Abstract:
An improved mounting apparatus for use in recording microscopic images with an image recording device, such as a camera or camcorder is provided. The apparatus is capable of readily aligning the optical axis of the image recording device and the optical axis of the microscope optical tube of the apparatus. Also provided are methods of using the device to observe, record and/or alter a specimen on which the apparatus is mounted. In addition, a microscope is provided which has simple but durable means for gross and fine focus adjustments. The microscope includes an optical tube for magnifying an image of a specimen to be viewed, and an optical tube sleeve in which the optical tube is rotatably and slideably retained. The optical tube includes a radial projection which is adapted to slide along the edge of the sleeve to grossly and finely adjust the focus of the microscope.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to generally to microscopes, and more specifically to an image recording device mounting system and an illuminating system for microscopes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known in the prior art to provide attachment systems for permitting the taking of photographs through a microscope. Representative systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,845,842 to Leitz et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 2,004,807 to Fassin. 
     In the Leitz et al. system, the camera is secured to the upstanding neck of a microscope housing through a light-proof extension that is rotatably inserted in the upstanding neck. In the described embodiment, the camera is not secured to the ocular unit of the microscope, and the housing and the camera are not adjustable relative to each other. 
     In the Fassin device, a camera and microscope eyepiece are physically attached together as a single unit, to permit either element to be connected to a microscope tube through a solid connector. This connection does not permit relative linear movement between the camera and the microscope tube. 
     My previous U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,241, discloses a camera attachment system and an illuminating system for a microscope of the type having a stand, a stage attached to the stand for supporting a specimen to be photographed, an elongate optical tube carried by the stand and movable relative to the stand, said optical tube having an objective lens at a downstream end thereof adjacent the specimen and an eyepiece at an upstream thereof. The attachment system is characterized by a mounting-means for securing the camera to the stand of the microscope, with the camera upstream of the eyepiece of the optical tube and with the lens opening of the camera in axial alignment with the elongate optical tube. A conical adapter for providing a light shield between the lens opening of the camera and the optical tube includes an upstream end with means for securing the adapter about the lens opening of the camera to prevent the undesired ingress of ambient light, and a downstream end for closely surrounding the outer periphery of the optical tube to prevent the undesired ingress of ambient light while permitting relative movement between the optical tube and adapter in a direction along the elongate axis of the optical tube. 
     While my prior camera attachment system has been successfully employed by a large number of consumers over the last several years, there has been a need for an attachment system which is more readily adaptable to the wide variety of image recording systems available on the market. 
     There has also been a need for an economical apparatus that enables recording microscopic features of gross samples. In many cases, it is necessary or desirable to examine the desired samples in situ, rather than mounted on a microscope slide. For example, preparing mounted samples frequently requires the destruction of the product being analyzed, or at least entails the cost and delay of preparing the slides. Manufacturing costs would be minimized if a product could be analyzed without being altered or destroyed and without significantly delaying product distribution. 
     All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention addresses at least the foregoing needs in providing an image recording device mounting apparatus for mounting an image recording device having an image recording device optical axis, said mounting apparatus comprising (1) an optical tube for magnifying an image of a specimen to be viewed, said optical tube having an optical tube optical axis along which said optical tube is selectively movable to alter said image; (2) an optical tube sleeve through which said optical tube moves and is slidably retained; (3) a lens platform for receiving (i.e., abutting or nearly abutting) a lens of said image recording device, said lens platform attached to an end of said optical tube furthest from said specimen; (4) a base for supporting said apparatus on said specimen, said base being attached to said optical tube sleeve; and (5) adjustable alignment means for selectively aligning said imaging device optical axis and said optical tube optical axis, said adjustable alignment means being attached to said base and removably attachable to said image recording device. The device can be compact, foldable and readily portable. 
     Also provided is a method for recording a microscopic image of a specimen, said method comprising mounting an image recording device in an apparatus according to the invention; mounting said apparatus on said specimen; and actuating said image recording device to record said microscopic image of said specimen. The image can be recorded and/or conveyed to an image display device for viewing. 
     The invention also provides a microscope comprising: an optical tube for magnifying an image of a specimen to be viewed, said optical tube having an optical tube optical axis along which said optical tube is selectively moveable to alter said image; an optical tube sleeve in which said optical tube is rotatably and slideably retained; wherein the optical tube sleeve includes an upper sloping surface and said optical tube includes a radial projection for overlying and engaging said sloping surface whereby rotatable motion imparted to the optical tube causes said optical tube to move axially along said optical tube optical axis through the cooperation of the sloping surface with the radial projection, and wherein said optical tube sleeve only partially encircles the optical tube and includes spaced-apart side edges defining a generally vertically oriented channel in said optical tube sleeve, said radial projection being dimensioned to slide within said channel along said optical tube optical axis when aligned therewith, whereby a gross focus adjustment can be made. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention mounted on a specimen and having a camera mounted thereon; 
     FIG. 2 is an overhead sectional view along line  2 — 2  of FIG. 1, showing details of a fastening means of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a preferred focus adjusting means of the invention; and 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 are enlarged views of a preferred illumination means of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now in greater detail to the various figures, the mounting apparatus  1  is adapted for mounting on a specimen  2  while holding a image recording device  3 . The image recording device  3  shown in FIG. 1 is a 35 mm camera; however, the invention is not particularly limited with respect to the types of image recording devices for which the apparatus  1  is suitable. It is preferred that the apparatus  1  be adapted to receive image recording devices that are mountable on conventional photographic tripods, particularly via standard size threaded mounting sockets provided in the image recording devices. 
     The mounting apparatus  1  has a base  4  for supporting the apparatus and image recording device above the specimen  2 , or for maintaining the optical axis of the apparatus  1  substantially perpendicular to the surface of the specimen  2 , when the specimen is non-horizontal, for example. FIG. 1 shows a base  4  including two feet  5  at the bottom and a head  6  at the top joined by a body  7 . 
     The feet  5  are constructed so as to avoid obstructing the field of view of the image recording device  3 . Because the feet  5  contact the specimen  2 , it is advantageous in certain embodiments to modify the construction of the feet  5  to interact with the specimen  2  in a variety of ways. For example, it is advantageous in certain embodiments to provide the feet  5  with an ability to bind to the specimen  2 , particularly for recording moving specimens or non-horizontal surfaces of specimens. This binding ability can be provided by, e.g., magnetic feet (not shown), suction cups on the feet (not shown) and the like. It is advantageous in certain embodiments to provide the feet with movement means (not shown), such as wheels, casters, treads or ball bearings, to facilitate smoothly gliding the apparatus  1  across the surface of the specimen  2 . 
     The head  6  of the base  4  is attached to a cylindrical sleeve  8  through which an optical tube  9  passes and is slidably engaged. It is preferred that the cylindrical sleeve  8  provide sufficient frictional resistance against sliding movement by the optical tube  9  to prevent the optical tube  9  from sliding based solely on its own weight, but not so much resistance as to make it difficult for an operator of the apparatus to manually slide the optical tube  9 . 
     As shown in FIG. 3, it is preferred for the upper rim of the cylindrical sleeve  8  to have a slope  50 , which works in combination with a rivet or nub  51  on the optical tube  9  to enable fine focus adjustment by rotating the optical tube  9  to cause the nub  51  to travel along the slope  50  of the cylindrical sleeve  8 . It is preferred that the sleeve  8  not completely encircle the tube  9 , thus providing a channel  52 , through which the nub  51  can pass to enable gross focus adjustment. 
     It is preferred that the eyepiece (not shown) at the top of the optical tube  9  be of 5× magnification. 
     The material from which the base  4  can be constructed is not particularly limited, but can preferably be selected based on factors such as the material&#39;s durability, strength, appearance, cost, weight, etc. The base  4  can constitute a single material or a plurality of materials. Examples of suitable materials for the base  4  include cast aluminum, cast iron, steel, plastic and wood, with cast aluminum being preferred. In certain embodiments, it is preferred to coat at least the bottom of the feet  5  of the base  4  with a non-abrasive substance to prevent them from scratching or otherwise damaging the surface of the specimen  2  during use. Such non-abrasive substances include, but are not limited to, rubber, silicon-based compounds and plastics, such as nylon and polytetrafluoroethylene. 
     Further details regarding the construction of the base  4 , cylindrical sleeve  8  and optical tube  9  are provided in my prior U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 29/066,088; 60/037,045; and 08/663,498, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,033; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,241. 
     FIG. 1 depicts an upright beam  10  attached to the base  4  by threaded fastening means  11  inserted through two holes on the bottom half of the upright beam  10  and into the body  7  of the base  4 . A portion of the upper half of the upright beam  10  has an upright beam slot  12  for receiving a threaded coupling rod  13  extending from a rotatable beam  14 . The rotatable beam  14  has a rotatable beam slot  15  for receiving a fastener  16 , which has a threaded portion (not shown) for screwing into a corresponding threaded socket (not shown) in the bottom of the image recording device  3 . 
     The combination of the upright beam  10 , rotatable beam  14 , coupling rod  13 , coupling rod nuts  17 , coupling rod washers  18  and fastener  16  constitute an example of adjustable alignment means for aligning the respective optical axes of the image recording device  3  and the optical tube  9 . By rotating the rotatable beam  14  about an axis perpendicular to the beams  10  and  14 , which is defined by the coupling rod  13  (i.e., the rotatable beam  14  and the coupling rod  13  rotate as a single unit), the optical axis of the image recording device  3  can be adjusted arcuately from left to right and vice versa (from the perspective of an operator positioned behind the upright beam  10 , facing the image recording device  3  depicted in FIG.  1 —hereinafter, the x axis). By adjusting coupling rod nuts  17  and washers  18  on the threaded coupling rod  13 , the optical axis of the image recording device  3  can be adjusted toward and away from the upright beam  10  (i.e., along the y axis). The image recording device  3  can be moved toward and away from the optical tube  9  (i.e., along the z axis) by, e.g., sliding the coupling rod  13  along the upright beam slot  12 . The optical axis of the image recording device  3  can be further adjusted by sliding the fastener  16  along the rotatable beam slot  15 . Thus, the mounting apparatus  1  adapts to receive a wide variety of image recording devices. 
     Examples of suitable materials for beams  10  and  14  include cast aluminum, cast iron, steel, plastic and wood, with cast aluminum being preferred. 
     FIG. 2 is an overhead view through line  2 — 2  of FIG. 1, showing how the coupling rod nuts  17  and the coupling rod washers  18  tighten against the upright beam  10  to fix the position of the coupling rod  13  in the upright beam slot  12 . The nuts  17  can be, e.g., standard hex nuts (as shown) or hand-tightened nuts. 
     The image recording device  3  is positioned on the mounting apparatus  1  such that its lens  24  contacts, or is closely adjacent to, a lens platform  25  surrounding (or perforated by) the uppermost end of the optical tube  9 . The lens platform  25  is preferably made of, or coated with, non-abrasive material which readily conforms to the shape of the lens  24  and lens abutting portions of the image recording device  3 . Preferably, the lens platform  25  hinders extraneous light from seeping through the seam formed between the lens and the lens platform  25 . It is particularly preferred to cover the lens platform  25  with high-pile black felt. 
     FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment including illumination devices  26  directed at an area of the specimen  2  being observed. The illumination devices  26  are attached to the base  4  by arms  27 . The illumination devices  26  can be held by rigid arms, or by articulating arms, which would permit the direction of illumination to be altered. The design of the arms  27  is not particularly limited, and the arms  27  can be made of the same type of material as the base  4 . However, it is preferred to use a malleable material, such as thin gauge aluminum, which permits the lights  26  to be moved as desired. 
