Abstract: A diffusing tip is provided for diffusing light from a light-emitting end of an optical fiber in a radial distribution pattern relative to the axis of the tip and along a length of the tip. The tip has an inner core and an outer covering which define a light guide. The outer covering is modified on its interior surface adjacent to the core such that light transmitted down the light guide is removed from the core upon encountering a surface modification on the interior surface. The light so removed is transmitted to the outer surface along the length of the tip, where it can be used to irradiate a selected object or material. The diffusing tip preferably provides light in a substantially uniform intensity distribution for the substantially uniform irradiation of a selected object or material.

Abstract: A fiber optic radiation transmission system is provided in which an optical fiber and a radiation source are connected to establish optical communication therebetween. Additionally, a connecting system is provided for connecting an optical fiber and a radiation source such that optical communication is established therebetween. The systems include a connector which carries the optical fiber therein. The connector is extendable within the system toward the radiation source to bring the optical fiber into optical communication with the radiation source. More particularly, the systems are configured in such a way that when the connector is extended sufficiently within the system, it seats the optical fiber relative to the radiation source under bias, thereby establishing a reliable optical connection. Once the optical connection is thus established, the connector engages a connection port associated with the radiation source to secure the system in a fully connected configuration appropriate for use.

Abstract: A fiber optic radiation transmission system is provided in which an optical fiber and a radiation source are connected to establish optical communication therebetween. Additionally, a connecting system is provided for connecting an optical fiber and a radiation source such that optical communication is established therebetween. The systems include a connector which carries the optical fiber therein. The connector is extendable within the system toward the radiation source to bring the optical fiber into optical communication with the radiation source. More particularly, the systems are configured in such a way that when the connector is extended sufficiently within the system, it seats the optical fiber relative to the radiation source under bias, thereby establishing a reliable optical connection. Once the optical connection is thus established, the connector engages a connection port associated with the radiation source to secure the system in a fully connected configuration appropriate for use.

Abstract: A fiber optic radiation transmission system is provided in which an optical fiber and a radiation source are connected to establish optical communication therebetween. Additionally, a connecting system is provided for connecting an optical fiber and a radiation source such that optical communication is established therebetween. The systems include a connector which carries the optical fiber therein. The connector is extendable within the system toward the radiation source to bring the optical fiber into optical communication with the radiation source. More particularly, the systems are configured in such a way that when the connector is extended sufficiently within the system, it seats the optical fiber relative to the radiation source under bias, thereby establishing a reliable optical connection. Once the optical connection is thus established, the connector engages a connection port associated with the radiation source to secure the system in a fully connected configuration appropriate for use.

Abstract: A diffusing tip is provided for diffusing light from a light-emitting end of an optical fiber in a radial distribution pattern relative to the axis of the tip and along a length of the tip. The tip has an inner core and an outer covering which define a light guide. The outer covering is modified on its interior surface adjacent to the core such that light transmitted down the light guide is removed from the core upon encountering a surface modification on the interior surface. The light so removed is transmitted to the outer surface along the length of the tip, where it can be used to irradiate a selected object or material. The diffusing tip preferably provides light in a substantially uniform intensity distribution for the substantially uniform irradiation of a selected object or material.

Abstract: A hand held device having an optical fiber with a radiation emitter carried at a free end, the optical fiber being attached to a handle that includes a knob which allows movement of a flexible tubular sleeve from a position covering the fiber and emitter to a position exposing the emitter and a length of fiber adjacent to it, the sleeve also having a sharp metal cleat extending from its end, the cleat being an end of a length of wire which passes through a separate channel of the sleeve to the knob without being attached to the sleeve. An application of this device is for inserting the emitter into a mass of material in order to irradiate the material from within.

Abstract: A hand held device having an optical fiber with a radiation emitter carried at a free end, the optical fiber being attached to a handle that includes a knob which allows movement of a flexible tubular sleeve from a position covering the fiber and emitter to a position exposing the emitter and a length of fiber adjacent to it, the sleeve also having a sharp metal cleat extending from its end, the cleat being an end of a length of wire which passes through a separate channel of the sleeve to the knob without being attached to the sleeve. An application of this device is for inserting the emitter into a mass of material in order to irradiate the material from within.