Microscope collision protection apparatus

Patent · Tue Oct 23 00:00:00 EDT 2001

OSTI ID:874079

DeNure, Charles R ^[1]

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1. Pocatello, ID

A microscope collision protection apparatus for a remote control microscope which protects the optical and associated components from damage in the event of an uncontrolled collision with a specimen, regardless of the specimen size or shape. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a counterbalanced slide for mounting the microscope's optical components. This slide replaces the rigid mounts on conventional upright microscopes with a precision ball bearing slide. As the specimen contacts an optical component, the contacting force will move the slide and the optical components mounted thereon. This movement will protect the optical and associated components from damage as the movement causes a limit switch to be actuated, thereby stopping all motors responsible for the collision.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
• Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 6,307,672
• Application Number: 08/775,684
• OSTI ID: 874079
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

microscope
collision
protection
apparatus
remote
control
protects
optical
associated
components
damage
event
uncontrolled
specimen
regardless
size
shape
embodiment
counterbalanced
slide
mounting
microscopes
replaces
rigid
mounts
conventional
upright
precision
ball
bearing
contacts
component
contacting
force
move
mounted
movement
protect
causes
limit
switch
actuated
stopping
motors
responsible
remote control
/359/