Optical: systems and elements – Compound lens system – Microscope
Reexamination Certificate
1997-11-12
2001-04-24
Nguyen, Thong (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Compound lens system
Microscope
C359S368000, C359S385000, C359S389000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06222671
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an optical element switching device suited for use in a microscope.
2. Description of the Related Art
A well-known type of optical element switching device includes a fixed guide section located in a housing and a movable guide section which is located movably relative to the fixed guide section and provided with a plurality of optical elements. In such an optical element switching device, the movable guide section moves along the fixed guide section so that any of optical elements can be inserted into the optical path.
Although at most, two optical elements were used in conventional microscopic examinations, new examination methods have recently been developed, and the number of optical elements to be used has increased to more than three.
Furthermore, these methods are now used in routine examinations, and therefore, it is necessary to quickly select a desired optical element from many optical elements. However, such quick selection sometimes leads to erroneous selection of an undesired optical element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention, in view of the above problem, is to provide an optical element switching device capable of switching optical elements quickly and reliably.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
According to one aspect of the present invention, an optical element switching device is provided for alternatively placing a plurality of optical elements in the optical path of an optical instrument. The device comprises a movable member for holding the plurality of optical elements, a fixed member for holding the movable member movably, and a restricting device for limiting the number of optical elements to be placed in the optical path by restricting the moving range of the movable member.
Since the moving range of the movable member can be restricted by the restricting device, it is possible to select only a desired optical element from a plurality of optical elements mounted on the movable member.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
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Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
Nguyen Thong
Nikon Corporation
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