Abstract: Providing a space-and-energy-saving environment maintaining apparatus for a microscope. A first chamber 2 forms an enclosed space and houses a stage 3 that supports a specimen 23, an objective lens 5, 105 that changes divergent light from the specimen 23 on the stage 3 into parallel light, and a focusing apparatus 4 attached to the stage 3 allowing the objective lens 5, 105 to move along the direction of its optical axis. A plane parallel glass plate 121 is provided on the first chamber 2 to transmit the parallel light to the outside.

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a microscope stage. The microscope stage of the apparatus defines a plane on which an object to be examined can be placed. The apparatus further includes a first shaft and a second shaft rotationally coupled to the first shaft. The microscope stage is guided between the first and second shafts such that a rotational movement of at least one of the first and second shafts has a direct effect on the microscope stage.

Abstract: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Abstract: An inverted microscope includes a lens holding mechanism which holds an objective lens arranged under a sample and used to form an observation image of the sample; a focusing mechanism which holds the lens holding mechanism on its upper part and moves the objective lens up and down together with the lens holding mechanism; and a microscope main body which serves as a casing including the focusing mechanism therein, and includes an opening allowing an attachment of the focusing mechanism and the lens holding mechanism in its upper wall surface. A size of the lens holding mechanism in a horizontal plane is larger than a size of an image projected onto the horizontal plane of the opening.

Abstract: A device 1 is disclosed for inspecting, measuring defined structures, simulating structures and structural defects, repair of and to structures, and post-inspecting defined object sites on a microscopic component 2 with an immersion objective 8a. The device 1 comprises a stage that is movable in the x-coordinate direction and in the y-coordinate direction and a holder 42 for the microscopic component 2, whereby the holder 42 is placed on the stage 4 with the microscopic component 2 in it. The holder 42 has a reservoir 51a with immersion or cleaning fluid, respectively. The stage 4 is movable such that the immersion objective 8a is located directly above the reservoir 51a and may dip into the fluid with its front-most lens.

Abstract: A slide photograph data creation system includes a digital camera for making high-magnification photographs of samples, a sample transporter for holding and transporting samples, a controller for controlling the camera and the sample transporter so as to provide overlapping photographs, a pasting information generator for recognizing the margin by which the photographs overlap and for generating pasting-together information, and a photograph file generator for storing in a single file a plurality of high-magnification photographs and the pasting-together information. The system facilitates the examination and photography of large numbers of samples, and enables discrimination of the three-dimensional structure of a sample. Since the photographic data is managed with a database, virtual slide photographs and their attributes information can be browsed over a network or the Internet.

Abstract: A differential adjuster that utilizes a tool interface for affecting either a coarse adjustment or a fine adjustment is presented. The differential adjuster includes an intermediate actuator sleeve with a tool interface to accommodate a tool for performing adjustments. The intermediate actuator sleeve includes a first threaded surface operatively engaging a housing to adjust the position of the intermediate actuator sleeve relative to the housing, and a second threaded surface operatively engaging a push rod to adjust the position of the intermediate actuator sleeve relative to the push rod. The first threaded surface contains threads that are a different pitch than the second threaded surface.

Abstract: A microscope system has a stage on which an observation sample, including an observation object and a transparent member, is to be placed. An objective lens is placed to face the observation sample placed on the stage, and a focusing unit moves at least one of the stage and the objective lens to perform a focusing operation. An autofocus unit controls a focusing driving unit by a so-called Through-the-Lens: TTL system. After autofocus is performed for the transparent member by the autofocus unit, the focusing driving unit makes at least one of the stage and the objective lens move by a predetermined constant amount.

Abstract: A microscope slide mount capable of z-axis movement.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to a microscope with an adjustable stage are described. A microscope includes a base, a support arm attached to and extending upwardly from the base, a head attached to the support arm, the head including a lens, and an eyepiece attached to the head. A stage is releasably attachable to the support arm between the head and the base at multiple locations, providing multiple working distances between a lower surface of the head and an upper surface of the stage. When the stage is attached to the support arm at a location, a working distance between the lower surface of the head and the upper surface of the stage is further adjustable to an either greater or lesser working distance. In another embodiment, microscopic and macroscopic viewing can both be provided using a lens changer with multiple lens positioned radially about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A device for an optically controlled micro-manipulation of biological specimens includes at least one micro-manipulator with at least one motor-displaceable cytotechnical instrument holder elements, and a microscope which has at least one functional motor-displaceable element coupled with the motor-displaceable holder in such fashion that, using a control element, a common displacement or adjustment of the holder and a displacement of the at least one functional element of the microscope can be executed in a coordinated fashion so that upon changing a size of a field of view by changing a microscope objective lens, a covered range of displacement of a cytotechnical instrument using the holder is adapted to a new field of view.

