Abstract: A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT.

Abstract: A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT.

Abstract: A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT.

Abstract: A tool for calibrating a non-contact tonometer (NCT) comprises a body having a mating feature configured for removably mounting the body on the nosepiece or on the measurement head of the NCT, a pressure sensor carried by the body and arranged to receive an air pulse discharged by the NCT to provide a pressure signal in response to the air pulse, and a radiation emitter carried by the body, wherein the radiation emitter provides a pseudo-applanation event when the pressure signal reaches a predetermined level that is detectable by the NCT as though an actual corneal applanation had taken place. In one embodiment, the mating feature includes a mounting orifice for receiving a portion of the nosepiece. In another embodiment, the mating feature includes a pair of mounting pins sized for receipt by a corresponding pair of mounting holes in the measurement head of the NCT.

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: The invention includes an apparatus for controlling a microscope stage assembly having a rod for moving the stage in two directions. The rod is detachably secured to the microscope stage assembly. The rod includes at least one substantially circular stick with an attachment end and a gripping end. The attachment end is arranged to be detachably secured to the microscope stage assembly. The invention also includes an interchangeable microscope stage movement device for providing X and Y movement of a sample. The device includes a microscope stage assembly and a joystick detachably secured to the stage assembly at more than one location of the stage assembly.

Abstract: A microscope includes at least one focusing means for focusing an object plane. The focusing means includes first and second adjustment means. The first and second adjustment means are coaxial and independently rotatably adjustable with respect to one another. The second adjustment means are releasably fastenable to the focusing means. In a preferred embodiment, the first adjustment means comprises a coarse focus adjustment knob and the second adjustment means comprises a fine focus adjustment knob. The second adjustment means preferably includes magnetic means adapted for mating engagement with complementary magnetically attractable means of a rotatable focus drive means of the focusing means. A particularly preferred embodiment comprises at least two focusing means wherein the second adjustment means of each may be releasably attached to each; one on each opposite side of the microscope as desired.

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: The present invention discloses a microscope and a focusing device for a microscope. The focusing device has at least one operating element attached to a first axle of the focusing device for effecting movement of a microscope stage along the optical axis of the microscope. An adjustable stop mechanism is provided which cooperates with the focusing device to limit the movement of the microscope stage in the direction of the optical axis. The adjustable stop mechanism comprises a rod, a spring for biasing the rod and a screw for adjusting and fixing a position of the rod.

Abstract: A new arrangement for the revolving stage of a polarizing microscope is presented. A stage well adapted to be removably fitted into and attached to the center of a revolving stage is provided with a housing, an inner sleeve adapted to fit within the housing and to move vertically within the housing, and a sample platform. In a preferred embodiment, the inner sleeve also moves rotationally. The stage well extends below the upper surface of the revolving stage with sufficient clearance to avoid interference with condenser and/or other components present below the revolving stage. Also presented is a microscope stage assembly comprising a revolving stage and a stage well attached to a center opening in the microscope revolving stage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microscope and a focusing device for a microscope. The focusing device has at least one operating element attached to a first axle of the focusing device for effecting movement of a microscope stage along the optical axis of the microscope. An adjustable stop mechanism is provided which cooperates with the focusing device to limit the movement of the microscope stage in the direction of the optical axis. The adjustable stop mechanism comprises a rod, a spring for biasing the rod and a screw for adjusting and fixing a position of the rod.

Abstract: A microscope stage includes a contrasting stage insert for providing contrast between a microscope stage and a specimen. The microscope stage insert has a color that is different from the color of the specimen. In a preferred embodiment, an upper stage includes a first color and a recess operatively arranged for receiving a removable complementary shaped contrasting stage insert therein. The contrasting stage insert has a second color that is different from the color of the upper stage, and more preferably, the specimen. The contrasting stage insert is configured for removable complementarily receipt in the recess.

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 includes at least one focusing means for focusing an object plane. The focusing means includes first and second adjustment means. The first and second adjustment means are coaxial and independently rotatably adjustable with respect to one another. The second adjustment means are releasably fastenable to the focusing means. In a preferred embodiment, the first adjustment means comprises a coarse focus adjustment knob and the second adjustment means comprises a fine focus adjustment knob. The second adjustment means preferably includes magnetic means adapted for mating engagement with complementary magnetically attractable means of a rotatable focus drive means of the focusing means. A particularly preferred embodiment comprises at least two focusing means wherein the second adjustment means of each may be releasably attached to each; one on each opposite side of the microscope as desired.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a microscope stage assembly including a bidirectional, ergonomic stage movement means operatively arranged to be detachably secured to the microscope stage assembly. A microscope stage movement means including at least one substantially circular stick with an attachment end and a gripping end wherein said attachment end is operatively arranged to be detachably secured to a microscope stage assembly. An interchangeable microscope stage movement device for providing X and Y movement of a sample which includes a microscope stage assembly and a joystick detachably secured to the stage assembly at more than one location of the stage assembly.

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: Advanced microscope stages are shielded from dust and debris collecting on components by placing all or virtually all stage components below the stage floor. The shielded stages comprise a stage having a top side and a bottom side, an opening in the stage floor in the form of a linear slot, a carriage positioned adjacent to the slot for movement in a direction generally parallel with the slot, drive means for the carriage and stage, specimen retaining means on the top side of the stage, and means for affixing the specimen retaining means to the carriage through the opening in the stage floor. The advanced microscope stages may also have more ergonomic structural features with rounded rims and corners for greater user comfort.

Abstract: A new arrangement for the revolving stage of a polarizing microscope is presented. A stage well adapted to be removably fitted into and attached to the center of a revolving stage is provided with a housing, an inner sleeve adapted to fit within the housing and to move vertically within the housing, and a sample platform. In a preferred embodiment, the inner sleeve also moves rotationally. The stage well extends below the upper surface of the revolving stage with sufficient clearance to avoid interference with condenser and/or other components present below the revolving stage. Also presented is a microscope stage assembly comprising a revolving stage and a stage well attached to a center opening in the microscope revolving stage.