Abstract: After a number of optical fibers are inserted into a tubular member of a shape memory alloy, the tubular member is returned to its memorized shape by heating to reduce a cross-sectional area of a reception space of the tubular member, thereby uniting the optical fibers received in the tubular member. In a modified form of the invention, a number of optical fibers are inserted into a reception space between two tubular members at least one of which is made of a shape memory alloy, and then the one tubular member is heated to be returned to its memorized shape to reduce a cross-sectional area of the reception space between the two tubular members, thereby uniting the optical fibers.

Abstract: After a number of optical fibers are inserted into a tubular member of a shape memory alloy, the tubular member is returned to its memorized shape by heating to reduce a cross-sectional area of a reception space of the tubular member, thereby uniting the optical fibers received in the tubular member. In a modified form of the invention, a number of optical fibers are inserted into a reception space between two tubular members at least one of which is made of a shape memory alloy, and then the one tubular member is heated to be returned to its memorized shape to reduce a cross-sectional area of the reception space between the two tubular members, thereby uniting the optical fibers.

Abstract: A hard endoscope used for assisting a micro-operation includes a body and an insert portion extending from the body. The insert portion includes a first linear portion, and a second linear portion longer than the first linear portion. The first and second linear portions are arranged forwardly in order from the body. A connecting portion is disposed between the first linear portion and the second linear portion. The insert portion thus constructed exhibits a bent configuration. The first and second linear portions have a first and a second relay lens, respectively, therein. The connecting portion has a prism therein. This prism transmits the light coming through the first relay lens to the second relay lens.

Abstract: An endoscope unit includes an endoscope having an insertion portion and a fluid supply instrument mounted on the insertion portion. The fluid supply instrument comprises a thin resilient tube. This resilient tube is intimately attached to an outer periphery of the insertion portion of the endoscope and radially expansible. A supply member is connected to a basal end of the resilient tube. When fluid from this supply member is supplied to the basal end of the resilient tube, the resilient tube is radially expanded and a fluid passage is formed between the resilient tube and the insertion portion of the endoscope. The fluid is discharged from a distal end of the resilient tube.

Abstract: A diagnosis device which includes a probe provided at a front end of an elongate insertion portion, and has the function of angling this probe. An angle portion is provided between the insertion portion and the probe, and the angle portion includes a pair of tubular segments pivotally connected together. The pair of segments are connected to the front end of the insertion portion and the rear end of the probe, respectively. A soft protective tube is disposed inside the pair of segments at the angle portion. An operating member is connected at one end thereof to a manipulation mechanism mounted on a body, and is connected at the other end thereof to the front segment of the angle portion. The operating member is disposed outside the protective tube at the angle portion.