Abstract: An observation apparatus for observing an observation object mounted at an observation position on a stage through an immersion objective lens placed below the observation object. The observation apparatus has a liquid pouring device, constructed to be relatively movable with respect to the immersion objective lens, pouring a liquid on a top lens surface of the immersion objective lens from the upper side of the immersion objective lens at a distance from the observation position on the stage; and a position control device automatically adjusting relative positions of a liquid pouring position of the liquid pouring device and the immersion objective lens and automatically adjusting relative positions of the immersion objective lens on which the liquid is poured by the liquid pouring device and a desired observation position on the stage.

Abstract: Inspection systems and methods are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises an inspection system including a support for a reticle and a microscope including a lens system. The lens system includes at least one lens comprising at least one Fresnel element, wherein the at least one Fresnel element is non-circular.

Abstract: An optical microscope of high stability such that problems wherein an image of a sample becomes unsharp during observation and movement (drift) of the object point (object) occurs are solved because the defocusing in the Z direction attributable to thermal expansion of the optical microscope is compensated. The optical instruments are characterized as comprising an optical system unit symmetrical to the optical axis in terms of weight and shape and a peripheral unit having a sample positioning mechanism is constituted by combining components having temperature dependences close to zero.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to a microscope with an adjustable stage are described. A microscope includes a base, a support arm attached to and extending upwardly from the base, a head attached to the support arm, the head including a lens, and an eyepiece attached to the head. A stage is releasably attachable to the support arm between the head and the base at multiple locations, providing multiple working distances between a lower surface of the head and an upper surface of the stage. When the stage is attached to the support arm at a location, a working distance between the lower surface of the head and the upper surface of the stage is further adjustable to an either greater or lesser working distance. In another embodiment, microscopic and macroscopic viewing can both be provided using a lens changer with multiple lens positioned radially about an axis of rotation.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a projection objective permits the projection objective to be adjusted between an immersion configuration and a dry configuration with few interventions in the system, and therefore to be used optionally as an immersion objective or as a dry objective. The projection objective has a multiplicity of optical elements which are arranged along an optical axis of the projection objective, the optical elements comprising a first group of optical elements following the object plane and a last optical element following the first group, arranged next to the image plane and defining an exit surface of the projection objective which is arranged at a working distance from the image plane. The last optical element is substantially without refracting power and has no curvature or only slight curvature.

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 method of adjusting a projection objective permits the projection objective to be adjusted between an immersion configuration and a dry configuration. The projection objective includes optical elements arranged along an optical axis thereof, which include a first group of elements following the object plane and a last optical element following the first group, which is arranged near the image plane. The last optical element defines an exit surface of the projection objective, which is arranged at a working distance from the image plane. The last optical element is substantially without refracting power and has no or only slight curvature. The method includes varying the thickness of the last optical element, changing the refractive index of the space between the exit surface and the image plane by introducing or removing an immersion medium, and axially displacing the last optical element to set a working distance.

Abstract: A stage assembly mountable on an optical microscope for orienting a sample into a desired focal position includes an X-axis plate operable for rectilinear shifting in the X-axis direction and a Y-axis plate mounted on the X-axis plate operable for rectilinear translation in the Y-axis direction. A Z-axis plate is mounted on the XY plate assembly for carrying a sample to be investigated and a piezoelectric actuator mechanism is interposed between the XY plate assembly and the Z-axis plate operable for rectilinear translation of the Z-axis plate.

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 control system of a stage of a microscope includes: a stage transfer unit for transferring the stage for loading a sample perpendicular to an optical axis of the microscope; a transfer command acquisition unit for obtaining command information for a transfer of the stage; a stop position direction storage unit for storing stop position direction information which is information generated according to the command information obtained from the transfer command acquisition unit, and the information about a position and direction when an operation of the stage transfer unit is stopped; and a stage transfer control unit for controlling an operation of stage transfer unit according to the stop position direction information stored in the stop position direction storage unit.

