Objective changer apparatus for a microscope system, adapter for an objective and method for moving an objective into position

US11194148B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Saskia Pergande · Jena, DE
• Ingo Fahlbusch · Göttingen, DE
• Peter Schacht · Erfurt, DE
• Daniel Stegmann · Großschwabhausen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 2019
• Grant date: Dec 7, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 24, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B21/248
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An objective-changer apparatus for a microscope system comprising an objective-transfer element with at least one objective holder for holding an objective that has been provided with an adapter, wherein the objective-transfer element moves a selected active objective into position in a transfer position in controlled fashion and an objective axis of the active objective does not coincide with the optical axis of the microscope system in the transfer position. A receiving apparatus is adjustable in the direction of the optical axis of the microscope system and can be brought into contact with the adapter. The receiving apparatus transports the active objective along a transport path in a transport direction orthogonal to the microscope system's optical axis between the transfer position and a work position in line with the microscope system's optical axis. The transport path is shorter than the extent of the objective holder in the transport direction.