Abstract: An interchangeable microscope stage drive assembly, including a microscope stage, and, a drive mechanism detachably secured to the microscope stage at more than one location of the stage.

Abstract: A microscope having a moveable object holder forming a part of a stage assembly. The stage assembly includes at least one x-y control, for moving the stage assembly or a portion thereof, e.g. the object holder, in a horizontal x direction, which x direction is parallel to the shoulders of an operating microscopist sitting square to the microscope, and for moving the stage assembly or portion thereof in a horizontal y direction perpendicular to the x direction. The microscope has dual controls for moving the stage assembly or a portion thereof in a z direction perpendicular to the x-y directions and parallel to an optical path into an objective lens of the microscope, wherein the x-y control and z controls are located so as to permit single hand operation of both controls with minimal hand movement or so as to permit comfortable ergonomic dual hand operation while permitting the shoulders of an operating microscopist to remain aligned parallel to the x direction.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for a microscope, the microscope having a stand, comprising a female member comprising a first electrical socket, the socket arranged to provide a source of electricity for a lamp, the female receptacle located inside the microscope stand, and, a male member comprising at least two electrical pin terminals arranged to matingly engage the first electrical socket to receive electricity therefrom, and, a second socket electrically connected to the at least two electrical pin terminals, the second socket arranged to hold the lamp and provide electricity thereto.

Abstract: A lamp assembly for a microscope, the microscope having a stand, comprising a female member comprising a first electrical socket, the socket arranged to provide a source of electricity for a lamp, the female receptacle located inside the microscope stand, and, a male member comprising at least two electrical pin terminals arranged to matingly engage the first electrical socket to receive electricity therefrom, and, a second socket electrically connected to the at least two electrical pin terminals, the second socket arranged to hold the lamp and provide electricity thereto.

Abstract: A microscope having a device for correlating a diaphragm of a condenser with the objective currently in use is disclosed. The microscope possesses a nosepiece on which are mounted several objectives, of which one in each instance is in the working position. In addition, a condenser having at least one displaceable diaphragm setting ring is arranged opposite the objective. The diaphragm setting ring has associated with it at least one identifying component that encompasses several individual different elements. Each of the objectives carries an element that corresponds respectively to an element on the identifying component.

Abstract: An interchangeable microscope stage drive assembly, including a microscope stage, and, a drive mechanism detachably secured to the microscope stage at more than one location of the stage.

Abstract: A microscope having a moveable object holder forming a part of a stage assembly. The stage assembly includes at least one x-y control, for moving the stage assembly or a portion thereof, e.g. the object holder, in a horizontal x direction, which x direction is parallel to the shoulders of an operating microscopist sitting square to the microscope, and for moving the stage assembly or portion thereof in a horizontal y direction perpendicular to the x direction. The microscope has dual controls for moving the stage assembly or a portion thereof in a z direction perpendicular to the x-y directions and parallel to an optical path into an objective lens of the microscope, wherein the x-y control and z controls are located so as to permit single hand operation of both controls with minimal hand movement or so as to permit comfortable ergonomic dual hand operation while permitting the shoulders of an operating microscopist to remain aligned parallel to the x direction.

Abstract: A microscope having switchable illumination in at least two spectral regions; having a common illumination beam path, proceeding from at least one light source, preferably a broad-band light source, for the at least two spectral regions; and having a narrow-band wavelength-selective filter (for example, in the IR or UV wavelength region) that can be inserted into the illumination beam path in order to achieve a wavelength-selective illumination in a first of the at least two spectral regions. A broad-band light protection filter, which can be inserted into the illumination beam path alternatively to the wavelength-selective filter, is associated with the illumination beam path. An apparatus for illumination switchover for a microscope of this kind, having switchable illumination in at least two spectral regions, comprises a mechanical positive coupling of the opposite-direction insertion motions of the wavelength-selective filter and/or of the light protection filter.