High-precision computer-aided microscope system

In a microscope system having a light source for generating light to irradiate a sample, a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample and a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample, the improvement comprising, in combination:

• a base;
• a stage having an optical path through the stage;
• means for canceling yaw, droop and pitch errors of the stage about the optical path while moving the stage, the means for canceling the yaw, droop and pitch errors being connected to the base and the stage;
• and
• a forcer comprising a screw and means for turning the screw, the screw having an upper portion in contact with a center of gravity of the stare and a lower portion in contact with the means for turning the screw.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a base;
• a plate for holding a sample;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• means for guiding the plate;
• a plate movement system connected to the base, the plate movement system including a single motor, a single pulley, a forcer, and means for coupling the pulley to the forcer;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said plate, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer,
• wherein a cross-section of the means for guiding the plate, taken perpendicular to the optical path, is centered substantially at the optical path.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a stage for holding a sample, said stage having a center of gravity;
• a stage movement system connected to the stage, the stage movement system including a single motor, a single pulley, an elevating screw, and means for coupling the pulley to the screw;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said stage, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a stage for holding a sample, said stage having a center of gravity;
• a stage movement system in contact with the stage, the stage movement system substantially in column;
• a motor for moving the stage movement system, the motor connected to the stage movement system by at least one pulley;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said stage, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer.

A method for moving a microscope stage upward and downward using a plate movement system having a single motor, a single pulley and a stage movement system which is substantially in column, stage having a center of gravity, an upper side and a lower side, the upper side holding a sample, the method comprising, in combination:

• turning the single motor;
• turning the single pulley which is connected to the single motor;
• and
• moving the stage movement system upward in a substantially vertical manner in order to move the stage.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a base;
• a plate for holding a sample;
• a guidance system having a first part attached to the base and a second part attached to the plate, the first part mating with the second part and operating in an interference mode with the second part, the second part of the guidance system including at least two guideposts, the at least two guideposts being equidistant from the optical path;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said plate, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer,
• wherein the guidance system guides the plate in the direction of the optical path and wherein the guidance system is centered around the optical path for stability of the plate during movement of the plate and wherein there is no movement of the plate off the axis of the optical path.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a base;
• a stage which includes a plate, the plate for holding a sample;
• means for moving the stage by applying force to the stage at the center of gravity of the stage;
• a guidance system having a first part attached to the base and a second part attached to the plate, the first part mating with the second part and operating in an interference mode with the second part;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said plate, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer,
• wherein the guidance system guides the plate in the direction of the optical path and wherein the guidance system is centered around the optical path for stability of the plate during movement of the plate and wherein there is no movement of the plate off the axis of the optical path.

In a microscope system having a light source for generating light to irradiate a sample, a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample and a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample, the improvement comprising, in combination:

• a base;
• a stage having an optical path through the stage;
• means for canceling yaw, droop and pitch errors of the stage about the optical path while moving the stage, the means for canceling the yaw, droop and pitch errors being connected to the base and the stage;
• and
• a forcer for applying a net force to one point on the stage which is substantially at a center of gravity of the stage, in order to move the stage through the optical path.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a base;
• a plate for holding a sample;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• means for guiding the plate, the means for guiding the plate including a plurality of guideposts and including ball bushings, each guidepost being equidistant from the optical path and being connected to the plate, and the ball bushings enveloping the guideposts;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said plate, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer,
• wherein a cross-section of the means for guiding the plate, taken perpendicular to the optical path, is centered substantially at the optical path.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a stage for holding a sample, said stage having a center of gravity;
• means for applying a net force substantially at the center of gravity of the stage, the means for applying a net force applying multiple forces on the stage with a net effect of a single force in the direction of the optical path and at substantially the center of gravity of the stage;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said stage, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a stage for holding a sample, said stage having a center of gravity;
• means for applying a net force substantially at the center of gravity of the stage, the means for applying a net force includes a piston;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said stage, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer.

A microscope system comprising, in combination:

• a stage for holding a sample, said stage having a center of gravity;
• a forcer disposed substantially at the center of gravity of the stage for applying force to one point on the stage, the forcer including an elevating screw, a nut and a motor assembly;
• a light source for generating light to irradiate the sample;
• a magnifier for creating a magnified image of the sample;
• a viewer for receiving the magnified image of the sample;
• and
• an optical path defined cooperatively by said stage, said light source, said magnifier and said viewer.