US4626906A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inverted microscope
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1984-03-23
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Granted: 1986-12-02
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Expires: 2004-03-23
Abstract
Abstract A microscope is arranged so that the light from the object under study is directed down through an objective lens and then to a video camera. None of it is diverted to an eye piece or the like. The image can be viewed on a video monitor. There is no clutter of optical equipment above the object, and there need be only enough light to operate the camera.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald R. Ensor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:43
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B21/00; G02B21/02; G02B21/0004; G02B21/0088; G02B21/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
An inverted microscope having a substantially rigid stage below which is mounted an objective lens, and means for transmitting an image via said lens to a video camera so that, in use, the path of the light from the lens to the camera being free from any means diverting any portion of said light to a path other than said path to the camera, thereby to establish only one said path of light from the lens, whereby substantially all of the light from the lens is directed to the camera.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
An inverted microscope having a substantially rigid stage below which is mounted an objective lens, and means for transmitting an image via said lens to a video camera so that, in use, the path of the light from the lens to the camera being free from any means diverting any portion of said light to a path other than said path to the camera, thereby to establish only one said path of light from the lens, whereby substantially all of the light from the lens is directed to the camera.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A microscope as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a light source mounted above the stage to direct light downwardly through the object and the objective lens.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A microscope as claimed in claim 1, including attachment means whereby the microscope can be releasably coupled to a said camera.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A microscope as claimed in claim 1, wherein micromanipulators are located within reach of the stage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A microscope as claimed in claim 1, including a said video camera, arranged to transmit a signal, corresponding to the image from the objective lens, to a video monitor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A microscope as claimed in claim 5, arranged to display on the video monitor a spatially corrected image of the image received by the camera.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A microscope as claimed in claim 5, including a monitor provided with a dark screen.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of viewing an article via a microscope, the method comprising the steps of placing the article on a substantially rigid stage, directing light from the article downwardly through an objective lens, directing substantially all of the light from the lens to a video camera, and viewing on a video monitor the image detected by the camera.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of viewing an article via a microscope, the method comprising the steps of placing the article on a substantially rigid stage, directing light from the article downwardly through an objective lens, directing substantially all of the light from the lens to a video camera, and viewing on a video monitor the image detected by the camera.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as claimed in claim 8 further comprising the step of manipulating the article using micromanipulators.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 8 further comprising the step of reversing the image on the video monitor as compared with that received by the camera.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the video signal from the camera is electronically processed before it is sent to the monitor.
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) | 1989-12-01 | 1990-06-02 | 1990-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-12-01 | 1994-06-02 | 1994-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-12-01 | 1998-06-02 | 1998-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |