Gem viewing and manipulation apparatus

• US 5,515,157 A
• Filed: 06/02/1995
• Issued: 05/07/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 10/18/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hanna Can
• Original Assignee: Hanna Can
• Inventors: Can, Hanna
• Primary Examiner(s): Evans, F. L.
• Application Number:
  US08/460,254
• Time in Patent Office: 340 Days
• Field of Search: 356/30
• US Class Current: 356/30
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/87 Investigating jewels G01N21/88 takes precedence

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved apparatus for viewing gems that provides a magnified image simultaneously viewable by several individuals, and which allows a customer to manipulate the gem while restricting the customer'"'"'s access to the gem and without any physical contact with the gem by the customer. The apparatus is comprised of a video image generator including a magnifying lens unit provides a viewing region for placement of a gem. A gem holder comprised of a pair of opposing grasping members pivotally and slidably mounted on a post extending from support structure. The opposing members are configured to grasp a gem, manipulate and reposition the gem in the viewing region as desired for viewing of the gem. A television monitor displays the magnified image of the gem. The device is particularly applicable in the retail sales of jewelry.

Claims

1. A viewing and manipulation apparatus for gems, the apparatus comprising:

a) a support structure with a horizontal base;

b) an electronic video image generator comprised of a image sensor device and a magnifying lens unit, the image generator supported by the support structure and having a viewing region adjacent the lens unit;

c) a gem holder comprised of a grasping means for grasping a gem and a manipulation means, the gem holder connected to the support structure and extending to the viewing region;

d) an image display unit with connection means connecting the unit to the image generator; and

e) a light source mounted to the base, the light source positioned to direct light at an oblique angle toward the viewing region with respect to the image generator.

2. The viewing and manipulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grasping means comprises a plurality of grasping members to grasp the gem.

3. The viewing and manipulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the manipulation means comprises a pivoting joint to allow the gem to be rotated within the viewing region.

4. The viewing and manipulation apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic image generator has a depth of field that is adjustable, whereby internal flaws in gems may be focused upon, and whereby entire gems may be focused upon.

5. A viewing and manipulation apparatus for gems, the apparatus comprising:

a) a support structure;

b) a video image generator comprised of an image sensor and a lens unit, the image generator attached to the support structure, the image generator having a viewing region in front of the lens unit for positioning a gem for viewing;

c) a gem holder comprised of a grasping member to hold the gem, a manipulation member connected to the grasping member for manipulating the gem, and a moveable joint, the grasping member connected to the support structure through the moveable joint whereby the gem may be moved about and repositioned within the viewing region by way of the manipulation member;

e) a video image display connected to the image generator for producing an enlarged video image of the gem; and

e) a light source mounted to the support structure, the light source positioned to direct light at an oblique angle toward the viewing region with respect to the image generator.