Patent US3687520A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3687520A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Substage illuminating mirror for a stereomicroscope
Assignee: Leica Microsystems Inc
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Filing: 1971-02-19
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Granted: 1972-08-29
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Expires: 1991-02-19
Abstract
Abstract An illuminating mirror for use in the substage of a stereomicroscope is described including a glass-wedge having the front surface coated to partially reflect and partially transmit an incident beam of light. The rear surface of the wedge is coated to be totally reflective from both sides. Therefore, the transmitted and refracted beam is reflected back through the front surface to form a second beam oblique to the former reflected beam. The two beams are then used to individually illuminate the two optical axes of the stereomicroscope. A diffusing reflector may be provided on the other side of the mirror which also utilizes the totally reflective rear surface of the wedge.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul E Nothnagle
- 👤 Harold E Rosenberger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 19:07
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B21/00; G02B21/18; G02B21/20; G02B21/22
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
In a stereomicroscope having a central mechanical axis, and including a pair of optical systems having optical paths substantially symmetrical about said mechanical axis and intersecting at a point substantially on said mechanical axis and also on a stage, the combination with said stereomicroscope comprising a. means providing a source of illumination; and b. means on said mechanical axis beyond said stage from said stereomicroscope for selectively directing light emanating from said source upon said point, said light directing means comprising a first plano optical surface and a second plano optical surface, said first plano optical surface reflecting a portion of light emanating from said source along one of said optical paths and transmitting a second portion thereof to said second plano optical Surface, said second plano optical surface reflecting said second portion of light through said first optical surface and along the other of said optical paths.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
148 words
In a stereomicroscope having a central mechanical axis, and including a pair of optical systems having optical paths substantially symmetrical about said mechanical axis and intersecting at a point substantially on said mechanical axis and also on a stage, the combination with said stereomicroscope comprising a. means providing a source of illumination; and b. means on said mechanical axis beyond said stage from said stereomicroscope for selectively directing light emanating from said source upon said point, said light directing means comprising a first plano optical surface and a second plano optical surface, said first plano optical surface reflecting a portion of light emanating from said source along one of said optical paths and transmitting a second portion thereof to said second plano optical Surface, said second plano optical surface reflecting said second portion of light through said first optical surface and along the other of said optical paths.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
138 words
The combination of a stereomicroscope having two optical axes extending downward and intersecting substantially at a transparent, horizontal stage, a source of illumination for producing light rays, and optical reflecting means, the combination comprising: a. said stereomicroscope; b. said illumination source disposed to direct said light rays beneath said stage; and c. said optical reflecting means, comprising a first plano surface disposed beneath said stage, said first plano surface being semireflective for reflecting a portion of said rays emanating from said illumination source substantially along one of said optical axes and for transmitting a portion of said rays, and said optical reflecting means further comprising additional plano reflecting means disposed beneath said first plano surface to reflect said transmitted portion of said rays back through said first plano surface and substantially along the other of said optical axes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
138 words
The combination of a stereomicroscope having two optical axes extending downward and intersecting substantially at a transparent, horizontal stage, a source of illumination for producing light rays, and optical reflecting means, the combination comprising: a. said stereomicroscope; b. said illumination source disposed to direct said light rays beneath said stage; and c. said optical reflecting means, comprising a first plano surface disposed beneath said stage, said first plano surface being semireflective for reflecting a portion of said rays emanating from said illumination source substantially along one of said optical axes and for transmitting a portion of said rays, and said optical reflecting means further comprising additional plano reflecting means disposed beneath said first plano surface to reflect said transmitted portion of said rays back through said first plano surface and substantially along the other of said optical axes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said optical reflecting means comprises first and second reflective surfaces disposed to direct said rays at a diverging angle toward said stereomicroscope and intersecting said optical axes near the entrance pupils of said stereomicroscope.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said optical reflecting means comprises a single optical wedge having two plano faces, one having a semireflective coating and constituting said first plano surface and the other having a totally reflective coating and constituting said additional plano reflective means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
The combination of claim 4 further comprising mounting means for said optical reflecting means connected to said stereomicroscope, said mounting means and said optical reflecting means having unique complementary shapes for correct orientation of said optical reflecting means in said mounting means for directing said rays from said illumination source substantially along said two axes of said stereomicroscope.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
66 words
The combination of claim 5 further comprising diffusing means, said diffusing means being disposed adjacent said totally reflective coating of said optical wedge in said mounting means, said mounting means being adjustable for alternate presentation of said optical reflecting means and said diffusing means, and said totally reflective coating being cooperative with said diffusing means for diffuse substage illumination of a subject on said horizontal stage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
55 words
The combination of claim 3 wherein said optical reflecting means comprises two transparent plano-parallel plates disposed at an angle to one another, one of said plates having at least one semireflective surface and constituting said first plano surface and the other having at least one totally reflective surface and constituting said additional plano reflective means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination of claim 2 wherein said optical reflecting means comprises first and second reflective surfaces disposed to direct said rays at a converging angle substantially along said axes of said stereomicroscope.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The combination of claim 8 wherein said optical reflecting means comprises a single optical wedge having two plano faces, one having a semireflective coating and constituting said first plano surface and the other having a totally reflective coating and constituting said additional plano reflective means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
The combination of claim 8 wherein said optical reflecting means comprises two transparent plano-parallel plates disposed at an angle to one another, one of said plates having at least one semireflective surface and constituting said first plano surface and the other having at least one totally reflective surface and constituting said additional plano reflective means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |