Replaceable light module and docking station for imaging microscope

Abstract

A light module for a microscope includes a housing which includes an exterior surface and a registration element disposed on the exterior surface. A plurality of heat sinks is disposed within the housing. A light source bracket is disposed within a space defined by the plurality of heat sinks. A circuit board is secured to the housing. A light source power port is communicatively coupled to the circuit board. A light source optical port is disposed within the space defined by the plurality of heat sinks. The light source optical port includes a plurality of aligned lenses and an optical port receiver aligned with the plurality of aligned lenses. The optical port receiver defines a light module axis extending along a length of the housing and includes a recess engageably oriented towards a first end of the housing. A plurality of light module electrical connections are secured to the circuit board. Each of the plurality of light module electrical connections includes an engagement feature engageably oriented towards the first end of the housing.

Description

[0001] REPLACEABLE LIGHT MODULE AND DOCKING STATION FOR IMAGING MICROSCOPE

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 511,223, filed June 30, 2023, titled “REPLACEABLE LIGHT MODULE AND DOCKING STATION FOR IMAGING MICROSCOPE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] INTRODUCTION

[0005] Highly integrated imaging systems, referred to also herein as “imagers” or “imaging microscopes,” are very complex and include lens systems, light sources, cameras, and other components as required or desired to image the contents of the microplates presented to the imager. The light sources of these imagers are often difficult to access and subject to failure (e.g., burnout of the light source). Replacement of the light source requires calibrations after exchange. Such replacement typically requires system downtime and is costly, since it usually must be performed by a technician.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In one aspect, the technology relates to a light module for a microscope, the light module includes: a housing which includes an exterior surface and a registration element disposed on the exterior surface; a plurality of heat sinks disposed within the housing; a light source bracket disposed within a space defined by the plurality of heat sinks; a circuit board secured to the housing; a light source power port communicatively coupled to the circuit board; a light source optical port disposed within the space defined by the plurality of heat sinks, wherein the light source optical port includes a plurality of aligned lenses and an optical port receiver aligned with the plurality of aligned lenses, wherein the optical port receiver defines a light module axis extending along a length of the housing and includes a recess engageably oriented towards a first end of the housing; and a plurality of light module electrical connections secured to the circuit board, wherein each of the plurality of light module electrical connections includes an engagement feature engageably oriented towards the first end of the housing. In an example, the light module further includes a lock disposed at a second end of the housing, wherein the lock is positionable in a first position wherein a connector of the lock is retracted into the exterior surface of the housing and wherein the lock is positionable in a second position where the connector of the lock is extended from the exterior surface of the housing. In another example, the light module electrical connections include a grounding connection and a plurality of other connections, and wherein the grounding connection extends further towards the first end than the plurality of other connections. In yet another example, the light source bracket includes a plurality of light source brackets. In still another example, the light module further includes a light source mounted to each of the plurality of light source brackets.

[0008] In another example of the above aspect, the light module further includes a mirror disposed within the space defined by the plurality of heat sinks, wherein the mirror is aligned with the light module axis. In an example, the light module further includes a motor disposed in the space defined by the plurality of heat sinks and operatively coupled to the mirror, wherein the motor is configured to selectively position the mirror to reflectively align the light module axis with each of the plurality of light source brackets. In another example, the light module further includes a fan secured to the housing and positioned to direct an airflow substantially along the light module axis.

[0009] In another aspect, the technology relates to a docking station for engaging a removeable light module with a microscope, the docking station includes: a base; a plug slider slidably coupled to the base between a first position and a second position, wherein the plug slider defines a central channel having a plug slider axis; a lens disposed at a first end of the plug slider; an optical fiber disposed within the central channel and optically coupled to the lens; and a spring engaged with the plug slider for biasing the plug slider towards the first position. In an example, the base includes: a throat projecting from the base; and an end cap secured to the throat, wherein the plug slider is slidably disposed in the throat between the first position and the second position and wherein the plug slider is retained in the first position by the end cap. In another example, the plug slider projects from the end cap in the first position and in the second position. In yet another example, the optical fiber disposed within the central channel is coupled to an optical fiber disposed within the base, and wherein the optical fiber disposed within the base is communicatively coupled to the microscope. In still another example, the optical fiber disposed within the central channel and the optical fiber disposed within the base includes a unitary part.

