Abstract: A stereo vision optical instrument having eyepieces which are rotatably mounted to the instrument by way of pivot plates includes apparatus coupled between the pivot plates to prevent binding of the eyepieces as they are rotated.

Abstract: A mechanical indicator for indicating the intensity of an illuminator is described for use in an optical instrument. The indicator includes a cover plate having a plurality of apertures and an opaque slide plate mounted behind the cover. The opaque slide plate is connected to the apparatus controlling the lamp intensity and moves across the apertures as the lamp intensity is changed. A source of illumination is positioned with respect to the opaque slide plate so as to emit light through the apertures not covered by the plate.

Abstract: The mechanism for moving the lens assemblies mounted to support rods in a variation power microscope includes a crank shaft having a pair of opposed arms. The lens assemblies are connected to the crank arms by linkages. The lens assemblies are biased to the support rods by resilient member. At least one of the crank arms may incorporate a motion correcting surface which cooperates with a cam follower fixed to the associated linkage to vary the length of the linkage. The lens assemblies may further include arms for stabilizing guiding them along the support rods. Still further, the mechanism may include a device for controlling the rotation in either direction of the crank shaft. Additionally, the lens assemblies may be adjustably fixed to the linkages.

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: An apparatus for storing and selectively dispensing sterile liquids comprises a liquid filled sealed flexible bag which has an integral dispensing spout formed therein. The flexible bag is received within a two piece housing which has spring mechanism to engage and exert pressure on the bag once the two pieces of the housing are closed together. A valve is mounted to the housing and engages the spout of the bag, effectively closing off the dispensing orifice of the spout. The valve is operable to move away from the spout to selectively dispense the pressurized sterile liquid from the bag.