ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT FOR OPTICAL OBSERVATION INSTRUMENT

• US 3,762,797 A
• Filed: 05/25/1972
• Issued: 10/02/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 01/14/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Rudolf Heller
• Original Assignee: Rudolf Heller
• Inventors: Heller, Rudolf
• Primary Examiner(s): Rubin, David H.
• Application Number:
  US05/256,813
• Time in Patent Office: 495 Days
• Field of Search: 350/82-85
• US Class Current: 359/375
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/20 Surgical microscopes characterised by non-optical aspects
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/25 Supports therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/50 Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/08 around a vertical axis , e.g. panoramic heads F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/10 around a horizontal axis F16M11/12 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/2035 in more than one direction
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/04 for supporting on, or holding steady relative to, a person, e.g. by chains , e.g. rifle butt or pistol grip supports, supports attached to the chest or head apparatus or arrangements for taking photographs or for projecting or viewing them G03B
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/041 for balancing rotational movement of the head
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 2200/044 for balancing rotational movement of the undercarriage
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/24 Base structure
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 7/001 Counterbalanced structures, e.g. surgical microscopes

Abstract

An adjustable stand for an optical observation instrument, especially for a binocular microscope, the position and/or orientation of which can be adjusted and fixed in a spatial area. A three-axis full Cardan rod assembly connects the observation instrument with a freely adjustable terminal piece of a pivot rod assembly. The Cardan rod assembly and the pivot rod assembly incorporating a number of bearing means each providing singleaxis pivot joints, and each of said bearing means is formed of relatively frictionless roller body bearings. Each of the number of roller body bearings incorporating a respective electrically operable blocking mechanism which can be selectively electrically switched-in and switched-out in such a manner that the observation instrument can be selectively fixed and adjusted, respectively, in each desired orientational position. Operating means render possible a freely combined rotational movement of the three-axis full Cardan rod assembly about three axial directions which are perpendicular to one another, said operating means comprising a forehead support and a mouthpiece by means of which the electrical blocking mechanisms can be selectively released or fixed.

Claims

1. An adjustable stand for an optical observation instrument, especially for a binocular microscope, the position and/or orientation of which can be adjusted and fixed in a spatial area, comprising an observation instrument, a pivot rod assembly incorporating a terminal piece spatially freely adjustable through a combination of rotational movements, a stationary support for mounting said pivot rod assembly, a three-axis full Cardan rod assembly for connecting said observation instrument with said freely adjustable terminal piece of said pivot rod assembly, said Cardan rod assembly and said pivot rod assembly incorporating a number of bearing means each providing singleaxis pivot joints, each of said bearing means being formed of relatively frictionless roller body bearings, each of said number of roller body bearings incorporating a respective electrically operable blocking mechanism which can be selectively electrically switched-in and switched-out in such a manner that the observation instrument can be selectively fixed and adjusted, respectively, in each desired orientational position, and operating meaNs for rendering possible the freely combined rotational movement of said three-axis full Cardan rod assembly about three axial directions which are perpendicular to one another, said operating means comprising a forehead support and a mouthpiece by means of which said electrical blocking mechanisms can be selectively released or fixed.

2. The adjustable stand as defined in claim 1, wherein said mouthpiece incorporates deblocking means actuated by biting down upon said mouthpiece.

3. The adjustable stand as defined in claim 1, wherein said forehead support for the operator is secured along with the mouthpiece of the observation instrument.