Abstract: The invention provides a rigid endoscope utilizing a high refractive index (HRI) tunnel rod, preferably made of glass, for transfer of image light from a distal end to a proximal end of the device, such HRI tunnel rod being modified so that a minimum of light is scattered and reflected within the rod, thus minimizing veiling glare and contrast reduction of the image which is formed near the HRI tunnel rod's proximal end. The HRI tunnel rod shortens the apparent distance from the proximal to the distal end by virtue of its refractive index being greater than that of air, and also provides a light tunnel which can carry the image over a relatively long distance by virtue of its modified inside walls. A preferred method of modification includes hydrogen firing of the HRI tunnel rod in order to create a thoroughly blackened inner surface which is highly non-reflective, even at grazing incidences.

Abstract: The invention provides a rigid endoscope utilizing a high refractive index (HRI) tunnel rod, preferably made of glass, for transfer of image light from a distal end to a proximal end of the device, such HRI tunnel rod being modified so that a minimum of light is scattered and reflected within the rod, thus minimizing veiling glare and contrast reduction of the image which is formed near the HRI tunnel rod's proximal end. The HRI tunnel rod shortens the apparent distance from the proximal to the distal end by virtue of its refractive index being greater than that of air, and also provides a light tunnel which can carry the image over a relatively long distance by virtue of its modified inside walls. A preferred method of modification includes hydrogen firing of the HRI tunnel rod in order to create a thoroughly blackened inner surface which is highly non-reflective, even at grazing incidences.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the line of flight, point of entry and angle of entry of an energetic, ionizing particle uses a helical array of scintillating optical fibers.

Abstract: Piggyback endoscopes are disclosed which are connected together releasably where the scopes receive illumination from a single light source via a single fiber optic bundle which has been divided into at least two branches, one branch being individual to each scope.

Abstract: An endoscope is disclosed having a separable, disposable shaft where a push-pull mechanism, housed in liquid tight fashion in a control handle unit, is operable to actuate a shaft flexure means within the shaft effective deflect the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: An orientation indicator is disclosed for observing or reading the orientation of the distal end of an endoscope or of a fiberscope having an elongated flexible shaft relative to the proximate end thereof where the flexible shaft the fiber optic bundles of the scope are subject to torque or rotational stresses. The disclosure includes a method of making the orientation indicator and means for measuring the degree and direction of displacement resulting from said rotational stress or torque.

Abstract: A diagnostic endoscope useful to make remote examinations and retrievals having a pistol grip which includes a built-in flexible pneumatic bulb.

Abstract: A searching and measuring endoscope employing two image-transmitting systems in a common housing. One system is fitted with a wide angle, fixed focus objective lens with large depth of field for searching and the other system is fitted with a narrow angle, fixed focus objective lens having a small depth of field and a predetermined working distance and magnification for measuring.

Abstract: An elongated, flexible plastic tube with internal web and bore structure comprising a continuous sequence of connected vertebra-like elements useful in endoscopes and the like.

Abstract: An optical component having a gradient refractive index produced by multiple windings of a glass fiber over a glass mandrel. The fiber is provided with a refractive index gradation which varies from an approximate match with the mandrel to selected lower values along its length thereby causing refractive index in the depth of windings to vary accordingly. Fusion and drawing of the mandrel and windings provide a rod (or fiber) of solid cross-section having a radial index gradient of predetermined profile.

Abstract: A glass faceplate having a central area of required useful diameter surrounded by a narrow ring of opaque glass and an outer glass mounting flange. Light entering the flange or ring is prevented from reaching the central area as stray light or glare in the system and spurious reflections at the interface of the ring and central area are minimized by a refractive index match of the two innermost glasses.

Abstract: A glass faceplate having a central area of required useful diameter surrounded by a narrow ring of opaque glass and an outer glass mounting flange. Light entering the flange or ring is prevented from reaching the central area as stray light or glare in the system and spurious reflections at the interface of the ring and central area are minimized by a refractive index match of the two innermost glasses.

Abstract: A lens is formed of a section of glass clad glass rod ground and polished to a spherical shape of radius of curvature equal to that desired of a face of the lens. Remaining leachable cladding glass is removed leaving the lens with finished spherically curved opposite ends and an adaptability to modification by transaxial cutting and flat face finishing for plano-convex applications.

Abstract: A fiberscope objective having an oscillating lens element which causes images formed by the objective to scan across a receiving end of an image-transporting fiber bundle for increased image resolution and bundle blemish suppression. Synchronous scanning of the opposite bundle end renders transported images stationary for viewing.

Abstract: An array of gradient refractive index lenses designed to produce an erect image of an extended object. The lenses are supported in a matrix of light-absorbing cladding glass for stray light control.

Abstract: Universal articulation of the end of a medical or industrial fiberscope is accomplished with three-wire control for reducing space requirements in small diameter instruments.

Abstract: Gradient refractive index fibers or rods are formed of leachable glass clad glass core preforms drawn to a desired diametral size, bundled together, fused under high compressing forces and rapidly interdiffused at a temperature above their deformation point. Cooling, annealing and separation of the fibers or rods by leaching provides the end product devices which may be cut into lengths required for the lens power desired and end polished. The refractive index gradient is produced by interdiffusion of T1.sup.+ and K.sup.+ ions between core and cladding glasses which are selected to contain substantial proportions of thallium oxide and potassium oxide respectively.

Abstract: Columnar lens elements of a crossed multi-ocular array are each formed of a rectangular preform of core glass containing a modifying oxide which is clad on each of two of its opposite sides with a glass having an affinity to ions of the modifying oxide and on remaining sides with a substantially non-reactive glass, all cladding glasses being preferentially soluble relative to the core glass. The clad preform is heated and drawn to the cross-sectional size desired of the aforesaid lens elements and cut transaxially into component lengths equal to or greater than desired for the array. A multiplicity of the cut components are tightly juxtapositioned, heated for diffusion of oxide ions into the first mentioned cladding glasses, cooled, annealed and leached free of all claddings for final crossed assembly.

Abstract: An illuminator for a line-scanning document copier including a fan-shaped array of optical fibers with light-output ends juxtapositioned along a line, and opposite light-receiving ends tightly bundled together. Light loss from fiber breakage, gaps and other defects inherent in fiber optic arrays cause non-uniform illumination of documents and streaks in the copy. Uniform and high level illumination are accomplished according to this invention with cylindrical light-refracting means placed between the line of fibers and the document to blend emitted light astigmatically.

Abstract: The distal objective of a fiberscope is fixed to one end of a helical spring formed of a bimetallic composite adapted to extend and contract when heated and cooled, carrying the objective along its axis. Remotely controlled heating of the spring effects adjustment of the objective for image focusing purposes.