Sprocket-Chain Based Retrofit Actuator Mechanism for Automating X, Y, and Z Axis Movements on Microscopes

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sprocket-chain-based retrofit actuator mechanism for automating the X, Y, and Z axis movements of an optical microscope. The system comprises a stepper motor, an X-axis actuator, a Y-axis actuator, a Z-axis actuator, a focus adapter, sprockets, a mini-chain, and a mounting base. The rotation of the stepper motor is transmitted through the sprocket-chain system to the microscope drive mechanism, resulting in automated movement of the slide stage and the focus system. The system can be installed on a conventional microscope without permanent modification to the main structure of the microscope. The invention enables automated slide scanning at a lower cost than commercial motorized stage systems and can be applied to a wide variety of microscopes for educational, research, digital documentation, and microscopic image analysis.