[0010] In another example of the above aspect, the plug slider includes at least one set screw for securing the optical fiber within the plug slider. In an example, the docking station further includes a plurality of docking station electrical connections disposed parallel to the plug slider axis. The docking station electrical connections can include a grounding connection and a plurality of other connections, and wherein the grounding connection extends further parallel to the plug slider axis than the plurality of other connections.

[0011] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of engaging a light module with a microscope, the method includes: slidably receiving, along a first axis, the light module in a light module receiver of the microscope, wherein the light module includes a housing which includes a registration element, an optical port, a lock, and a plurality of light module electrical connections, and wherein the light module receiver includes: a mating element, an opening in an outer housing of the microscope, wherein the opening is disposed at a first end of the light module receiver, and a docking station at a second end of the light module receiver, wherein the docking station includes a plug slider which includes an exposed lens on an end cap and a plug slider optical fiber, and a plurality of docking station electrical connections; engaging the registration element with the mating element while slidably receiving the light module in the light module receiver; contacting the plurality of light module electrical connections and the plurality of docking station electrical connections; projecting the plug slider into the optical port; contacting the end cap of the plug slider with a base of the optical port; subsequent to contacting the end cap of the plug slider with the base of the optical port, moving the plug slider from a first projected position to a second projected position; and receiving the lock in a catch of the housing. In an example, contacting the plurality of light module electrical connections and the plurality of docking station electrical connections includes sending an identification signal from the light module to the microscope. In another example, the optical port includes an optical port axis and the plug slider includes a plug slider axis and wherein engaging the registration element with the mating element substantially aligns the optical port axis with the plug slider axis. In yet another example, moving the plug slider from the first projected position to the second projected position optically aligns the optical port axis with the plug slider axis. In still another example, moving the plug slider from the first projected position to the second projected position deflects a docking station optical fiber disposed within the docking station that is optically coupled to the plug slider optical fiber.

[0012] According to another aspect, a light module for a microscope includes multiple light sources; multiple memory devices coupled to the plurality of light sources; and multiple light module electrical connections electrically coupled to power the plurality of light sources. Each of the memory devices stores instructions to cause operation of a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources.

[0013] In embodiments, the instructions that cause operation of the plurality of light sources at least one of the group consisting of: power supply requirements, calibration parameters, warmup time, operating modes and settings, temperature compensation data, safety or protection features, diagnostic or troubleshooting information. The memory devices can each comprise an EEPROM.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed in any manner, which scope shall be based on the claims appended hereto.

[0016] FIG. 1A depicts a front view of a microplate processing system.

[0017] FIG. IB depicts a rear perspective view of an imager for a microplate processing system such as depicted in FIG. 1A. FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear and front perspective views, respectively, of a light module for an imager.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view of an interior of the imager of FIG. IB, receiving therein the light module of FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0019] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict side sectional view and a partial enlarged side sectional view, respectively, of the light module of FIG. 2A and 2B engaged with a docking station of an imager.

[0020] FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of an imager docking station having a light module in a removed condition.

[0021] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of the imager docking station of FIGS. 5 A and 5B having a light module in a disengaged condition.

[0022] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of the imager docking station of FIGS. 5 A and 5B having a light module in an engaged condition.

[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a method of engaging a light module with a docking station of an imager.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the connectors between a light module and a docking station of an imager.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] FIG. 1A depicts a front view of a microplate processing system 100. The system 100 includes an incubation subsystem 102, which may be used to store under controlled conditions (as to temperature, relative humidity, etc.) a plurality of microplates therein. The incubation subsystem 102 is adjacent a microplate elevator 104, into which microplates may be loaded and moved to other subsystems. The incubation subsystem 102 may be communicatively coupled to the microplate elevator 104 at an interface 106, through which microplates may be passed via a transport system (not shown). Microplates may be loaded into or removed from one or more access ports 108, which may be located on the elevator 104. The elevator 104 may be used to organize the introduction of microplates to the incubation subsystem 102, as well as to an imaging subsystem 110, also referred to herein as an imager or imaging microscope. The imaging subsystem 110 is communicatively coupled to the elevator 104 via an interface 112, which may be aligned with or mis-aligned from the interface 106. The imaging subsystem 110 may include microscopes, lens systems, light sources, cameras, and other components as required or desired to image the contents of the microplates presented thereto. The system 100 is for illustrative purposes only and the subsystems thereof should not be considered limiting to the present technology. Microplate processing systems may also include other subsystems, such as culturing subsystems (that introduce reagents, cells, or other constituents) to the well plate. A culturing subsystem may be integrated into the incubation subsystem 102, the imaging subsystem 110, or may be a dedicated subsystem in a dedicated housing.

[0027] FIG. IB depicts a rear perspective view of the imager 110 for a microplate processing system such as depicted in FIG. 1A. The imager 110 includes a housing 114 that defines a receiver 115 for receiving a replaceable light module 116. The technologies described herein contemplate a light module 116 that is replaceable, thereby increasing utility of the imager 110, and decreasing downtime when changing the light source for the imager 110.

[0028] The technologies described herein contemplate a light module that may be replaced quickly and easily. Thus, if a light source degrades, bums out, or otherwise fails, a new light module with a new light source may replace the failed module. In various examples, a module having one or more laser light sources may be replaced by a light source with one or more incandescent light sources, light emitting diodes (LEDs), halogen or xenon lamps, cathode lamps, giobars, or the like. The number and type of light sources can vary between embodiments, and in some aspects the types of light sources within a replaceable light module 116 can be intermixed.

[0029] With the replaceable light module described herein, calibration and operation parameters for the light source(s) of any particular replaceable module can be stored in the module itself so that subsequent calibration after installation is reduced or eliminated, and specialized tools or personnel need not be utilized for replacement, thus decreasing downtime. The replaceable light modules described herein include a number of desirable features. These include a compact design that contains all hardware elements required or desired for a particular application. The replaceable light module may be configured so that upon disconnection, the grounding line remains connected while the other pins or connectors disconnect. This reduces the possibility of power surges or other damage to the module or imager. An associated docking station within the imager may include a spring-loaded light fiber connector that automatically positions itself to properly mate with the light module. The module may also include all required or desired system calibrations stored on the light module memory (e.g., an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory or EEPROM), so any required identification of light source, calibration, or other operations occur automatically upon insertion and engagement. In other examples, the light modules may include guides and a lock to ease removal and installation of the light module into the imager. Other advantages will be apparent to a person of skill in the art upon review of this disclosure.

[0030] FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear and front perspective views, respectively, of a light module 200 for an imager. FIGS. 2 A and 2B are described concurrently and not all components are visible in both figures. The module 200 includes a housing 202 having an exterior surface 204. A plurality of rails 206 secured to the exterior surface and may engage with sliders within the imager housing, thereby acting as registration elements to align the light module 200 as it is inserted into the imager. The light module 200 includes a first end 208 and a second end 210. The first end 208 is inserted into the imager and defines an opening 212 that provides access to a light source optical port 214 and forms a channel for airflow. A plurality of light module electrical connections 216 are also disposed at the first end 208. Different types of electrical connections 216 are contemplated and may include one or more of USB plugs, pin connections, power connections, etc. Regardless of the connection type, at least one of the electrical connections may have an engagement feature 218 oriented towards the first end 208 of the housing 202 so as to automatically engage with a mating connector, port, etc. on the imager when inserted fully therein. The electrical connections 216 may be communicatively coupled to a circuit board 220 disposed within or on the housing 202. The second end 210 of the housing 202 defines a fan opening 222 that may be covered by a screen or guard 224. The screen or guard 224 protects against user contact with a fan 226 that may be a blow-through or draw-through type to control the temperature within the module 200.

[0031] The second end 210 also includes a lock 228 that is positionable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a bolt of the locking mechanism 228 is retracted into the exterior surface 204 of the housing 202, so as to enable removal of the module 200 from the imager. In the second position, the bolt of the locking mechanism 228 is extended from the exterior surface 204 of the housing 202, so as to secure the module 200 within the imager. While a locking mechanism 228 is shown as a bolt in FIGS. 2A and 2B, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments there could be any number of other locking mechanisms fasteners that are used to couple the module 200 to the imager. For example, such a locking mechanism can include mechanical couplings including bolts, screws, latches, buckles, snaps, straps, or the like. Such couplings can be mechanical as shown in FIG. 2A, or they can be magnetic or based on an interlocking fit with rails 206 or other components of the imager. In some embodiments, the coupling can be both mechanical and electronic, such as to transmit data indicating that the connection is complete, as described in more detail below.

[0032] A handle 230 may be secured to the second end 210 of the housing 202 so as to ease removal of the module 200 from the imager. A plurality of heat sinks 234 are most easily viewed in FIG. 2B, but are described in more detail below. In alternative embodiments there could be differently sized or spaced heat sinks based upon the accompanying light sources. For example, an LED light source may require a smaller heat sink 234 than an incandescent light source creating the same amount of light. Depending on the light sources, the corresponding heat sinks 234 can be resized or repositioned within the form factor of the housing 202.

[0033] FIG. 2B shows Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memories (EEPROMs) 250. In other embodiments, there can be any number of memory devices, which can include EEPROMs like those shown in FIG. 2B or any other chip, storage, or memory device that stores information corresponding to the operation of a light source. In FIG. 2B, there are seven separate EEPROMs 250, each corresponding to one of the light sources and corresponding heat sinks 234. EEPROMs 250 each contain instructions corresponding to their corresponding light source. As an example, if light module 200 contains seven lasers, each such laser may have different power supply requirements, calibration parameters, warmup time, operating modes and settings, temperature compensation data, safety or protection features, diagnostic or troubleshooting information, or the like. The light module 200 is modular, with a separate EEPROM 250 corresponding to each light source, which is advantageous because such light modules 200 can be created modularly and different light sources can be soldered into place in the same form factor for use in the overall system, in the same way that the light module 200 reduces downtime and increases operating flexibility it can be removed and re-inserted quickly and easily.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view of an interior of the imager 110 of FIG. IB, receiving therein the light module 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B. The imager 110 interior includes therein a docking station 300. The docking station 300 includes, in relevant part, a base 302 extending upward from a base of the imager 110. A plug slider 304 extends from the base 302 and is aligned along an axis A with the light source optical port 214. Further, in the depicted example, the base 302 may include secured thereto a plurality of docking station electrical connections 306 that are configured to connect to the light module electrical connections 216 described briefly above. An axis of alignment for the electrical connections 306, 216 is substantially aligned with the axis A, so as to smoothly connect during insertion of the module 200 into the imager 110. This axis A also defines the optical axis of light generated by the light module.

[0035] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict side sectional view and a partial enlarged side sectional view, respectively, of the light module 200 of FIG. 2A and 2B engaged with the docking station 300 of an imager. FIGS. 4A and 4B are described concurrently and not all components are depicted in both figures. Further, certain components are described above in other figures and, as such, are not necessarily described further.

[0036] Referring to the light module 200, the light source optical port 214 defines a port receiver 232 that defines the axis A. A plurality of heat sinks 234 within the housing 202 surround the light source optical port 214 a define a space in which many of the other components of the light source module 200 are disposed. For example, a plurality of light source brackets 236 are also disposed within the space, generally a single light source backet 236 is associated with a single one of the heat sinks 234, though other configurations are contemplated. Using a plurality of light source backets 236 enables use of multiple light sources (e.g., of different colors, wavelengths, light types, etc.) within a single module 200.

[0037] In the depicted configuration, seven heat sinks 234 are utilized (see FIG. 2B); thus, seven light source backets 236 are used. Other numbers of light sources are contemplated. A rotatable mirror 238 is disposed within the space defined by the plurality of heat sinks 234, and is configured to be aligned with the axis A. A motor 240 is operatively coupled to the mirror 238 and is configured to selectively position the mirror 238 to reflectively align the axis A with each of the plurality of light source brackets 236 and, thus, the light sources located therein. In another example, the motor, mirror, and light source brackets need not be included in the light source module 200, and a single light source disposed on the axis A may be used. The light source optical port 214 includes one or more lenses 242 aligned along the axis A, to further guide, focus, or otherwise affect the emission of light along the axis A.

[0038] Turning to the docking station 300, the base 302 includes a throat 308 projecting therefrom and in which the plug slider 304 is at least partially disposed. An end cap 310 is secured to the throat 308 and retains the plug slider 308 therein. The plug slider 308 projects from an opening in the end cap 310 and is slidable within the throat 308 between a first position (e.g., a forward-most position) and a second position (e.g., any position where the plug slider is forced into the throat 308, to the right in FIG. 4 A, against the biasing force of a spring 312). The ability of the plug slider 304 to move between the first position and the second position helps prevent damage to the docking station 300 and / or the module 200 during insertion of the module 200, should the plug slider 304 be misaligned with the light source optical port 214. The positionable plug slider 304 also helps ensure optical alignment of a light beam generated within the light module 200 into a lens 314 on the plug slider 304 and an optical fiber 324 optically coupled to the lens 314. In examples, when a forward-facing surface of the plug slider 304 abuts and engages a base of the port receiver 232, the plug slider 304 may move to the second position and remain in optical alignment.

[0039] The plug slider 304 defines a central channel 320 in which the optical fiber 324 can be secured. Although optical fiber 324 is shown extending only extending to the distal end of central channel 320 in FIG. 4A, it should be understood that various forms of light guides could be used that could include an optical fiber 324 that extends further into the central chamber 320, additional fibers within the central chamber 320, or other optical components that reflect or refract light received therein towards the end of the central chamber 320 where the optical fiber 324 is shown. Optical fiber 324 can be secured, for example, via set screws 322 in the outer portion of the plug slider 304. One such set screw 322 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 4A, but it should be understood that multiple such set screws can be arranged along the portions of the plug slider 304 or other components where the optical fiber 324 is held. The plug slider 304 may be optically coupled to an optical fiber 324 flexibly disposed within the base 302 (to accommodate potential movement of the plug slider 304), or may be of a unitary construction therewith.

[0040] The structure and configuration of the light modules and docking stations depicted herein enable easy insertion and removal of light modules having different light sources, or for replacement of a failed or malfunctioning light source with a new light source. FIGS. 5A-7B depict such an insertion operation. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of an imager docking station having a light module in a removed condition and are described concurrently with each other. FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of the imager docking station of FIGS. 5 A and 5B having a light module in a disengaged condition and are described concurrently with each other. FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of the imager docking station of FIGS. 5 A and 5B having a light module in an engaged condition and are described concurrently with each other.

[0041] FIGS. 5 A and 5B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of an imager 400 having docking station 402 and a light module 404 in a removed condition. As used herein, the term “removed” condition means any condition where the docking station 402 and light module are not engaged (as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B), other than the “disengaged” condition (depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B), where electrical and / or optical signals between the docking station 402 and the light module 404 are first interrupted or terminated upon removal. The docking station 402 includes a base 406 and a plug slider 408 slidably projecting therefrom. The plug slider 408 terminates at an end cap 410 having a lens 412 disposed therein. The docking station 402 further includes a plurality of electrical connections 414. The light module 404 includes a housing 416 having a first end 418 and a second end 420. Exposed at the first end 418 is an optical port 422 defining a receiver 424. A plurality of electrical connections 426 are also disposed at the first end 418 of the light module 404. While in the “removed” condition, the light module 404 may be advanced in either direction, generally along axis A, so as to completely remove the light module 404 from the imager 400, or to insert I the light module 404 into the imager 400. The light module 404 can include structures such as rails 427 that may be engaged with other structures within the imager 400 so as to maintain general alignment along axis A during insertion I. This helps ensure general alignment between both the plug slider 408 and optical port receiver 424, as well as between electrical connections 414, 426, which including engaging ports operatively aligned along electrical engagement axis E.

[0042] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of an imager 400 having docking station 402 and a light module 404 in a disengaged condition. As noted above, the disengaged condition is where electrical and / or optical signals between the docking station 402 and the light module 404 are first interrupted or terminated during removal. A number of features and components depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B are described above and therefore are not necessarily described further. In relevant part, the light module 404 has been inserted I sufficiently into the imager 400 so as make initial contact between the plug slider 408 and the optical port 422. More specifically, if insertion I of the light module 404 is slightly misaligned from axis A, abutting contact between the plug slider 408 and the optical port 422 may occur. In such an event, however, the slidable configuration of the plug slider 408 enables rearward movement thereof, against the biasing force applied by spring 428, so as to prevent damage to at least those two components. As depicted most clearly in FIG. 6A, in the depicted example, initial engagement between the plug slider 408 and the optical port receiver 424 is depicted prior to engagement between the electrical connections 414, 426. This engagement helps ensure alignment of the light module 408 and the optical port receiver 424 prior to attempting to engage the electrical connections 414, 426. Since the optical port 422 and plug slider 408 are manufactured of more robust metal connections than is typical for electrical connections, this helps ensure alignment along electrical axis E, thereby reducing or eliminating the possibility of damage thereto due to mis-aligned electrical connections 414, 426.

[0043] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a side view and a perspective sectional view, respectively, of an imager 400 having docking station 402 and a light module 404 in an engaged condition. In the engaged condition, either or both optical signals (via the optical port 422 / plug slider 408 connection) and electrical signals (via the electrical connections 414, 426) may be sent between the light module 404 and the docking station 402. Upon connection, one or more optical and / or electrical signals may be sent between the components. Such signals may enable the imager 400 to identify the type of light module 404 installed, the type(s) of on-board light sources included therein, unit serial number, or other relevant information for light module identification and operation. In this engaged condition, the lock 430 may be actuated so as to engage the lock 430 with a catch 432 in the housing.

[0044] FIG. 8 depicts a method 500 of engaging a light module with a docking station of an imager such as an imaging microscope. Examples of an imager, including a docking station and a removable light module, are described above. The method 500 begins with operation 502, slidably receiving, along a first axis, the light module in a light module receiver of the microscope. The receiver may be an opening in a housing of the microscope. The method proceeds to operation 504, engaging a registration element with a mating element while slidably receiving the light module in the light module receiver, which aids in aligning the light module (and components thereof) with the docking station (and components thereof). Operation 506 includes contacting a plurality of light module electrical connections and a plurality of docking station electrical connections. Upon this connection being made, operation 508, sending an identification signal from the light module to the microscope, may be performed. Before, after, or simultaneously therewith, operation 510, projecting the plug slider into the optical port, may also be performed. Insertion of the light module into the microscope may continue until contact is made between a facing surface of the plug slider (such as an end cap thereof) and a base of the optical port, operation 512. Due to the sliding construction of the plug slider, subsequent to contacting the end cap or other facing surface of the plug slider with the base of the optical port, the plug slider is moved from a first projected position to a second projected position, as depicted in operation 514. This movement occurs against the biasing force provided by a spring that may be engaged with the plug slider. To secure the position of the light module within the microscope, operation 516, receiving the lock in a catch of the housing, may then be performed.

[0045] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of the connections 426 of a light module 404 arranged adjacent to the electrical connections 414 of a docking station 402. As shown in FIG. 9 in more detail, a ground connector 902 is longer than other connectors 904. Other connectors 904 can include those used for data channels, hot, neutral, or other uses. For hot plug capability, it is usefill for connectors 904 with positive supply voltage and the data lines to be removed from the circuit earlier than the ground line 902. This means that the ground connector 902 on the light module 904 is slightly longer than the other connectors 904 for power and data. This allows the customer to change the light source (i.e., the light module 404), without having to switch off the entire system.

[0046] It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but is extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0047] It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those inherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the methods and systems within this specification may be implemented in many manners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplified examples and examples. In this regard, any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. While various examples have been described for purposes of this disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well within the scope contemplated by the present disclosure. Numerous other changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A light module for a microscope, the light module comprising: a housing comprising an exterior surface and a registration element disposed on the exterior surface; a circuit board secured to the housing; a light source power port communicatively coupled to the circuit board; a light source optical port disposed within the space defined by the plurality of heat sinks, wherein the light source optical port comprises a plurality of aligned lenses and an optical port receiver aligned with the plurality of aligned lenses, wherein the optical port receiver defines a light module axis extending along a length of the housing and comprises a recess engageably oriented towards a first end of the housing; and a plurality of light module electrical connections secured to the circuit board, wherein each of the plurality of light module electrical connections comprises an engagement feature engageably oriented towards the first end of the housing.

2. The light module of claim 1, further comprising a lock disposed at a second end of the housing, wherein the lock is positionable in a first position wherein a locking mechanism of the lock is retracted into the exterior surface of the housing and wherein the lock is positionable in a second position where the locking mechanism of the lock is extended from the exterior surface of the housing.

3. The light module of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of light module electrical connections include a grounding connection and a plurality of other connections, and wherein the grounding connection extends further towards the first end than the plurality of other connections.

