Abstract:
A light containment system providing increased safety to microscopy users while allowing the microscopy instrument to be used in an effective and efficient manner is provided. The light containment system includes a hemisphere or dome shaped enclosure that prevents dangerous intensities of light from exiting an objective lens and or microscopy sample holder while still allowing the user to witness and measure the direction of light in three dimensions.

Description:
[0001]    The present application is related to, claims the earliest available effective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional patent applications; claims benefits under 35 USC §119(e) for provisional patent applications), and incorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of the following listed application(s) (the “Related Applications”) to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith; the present application also claims the earliest available effective filing date(s) from, and also incorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related Application(s) to the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith: 
         [0002]    U.S. provisional patent application 62/255411, entitled “Microscopy Safety Dome”, naming Dr. Guy G. Kennedy as inventor, filed 14 Nov. 2015. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Field of Use 
         [0004]    The invention relates to microscope slides and more particularly to domed microscope slide covers having optical characteristics. 
         [0005]    2. Description of Prior Art (Background) 
         [0006]    Development in microscopy has required the incorporation of lasers and other bright light sources for specimen illumination. The power, wavelength, and direction of these lasers and other light sources vary dramatically depending on the application. These sources can range in wavelength from Ultraviolet to the Infrared. Exposure to this light can be hazardous to skin and particularly eyes. 
         [0007]    Recently “through the lens” microscopy has very popular. With this technology laser light propagates through the objective lens into the slide sample. On an inverted microscope this means significant potential exposure to the user if the light exits the objective lens in a direction toward the operator. Unfortunately, numerous conditions exist in which the light can exit the objective lens and intrude upon the operator space. Laser light is particularly hazardous for the operator eyes in this situation. 
         [0008]    In TIR, Microscopy, the laser alignment is routinely adjusted for clean TIR. When adjusted for pure TIR, the light is directed back into the objective lens from the sample glass water interface, and back into the microscope. Unfortunately, numerous exceptions exist which create conditions in which the light can exit the objective lens and or specimen sample intruding upon the operator space. This laser light creates a hazard particularly for the operator eyes. 
         [0009]    For example, conditions in which laser light, can impinge upon the operator include: air bubble in the oil meniscus acting as a lens, redirecting the laser beam; routine adjustments tuning the TIR critical angle; using the laser for “Dirty TIR”; and, using the laser for “Farfield” illumination. 
         [0010]    Some commercial laser microscopy systems may have an enclosure to cover the objective lens and or the sample area. These covers may include a safety interlock system to prevent the system for being operated without it in place. The weakness of this design is the inability to see where the laser light is being directed. This makes it necessary to remove or bypass the safety feature in order to make critical adjustments. These adjustments are frequently accomplished while observing the beam impinging upon the local environment such as the walls or ceiling. While doing this at low laser powers may be somewhat risky, higher powers can be very dangerous. 
         [0011]    New techniques in imaging have required significantly higher power lasers. These techniques include, but are not exclusive to: STORM Microscopy; PALM Microscopy; Confocal Microscopy; Two Photon Microscopy; and Light Sheet Microscopy. These high power techniques increase the risk of direct laser exposure to the user and others with laser light of high intensity is reflected or refracted from a variety of surfaces. 
         [0012]    Concave slides and domed covers are not unknown in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,510 describes a compliant cover having a degree of concavity chosen to define a volume of regent contained between a cover and a slide. U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,567 includes a hermetic chamber adjacent to a slide. U.S. Pat. No. 3,580,658 describes a gas cooled microscope slide having built-in cooling chambers formed by a through opening in the slide body. U.S. Patent Application 20150153553 describes a fluorescence observation device with a partition dome coupled to a base to define a light shielding chamber with a transparent observation aperture. 
         [0013]    Yet, the prior art is silent with regards to a safety slide cover. Thus, there is a need for a cover which allows an operator to see or detect the presence and direction of a laser beam while protecting the operator from exposure to the laser beam. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0014]    The foregoing and other problems are overcome, and other advantages are realized, in accordance with the presently preferred embodiments of these teachings. 
         [0015]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a light containment apparatus providing increased safety to microscopy operators while allowing the instrument to be used in an effective and efficient manner is provided. The apparatus includes a hemisphere or of dome shaped enclosure that prevents unwanted or dangerous intensities of light from exiting an objective lens and or microscopy sample holder while still allowing the user to observe the light direction Light sources may include laser light, LED light, Gas Discharge; Tungsten, Mercury Vapor, and/or Mercury Halide. 
         [0016]    The invention is also directed towards hemispherical microscopy safety dome comprising a material exhibiting an optical light characteristic such as light transparent, light semi-transparent, light opaque. The dome also includes an inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises an optical coating. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a microscopy safety dome is provided. The dome includes at least one optical light characteristic, such as, for example, light reflection, light transmission, light absorption, light refraction, wide or narrow band pass filters or blockers; and, may be any suitable shell adaptable to covering a sample receptacle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of the prior art illustrating the risk to a user without a Microscopy Safety Dome as described herein; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a pictorial illustration of one embodiment. of the microscopy safety dome described herein; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an operational schematic illustration of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate gas embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate light scattered embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate attenuated light scattered or transmitted embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate thermo-electric embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate temperature controlled embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate fluorescent or phosphorescent emission embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate photo-electric position sensor array embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate safety interlock embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate Petrie Dish embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate integrated Petrie Dish embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate Petrie Dish embodiment of the microscopy safety dome with selective optical filtering and blocking in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 ; and 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate Petrie Dish embodiment of the microscopy safety dome with an optical window accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0034]    The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout the application: 
         [0035]    The term “comprising” means including but riot limited to, and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context; 
         [0036]    The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and maybe included in more than one embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment); 
         [0037]    If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,” it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example; 
         [0038]    If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic 
         [0039]    A sample holder or receptacle may be any suitable sample holder or receptacle such as, for example, a sample slide or Petrie Dish; and 
         [0040]    Optical light characteristics may include, and not limited to, light scattering, light blocking (specific light wavelengths or multiple light wavelengths), light band pass (wide or narrow band), light filtering (specific light wavelengths or multiple light wavelengths), light absorption (specific light wavelengths or multiple light wavelengths), light transmission (specific light wavelengths or multiple light wavelengths), light refraction (specific light wavelengths or multiple light wavelengths), and/or light reflection (specific light wavelengths or multiple light wavelengths). 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 1  of the drawings, there is shown  1  an illustration of the prior art illustrating the risk to a user without a Microscopy Safety Dome as described herein. Illuminating light  16  travels through objective lens  14  and illuminates sample  11  held by sample holder  18 . Sample holder is supported by microscope stage  12 . It will be understood that light  16  may include laser light or any other type of light source such as, for example: LED light, Gas Discharge; Tungsten, Mercury Vapor, and/or Mercury Halide generated light. Light  16 A is that portion of light  16  which poses a high risk of injury to user  19 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 2  there is shown a pictorial illustration of one embodiment of the microscopy safety dome described herein. Safety dome  22  is adapted to couple to microscope stage  12  and is of sufficient diameter to enclose sample holder  18 . Safety dome  22  may be coupled to microscope stage  12  via dome mating surface  22 A and stage mating surface  12 A. It will be appreciated that any suitable coupling may be used. Suitable coupling may include, for example, magnetic coupling, latch coupling, twist and lock coupling, or weighted coupling. 
         [0043]    Still referring to  FIG. 2  safety dome  22  may be constructed of any suitable material exhibiting optical characteristics such as fluorescent, phosphorescent opaque and or translucent. 
         [0044]    Referring also to  FIG. 3  there is shown an operational schematic illustration of the microscopy safety dome or shell in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment safety dome  22  is exhibiting optical blocking, i.e., not letting light  16  pass through the dome  22 . Safety dome  22  may be constructed of optical glass, plastic, or metal and may be coated on the interior  22 B of dome  22  with desired material to exhibit desired optical characteristics, e.g., blocking, scattering, absorption. 
         [0045]    Still referring to  FIG. 3  safety dome  22  may include graduated scale markers or rings  39  used to reference light  16  impact angles and quadrants to determine x, y, and z angles of incidence. In addition, dome  22  may incorporate sample slide  18  or be rigidly affixed to sample slide  18  or a sample slide housing to form a one-piece unit. Rigidly affixing the dome  22  to the sample slide  18  or sample slide housing may be any suitable means such as mechanical, e.g., slots, mating tabs, or adhesives. 
         [0046]    Referring also to  FIG. 4  there is shown an operational schematic illustration of an alternate gas embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . It will be appreciated that the problems associated with observing heat sensitive specimens, e.g., live specimens are overcome by the present invention through the provision of gas inflow port  32 , cooling chamber  31 , and gas outflow port  34 . A gas  35  is passed continuously through the chamber  31  while the slide  18  is in the microscope (not shown) to cool the slide  18  and thereby prolong the life of a specimen (not shown) while under observation. Gas  35  may be any suitable gas coolant. 
         [0047]    Still referring to  FIG. 4 , it will also be appreciated that gas  35  may be a suitable gas for interacting with light  16  providing a visual marker of the light  16  as it passes through gas  35 . 
         [0048]    Referring also to  FIG. 5 , there is shown is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate light scattered embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment shell  42  may be any suitable transparent or semi-transparent material such as, for example, optical glass or a clear plastic. In addition, shell  42  may be coated with an optical solution  44  to achieve the desired scattering  46 . It will also be appreciated that shell  42  may be an suitable material achieving the desired optical effect, such as, for example, scattering. For example, shell  42  may comprise a glass or plastic shell embedded with light scattering particles, e.g., air bubbles, glass, metal, or plastic spheres or particles. It will also be appreciated that the embedded light scatters may also comprise fluorescent or phosphorescent light characteristics. 
         [0049]    Referring also to  FIG. 6  there is shown is an operational schematic illustration of an alternate attenuated light scattered or transmitted embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . in this embodiment shell  52  may be any suitable transparent or semi-transparent material such as, for example, optical glass or a clear plastic. In addition shell  52  may be coated with an optical solution  54  to achieve the desired attenuated scattering  56 . 
         [0050]    Referring also to  FIG. 7  there is shown an operational schematic illustration of an alternate thermo-electric embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment shell  22  may be any suitable opaque, transparent or semi-transparent material such as, for example, optical glass or a clear plastic. In addition shell  22  may be coated with a thermo-electric heating material  64  reactive to light  15 . Thus, if shell  22  is suitably transparent, as light  16  interacts with heating material  64  a user may visually determine where the light  16  impacts shell  22 . 
         [0051]    Referring also to  FIG. 8  there is shown an operational schematic illustration of an alternate temperature controlled embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . Thermo-electric heaters  74  heat the enclosed chamber  81  to a desired temperature to control the optical characteristics (dependent on temperature and humidity) of the gas  35  within chamber  81  and heat dependencies of a sample (not shown) contained within slide  18 . 
         [0052]    Referring also to  FIG. 9  there is shown an operational schematic illustration of an alternate fluorescent or phosphorescent emission embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment shell  82  may be any suitable transparent or semi-transparent material such as, for example, optical glass or a clear plastic. In addition shell  82  may be coated with an optical solution  83  to achieve the desired fluorescent or phosphorescent emission  84 . 
         [0053]    Referring also to  FIG. 10  there is shown an operational schematic illustration of an alternate photo-electric position sensor array embodiment of the microscopy safety dome in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment shell  22  may be any suitable opaque, transparent or semi-transparent material such as, for example, optical glass or a clear plastic. In addition shell  22  may be a photo-electric, position sensor array  94  reactive to light  15 . Thus, if shell  22  is suitably transparent, as light  16  interacts with photo-electric position sensor array  94  a user may visually determine where the light  16  impacts shell  22 . 
