Abstract: A camera head with multiple image sensors that may be detachably connected to an endoscope is presented. Each sensor capturing a portion of the image by the attached endoscope. One sensor receives two portions of the image light at opposing sides of the central image area, and another sensor receives the central image area. The output from the multiple sensors is combined and manipulated into a single higher resolution image which can then be displayed to the user. A virtual horizon rotation feature is also provided which can rotate a displayed image within a combined field of view including data from the multiple image sensors. Various light directing element designs are provided to direct image light to the multiple sensors.

Abstract: A camera head includes: a mounting portion having an abutting surface on which an eyepiece portion of an endoscope abuts in a direction along an optical axis of a subject image emitted from the eyepiece portion; and an elastic portion including elastic material and detachably attached to the mounting portion, the elastic portion being configured to sandwich the eyepiece portion with the abutting surface, and bias the eyepiece portion toward the abutting surface.

Abstract: A lens unit for observing an object, comprises an optical system comprising one or more successive lenses, and an optical device, comprising: at least one first optical element of the lens type, defining a front surface and a rear surface, the first optical element being produced from an optically transparent material and having a refractive index “n1”, a second optical element, defining a front surface and a rear surface, and being optically coupled by its front surface to the rear surface of the first optical element, the second optical element being produced from a material with a refractive index n2 and provided with at least one portion produced from a material optically absorbing visible light. The optical device being substituted for the lens of the optical system or at least for the end lens among the successive lenses in the optical system.

Abstract: A negative lens, for an oblique-view endoscope objective, has a first face with a first optical surface and a second face with a second optical surface opposing the first optical surface, the second optical surface being a concave optical surface, wherein a recess is formed in the second face adjacent to the concave optical surface. An endoscope objective, that includes a deflection prism having an entrance face and further including a negative lens, the negative lens having a first face with a first optical surface and a second face with a second optical surface opposing the first optical surface, the second optical surface being a concave optical surface. The negative lens is mounted on a distal planar surface of the deflection prism such that a rim encompassing the concave optical surface abuts the distal planar surface of the deflection prism.

Abstract: An endoscope lighting device to be used for an endoscope is provided. The endoscope lighting device includes a housing. A laser light source is in the housing. A fiber cable receives laser light emitted by the laser light source. A phosphor of a fluorescent light emitter emits fluorescent light using the laser light exiting from the fiber cable. A blower generates airflow in the housing. A shakable body contacts the fiber cable and shakes in reaction to the airflow generated by the blower.

Abstract: A composite plastic lens including: a lens having a convex surface, a lens back surface, and a protrusion formed on at least part of an periphery; and a holder, the lens and the holder being molded integrally, wherein the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the lens including an optical axis on the convex surface side is such that a profile line on the convex surface side is curved in a direction getting closer to the lens back side as it goes from the optical axis side toward a turning point out of an optical effective area, and the cross sectional shape of the protrusion is inverted from the turning point out of the optical effective area toward the periphery in a direction away from the lens back surface, and the holder is fitted to the protrusion so as to include the turning point and is molded integrally on the peripheral side of the resin lens.

Abstract: A composite plastic lens including: a lens having a convex surface, a lens back surface, and a protrusion formed on at least part of an periphery; and a holder, the lens and the holder being molded integrally, wherein the cross-sectional shape of at least part of the lens including an optical axis on the convex surface side is such that a profile line on the convex surface side is curved in a direction getting closer to the lens back side as it goes from the optical axis side toward a turning point out of an optical effective area, and the cross sectional shape of the protrusion is inverted from the turning point out of the optical effective area toward the periphery in a direction away from the lens back surface, and the holder is fitted to the protrusion so as to include the turning point and is molded integrally on the peripheral side of the resin lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection apparatus which detects an object to be detected, the apparatus including an illumination system configured to illuminate the object with light containing a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range, a detector configured to detect light from the object illuminated by the illumination system, and an optical member configured to set a transmittance for light in the first wavelength range and a transmittance for light in the second wavelength range to be different from each other, thereby reducing a difference between an intensity value of the light which has the first wavelength range and is detected by the detector and an intensity value of the light which has the second wavelength range and is detected by the detector.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a window component made of a transparent material at the distal end of the endoscope, wherein the window component is not rotationally symmetric in relation to the direction of view, and an optical correction apparatus for correcting the aberration of the window component.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present disclosure can be achieved by provision of an apparatus for illuminating a structure(s), which can include a first arrangement and a second arrangement which can each be configured to rotate and deflect a radiation(s) transmitted therethrough at an angle with respect to an axis of rotation thereof. There can be a plurality of rotating third arrangements, where at least one can be connected to the first arrangement, and at least another one can be connected to the second arrangement. A fourth arrangement can be connected to the third arrangements, and can he configured to rotate the third arrangements. One of the rotating third arrangements can be flexible, can have a length that is greater than ten times a diameter of the first arrangement or the second arrangement, can he surrounded by a housing, and/or can contain an optical waveguide arrangement extending therethrough.

Abstract: In an endoscope objective lens which includes a reflective member that bends an optical path substantially at a right angle inserted between the last lens surface and an image sensor disposed on the image plane, the effective diameter of the last lens surface is made smaller than the size of the image sensor in a direction corresponding to the optical path bending direction and the endoscope objective lens is made so as to satisfy a conditional expression given below. h1<V+0.

