Abstract: An apparatus and method for limiting movement of a pillow relative to a bed. At one end, flexible member can be engaged with a pillow. At the other end of the flexible member, a weight can be suspended from an edge of the bed. The invention can include a clip engageable with the pillow to releasibly associate the member and the pillow. The weight can be moveably associated with respect to the member to selectively space the weight and the member with respect to one another.

Abstract: This invention relates to a displacing apparatus comprising a plurality of concentric tubular members concentrically disposed about a central axial member. These concentric members define a plurality of substantially closed chambers between adjacent concentric members. A piston member is disposed within each chamber and extends generally radially between two adjacent concentric members thereby dividing each chamber into first and second portions. Each of these piston members is rigidly affixed to one, and sealingly engaged with the other, of the two adjacent concentric members forming a chamber. An actuating means actuates each of the concentric members which has a piston member rigidly affixed thereto. The actuating means selectively provides pressure or vacuum to the first and second portions of each of the chambers creating pressure differentials across the piston members.

Abstract: The annular reflector for a dark-field, vertically-illuminated microscope objective must have a peculiar curvature to obtain a uniform distribution of the light on the object surface being viewed. Four reflectors are disclosed. Each reflector is suitable for use in a respective microscope objective.

Abstract: Variable focal power along one principal meridian may be obtained by an optical system having two cylinder lenses at either end and their axis of cylinder in a single plane spaced along an optical axis. A moveable cylinder lens with its axis oriented 90.degree. to the plane is slideably mounted therebetween. A plano color correction plate substantially eliminates color aberrations which would otherwise be present in the system.

Abstract: A vertical illuminator for imaging a light source at the back aperture of a microscope objective for use in fluorescent microscopy has a light source, an axially-movable positive meniscus lens which has an aspheric convex surface, a positive biconvex lens, and a negative meniscus lens all in sequence and aligned along an optical axis with a beam splitter for introducing light from the source into a microscope observation system. The movable meniscus lens is used to focus an image of the light source at the objective back aperture.

Abstract: A self-contained activated slide apparatus of the single or double bar configuration. The apparatus includes a housing which is slidable relative to a bar, or vice versa. The housing may be fixed to an external element, or the bar may be so fixed. The length of the slide stroke may be controlled by the use of stops on single bar slides, and by the use of adjustable end bar assemblies and stops on the two-bar units. The slide apparatus may be activated and controlled from within by the use of a fluid power medium. Slide action may be fully controlled by controlling the pneumatic or hydraulic power source and flow.