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 is provided which includes a frame main body having a base portion, an objective lens switching mechanism, a stage, and an ocular lens for observing a specimen image obtained with one of the objective lenses. A rough/fine motion focusing mechanism is disposed rearward of the stage, for moving the objective lens switching mechanism along the observation optical axis in rough motion and fine motion. A first rough motion handle and a first fine motion handle are provided near the rough/fine motion focusing mechanism, for operating the rough/fine motion focusing mechanism. A rough/fine motion focusing operation portion is provided for operating the rough/fine motion focusing mechanism and includes a second rough motion handle and a second fine motion handle provided near a front end of the base portion. And a linkage mechanism is provided for linking the rough/fine motion focusing mechanism with the rough/fine motion focusing operation portion.

Abstract: An operating knob (20) for an optical system (100) is disclosed. The operating knob (20) has a first and a second coaxially arranged rotating element (21, 22). The first and the second rotating element (21, 22) have at least partly conical form. The first rotating element (21) has at the side directly opposing the second rotating element (22) a larger diameter than the second rotating element (22) and a step is formed at the side of the second rotating element (22) directly opposing the first rotating element (21), wherein the step possesses a diameter which is approximately the diameter of the first rotating element.

Abstract: A microscope apparatus has a driver mounted on a main body of the microscope apparatus, a sensor which detects a stopped state of the driver, a power supply which supplies power to the sensor, a drive controller which controls driving of the driver, and a controller which controls the power supply to the sensor from the power supply in accordance with a drive control signal sent from the drive controller to the driver.

Abstract: A position adjusting means is provided at an outer periphery of an objective lens opposite to an observation sample and the observation sample is moved by the position adjusting means in an optical axis direction of the objective lens to set a focal point of the objective lens to the observation sample.

Abstract: An optical microscope of high stability such that the image of a sample does not become obscure during observation, and no movement (drift) of an object point (object) occurs. The optical microscope is characterized by comprising vertical straight movement guide mechanisms (4 and 8) for an objective lens (6) of the microscope symmetrical to the optical axis, and fine adjustment units (10, 11 and 12) for the objective lens.

Abstract: The invention concerns a surgical microscope having a stand and having an optics carrier (7a) joined movably to the stand and mounted movably with respect to the stand. The optics carrier (7a) is mounted, in the region of its center of gravity, pivotably about at least one axis (17a) with respect to a pivot support (6a) of the stand. At least one of the pivot axes (17a) is constituted virtually by the center of an arc-segment-shaped guidance element (10a) that coacts with a guide carriage (11a).

Abstract: A rough motion shaft 54 and a fine motion shaft 55 are provided on a front side of a stage 37 with respect to an optical axis of an observation optical system of a microscope. Further, a rough motion shaft 45 and a fine motion shaft 46 are provided on a rear side with respect to the optical axis. The rough motion shaft 54 and the fine motion shaft 55 are linked with the rough motion shaft 45 and the fine motion shaft 46 so as to move objective lenses 43 selectively in rough motion or fine motion. Objective lenses 43A, 43B are arranged in a circular shape on a fixing member 111 and a rotating member 113 rotates objective lenses 43A, 43B along the direction of the arrangement. The rotating member 113 includes a weight 123 that applies a rotation force in an inverse direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and an apparatus for automatically focusing an optical device onto a specific and predetermined region of a specimen. The apparatus compares signals corresponding to the vertical distance between a principal objective and a region of a specimen which is in focus to the vertical distance between the principal objective and a target region on the specimen. If the comparison of the distances indicates that they are not the same, the system automatically alters the distance between the specimen and the principal objective so that the target region is properly focused.

Abstract: The invention concerns a holder (1) for positioning a specimen slide (2) on a microscope stage (7), having a baseplate (3), retainable on the microscope stage (7), in which is configured, for reception of the specimen slide (2), an opening (3a) comprising flat support surfaces (3b) and at least one abutment surface (3c), extending substantially perpendicular to the support surface (3b), for the specimen slide (2); and having at least one spring element (4) with which, by means of a compressive force (F) acting substantially horizontally, the specimen slide (2) arranged in the opening (3a) of the baseplate (3) can be pressed against the at least one abutment surface (3c) of the opening (3a).

