The arm assembly includes a number of features which enable the microscope to be adjusted in almost
any position. The best combination of settings will depend on the individual user and the particular
surgical environment.
The
pillar knob
allows the arm assembly to be locked in position about the pillar.
The
elbow knob
allows the shape of the arm to be locked in position; that is the position of the
pantograph section relative to the horizontal section of the arm assembly.
The
friction handle
allows the vertical movement of the pantograph section of the arm assembly to be
restricted or locked in position.
The
wrist knob
allows the head assembly to be locked in position relative to the pantograph section of
the arm assembly. This knob should not be unlocked after the head assembly has been adjusted. This
will prevent accidental dislodgement of the head assembly when attempting vertical positioning
manoeuvres.
In a typical configuration; the pillar knob would be left slightly loose but the elbow and wrist knobs
would be locked.
Note that the safety clamp must be in position directly under the horizontal
section of the arm assembly for safe operation of the microscope, this will prevent the arm
assembly sliding down the pillar.
The friction handle could be set such that when vertical
adjustments of the pantograph arm are made, the arm will stay in position after being moved. This
will allow the microscope to be swung out of the way about the pillar after surgery while the patient is
moved. When the next patient is ready, the microscope can be swung in again and it will already be in
a good approximate position.
