Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for incorporating a disposable sheath into a medical device having a probe, wherein the disposable sheath is intended to cover and protect a probe of an endoscope, without having to dispose of the probe.

Abstract: An optical probe includes: a tubular shaft having an opening extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a light guiding component arranged in the opening of the tubular shaft; and a distal optics component arranged distally to the light guiding component at the distal end of the tubular shaft. The distal optics component has a beam directing surface aligned with an optical axis of the light guiding component and at least one surface directly bonded to the distal end of the light guiding component and/or to the distal end of the tubular shaft. A light beam transmitted through the light guiding component is directed and shaped by the beam directing surface of the distal optics component. The distal optics component is directly molded over the distal end of the light guiding component and at least partially inside the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A bayonet style connector and methods for using the connector are provided. The bayonet style connector is particularly capable of single-handed manipulation by a user. It comprises a cylindrical housing; a boss and a locking boss on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing; and a handle. The locking boss is configured to resiliently move relative to the cylindrical housing, and the handle is configured to move the locking boss.

Abstract: A first optical axis of a first optical component is caused to be at a first angle with respect to a first precision surface of the first optical component. A second optical axis of a second optical component is aligned to be at a second angle to a second flat surface of the second optical component. The second angle is equal to or derived from the first angle. The first and second flat surfaces are caused to directly face each other to allow only sliding motion between the first and second flat surfaces. The sliding motion is performed between the first and second flat surfaces until the first and second optical axes are sufficiently collinear.

Abstract: A simplified sterile contamination prevention bag assembly and method for reducing deployment steps is provided for covering a medical instrument deployable from a system having a deployment port for deploying the instrument from a non-deployed position to a deployed position through the deployment port and externally distal from the deployment port. The bag assembly includes a bag including a deployment port attaching end configured to be attached to a mating portion of the deployment port and a distal deployment end having a distal mating feature configured to receive a distal portion of the medical instrument. The bag is folded in a non-deployed state, and unfolded when the medical instrument is moved from the non-deployed position to the deployed position.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for connecting optical fibers, commonly used in medical instruments, for use in endoscopy, non-evasive treatments of disease, as well as other medical factions incorporating optical fibers, wherein the novel connector allows for rotation of at least one optical fiber within the connector.

Abstract: One or more devices, systems, methods and storage mediums for characterizing, examining and/or diagnosing, and/or measuring viscosity of, a sample or object are provided herein. Such information may be obtained in application(s) using a system that includes a rotary junction, an elongated extender or at least one repeater attached to the rotary junction and a rotatable probe attached to the elongated extender and/or the at least one repeater. Examples of such applications include imaging, evaluating and diagnosing biological objects, such as, but not limited to, for Gastro-intestinal, cardio and/or ophthalmic applications, and being obtained via one or more optical instruments. The extenders and/or repeaters may be used with one or more forms of imaging, such as, but not limited to, Spectrally Encoded Endoscopy (“SEE”) and Optical Coherence Tomography (“OCT”).

Abstract: A first optical axis of a first optical component is caused to be at a first angle with respect to a first precision surface of the first optical component. A second optical axis of a second optical component is aligned to be at a second angle to a second flat surface of the second optical component. The second angle is equal to or derived from the first angle. The first and second flat surfaces are caused to directly face each other to allow only sliding motion between the first and second flat surfaces. The sliding motion is performed between the first and second flat surfaces until the first and second optical axes are sufficiently collinear.

Abstract: A rotation-free beam-steering device for manipulating probing and reflected optical beams includes at least one electrowetting cell having at least one side wall defining an inner space. The at least one side wall has a lining adjacent to the inner space. A liquid at least partially fills the inner space. The liquid has at least one controlled surface not in contact with the wall lining. The liquid further has a contact angle with the wall lining. The at least one controlled surface is disposed to interface with an optical beam exiting from a distal end of an optical fiber at an incidence angle. At least two electrodes are provided separated from the inner space by the lining. An electrical potential on the at least two electrodes is controlled to adjust the contact angle of the liquid bounding the at least one controlled surface.

Abstract: A first optical axis of a first optical component is caused to be at a first angle with respect to a first precision surface of the first optical component. A second optical axis of a second optical component is aligned to be at a second angle to a second flat surface of the second optical component. The second angle is equal to or derived from the first angle. The first and second flat surfaces are caused to directly face each other to allow only sliding motion between the first and second flat surfaces. The sliding motion is performed between the first and second flat surfaces until the first and second optical axes are sufficiently collinear.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that remotely manipulates a detachable device such a connector for a fiber optic connector. This apparatus comprising: a connector having two parts and a latch which are configured to engage and latch together in an engaged position when pressed in a direction of engagement. Two seats are configured to receive at least a portion of the connector.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that remotely manipulates a detachable device such a connector for a fiber optic connector. This apparatus comprising: a connector having two parts and a latch which are configured to engage and latch together in an engaged position when pressed in a direction of engagement. Two seats are configured to receive at least a portion of the connector.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, endoscopes, and endoscope sheaths are provided having an integrally formed imaging window. The sheath may comprise thin coiled wires and may be made using a dip-casting process.

Abstract: A bayonet style connector and methods for using the connector are provided. The bayonet style connector is particularly capable of single-handed manipulation by a user. It comprises a cylindrical housing; a boss and a locking boss on the outer surface of the cylindrical housing; and a handle. The locking boss is configured to resiliently move relative to the cylindrical housing, and the handle is configured to move the locking boss.

Abstract: A magnetron sputtering cathode assembly provides an annular target of sputtering material located with a sputtering surface facing a substrate to be sputtered. An inner magnet and an outer ring magnet are positioned adjacent inner and outer edges of the sputtering surface. The outer ring magnet is oriented so that its North-to-South magnetic orientation is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the sputtering surface while the inner magnet is oriented so that its North-to-South magnetic orientation is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the sputtering surface. A pair of walls extend at the inner and outer edges of the annular target away from the sputtering surface and toward the substrate. The walls and the magnets define a closed-loop array of radial magnetic lines having improved target erosion and plasma-containing characteristics.

Abstract: A dispenser for dental floss and other flexible elongated materials (e.g., tape, strip, wire, etc.) capable of delivering material to the point of use under substantially constant tension. The dispenser comprises a delivery reel and a draw-in reel mechanically connected by driving means through a tension accumulator. The tension accumulator is a device comprising some means for storing energy of rotational movement (e.g. torsion spring, clock spring, etc.). Each of the reels is attached to one of the two one-way clutches so that the delivery reel can only rotate in the direction of unwinding the floss and the draw-in reel can only rotate in the direction of winding the floss on. A supply of dental floss is stored on the delivery reel and is extended under tension between the delivery reel and the draw-in reel by means of guides.