Microscope sequential observation of several side by side samples on plate for rapid analysis of cells or organisms such as pathogens, uses spacer on observation axis to maintain a constant distance between microscope and observation face

摘要

The observation unit has a spacer (43), fixed relative to the lens (15), and having a pressure surface (45) on a support (19). The pressure surface is situated near to the observation axis so that the spacer maintains, on the observation axis, a constant distance between the microscope and the observation face (29), during relative displacement between the support and the observation axis (X-X). The observation unit has: (a) a lens (15) for viewing at least a part of a sample moving along an axis (X-X) from an observation face (29) of a support (19); (b) a positioning plate designed to ensure relative displacement between the support and observation axis (X-X) in a plane perpendicular to the axis, whilst allowing vertical displacement; (c) a lighting system (21), laser or electro-luminescent diodes, illuminating at least a part of a sample, and; (d) an image acquisition unit (23) for the image produced in the lens. An adjuster alters the distance between lens and pressure surface. The support (19) is a plaque having 96,384, 864, or 1536 pits. The spacer has a sleeve extending along the observation axis. The pressure surface is formed by an annular surface (45) at the end of the sleeve