Abstract: A system includes an endoscope connector and an endoscope adapter. The endoscope connector includes a first portion. The first portion includes a first magnetic coupling element and a first planar portion that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the endoscope connector. The endoscope adapter includes a second planar portion. The second planar portion includes a second magnetic coupling element and a substantially planar surface that is perpendicular to an axial direction of the endoscope adapter. The endoscope connector is non-mechanically attachable to the endoscope adapter using the first magnetic coupling element and the second magnetic coupling element. The first planar portion is alignable with the second planar portion such that: electroconductive contacts of the endoscope connector are axially aligned with electroconductive pins of the endoscope adapter and a port of the endoscope connector is axially aligned with a corresponding insertion port of the endoscope adapter.

Abstract: A vent assembly configured to maintain predetermined positive and negative pressure differentials between gas within a compartment and the environment, such as a compartment defining an interior of an endoscope is provided. The vent assembly includes a first housing having an upper vent and a lower vent coupled to the compartment. A piston is movable from a closed position to a first position, and from the closed position to a second position. In the closed position the piston blocks the upper and lower vents. A positive pressure differential moves the piston so as to open the vent to allow gas to escape from the compartment. A negative pressure differential draws the piston from the closed position to a second position to allow gas to enter the compartment.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes a robot system with a robot having a modular platform and a controller operably coupled to the robot. The modular platform includes a plurality of mount connectors and a plurality of receiving port connectors. Each of the mount connectors is configured to attach to the robot and each of the receiving ports is configured to connect to an end effector such as a gripper, sensor or other tool. The modular platform is configured to mount to the robot in a plurality of orientations and to connect with a plurality of different end effectors.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system includes: a first manipulator configured to change a position of an imaging section that images a target portion in a body; a second manipulator configured to change a position of an end effector that treats the target portion; a display section configured to display images from the imaging section; an operation section configured to generate an operation command for operating the first manipulator or the second manipulator; and a control section configured to select one of a plurality of control modes and control the first manipulator or the second manipulator based on the operation command.

Abstract: Endoscopes having a tip section with viewing elements coupled to a CMOS image sensor and/or a CCD image sensor for transforming light captured by the viewing element into digital and/or analog signals are described. A main connector is coupled with the tip section for transmitting the signals to a main control unit of the endoscope. The main connector includes a pad for transmitting digital signals provided by the CMOS image sensor to a push pin probe in a receptacle of the main control unit. The main connector also include another interface for transmitting analog signals to the main control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device comprising: a socket body qualified according to a first standard, the socket body being hollow and intended to be attached to a panel of an onboard item of equipment; an external connector securely housed in the socket body, the external connector being defined according to a second, different and less robust standard; an internal connector linked to the external connector; a flexible, impedance-matched transition housed at least partially in the socket body and positioned between the external connector and the internal connector, which is configured, when in operation, to match the impedance of the lines passing between the internal connector and the external connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptor that is suitable for attachment to an endoscopic device for delivery of a secondary gas. The adaptor generally comprises an adaptor body with first and second fluid transport components and can include a gas inlet on one of the fluid transport components suitable for attachment to a secondary gas source. A sealing member can be included to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is transported through channels extending through the fluid transport components. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source in an endoscopy procedure.

Abstract: The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.

Abstract: A flexible substrate has an insulating base member and a conductive layer that is formed on the base member and includes an electrical connecting portion fixed to a component and electrically connected to the component, and the flexible substrate includes: a main portion on which the electrical connecting portion is formed; and a protruding portion provided so as to protrude from a portion of the main portion in which the electrical connecting portion is formed, wherein the main portion is bent along a first bending line extending in a first direction, and wherein the protruding portion can be bent along a second bending line extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and is adapted to reduce stress occurring at the electrical connecting portion by the protruding portion being bent along the second bending line.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope including an endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly having a leak test port, an endoscope electro-optic subsystem which is connectable to the endoscope via the endoscope electro-pneumatic connection assembly in a manner which precludes access to the leak test port when the endoscope electro-optic subsystem and the endoscope are connected at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and an electro-pneumatic adaptor, which is connectable to the endoscope at the electro-pneumatic connection assembly and includes an adaptor electro-pneumatic connection assembly, including a leak test port connector for connection to the leak test port of the endoscope, an adaptor electrical port assembly to which the endoscope electro-optic subsystem is connectable and a pneumatic port.

Abstract: A pump device for use in operating theatres and to arrangements composed of corresponding pump devices and endoscopes. A pump device according to the invention for use in operating theatres includes a pump unit with a pump and a control unit, and a pump hose attached to the pump unit. The pump unit further includes a light source that can be controlled by the control unit to display the operating state of the pump unit. The pump hose has a fibre optic which extends along the pump hose, wherein the first end of the fibre optic is designed to couple in light from the controllable light source. The arrangement according to the invention includes a pump device according to the invention and an endoscope, which is designed to deliver flushing liquid to the operating site.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and/or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscope connector capable of stably performing image communication, an endoscope including the endoscope connector and endoscope system. An endoscope connector is provided in an endoscope having an imaging unit at a distal end of an insertion portion, connected with an endoscope processor device, and provided with an image signal transmitting unit transmitting an image signal with respect to the endoscope processor device via optical communication. The image signal transmitting unit is arranged in an image signal transmitting connector connected with a processor device connector. The image signal transmitting connector includes a glass member provided at the tip end through which the image signal passes and a guide member formed on a circumference of the glass member. The guide member has grooves thereon radially extending from the glass member.

Abstract: A catheter with an imaging assembly is disclosed. The catheter is used with a console for viewing and/or storing images obtained from the catheter. The catheter may be a feeding tube assembly. The imaging assembly on the feeding tube assembly allows a user to confirm placement of the feeding tube assembly in the patient's alimentary canal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses and methods for cleaning and disinfecting probes. A cleaner is utilized to remove foreign materials (e.g., bioburden, soil, and other like material) from the probe after it is removed from the patient by soaking and/or flushing the foreign materials from the probe. The cleaner may be an enzymatic detergent that has bacteriostatic properties to inhibit bacterial growth within the apparatus. The multiple enzymes in the cleaner attack the foreign material, and include low-foam properties for effective recirculation across cycles within the cleaning step. The probe is rinsed after the cleaning step, and after rinsing a disinfectant process is applied to the probe. The disinfectant soaks and/or flushes the probe for a specified amount of time across cycles of recirculation to disinfect the surface of the probe, and afterwards the probe is rinsed thoroughly to remove the disinfectant from the probe.

Abstract: The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor includes: a treatment tank configured to allow an endoscope to be disposed inside; a connector including an opening inside the treatment tank; a first conduit extending from the connector; an on-off valve disposed in the first conduit; a leak tester; and a second conduit including a conduit body having a conduit resistance that is higher than a conduit resistance of the first conduit.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a partition wall to shield an inner side space and an outer side space, a cylindrical body including an internal wall surface coupled to the partition wall to be capable of being water tight, and forming a communication hole communicating with the inner side space, and including a through-hole piercing through the internal wall surface to an outer circumference, a valve body fixed to the communication hole keeping watertightness and including a check valve section opening and closing according to a pressure difference between the inner side space and the outer side space, a first frame body provided on an outer circumference side of the cylindrical body and is capable of operating in an axial direction of the cylindrical body, a second frame body sheathed over the cylindrical body and the first frame body keeping watertightness, and forming a first space communicating with the through-hole.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope scope insertion portion having an insertion portion configured to be inserted inside a living organism; an extracorporeal device which is disposed outside the living organism; a first scope-side signal connecting portion that is provided on the endoscope scope insertion portion and has a first electrode; and a cylindrical first extracorporeal-side signal connecting portion that is provided on the extracorporeal device and has a second electrode, the first extracorporeal-side signal connecting portion configured to engage with the first scope-side signal connecting portion.

Abstract: An endoscope which is configured to be connected to an external processing device includes: an insertion part; a distal end part including an imaging unit configured to generate image information and an E/O converter configured to convert the image information into an optical signal and to output the converted optical signal; a connector part including an O/E converter configured to convert the optical signal into an electric signal, a first output unit configured to convert the electric signal into serial data and to output the converted serial data to the processing device, a second output unit configured to convert the electric signal into an optical signal and to output the converted optical signal to the processing device, and a selector configured to select one of the first output unit and the second output unit; and an optical fiber connecting the E/O converter to the O/E converter.

Abstract: A rotating connector formed within an endoscope console for connecting an endoscope to a console, comprising: a fixed part located on the endoscope console for attaching the rotating connector to the console; and a rotating part adapted to be attached to the at least one fixed part such that the rotating part can rotate relatively to the at least one fixed part, the rotating part also adapted to receiving an endoscope connector, wherein the rotating connector enables rotation of the endoscope while eliminating twisting of a proximal shaft connecting the endoscope to the console.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus includes: a CCD; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of a distal end portion; a correlated double sampling section provided in a body portion, the correlated double sampling section extracting a signal component from an image signal outputted from the CCD; a timing generator that generates a sample-and-hold signal for making the correlated double sampling section operate and a drive pulse signal for driving the CCD; and a CPU that adjusts a timing of the sample-and-hold signal or the drive pulse signal generated by the timing generator, based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A cable connector includes a circuit board, having a predetermined width in a manner passable through an elongated tube of an endoscope apparatus, disposed to extend in an axial direction. A terminal group is formed on the circuit board, for electrically contacting a socket connector. First and second land patterns are formed on the circuit board, arranged in the axial direction so that the terminal group is disposed therebetween, wherein a front end of a first electric line group having lines among electric lines of a cable structure is electrically coupled to the first land pattern, and a front end of a second electric line group having lines among the electric lines is coupled to the second land pattern. A wiring pattern is formed on the circuit board, for electrically coupling the first land pattern to the terminal group and coupling the second land pattern to the terminal group.

Abstract: The present specification describes a medical endoscope, such as but not limited to a gastroscope, a colonoscope or a bronchoscope. In particular, the present specification describes an endoscope having a supply cable that includes a coupling element dividing the supply cable into a first section and a second section capable of rotating relative to each other, wherein the endoscope system further includes a control unit or endoscope handle and a main connector or supply plug connected to opposite ends of the supply cable.

Abstract: A biological optical measurement apparatus includes a connector unit to which a measurement probe is detachably connected, a supply unit configured to supply air to the connector unit, a pipe that connects the connector unit and the supply unit, a pressure detection unit configured to detect a pressure value in the pipe, and an abrasion determination unit configured to determine abrasion of the connector unit based on the pressure value detected by the pressure detection unit under conditions that the measurement probe is connected to the connector unit.

Abstract: The present specification describes systems for connecting/disconnecting a main connector of an endoscope assembly to the main control unit. In an embodiment, the system includes an elongated protruding member located on the main connector which is adapted to fit into a female fitting member placed in an opening on the surface of the main control unit wherein said female fitting member is coupled to a motor, which on activation causes the female fitting member to rotate and engage with the elongated protruding member. In an embodiment, the system includes a male bayonet component located on the main connector for connecting with a female bayonet component placed in an opening on a surface of the main control unit, wherein said female fitting member is coupled to a slidable switch through a crankshaft in the main control unit.

Abstract: A signal transmission device includes a transmission unit, a first connection unit, a second connection unit, and a reception unit. The transmission unit sends a transmission signal. The first connection unit includes a first electrode electrically connected to the transmission unit. The second connection unit includes a second electrode that engages with the first connection unit, and, when engaged with the first connection unit, is statically coupled with the first electrode. The reception unit is electrically connected to the second electrode and receives the transmission signal.

Abstract: A channel tube inserted into an insertion portion of an endoscope includes: a rear side tube including, on a part of an outer surface thereof, a helical-shaped groove; and a front side tube including, on a part of an outer surface thereof, a helical-shaped groove; a connecting pipe for connecting one end of the rear side tube and one end of the front side tube; and a coil wound on the groove of the rear side tube. The rear side tube is connected to the connecting pipe at a part where the groove is formed and the coil is not wound, and the front side tube is connected to the connecting pipe at a part where a coil is not wound.

Abstract: A connector assembly for controllable articles is described herein. The connector assembly engages force transmission elements used to transmit force from one or more force generators with the force transmission elements used to manipulate a controllable article. Additionally, the connector assembly provides organization thereby simplifying the process of connecting a plurality of elements, usually with a quick, single movement.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged onto the exterior surface of another medical device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

Abstract: A flexible tube portion of an insertion portion of an electronic endoscope and a universal cable each includes a laminated tube member and a corrugated tube connection member. The laminated tube member includes a conductive tube member and an insulating cover covering the conductive tube member. The corrugated tube connection member includes a fixing hole where an end portion of the laminated tube member is inserted. The end portion of the laminated tube member is adhesively fixed. The end portion of the laminated tube member is an electrical connection portion, and the conductive tube member is exposed. The corrugated tube connection member includes a conductive elastic member in the fixing hole. The conductive elastic member electrically connects the electrical connection portion to the corrugated tube connection member. The conductive elastic member is elastically deformable radially and contacts an outer surface of the conductive tube member with a predetermined pressing force.

Abstract: An insertion portion, a function portion, an operation portion, a universal cord, a connection connector, a drive member that generates a drive force for causing the function portion to act, a connection portion that is provided at the connection connector and has the drive member connected thereto, and a drive force transmitting member that is inserted through the universal cord, and transmits the drive force generated by the drive member connected to the connection portion to the function portion are included.

Abstract: A plug-in unit with integral cable connection to the operating part of an endoscope and plug connections for lamps, mechanical, and/or electronic modules is characterized in that a hollow tube extending to the distal end of the endoscope is inserted into the plug-in unit by the integral cable connection and the operating part and has its proximal end positioned so that it is freely movable in the plug-in unit in such a way that can be conducted out of a closeable bore-hole in the wall of the plug-in unit.

Abstract: An insertion assisting device 60 has an insertion path 70 into which an insertion portion 12 of an endoscope 100 is inserted and has a substantially tubular shape. The insertion assisting device 60 includes a ventilation opening 90 that is formed on a distal-end surface or outer circumferential surface thereof, a ventilation duct 74 that communicates with the opening 90 and is different from the insertion path 70, and a liquid reservoir tank 116 that is connected to a base-end side of the duct 74 and stores liquid flowing out of the duct 74.

Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.

Abstract: An imaging system can include a base unit and one or more imaging units. The base unit can include a main interface that has a plurality of main electrical connectors and one or more main mechanical connectors. A mechanical system is located in the base unit. Each imaging unit can include an elongate support member having a proximal end, a proximal section, a bendable section, and a distal end. Also, an imaging interface that couples with the main interface can be included on the proximal end of the elongate support member. The imaging interface includes a plurality of imaging electrical connectors that correspond and connect with the main electrical connectors of the main interface and includes one or more imaging mechanical connectors that correspond and connect with main mechanical connectors of the main interface. Mechanical actuators can bend the bendable section under control from the base unit.

Abstract: An endoscope of the invention includes: an insertion portion including in a distal end portion thereof an image pickup portion for picking up an image of an object in a living body; an operation portion connected to a proximal end side of the insertion portion; a cable including a connector portion connectable to a processor for performing signal processing on a signal outputted when the image of the object is picked up; a light source portion for emitting light to illuminate the object, the light source portion being provided in the connector portion; a light transmitting portion for transmitting the light emitted from the light source portion to the distal end portion to emit the light to the object; and a heat-radiating portion capable of radiating heat emitted from the light source portion, the heat-radiating portion being provided in the connector portion.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an apparatus main body having a housing with a concave portion formed in one surface, and an endoscope unit including a detachable connector portion in the concave portion, wherein, when the connector portion is mounted to the concave portion, the connector portion constitutes a part of the one surface. More preferably, a packing is provided in the housing or the connector portion that, when the connector portion is mounted to the housing, retains the mutual mating surfaces of the housing and the connector portion in a closely contacting state.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cable assembly for a medical device. The cable assembly may include a plurality of conductors each defining a longitudinal axis. The plurality of conductors may be spaced so that the longitudinal axes of the plurality of conductors are parallel. The cable assembly may further include a layer of insulation material completely surrounding each of the plurality of conductors. The layer of insulation material may also extend between adjacent conductors to substantially fill areas between adjacent conductors along a length of the cable assembly, and at least one conductor may be electrically coupled to electronics at a distal portion of the electronic device.

Abstract: A medical appliance including a medical instrument that is separable from an actuator support, the appliance including a connection and disconnection system including a connector carried by the instrument and including a guide for guiding at least one actuator rod retained elastically in the guide by a head, and a coupling endpiece carried by the support and including at least one engagement mechanism that is guided in rotation and that defines a reception setback for receiving the head of the actuator rod. The engagement mechanism is fitted with a rotary coupling member complementary to the rotary coupling member presented by the connector, and the endpiece also presents at least one hook connected to an actuator system.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a plurality of connection portions to which an endoscope can be connected, respectively, wherein a priority setting portion sets a connection priority of the plurality of connection portions, a drive portion supplies a drive signal to one endoscope and a control portion that controls so that the drive portion supplies the drive signal to any one endoscope only based on the connection priority. The endoscope apparatus further includes an identification portion that identifies the kind of endoscope based on a resistance value of a specific resistance that differs according to a kind of the endoscope that is arranged in the endoscope, and that is detected by cancelling a contact resistance in the connection portion.

Abstract: A system for wirelessly powering various devices positioned on an endoscope, including, for example, a light source, various electronics including an imager and/or a memory device. The system is further provided such that video signal processing parameters are automatically set for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.

Abstract: A connector system includes a plug section, and a receptacle section having a concave portion in an inside of which the plug section can be inserted, wherein the plug section includes a flange portion including a first inclined surface portion which increases in diameter toward an extraction direction, and a second inclined surface portion which decreases in diameter toward the extraction direction on an extraction direction side of the first inclined surface portion, in which an inclination angle with respect to an insertion direction of the second inclined surface portion is larger than an inclination angle with respect to the insertion direction of the first inclined surface portion, and the receptacle section includes a ball which is placed to be projectable/retractable from a side surface portion of the concave portion.

Abstract: A cable connector includes a circuit board, having a predetermined width in a manner passable through an elongated tube of an endoscope apparatus, disposed to extend in an axial direction. A terminal group is formed on the circuit board, for electrically contacting a socket connector. First and second land patterns are formed on the circuit board, arranged in the axial direction so that the terminal group is disposed therebetween, wherein a front end of a first electric line group having lines among electric lines of a cable structure is electrically coupled to the first land pattern, and a front end of a second electric line group having lines among the electric lines is coupled to the second land pattern. A wiring pattern is formed on the circuit board, for electrically coupling the first land pattern to the terminal group and coupling the second land pattern to the terminal group.

Abstract: An endoscopic system is composed by connecting an endoscope and peripheral equipment. The endoscope has an endoscope main body, and an imaging unit, which is slender imaging optics. The endoscope is constructed so that the endoscope main body and imaging unit are freely connectable and separable. The endoscope main body has an insertion part which is inserted into an abdominal cavity, a branch member, which is a middle end of the endoscope main body, and provided in a proximal end portion of the insertion part, a first extension part provided in the proximal end portion of the branch member, a main body operation unit provided in a proximal end portion of the first extension part, a universal cord, and a connection unit, which is provided in a proximal end portion of the universal cord, and is connected to the peripheral equipment.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an endoscope connector at a proximal end portion of a universal cable that is extended from an endoscope operation portion. The endoscope connector includes: a first unit that is provided at the proximal end portion of the universal cable, and inside which are inserted a fluid conduit and a signal transmission line that are inserted through inside of the universal cable; a second unit that is connected and fixed to the first unit, and that internally includes a connection conduit that is connected to the fluid conduit; and a signal transmission cable that is integrated with a side portion of the first unit and includes an electrical connector at an end portion.

Abstract: A rotating connector formed within an endoscope console for connecting an endoscope to a console, comprising: a fixed part located on the endoscope console for attaching the rotating connector to the console; and a rotating part adapted to be attached to the at least one fixed part such that the rotating part can rotate relatively to the at least one fixed part, the rotating part also adapted to receiving an endoscope connector, wherein the rotating connector enables rotation of the endoscope while eliminating twisting of a proximal shaft connecting the endoscope to the console.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptor that is suitable for attachment to an endoscopic device for delivery of a secondary gas. The adaptor can comprise a substantially cylindrical body with a two, opposing closed ends, two fluid transport channels extending through the cylindrical body and opening at the closed ends, and an inlet port extending outward from the cylindrical body and being in fluid connection with one of the fluid transport channels. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source in an endoscopy procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptor that is suitable for attachment to an endoscopic device for delivery of a secondary gas. The adaptor generally comprises an adaptor body with first and second fluid transport components and can include a gas inlet on one of the fluid transport components suitable for attachment to a secondary gas source. A sealing member can be included to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is transported through channels extending through the fluid transport components. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source in an endoscopy procedure.

Abstract: A first fiber stub incorporating a first GI fiber is connected to a first optical fiber by a PC connection. The first GI fiber expands a beam diameter of light transmitted by the first optical fiber and collimates this light. A second fiber stub is connected to a second optical fiber by the PC connection. The second fiber stub, facing the first fiber stub across a predetermined gap G therebetween, converges the light transmitted from the first fiber stub using a second GI fiber incorporated therein. The second fiber stub transmits the converged light to the second optical fiber. When the first fiber stub or the second fiber stub is damaged, the first fiber stub or the second fiber stub is pulled out from a first sleeve or a second sleeve, respectively for replacement.