Abstract: An Nd:YAG laser of small size with a passive quality switch is combined with a slit-lamp instrument, to form an ophthalmological combination instrument for diagnosis and treatment. By a plurality of pulses within a pulse train, which succeed each other within the .mu. sec range, particularly good therapeutic effects are obtained. A second laser, emitting continuous visible radiation, has its beam aligned with the beam of invisible radiation from the first laser, and shows the user at all times the location of the beam of invisible radiation. The visible beam of radiation is split into two beams separated from each other by a light-free zone, and there is provision for blocking and unblocking these two beams alternately, which produces an effect which greatly aids the user in accurate focusing. This combination instrument affords the user the possibility of making a diagnosis and following it immediately by treatment.

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: In an instrument for examination of the eye, which consists of a binocular telescopic magnifier and of an ophthalmological examination instrument, the main objective of the binocular telescopic magnifier is arranged in a swingable mount and can be swung out of the optical ray path. The mount is provided with a connecting piece to receive an ophthalmological instrument which can be swung into the ray path in the place of the main objective. In this way a rapid change is made possible from one diagnostic instrument to another, for instance from a slit lamp to an ophthalmometer.

Abstract: The invention contemplates an improved ophthalmological instrument wherein photo slit-lamp function (for anterior-chamber examination of an eye) are combined with fundus-camera functions (for posterior-chamber examination of the eye), with important advantages of manipulating convenience and reduced cost. The invention is disclosed (a) for the case of a photo slit-lamp accessory for use with an existing fundus camera and (b) for the case of a more compact new instrument to serve both functions.

Abstract: An ophthalmometer measurement system employs two flat glass plates which move in opposite pivoted directions, to determine the distance between two mirror images on the cornea. The pivot suspensions and pivotal-displacement mechanism are free of play and account for a three-fold improvement in precision of measurement. Provision is made for adjustment to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, in glassplate thickness and mechanical-parts manufacture.

Abstract: The invention contemplates slit-lamp apparatus for ophthalmological examinations and is characterized by simplicity of components designed to facilitate use, the use being assumed to involve the analytical operations most often needed. The instrument is portable and provides ready availability of slit-projector means and tonometer means when desired, on the microscope-viewing axis. All components are upstanding, with respect to the mounting base, and simple knurled-ring adjustments enable selection of projected-slit dimensions and filters.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a viewing-head attachment removably securable to the body of a microscope and adapted to accommodate binocular viewing elements. The attachment employs two housings which are pivotally connected so that the binocular-viewing elements on one housing are enabled to stereoscopically view an object examinable under the microscope body to which the attachment is secured. The quality of stereoscopic viewing is unaffected regardless of the instantaneous pivot-angle relationship as between the two housings, and no further optical adjustments are needed.

Abstract: A device for the remote control of motions and operations, especially on microsurgical equipment, comprises a multiple switch assembly in which the operation of the selected switches is controlled by movement of a control member. Operation of the switches closes or opens electrical circuits which include servo-mechanisms for moving the equipment. The switches are mounted in a housing and the control member comprises a plate having a stud extending through an aperture in the cover of the housing. Selective operation of the switches is brought about by transverse movement of the plate and stud in various directions.