a counterweight (AG), independently of any static sensing of an imbalance. During the displacement of the counterweight (AG) (modification of effective lever arm h), the equilibrium state (balance state) is sensed dynamically by a measurement sensor (10) of a sensor (8), and is corrected in accordance with diagrams (software programs in a microprocessor (12) that activates the electric motor (5)). In this context, provision can be made for fast and slow operating modes for the electric motor (5), threshold values in the measurement signal, stops, and limit switches.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stand for a microscope (6), having an X-Y displacement unit (5), a stand beam (3), a stand column (2), and a stand foot (1), the X-Y displacement unit (5) being no longer arranged, as before, in the region of microscope (6), but rather removed therefrom in the direction of the stand column (2). The X-Y displacement unit thus carries at least a part of the stand beam (3). The location of the center of gravity on the stand is thereby favorably influenced. Both the stand beam (3) and the stand foot (1) can be small.

Abstract: A tilting mirror for optical devices is described, in particular microscopes, which is retained in precision-mounted fashion in a carrier in a working position. For that purpose, the carrier has a three-surface support.

Abstract: Method and device for determining one or more Z distances from an object surface to a reference plane, for example the primary plane of the primary objective of a microscope. By projecting an optical pattern onto an object, and subsequently detecting and computationally evaluating the object's reflection of this pattern by means of an image processing unit, it is possible to obtain relief-like imaging of the object and to identify the individual Z distances, irrespective of the object's contouring.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for illuminating a viewing field by means of two light sources. The beam paths of the two light sources are guided through a combining flexible light guide, a common flexible light guide, and a separating flexible light guide splitter. One of the two beam paths is directed to the microscope as principal illumination, and the other beam is directed to a handpiece. In addition, at least one of the two light sources can be configured as an interchangeable unit having two individual light sources.

Abstract: A microscope system is provided comprising a positioning system for positioning at least one microscope objective, an electronic camera unit, and an autofocus device for focusing the positioning system in response to a control signal. The electronic camera unit is comprised of at least one image sensor for generating an acquisition signal representing an acquired microscope image, and a control unit for generating a control signal from the acquisition signal. An autofocus algorithm is implemented in the control unit to generate the control signal from the acquisition signal.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microscope having a power and data transfer system between a microscope body (1) and an external control device or peripheral device (2, 13). According to the present invention, the power line (4) and data line (7) are laid physically together and are of integrated configuration, thus implementing a lightweight connection comprising few individual cables.

Abstract: The invention describes a focusing drive for optical instruments that has, in addition to a pinion (1) and toothed rack arrangement (1, 2), slide rods (4) as guidance means for continuously changing the relative position of optical assemblies with respect to one another. The toothed rack (2) has a plurality of support elements (3) that are arranged—for example in angled fashion—on either side of its longitudinal extent. The support elements (3) are designed so that they have a shallow S-shape in cross section. In addition, they are dimensioned in such a way that they touch the contact surface of the one housing module (5) only with their planar end regions (3a). The result is a resilient or flexing motion upon actuation of the pinion (1), thus achieving smooth and zero-backlash adjustment.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device for a surgical microscope comprising a main objective lens (1) surrounding a main optical axis (6) and an illumination optical system (2) having a light source (3). Two prisms (4, 5) are provided between the main objective lens (1) and the illumination optical system (2). During operation, the first prism (4) causes part of the light flow from the illumination optical system (2) to be deflected at a small angle to the main optical axis (6) and the second prism (5) causes another part of the light flow from the illumination optical system (2) to be deflected along the main optical axis (6). Both prisms (4, 5) are arranged next to each other. The light entry surfaces (7) of both prisms face the illumination optical system (2) in such a way that light flux can be independently adjusted for the two prisms (4, 5). This results in a compact design and a good light flux distribution.