Abstract: The invention is directed to a support (1) for an apparatus (3) which is to be suspended so as to be movable. The support (1) includes a holding arm (17) and an adjusting unit (19) mounted on the holding arm (17). The adjusting device (19) includes a slidingly displaceable sliding disc (25).

Abstract: For focusing an operation microscope within a defined focusing range, a main objective and parts of an illuminating device are arranged in a focusing module that is separate from the microscope body. The focusing module is movable along the optical axis in a defined manner by means of manual or motor drives, so that focusing on a desired object detail is possible. Desired fine focusing can thus take place, in addition to coarse focusing by spatial positioning of the operation microscope by means of a stand. The advantages are a compact design, prevention of reflections through the main objective, and widely varied possibilities for filling of additional accessories.

Abstract: An ophthalmologic viewing apparatus 1 has a viewing system 23 for viewing the forward eye sections (5, 7, 9) and has an illuminating system 13. The illuminating beam of the illuminating system 13 impinges from the outside on the cornea 5. The viewing apparatus 1 has a light absorber 25 for suppressing the virtual image of the illuminating light source 17, namely, the so-called corneal reflection. The light absorber 25 is in the region of the optical axis 11 of the illuminating system 13 and has dimensions which are small compared to the transverse dimensions of the illuminating beam. The virtual image is formed by the reflection at the convex surface of the cornea 5.

Abstract: A stereo microscope arrangement includes an objective used in common, at least a first and a second pair of stereoscopic observation beam paths and an illuminating unit with at least one deflecting element that deflects illuminating light in the direction of the object plane. The illuminating unit is arranged so that it can be mounted in at least two different positions relative to the stereoscopic beam paths. Accordingly, optimized illuminating conditions can be selectively placed at the disposal of the main observer or the co-observer.

Abstract: A pancratic magnification system for at least two observation beam paths within a stereo microscope consists of a first and a second optical component that are displaceable in a defined manner along a common optical axis, following which a third, stationary, optical component is arranged. Variation of magnification is achieved by means of defined displacement of the first two optical components. A focusing on a desired object plane can be effected by displacement of only the first optical component. The pancratic magnification system is arranged after a common main objective for said at least two observation beam paths within the stereo microscope.

Abstract: The handle of the handle assembly can be detachably mounted in at least two different orientations relative to a defined apparatus axis. Furthermore, actuating elements of the particular instrument can be reached without difficulty via a suitable cutout in the handle without it being necessary for the operator to significantly change the manual hold on the handle. The handle assembly is especially advantageous on a surgical microscope.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adjustable stand for an optical viewing apparatus such as a surgical microscope pivotable about a pivot axis. The adjustable stand and the optical viewing apparatus conjointly define a center of gravity which can shift to produce an unwanted unbalancing torque when accessories are added to the microscope and/or when there is angular movement about the axis. The adjustable stand includes a mounting bracket for attaching the stand at a desired location; a pivot shaft defining the pivot axis; a carrier holding the pivot shaft and an elastically deformable energy storage device mounted on the shaft for releasing stored torque energy in response to the shift to balance the unwanted unbalancing torque. An adjusting device is provided for loading the storage means with a predetermined torque.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a coupling for connecting a surgical microscope to a stand. The coupling permits different base positions for the surgical microscope to be set and includes a conical bearing which is held together by a spring packet. An indexing pin of a latching device engages the conical bearing for fixing a selected base position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an illumination system for a surgical microscope comprising an illumination assembly (1), which is located outside the optical axis (2a) of the microscope lens, and two reflecting mirrors (4,6) which are located behind the illumination assembly, each directing respective portions of the illumination light to the operating area. The first reflecting mirror (4) directs its portion of the light onto the operating area at an oblique angle (preferably 6.degree.) relative to the viewing axis (2) of the microscope lens. The position of the second reflecting mirror (6) can be adjusted so that its portion of the light is directed to the operating area along a different path that is either (a) coincident with said viewing axis or (b) oblique to the axis at an angle closer than that formed by the path of the light directed by the first reflecting mirror (i.e., between 0.degree. and 6.degree.).

Abstract: An illuminating device for an operation microscope having a light source including a light guide with a light-exit surface centered on an illumination optical axis. An optical system is arranged on this axis between the light-exit surface and the main objective of the operation microscope, and the optical system comprises a converging lens, an aspheric lens and a variable-aperture diaphragm. This optical system is displaceable in the direction of its axis, and this displacement is coordinated with aperture setting of the diaphragm. The light-exit surface of the light guide is so positioned with respect to the optical system and with respect to the main objective as to illuminate the operation field with requisite size and light-distribution.

Abstract: A microscope for examinations and surgical operations on the eye, having provision for projecting onto the eye a hollow beam of illuminating light, the beam having a dark center portion of the same diameter as the pupil of the eye. Thus the surgeon may have adequate illumination of the external surface of the eye around the pupil, without projecting light which might be disturbing or damaging to the patient, onto the retina or fundus of the eye. The light blocking structure, in the form of an annular diaphragm with a light-impervious central portion, is located in the illuminating light beam at a point which is conjugated with respect to the object plane, i.e., the plane of the pupil of the eye being examined. The diaphragm may be moved aside to an ineffective position when required.

Abstract: A manipulator is provided for a surgical microscope in order to deflect a laser beam on the viewed operating area, the movement of a handle being transmitted via a lever mechanism to the movement of a mirror which reflects the laser beam to a point and via a path within the viewed operating area. The sensitivity of transmitted motion can be adapted to the selected magnification of the surgical microscope by changing the length of a transmission lever in order to change its point of motion pick-off from the handle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a double microscope for a surgeon and an assistant. The double microscope includes an optical splitter plate which splits the light coming from the operation field and directs the split beams to the two microscopes. The optical splitter plate, together with the objective of the assistant microscope and a beam deflection element, are all accommodated in a component connecting the two microscopes.

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 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 a micromanipulator as for the manipulation of a vitrectomy instrument, wherein a single remotely operable control means is effective through three independent spherical-coordinate servoelectric drives to selectively control the operative end of the instrument, within an operating volume defined by spherical coordinates centered at a fixed point of origin; in a vitrectomy, the fixed point of origin is illustratively the point of surgical entry through the pars plana of the eye.