4. The light module of any of claims 1-3, further comprising a plurality of light source brackets.

5. The light module of claim 4, further comprising a light source mounted to each of the plurality of light source brackets.

6. The light module of any of claims 1-5, further comprising a mirror disposed within the space defined by a plurality of heat sinks, wherein the mirror is aligned with the light module axis.

7. The light module of claim 4 or 5, further comprising a motor disposed in the space defined by the plurality of heat sinks and operatively coupled to the mirror, wherein the motor is configured to selectively position the mirror to reflectively align the light module axis with each of the plurality of light source brackets.

8. The light module of any preceding claim, further comprising a fan secured to the housing and positioned to direct an airflow substantially along the light module axis.

9. A docking station for engaging a removeable light module with a microscope, the docking station comprising: a base; a plug slider slidably coupled to the base between a first position and a second position, wherein the plug slider defines a central channel having a plug slider axis; a lens disposed at a first end of the plug slider; an optical fiber disposed within the central channel and optically coupled to the lens; and a spring engaged with the plug slider for biasing the plug slider towards the first position.

10. The docking station of claim 9, wherein the base comprises: a throat projecting from the base; and an end cap secured to the throat, wherein the plug slider is slidably disposed in the throat between the first position and the second position and wherein the plug slider is retained in the first position by the end cap.

11. The docking station of claim 10, wherein the plug slider projects from the end cap in the first position and in the second position.

12. The docking station of any of claims 9-11, wherein the optical fiber disposed within the central channel is coupled to an optical fiber disposed within the base, and wherein the optical fiber disposed within the base is communicatively coupled to the microscope.

13. The docking station of claim 12, wherein the optical fiber disposed within the central channel and the optical fiber disposed within the base comprise a unitary part.

14. The docking station of any of claims 9-14, further comprising a plurality of docking station electrical connections disposed parallel to the plug slider axis.

15. The docking station of claim 14, wherein the plurality of docking station electrical connections include a grounding connection and a plurality of other connections, and wherein the grounding connection extends further parallel to the plug slider axis than the plurality of other connections.

16. A method of engaging a light module with a microscope, the method comprising: slidably receiving, along a first axis, the light module in a light module receiver of the microscope, wherein: the light module comprises a housing comprising a registration element, an optical port, a lock, and a plurality of light module electrical connections; the light module receiver comprises a mating element, an opening in an outer housing of the microscope disposed at a first end of the light module receiver, and a docking station at a second end of the light module receiver, the docking station comprising a plug slider comprising an exposed lens on an end cap and a plug slider optical fiber, and a plurality of docking station electrical connections; engaging the registration element with the mating element while slidably receiving the light module in the light module receiver; contacting the plurality of light module electrical connections and the plurality of docking station electrical connections;projecting the plug slider into the optical port; contacting the end cap of the plug slider with a base of the optical port; subsequent to contacting the end cap of the plug slider with the base of the optical port, moving the plug slider from a first projected position to a second projected position; and receiving the lock in the housing.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein contacting the plurality of light module electrical connections and the plurality of docking station electrical connections comprises sending an identification signal from the light module to the microscope.

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the optical port comprises an optical port axis and the plug slider comprises a plug slider axis and wherein engaging the registration element with the mating element substantially aligns the optical port axis with the plug slider axis.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein moving the plug slider from the first projected position to the second projected position optically aligns the optical port axis with the plug slider axis.

20. The method of any of claims 16-19, wherein moving the plug slider from the first projected position to the second projected position deflects a docking station optical fiber disposed within the docking station that is optically coupled to the plug slider optical fiber.

21. A light module for a microscope, the light module comprising: a plurality of light sources; a plurality of memory devices coupled to the plurality of light sources; and a plurality of light module electrical connections electrically coupled to power the plurality of light sources; wherein each of the plurality of memory devices stores instructions to cause operation of a corresponding one of the plurality of light sources.

22. The light module of claim 21, wherein the instructions that cause operation of the plurality of light sources at least one of the group consisting of: power supply requirements, calibration parameters, warmup time, operating modes and settings, temperature compensation data, safety or protection features, diagnostic or troubleshooting information.

23. The light module of claim 21 , wherein the plurality of memory devices each comprises an EEPROM.

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