     The types of illumination devices  26  which are suitable for use in the invention are not particularly limited. For example, the illumination device  26  can be as simple as a penlight having its own battery power, or as complex as a laser requiring external power means. In certain embodiments, more than one type of illumination device  26  can be accommodated by the arms  27 , concurrently and/or sequentially. Thus, for example, it is contemplated that one arm can hold a laser for physically altering the specimen  2 , while the other arm holds a lamp for illuminating the specimen  2 . It is also contemplated that the arms  27  can be adapted to receive a variety of illumination devices having standard fittings, such as would be provided in the form of a kit. 
     Illumination devices which produce light of varying wavelengths, intensities and durations are suitable for use in the invention. For example, in certain embodiments, it is preferable to illuminate the specimen  2  with UV light (i.e., light having a wavelength of less than 4,000 Å), IR light (i.e., light having a wavelength of more than 7,000 Å) and/or visible light (i.e., light having a wavelength of 4,000-7,000 Å). Recording non-visible wavelengths, optionally applying to the specimen  2  appropriately selected marker compounds which have enhanced visibility at such wavelengths, can facilitate effectively analyzing the specimen  2 . 
     The illumination device  26  can be a flash or strobe unit, capable of producing intense flashes of light singly or in rapid succession. The flash can preferably be triggered by the image recording device  3  by connecting the flash unit to a flash-controlling interface commonly included on image recording devices. 
     If the illumination device  26  is a strobe light capable of generating rapid series of intense flashes, the mounting apparatus  1  can be used in a method of producing slow-motion images without the need for expensive image recording devices. In an embodiment of the method, a conventional camcorder is mounted on the mounting apparatus, which is mounted on a specimen. The environment is darkened, and the camera and strobe light are actuated. The strobe enables a relatively simple camcorder to obtain high-definition slow-motion videotape. 
     The illumination device  26  can be a laser for enhanced viewing, marking, performing microscopic etching, surgery, etc. 
     FIGS. 4 and 5 show a preferred embodiment of the illumination device  26 , wherein pen lights  60  are fitted with a pinpoint illuminator attachment  61  comprising a clear, curved, preferably acrylic tube  62  attached at one end thereof to a preferably clear, preferably acrylic cap  63  adapted to receive the light emitting end of pen light  60 . This embodiment of the, illumination device  26  is advantageously employed when the power and size of the objective lens  65  is sufficiently large to create shadows on the specimen if illuminated with a less focused illumination device or an illumination device unable to focus light on the specimen at a shallow angle, such as, for example, less than about 30 degrees. 
     Edge surface  66  of the tube  62  is matted or roughened, to thereby diffuse, i.e., even out, the light projected therethrough. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of this invention the edge surface  66  is lightly sanded to effect the matting thereof. 
     FIG. 5 shows an embodiment wherein the tube  62  is fixed in an intermediate position within bore  67  in cap  63 . The tube  62  and cap  63  can be fixed together by a suitable solvent binder, such as methylene chloride. It should be understood that other binders may be usable in this invention, the important requirement being that the binder be compatible with the materials to be bonded together and be clear to permit light transmissions therethrough. It should also be understood that the method for producing the pinpoint illuminator attachment  61  is not limited to the foregoing. For example, the pinpoint illuminator attachment  61  can be a unitary molded structure instead of two bonded elements. 
     When the power switch  68  is activated, light flows through the tube  62 , out of the edge surface  66  and on to the specimen without being impeded by the objective lens  65 . 
     Various filters can be adapted for use with the illumination device. For example, a gel filter (not shown) designed to balance the light from penlight  60  can be inserted into the unfilled portion of bore  67  prior to inserting penlight  60  into cap  63 . 
     While the invention has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.