Abstract: A microscope system according to the present invention comprises a stage on which a specimen is placed, an image forming optical system that forms an image of the specimen placed on the stage, an image-capturing device that captures the image of the specimen formed by the image forming optical system, a focused position detection device that detects a focused position for the specimen based upon the specimen image captured by the image-capturing device and a focused position storage device that stores in memory the focused position detected by the focused position detection device. The focused position detection device sets a search range centered around the focused position stored in memory at the focused position storage device and detects the focused position anew by causing the stage and the image forming optical system to move relative to each other over the search range thus set each time a focusing operation is executed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for controlling drive units (26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39) in a printing machine, whereby during continuous production and in anticipation of a foreseeable disruption, one or more measuring values (m) suitable for characterising the disruption are determined. The measuring values are used to estimate the expected variations (&Dgr;x; &Dgr;y) caused by said disruptions in the variables influencing the printing process and said variables are preregulated or precontrolled directly before the start of the disruption or during the disruption.

Abstract: An in-situ microscope device for reactors, especially bioreactors, having an immersion tube in a reactor connecting port, which, inside the reactor, has an inlet for a sample area, also a microscope outer tube, which is coaxially placed inside the immersion tube and which, on the inner end with the objective, is directed toward the sample area that is located between an objective cover glass and an object support glass body arranged opposite the same. The exterior of the microscope outer tube is connected to a camera for recording the image of the sample area. Also included is a rinsing chamber having closeable openings, through which cleaning agents can be introduced, is connected to the exterior of the reactor connecting port, and that the immersion tube can move in an axial direction inside the connecting port and can be retracted until the inlet is in contact with the rinsing chamber in order to enable a cleaning of the sample area.

Abstract: A microscope stage supported on a base for movement in a direction of travel relative to the base by a resiliently biased support and guide structure disposed adjacent one edge of the stage, an opposed edge of the stage being supported on the base without guidance.

Abstract: A Z-axis stage for use in, e.g., an orthogonal motion microscope stage, includes a carrier plate, an actuator plate, and a base. Three or more upper camming elements with downwardly directed camming surfaces are mounted to the underside of the carrier plate using a semi-kinematic mounting technique. Three or more lower camming elements with upwardly directed camming surfaces are mounted to the top surface of the base using a semi-kinematic mounting technique. The actuator plate includes apertures to accommodate the lower camming elements and the upper and lower camming surfaces of adjacent camming elements are mated. Linear slides are interposed between the mated camming surfaces and the lower camming elements and the base. Movement of the actuator plate in an X-Y reference plane translates into movement of the carrier plate along the Z-axis (i.e., the optical axis) in response to the relative, sliding motion of the mated camming elements.

Abstract: A portable microscope and a microscope stage (10) for a portable microscope are disclosed. The microscope comprises a stand (4) that carries the adjustable-height microscope stage (10). The microscope stage (10) is constructed from a sample support part (38), a guide part (40), and a base (42). The base (42) of the microscope stage (10) carries an illumination module (39).

Abstract: A position adjusting means is provided at an outer periphery of an objective lens opposite to an observation sample and the observation sample is moved by the position adjusting means in an optical axis direction of the objective lens to set a focal point of the objective lens to the observation sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an innovative micrometric measuring instrument which comprises a base, a flat entrainer, a microscope and a screen firmly engaged one another in a clustered construction instead of being constructed loosely and separately as that is usually seen in a conventional product. By means of up and down displacement of the microscope and 360° horizontally rotatable loading disc aided by two laser guides, the focusing of the objet can be rapidly carried out and the measurement is then worked out efficiently keeping upgraded working quality.

Abstract: The invention is related to a mechanical x-y-axis adjustable stage, which is designed for microscopic electro-physiological studies. The stage adopted a three-layer flat-slab structure. The up-most layer was a bearing layer on which other equipment could be mounted. The middle layer and bottom layer were guide layers, and rails for x-axis or y-axis guiding were installed. In order to move the top layer smoothly along two-dimension relative to the bottom layer, the three layers were jointed using grooved rails. By moving the top layer accordingly along the x-axis and y-axis, biological sample (animal/cells) as well as other instruments such as electrophysiological probes and manipulators could be moved smoothly and flexibly, and specific visual fields could be defined without moving the complex microscope system as well as other optical components. Therefore, the present invention has broad application values, for example two-electrodes electrophysiological recordings.

