Abstract: An optical fiber connector is provided. A receptacle has an angled interior surface that acts to guide an optical fiber into the correct position as a jack is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector is provided. A receptacle has an angled interior surface that acts to guide an optical fiber into the correct position as a jack is inserted into the receptacle.

Abstract: An objective element for use in an endoscope is provided. The objective element comprises a flat glass plate that is in contact with the plano side of a plano-convex lens. The side of the flat glass plate in contact with the plano-convex lens is coated with an opaque material other than an aperture that is in line with the axis of the plano-convex lens. Alternatively, the plano side of a plano-convex lens may be coated with an opaque material other than an aperture that is in line with the axis of the plano-convex lens.

Abstract: A quick connect coupler for interconnecting small-diameter optical fiber bundles between an instrument and an illumination source. The quick connect coupler includes a connector body with a fitting that carries optical fiber from an illumination source. A stem attaches to optical fiber from the instrument. The stem is inserted into the connector body until shoulders on each abut and prevent further relative motion. Arms on the connector body ride over a band on the stem and capture the stem within the connector body. As a result, the gap between the adjacent ends of the optical fiber from the illumination source and the instrument can be fixed at a well-controlled small size, thereby minimizing any light loss through the quick connect coupler.

Abstract: A lens assembly and method for manufacture. The lens assembly includes at least one lens element, with multiple sawn planar faces formed parallel to an optical axis and spaced equidistantly from the optical axis so the lens element has a polygonal cross section. Each lens element has a centered, rotationally symmetric characteristic so the overall assembly has a corresponding characteristic. The manufacture includes the step of utilizing oversized conventional cylindrical lens elements and other optical elements formed into lens systems. The faces are sawn to reduce the overall size. A circumscribing sheath provides a segmental lumen along each face.