Abstract: A comparison optical system (1) having an illumination system for specimens, the comparison optical system (1) being equipped with several macroscopes (2a, 2b). The macroscopes (2a, 2b) are connected to one another via a bridge (3). Each macroscope (2a, 2b) is connected to an attachment device (25a, 25b) for the illumination system. The attachment device (25a, 25b) is constructed from several movable arms (30, 32, 35) and an adjustable holder (37) for a light source.

Abstract: A comparison optical system (1) having an illumination system for specimens is disclosed, the comparison optical system (1) being equipped with several macroscopes (2a, 2b). The macroscopes (2a, 2b) are connected to one another via a bridge (3). Each macroscope (2a, 2b) is connected to an attachment device (25a, 25b) for the illumination system. The attachment device (25a, 25b) is constructed from several movable arms (30, 32, 35) and an adjustable holder (37) for a light source.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable instrument base suitable for holding optical instruments, comprising a base plate movable along first and second horizontal coordinate directions; a housing member surrounding the base plate and being movable with respect to the base plate in the first coordinate direction; first and second mechanisms mounted on the housing member for effecting displacement of the base plate in the first and second coordinate directions, respectively; a generally U-shaped stirrup member mounted on the base plate for rotation; a support plate mounted on the stirrup member for rotation about a horizontal axis; a first and preferably second instrument carriers displaceably mounted on the support plate; and a mechanism mounted on said base plate for effecting vertical displacement of the first instrument carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microscope adapted for accepting one or more attachment illuminating devices, which have different dimensions and are designed to be supplied with electric power either from a source within the microscope or external to the microscope. The microscope comprises a microscope stand comprising a base and a vertical support member; at least one source of electrical energy located inside of the stand for powering an illuminating device; and first means, associated with the stand, for connecting any of a variety of attachment illuminating devices which have different dimensions and are designed to be supplied with electric power either from the electrical energy source or from an electrical energy source external to the microscope.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brightness control device for use with fiber optical lamps, comprising a diaphragm which is arranged unilaterally in the light beam between the lamp light source and the light entrance area of the fiber optical conductor. The diaphragm comprises a variable size diaphragm which is designed such that the cross-section of the light entrance area of the fiber optical conductor is asymmetrically and unilaterally reduced in order to maintain a constant lamp color temperature and emission characteristic.