Abstract: A microscope stage supported on a base for movement in a direction of travel relative to the base by a resiliently biased support and guide structure disposed adjacent one edge of the stage, an opposed edge of the stage being supported on the base without guidance.

Abstract: An auto focus method for a microscope (2), and a system for adjusting a focus for the microscope (2), are disclosed. The microscope (2) possesses a microscope stage (18) and an objective (16) located in a working position. A relative motion in the Z direction takes place between the microscope stage (18) and the objective. Images are read in by the camera (20) during the relative motion, and a microscope control device (4) and a computer (6) are provided for evaluation and determination of the focus position.

Abstract: A position adjusting means is provided at an outer periphery of an objective lens opposite to an observation sample and the observation sample is moved by the position adjusting means in an optical axis direction of the objective lens to set a focal point of the objective lens to the observation sample.

Abstract: A microscope for inspecting each optical fiber endface in a multi-fiber connector is disclosed. The microscope includes a tip for interfacing with the multi-fiber connector, a slider assembly connected to the tip, a slider chassis capable of constraining the movement of the slider assembly along an axis of motion, and a cam assembly which forces the slider assembly to move along its constrained axis of motion. The cam assembly is rotated preferably by means of a remotely located adjustment knob. This rotational motion of the cam assembly results in a force against the slider assembly which causes it to move along its constrained axis of motion and, hence, causes the translation of the optical imaging axis of the microscope along the same axis such that each optical fiber endface may be inspected.

Abstract: In order to center a microtiter plate (4) on a supporting plate (15), two centering stops, which are provided as pairs of centering heads (23), are located opposite one another on the top side of the supporting plate, and which can he diagonally displaced outward in a diametrically opposed manner, are fastened to diagonally displaceable sliders (26a, b). Said sliders engage with a turning coupling lever (24) at the opposing ends thereof. The coupling lever (24) rests against a vertical shaft (30) which projects downward from the underside of the supporting plate (15) and supports an actuating lever (31) at its end. Said actuating lever can be turned in order to move the centering stops outward for the purpose of lowering or lifting the microtiter plate (4) counter to the restoring force of a spiral spring (34).

Abstract: A microscope stage of this invention includes an upper stage, a handle shaft rotatably supported on the upper stage, a pulley rotatably supported on the upper stage in a position different from the handle shaft, a lower stage directly driven and guided with respect to the upper stage and a transmission member for interlocking the handle shaft, pulley and lower stage.

Abstract: A zoom strobe device is provided with a light emitting unit, which includes a light source and a reflector and a light collecting lens that collects the light emitted by the light emitting unit. The light emitting unit and the light collecting lens are movable relative to each other in a direction of an optical axis of the light collecting lens. The light collecting lens is configured such that a light emitting unit side surface has a positive power, and a surface opposite to the light emitting unit side surface (i.e., the object side surface) has a negative power. The light collecting lens has a positive power as a whole.

Abstract: A small footprint mechanical positioning stage capable of operating in two perpendicular orientations comprises a base plate, a carriage plate, linear bearings, a brushless linear motor, and a linear encoder. The linear bearings, the linear motor, and the encoder scale are all parallel to the direction of travel of the positioning stage.

Abstract: A Vibration damping device for a microscope comprises a housing. In the housing a foam rubber defining a cavity is formed which encloses a weight. The foam rubber has a plurality of interconnected pores. The housing is of the vibration damping device has in one embodiment a rectangular shape.

Abstract: A microscope according to the invention comprises an aberration correcting objective lens facing a specimen and having an aberration correcting lens correcting an aberration due to an error in the thickness of a cover, a Petri dish or a slide glass; a moving amount detector detecting moving amount of the aberration correcting lens; a focusing unit moving the specimen; a driver unit driving the focusing unit; and an arithmetic unit obtaining a defocus amount based on a moving amount detected by the moving amount detector. When the aberration correcting lens is moved, the specimen is put out of focus. On the basis of a defocus amount obtained by the arithmetic unit, the driver unit drives the focusing unit so that the lens may focus on the specimen.