         [0054]    Referring also to  FIG. 11  there is shown an operational schematic illustration of an alternate safety interlock embodiment of the microscopy safety dome  22  in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment interlock part  104  attached to the dome  22  must interact with interlock part  106  before interlock shutter  109  opens to allow light  16  to pass through objective  14 . Shutter control line  108  senses when interlock pans  104  and  106  are mated or otherwise connected to allow safe operation. It will be understood that shutter control line  108  may be any suitable mechanical, electrical, or wireless control line. 
         [0055]    Referring also to  FIG. 12  there is shown a pictorial illustration of one embodiment of the microscopy safety dome described herein. Safety dome  22  is adapted to couple to microscope stage  12  and is of sufficient diameter to enclose Petrie Dish  121 . Safety dome  22  may be coupled to microscope stage  12  via dome mating surface  22 A and stage mating surface  12 A. it will be appreciated that any suitable coupling may be used. Suitable coupling may include, for example, magnetic coupling, latch coupling, twist and lock coupling, or weighted coupling. 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIG. 13  there is shown a pictorial illustration of one embodiment of the microscopy safety dome described herein. Safety dome  131  is adapted to couple to Petrie Dish  132  and is of sufficient diameter to enclose Petrie Dish  131 . It will be appreciated that any suitable coupling may be used. Suitable coupling may include, for example, magnetic coupling, latch coupling, twist and lock coupling, or weighted coupling. In addition, the safety dome  131  may be removeable from Petrie Dish  132  or may be permanently affixed to Petrie Dish  132  with suitable adhesives and/or mechanical means. 
         [0057]    Referring also to  FIG. 14  there is shown an operational schematic illustration for an alternate embodiment of the microscopy safety dome or shell in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment safety dome  141  is exhibiting selective optical characteristics. Safety dome  141  may include material such as optical glass, plastic, or metal and may be coated on the interior  141 B of dome  141  with desired material coating to exhibit desired optical characteristics. Selective optical characteristics employed by safety dome  141  may include wavelength band pass, wavelength band blocking, narrow wavelength band pass or blocking and/or wide wavelength band pass or blocking. For example,  FIG. 14  shows safety dome  141  allowing light from lamp source  142  to pass through safety dome  141  while blocking laser light  16 . It will be appreciated that the selective optical characteristics may be a feature of the safety dome  141  material and/or a feature of the material coating on interior  141 B. 
         [0058]    Referring also to  FIG. 15  there is shown an operational schematic illustration for an alternate embodiment of the microscopy safety dome  151  or shell in accordance with the invention shown in  FIG. 2 . In this embodiment safety dome  151  incorporates a laser blocking filter  152  allowing band pass for light of other wavelengths to enter into the dome from outside allowing brightfield illumination  154  from a brightfield light source  153 . The filter  152  may be absorptive to laser light  16 B and/or may be reflective to laser light  16 B as illustrated by reflected laser light  156 . 
         [0059]    It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Thus, various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. For example, the interlock feature shown in  FIG. 11  can be combined, with any of the other features shown in  FIG. 2  through  FIG. 15 . In addition, materials used for shells e.g.,  22  in  FIG. 2 ) may be fluorescent, phosphorescent opaque and or translucent. The invention described herein may be incorporated to microscope design, or as an aftermarket kit or accessory. It will be appreciated that with diffusive, and or translucent material as described herein, a user can directly witness the location and size of a light beam (e.g.,  16  in  FIG. 2 ) exiting the sample area (e.g., slide  18  in  FIG. 2 ). Materials for shell (e.g.,  22  in  FIG. 2 ) include construction containing or fabricated from: list of plastics, ceramics, glass, silica, silicone, fluorescent dye, lanthanides, quantum dots, evaporated optical coatings, spray coatings, light absorbing, coatings, optical fiber, optical waveguide, The size may varied from just big enough to block the light above the sample, to as large as the microscope can physically accommodate. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances that fall within the scope of the appended claims.