Personal interface device for positioning of a microscope stage
US5557456A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 4, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 4, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B21/26
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for manually controlling a motorized microscope stage for movement about the X, Y and Z axes. The apparatus includes a main housing having an X axis control knob and a Y axis control knob rotatably mounted to the housing. A Z axis control knob is provided for controlling movement about the Z axis. The Z axis knob is mounted to a removable module so that the position of the Z axis control knob is adjustable with respect to the other knobs. There is a controller for generating stage control signals in response to movement of the knobs. A plug-in connector connects the apparatus to the microscope stage controller such that the stage control signals create corresponding movements of the motorized stage. The apparatus simulates the controls of a nonmotorized stage while maintaining compatibility with existing stage controller units. The apparatus is designed to provide tactile position feedback to the user similar to that of a manual non-motorized microscope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.