US4003628A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Coarse focus mechanism for microscopes
Assignee: Zale Corp
•
Filing: 1975-11-10
•
Granted: 1977-01-18
•
Expires: 1995-11-10
Abstract
Abstract A coarse focus mechanism for microscopes and related instruments wherein the mechanism includes a slip clutch operated knob which rotates a pinion shaft for moving either the optical or stage member of the microscope relative to the other member for achieving a coarse focus. The knob is disposed on the pinion shaft between the slip clutch and an abutment which is laterally adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft for precisely positioning the knob on the pinion shaft. The knob may include a removable protective housing for enclosing the slip clutch mechanism.
Inventors
- 👤 Nathaniel Halperin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 19:32
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B21/00; G02B21/24; G02B21/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A coarse focus mechanism for a microscope having a frame and cooperating optical and stage members carried by the frame, with at least one of the members being movable relative to the other member, which mechansim comprises, in combination: a. a pinion shaft for moving the movable member, b. a knob carried by the pinion shaft for rotating the pinion shaft in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions about its longitudinal axis, c. an abutment carried by the pinion shaft adjacent one side of the knob for frictional engagement therewith wherein the abutment is laterally adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft, and d. a variable slip clutch means carried by the pinion shaft adjacent the opposite side of the knob for pressing the knob against the abutment to thereby impart a predetermined amount of frictional resistance to the knob to permit rotation of the pinion shaft when the knob is rotated such that free rotation of the knob, independent of the pinion shaft, is realized when resistance to rotation of the pinion shaft exceeds the predetermined amount of frictional resistance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
181 words
A coarse focus mechanism for a microscope having a frame and cooperating optical and stage members carried by the frame, with at least one of the members being movable relative to the other member, which mechansim comprises, in combination: a. a pinion shaft for moving the movable member, b. a knob carried by the pinion shaft for rotating the pinion shaft in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions about its longitudinal axis, c. an abutment carried by the pinion shaft adjacent one side of the knob for frictional engagement therewith wherein the abutment is laterally adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the pinion shaft, and d. a variable slip clutch means carried by the pinion shaft adjacent the opposite side of the knob for pressing the knob against the abutment to thereby impart a predetermined amount of frictional resistance to the knob to permit rotation of the pinion shaft when the knob is rotated such that free rotation of the knob, independent of the pinion shaft, is realized when resistance to rotation of the pinion shaft exceeds the predetermined amount of frictional resistance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
The microscope of claim 1 wherein the variable slip clutch means includes: a. an expandable spring washer having one face disposed adjacent the knob, and b. an adjustable spanner for applying compressive pressure against the spring washer to thereby impart frictional resistance to the knob in direct proportion to the amount of compression applied against the spring washer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The microscope of claim 2 wherein the adjustable spanner is threadedly received on one end of the pinion shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The microscope of claim 1 wherein the abutment includes: a. a generally ring-shaped member coaxial with the pinion shaft, and b. means for locking the ring-shaped member is a desired position of adjustment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The microscope of claim 4 wherein: a. the pinion shaft includes a housing having a knurled portion thereon, and b. the means for locking the ring-shaped member includes a set screw for engaging the knurled portion of the housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The microscope of claim 5 further including a removable protective housing carried by the knob for enclosing the slip clutch means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The microscope of claim 4 further including a washer disposed between the ring-shaped member and the knob.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
The microscope of claim 4 wherein: a. the ring-shaped member is threadedly received on the pinion shaft, and b. the means for locking the ring-shaped member includes: 1. a washer disposed on one side of the ring-shaped member, and 2. a lock nut disposed on the opposite side of the ring-shaped member for securing the latter against the washer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The microscope of claim 1 wherein: a. the pinion shaft includes a gearing means, and b. the movable member includes a rack means for cooperative engagement with the gearing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The microscope of claim 9 wherein the pinion shaft includes a coaxial housing provided with an opening therein such that the gearing means engages the rack means through the opening.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
59 words
The microscope of claim 9 wherein the rack means includes a first stop means at one extreme end of its travel and a second stop means at the other extreme end of its travel such that the resistance to rotation of the pinion shaft exceeds the predetermined amount of frictional resistance when either stop means engages the gearing means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3451739A
Cited
US3683704A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-01-18 | 1980-07-19 | 1981-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-01-18 | 1984-07-19 | 1985-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-01-18 | 1988-07-19 | 1989-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |