MELVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 12, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nikon Instruments Inc., an innovator of advanced optical instruments, announced today the release of the ECLIPSE Ci series, a new upright microscope system for clinical applications. This series is a big step forward in the evolution of ergonomic microscopes that can adjust to multiple users, reducing fatigue, increasing comfort during operation, and providing the brightest, sharpest, and clearest images possible.
Optimal for multi-user laboratories, the Ci series – a three model line consisting of the Ci-E, Ci-L and Ci-S – is built to withstand frequent use, as well as adjust to the unique preferences of individual users. The unique, advanced ergonomic features allow the user to sit in a natural, relaxed posture throughout their workday. The advanced ergonomics are further evolved in the new Ci-E model, representing the company's first automated microscope model for clinical laboratory use. With simultaneous, motorized switching of objective lens, condenser and light intensity, the Ci-E was designed so the user can concentrate on the specimen without concern for operation.
"With biological microscopes used everywhere from cutting-edge research institutes and universities, to hospitals and laboratories, it is critically important the systems within these environments be adaptable by their users with limitless flexibility," says Stephen Ross, Ph.D., General Manager of Product and Marketing at Nikon Instruments Inc. "These new products reflect our commitment to providing a product that gives superior performance and best-in-class imaging, in an intuitive, easy-to-learn package."
An Eco-Friendly Option
The new series is also eco-friendly. Incorporating Eco-illumination, a power-saving, long-life, high-intensity LED optical system, the Ci-E and Ci-L models are three times brighter than that of the previous Nikon system, while boasting a long lifetime of 60,000 hours. They also offer very low power consumption and heat generation, and eliminate color temperature changes that occur with halogen light sources. Most importantly, LED illumination eliminates IR associated with halogen light sources, minimizing eye strain for users spending long hours at the microscope. Eco-illumination supports a variety of microscopy techniques including dark field, simple polarizing, and sensitive color polarizing for gout testing and phase contrast.
Maximum comfort and image capture for multiple users
With a focus on allowing users to concentrate on observation versus operations, new features are designed to make the imaging process as easy as possible. For example, the Ci-E model offers automated nosepiece rotation and the switching of objective lenses with the condenser top lens both in and out.
User-defined light intensity for each magnification is also automatically reproduced when switching between magnifications, enabling users to view samples at optimum brightness without intensity adjustment. An image capture button on the side of the main body also lets users take an image without removing their eyes from the eyepieces, improving efficiency and comfort.
The angle and proximity of the eyepiece tube and the height of the stage handle can be adjusted to reflect each user's physical size or general observation posture. The new and improved ergonomic tube and stage height adjustment mechanism allow comfortable viewing positions for different users. At the same time, highly durable, scratch resistant ceramic coating has been added to the stage in order to meet the needs of high volume users. The stage handle remains in a fixed position, a feature unique to this class of microscope, allowing hand and body positions to remain constant and in line with the instrument.
Evolve into the digital imaging age
The incredible view provided by Nikon's proprietary CFI60 optics is now enhanced with new patent pending "fly-eye" technology. By combining the collimator lens and fly-eye optics with LED and Nikon's CFI60 optics, bright, uniform, crystal-clear images can be obtained even in high magnification. The Ci's digital imaging system with effortless image capture boasts an advanced tool menu for annotations, measurements, and split screen capability for live comparisons. Clinicians are able to share images and consult on the fly over their network or internet through firmware, not software, without compromising the integrity of the hospital network.
The complete Ci imaging system is easily adaptable without losing any ergonomic benefits. The ergonomic tube combined with the newly designed microscope body has an extended telescoping feature and can accept Nikon's new DSC port, allowing easy and direct connection of the recommended digital camera Digital Sight series, creating a compact, ergonomic and easy to use microscope imaging system.
The ECLIPSE Ci series will be available in September 2011. For more information, please visit www.nikoninstruments.com.
ABOUT NIKON INSTRUMENTS INC.
Nikon Instruments Inc. is a world leader in the development and manufacture of optical and digital imaging technology for biomedical applications. Now in its 93rd year, Nikon provides complete optical systems that offer optimal versatility, performance and productivity. Cutting-edge instruments include microscopes, digital imaging products and software. Nikon Instruments is one of the microscopy and digital imaging arms of Nikon Inc., the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology. For more information, visit www.nikoninstruments.com. Product-related inquiries may be directed to Nikon Instruments at 800-52-NIKON.
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