Abstract: This invention provides a highly stable optical microscope that prevents drift and makes it possible to record images or take measurements for several hours with accuracy in the order of nanometers. The highly stable optical microscope of this invention includes the support structure (41) that accommodates and supports components including the optical imaging system, straight tube (28) that accommodates and supports components including the optical photometric system, and support structure (7) that accommodates and supports components including the illumination system. These support structures have a hollow pyramid or conical shape with a low center of gravity. The highly stable optical microscope of this invention features the objective lenses, imaging lenses, optical imaging and photometric systems that are mounted, forming a straight line, on the supporting structures that are symmetrical about the optical axis in both shape and mass.

Abstract: Optical microscopes are used to record images or take measurements for extended times of several hours. During such extended usage, the microscope moves slightly causing the object to shift or defocus (drift). This invention provides a highly stable optical microscope that prevents drift and makes it possible to record images or take measurements for several hours with accuracy in the order of nanometers. The highly stable optical microscope of this invention comprises the support structure 42 that accommodates and supports components comprising the optical imaging system, straight tube 28 that accommodates and supports components comprising the optical photometric system, and support structure 7 that accommodates and supports components comprising the illumination system. These support structures have a hollow pyramid or conical shape with a low center of gravity.

Abstract: A single-axis coarse and fine adjustment device for driving a carriage comprises a pinion shaft rotatably supported by stationary support means and having a pinion meshing with a rack provided on the carriage, a connecting shaft rotatably supported with the pinion shaft and having a first and a second toothed portion, first decelerating gear means meshing with the first toothed portion to decelerate the rotation of the connecting shaft and transmit it to the pinion shaft, a fine adjustment shaft rotatably supported within the connecting shaft and having a toothed portion, a fine adjustment operating member for rotating the fine adjustment shaft, second decelerating gear means meshing with the second toothed portion of the connecting shaft and the toothed portion of the fine adjustment shaft to decelerate the rotation of the fine adjustment shaft and transmit it to the connecting shaft, a medium adjustment operating member rotatably supporting the second decelerating gear means and rotatably supported by the s

Abstract: A microscope according to the present invention is a mechanically durable and highly adaptable one featured by an interchangeable arm portion and various light sources detachably provided in the arm portion as in the conventional pan-purpose microscope and also in the base portion, and thus rendered adaptable to various observing methods by suitably selecting the light sources according to the purposes of observation.

Abstract: A single-axis coarse and fine adjustment device for driving a carriage comprises a pinion shaft rotatably supported by stationary support means and having a pinion meshing with a rack provided on the carriage, a connecting shaft rotatably supported with the pinion shaft and having a first and a second toothed portion, first decelerating gear means meshing with the first toothed portion to decelerate the rotation of the connecting shaft and transmit it to the pinion shaft, a fine adjustment shaft rotatably supported within the connecting shaft and having a toothed portion, a fine adjustment operating member for rotating the fine adjustment shaft, second decelerating gear means meshing with the second toothed portion of the connecting shaft and the toothed portion of the fine adjustment shaft to decelerate the rotation of the fine adjustment shaft and transmit it to the connecting shaft, a medium adjustment operating member rotatably supporting the second decelerating gear means and rotatably supported by the s

Abstract: In a device for rectilinearly guiding a stage carrying thereon a sample, a stationary race is integrally formed with a stationary member and has at least two surfaces forming a certain angle with each other. A movable race is provided and movable with the stage in a predetermined direction with respect to the stationary member, and has at least two surfaces opposed to the surfaces of the stationary race, respectively. A drive assembly is provided for driving the stage-moving movable race. Stage-moving sliders comprising a plurality of roll bearings and base plates supporting the bearings are disposed between the opposed surfaces of the stationary race and the stage-moving movable race. Pressing elements are provided for causing the opposed surfaces of the stationary race and the movable race to impart pressure forces to the roll bearings simultaneously.