Page 2 - Microscopes

Adjustable Height/Working Distance

WPI's 3D SpectaSCOPE™ Inspection Scope is a true 3D digital stereo optical scope with a host of innovative patent-pending features.

It all starts with the fully optical zoom system, which is sending the smallest details to its two powerful HD 5MP cameras. The images are then transmitted at full speed frame rates to the on-board HD screens, giving you a true three-dimensional image. You choose the most comfortable position for the viewer’s tilting headset. 

The 3D SpectaSCOPE™ is easy to set up. Here we show you how to adjust the height and working distance of the 3D SpectaSCOPE™.

Step 1.   Use the adjustment knob to move the manual focus to the middle of the range.

Step 2.  While supporting the arm, loosen the tension adjustment knob/handle to move the head up or down.

Step 3.  Using a ruler, adjust the scope head so it is 200mm from the top of the subject you wish to view.

Step 4.  Tighten the tension adjustment knob/handle.

Step 5.  Looking...more

WPI’s 3D SpectaSCOPE™ Inspection Scope is a revolutionary advancement for detailed visual inspection with a host of patent-pending features, including: 

• A self-zooming scope and ergonomically designed head to offer you faster inspections, less fatigue and greater accuracy. 
  Self-focus that employs sophisticated computer algorithms and a large depth of field so your subject remains in focus (even when the working distance changes). 

Celloger® Mini Plus is an automated live cell imaging system that is equipped with an advanced fluorescence and bright field microscopy, autofocusing and real time multi-position imaging technology. It provides you all the tools you need to acquire the best quality images and accurate research results. Various cell-based research work and applications can be done with this all-around system.

Importance of Live Cell Imaging

Starting with the discoveries of microscopes in the 16th centuries, there have been endless desires to peer into objects that cannot be seen by the naked eye. With the development of technology and the introduction of live cell imaging, it has transformed the way researchers study cells, tissues, proteins and other cellular interactions. Live cell imaging (LCI) has became a basic analytical tool in the study of life science. Compared to studying captured images of fixed cells, observing live cells in real time provides more reliable and relevant insights into cellular...more

This video shows how to setup the heavy boom microscope stand (502004), which can be used with a PZMIII or PZMIV microscope head. The PZMIII and PZMIV require the 502009 76mm focus mount. The setup of the 505606 heavy boom stand is identical. The 505606 uses the 505610 focus mount that is designed for use with the Enhanced Reality Macroscope. The focus mounts are sold separately.

Stand Components

These are the pieces of the boom stand.

(1) Heavy Base

(1) Vertical Post

(1) Guard Ring

(1) Horizontal Bar

(1) Cross Block

(1) Anchoring Screw with Locking Washer

(1) Hex Key

(1) Clutch Handle

(3) Adjustment Knobs

(1) Boom Locking Screw

(1) Post Cap

Set Up the Stand

1. Set the heavy base up on one edge. This may require two people, because the base is heavy. Have one person position the vertical post in the recessed circle in the center of the top side of the base. The post will be perpendicular to the base. Let a second person place the locking washer on the anchoring screw and insert it into...more

This video shows how to setup the articulating arm clamp stand for a microscope (502007), which can be used with a PZMIII microscope head. The PZMIII requires the 502009 76mm focus mount. The setup of the 505607 articulating arm stand is identical. The 505607 uses the 505610 focus mount that is designed for use with the Enhanced Reality Macroscope. The focus mounts are sold separately.

Stand Components

These are the pieces of the stand.

(1) Table clamp base

(1) Middle horizontal bar

(1) Adjustable forearm

(2) Clutch handles

(2) Adjustment screws

(2) Ring washers (white)

Set Up the Stand

1. Loosen the two screws on the table clamp by rotating them counter-clockwise. Position the clamp so that it wraps around the edge of the table with the screws located under the table. Tighten the screws by rotating them clockwise to securely mount the stand on the table.
2. Place a white ring washer on top of the table clamp and line it up with the hole. Then, insert the post of the middle horizontal...more

This video shows how to setup the post stand for a microscope (502007), which can be used with a PZMIII microscope head. The PZMIII or PZMIV require the 504947 76mm focus mount. The setup of the 505608 post stand is identical. The 505608 uses the 505609 focus mount that is designed for use with the Enhanced Reality Macroscope. The focus mounts are sold separately.

Stand Components

These are the pieces of the stand.

(1) Base

(1) Vertical Post

(1) Vertical Post Extension

(1) Guard Ring Support

(1) Reversible Plate

(1) Clutch Handle

(1) Post Cap

(1) Focus Mount

504947 Focus Mount included with the 503102 stand, or

505609 Focus Mount included with the 505608 stand

(1) Instruction Manual

Set Up the Stand

1. Set the base flat on a solid table or work surface. Screw the threaded end of the vertical post into the black support block on the base. Use a hex key to tighten the screw in the side of the black support block to secure the vertical.
2. Screw the post extension into the top of the vertical...more

Vernier scales can be used on microscopes, stereotaxic frames and micromanipulators. The vernier scale was invented by French mathematician Pierre Vernier in 1631 as an upgrade on Pedro Nunes' measurement system for precision astrolobes. With a main scale and a sliding secondary scale, a vernier is used for making precise measurements. 

