Hazardous
Material Inspection :
Isolating the sample
from the operator
The optical microscope is a tool widely used in
most laboratories, but the application of this tool of science
is often severely limited due to the nature of the specimens.
For some samples, such as those that present an extreme
biological hazard, conventional microscopic examination can be
impossible.
But, a remotely operable microscope with all
control modalities intact, can completely separate the
microscopist from any hazardous specimens.
This product line provides optical microscopy
systems specifically optimized for remote operation by
motorizing all key operational components. The only external
support required is in placing one or more samples within a
predefined area for examination. All key microscope functions,
sample viewing, image focusing and selecting the size of the
area to be viewed, are integrated into a single Personal
Computer platform controllable by way of standard interfaces
such as keyboard, mouse or joystick.
MICROSCOPE MATERIALS USED
- Biological Hazards
The basic product line of PC-Scope, PC-Zoom and
PC-Stereo Zoom are operable from a remote location. The
microscopes are placed inside the hazardous environment while
all normal microscope operations are performed using the
Personal Computer which is external to the hazardous
environment.
Radioactive Hazards up to 1 x 108
RADS
- Outside the Exclusionary Environment.
-
Mounted external to the exclusionary
environment are the Personal Computer & Monitor, 6-axes
motor controller, and a 60VA 24VDC Power Supply.
Inside the Exclusionary Environment.
-
The major mounting assemblies that comprise
the microscope are made from aluminum that is anodized
black. Major assemblies are bolted together using stainless
steel cap screws. All moving part interfaces are either ball
bearings, precision carriage & rail assemblies or
crossed roller guides, lubricated with radiation-tolerant
grease. Drive mechanisms are recirculating-ball nuts mounted
on ground ball-screws which are also lubricated with
radiation-tolerant grease. Stepper motors are used to drive
all movable components.
-
The microscope head assemblies that hold
optical components are manufactured from stainless steel,
aluminum-brass or aluminum. Specially manufactured
radiation-tolerant optical components are available as an
option.
-
Wiring inside the exclusionary environment
carries current at 28VDC or less and is selected for its
tolerance to radioactive fields. Connectors used for
electrical interconnections are customer selectable to
facilitate installation in existing facilities.
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