US Patent 9074726 Linear translational microscope stand

A microscope stand which can include a base, a driving mechanism, a hollow column, a translational element and a support element is described. The hollow column can have at least one elongated opening that extends between a first end and a second end of the column wherein the column is attached to the base at the first end. The translational element is disposed substantially inside of the hollow column and is adapted to cooperate with the support element via the at least one elongated opening, the support element is moveable by the translational element along the column in a direction between the first end to the second end.