How a Vernier Scale Works

The vernier scale is marked with divisions slightly smaller than the divisions of the main scale. For example, a vernier scale could have 11 markings for every 10 on the main scale. That's 10 divisions on the vernier scale for every 9 on the main scale. This means that the vernier divisions are each 90% of the main scale divisions. In this case, the 0-line and the 10-line on the vernier could pair up with marks on the main scale, but none of the other divisions on the vernier would match a line of the main scale. For example, the 0 and 10-lines of the vernier scale could pair up with the 0 and 9-lines on the main scale...more

[by Alec Dickson] 

WPI's FluoroDish™ tissue culture dishes provide exceptional imaging quality for many applications requiring the use of inverted microscopes such as high-resolution image analysis, microinjection and electrophysical recording of fluorescent-tagged cells. We have a 50 mm diameter dish and two types of 35 mm diameter dishes.

 

Better Optical Properties than Polycarbonate

Each WPI dish has a flat (0.17mm±0.01mm thick), optical quality glass bottom, allowing the use of a much shorter working distance, larger numerical aperture (NA) and higher magnification (up to 100X). The larger NA and higher magnification provide superior quality imaging for both classical and fluorescence microscopy. Higher effective NA yields brighter images for fluorescence and higher resolution in image analysis.

The glass bottom does not fluoresce like plastic culture dishes. The lack of autofluorescence ensures a lower background signal in the fluorescence measurements. That means you can discern...more

Watch as Barney and Kelly Boyce set up an InVivo microscope chamber. Ideal for live cell imaging, the chambers, along with heaters, carbon dioxide and oxygen controllers and stagetop environments are sold by World Precision Instruments.

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Watch as Gabe turns a binocular surgical microscope into a trinocular microscope and adds a video camera.

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The PSMB5N Surgical Microscope has a motorized focusing system that allows for hands free operation. It is lightweight, compact and easy to maneuver. Dual bulbs prevent illumination failure during surgery. It has an optional video adapter and five magnification steps. This video shows you how to assemble your microscope.

Safety is a primary concern when setting up equipment. Here are a few pointers.

• This setup requires open space to work in.
• Be sure to remove the packing materials as soon as you unpack your boxes.
• Watch your hands when you are using a box cutter.
• The articulating arm is spring loaded. Be sure to release the tension on it in a controlled manner.
• Be sure to remove all parts from the boxes before you throw the boxes out.
• The base of the microscope is heavy. It requries two people to remove the base from the box. If you drop the base, you will likely break the casters.
• Do not invert the microscope head with the eyepieces in place. They could fall out and are expensive to...more

You can use the PZMIV stereo microscope with a stereotaxic frame as shown in the image below. This setup shows a PZMIV-BS. The U-frame Base Plate (502045) is shown, but most stereotaxic frames can be used in this way. Choose a stereo microscope objective that allows you plenty of room to work. For example, the 0.5X objective has 187mm working distance, or the 0.32X objective has 296mm working distance. You could also add a Z-LITE-Z186 illuminator. If necessary, use a 5 to 10 lb.counter weight on the boom stand base to prevent the microscope from tipping.

More Info

When it comes to setting up microinjection systems, the options appear endless. The pictures below give some broad suggestions on how you might set up your own system. Keep in mind that many parts are interchangeable depending on your needs or preferences.

In general, you will need a stereo microscope on a stand, a light source, one or two micromanipulators with stands, and one or two injection systems. The following images show various setups for microinjection, and all the WPI part numbers are included for easy reference.

Remember, when you set up your own system, choose the parts that fit your needs. For example:

• M10 or the M9 magnetic base could be used.
• PZMIV stereo microscope could be used instead of the PZMIII stereomicroscope.
• M3301 or the KITE micromanipulators can be used, and these micromanipulators can be placed on either side. (Keep in mind, though, if you wanted to use a KITE micromanipulator on the right side of the setup below, you would order a KITE-R (right hand), or...more

These instructions describe how to properly focus a binocular microscope.

1. Turn on the lamp and adjust its intensity.
2. Adjust the interpupilary distance so that the two circles of light merge into one.
3. Place a sample on the stage.
4. Select the 10X objective and look through the right eyepiece only.
5. Use the coarse and fine focus control knobs to adjust the focus of the sample.
6. When the sample is clearly visible, use only your left eye. Do NOT adjust the focus knobs. Instead, adjust the diopter on the left eyepiece until the sample comes clearly into view. The image should be clear with both eyes open.
7. Choose the desired objective. You may need to adjust the fine focus a little.

Camera/Microscope Configuration Chart

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Types

It is common for a researcher to attach a camera to a microscope. Three types of cameras are available, and two are suitable for microscopy work:

• Television (Direct video)
  • 4:3 old style video, NTSC, PAL, 480i
  • 16:9 HDTV (DVI 1.0 compliant), 720P
• Computer capture
  • USB connection
  • Firewire connection
• Commercial cameras
  • Fixed lens cameras
  • SLR cameras

First, determine what you want to do:

• Capture images
• View live video

The cameras that do both are more expensive. Lower cost options capable of live view and image capture usually are capable of capturing fewer frames per second.

Television Style Cameras

Television style cameras send live video images to a television set. They can use the old 4:3 (boxy) format or the new 16:9 cinematic format. These cameras do not come with software, nor do they connect to a computer without adding a special interface to the computer. This image can be recorded by DVRs or by adding a video input and capture card to your computer. These cameras can record video...more