Abstract: A portable battery powered self-illuminated multispectral multi-magnification colposcope for visual inspection of the cervix. Includes a housing, an eyepiece, at least one illuminator having two or more wavelength ranges, e.g., white and non-Red, which projects light towards a cervix of a patient. Also includes two or more discrete magnification level paths situated within the housing that pass light reflected from the cervix to the eyepiece when a selected magnification level path is selected by an operator and asserted by a controller. The controller is coupled with the at least one illuminator and the two or more discrete magnification level paths and accepts user gestures via user interface elements to select illumination and magnification settings, wherein the user interface elements may be operated with the hand of the operator that supports the apparatus.

Abstract: A light source apparatus for supplying a light guide device incorporated in an endoscope with a light beam is provided. A light emitting device of semiconductor, for example, laser diode generates the light beam. A light homogenizer homogenizes irradiance distribution of the light beam in a radial direction. A short focus lens is disposed between the light homogenizer and the light guide device, for enlarging a divergence angle of the light beam. Furthermore, the light homogenizer is a transparent light guide rod disposed to extend in an optical axis direction of the light beam. A diameter of the light homogenizer is constant in an optical axis direction thereof. The diameter of the light homogenizer is equal to or less than a diameter of the short focus lens.

Abstract: Some embodiments herein generally relate to self-clean lenses, sensor systems, and/or methods of cleaning. In some embodiments, a self-cleaning lens is provided for a sensor for monitoring a liquid.

Abstract: A stereo-endoscope is provided having a hollow shank with two axially parallel optical channels, which channels run through the hollow shank and respectively form at least a section of an image path to respective oculars of a binocular observation device arranged on the proximal end of the hollow shank. Moreover, the stereo-endoscope includes a camera connection, and one of the optical channels also forms at least one section of an image path to the camera connection.

Abstract: A microscope apparatus and a microscopic method that uses the microscope apparatus for examining a sample or a specimen, such as but not limited to a tissue sample or a tissue specimen, includes a convex curved distal exit window at a distal end of the microscope apparatus. Due to the presence of the convex curved distal exit window, the microscope apparatus may readily make contact with the sample or the specimen absent trauma to the sample or the specimen. In addition, an index of refraction matched immersion fluid may be used for focusing the microscope apparatus by hydraulic movement of an objective optic lens assembly interior to the distal exit window with respect to the distal exit window. The convex curved distal exit window and index of refraction matched immersion fluid characteristics may be extended to various microscope apparatuses and methods, and in particular medical microscope apparatuses and methods.

Abstract: The invention is a rotating tip catheter-imaging probe where electromagnetic energy is delivered to the distal end of a catheter and converted to mechanical energy using a light drive apparatus. The mechanical energy is then used to rotate a mirror that redirects light in fixed pattern on a sample. The rotating element of the light drive apparatus contains vanes, which rotate about an axis and positioned with bearings to minimize friction. A chamber encompasses the rotating element and is set to a vacuum pressure. The rotational speed of the catheter tip can be controlled by varying the optical power delivered to the vanes, the vacuum pressure in the chamber, or by a braking mechanism applied to the rotating element. The vanes may be shaped in a particular geometry to increase forces on the vanes from thermally driven gas flow.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for an endoscope guiding externally-entering light to a transparent light-guiding body including an annular-shaped annular portion, the annular portion including an inner circumferential face and an outer circumferential face, and making the light exit from the annular portion as illuminating light, wherein the light-guiding body includes: a notch portion formed by cutting out a part of the annular portion so as to form a line extending perpendicularly from the outer circumferential face toward the inner circumference side of the annular portion from a line extending from a point on an outer circumference of a circle in a cross section of the annular portion; and an incident portion that allows the light to enter in a direction along the line extending from the point on the outer circumference, the direction being a direction perpendicular to a cutout surface of the notch portion provided in the annular portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for releasing a ligament. In one embodiment, the system includes a proximal handle, a tubular body, and a flexible body. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The handle is coupled to the proximal end. The flexible body extends through the tubular body and includes a tissue cutting portion. The flexible body or tubular body is longitudinally displaceable to move the tissue cutting portion between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: An optical lens comprising a lens body that transmits light in an optical path there through, wherein the lens body consists of an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and a medium there between, further wherein one of the anterior surface and the posterior surface has a single curvature and the other of the anterior surface and the posterior surface has at, least two optical zones each having a different curvature. An optical system, comprising a multi-photon endoscope having a distal end, and the optical lens disposed in the distal end. A method for obtaining an image of an object comprising providing the multi-photon endoscope, propagating light from the endoscope scanner one optical zone of the lens to focus the light at a focus location, and propagating light from the scanner through a different optical zones of the lens to focus the light at a different focus location.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are directed to apparatuses, arrangements, systems and methods for collecting information using one or more modalities. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes first and second scanning mirror arrangements having different scanning axes and respectively facing different directions. The first scanning mirror arrangement directs source light and image light in two paths, and the second scanning mirror arrangement directs image light from a target to the first scanning mirror arrangement. The first and second scanning mirror arrangements cooperatively scan source light from the first scanning mirror and via the second scanning mirror to target locations with at least two degrees of freedom, and direct image light from the target locations.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a resin molded article, includes a primary molding step of molding a primary compact having an optical element and a protruding portion by using a light transmissive molding material, and a secondary molding step of molding a secondary compact that supports the primary compact by using a molding material different from the molding material and integrating the primary compact with the secondary compact. The protruding portion is molded to protrude on the secondary compact side, and at the primary molding step, the molding material of the primary compact is supplied into a molding space for the optical element and it is thereby supplied into a cavity of a molding die for the primary compact.

Abstract: A lighting optical device is disposed in a distal portion of an endoscope, and illuminates a target with light transmitted through a light guide. An optical element has an incident surface facing the light guide, an outer circumferential portion having light reflection function, and a convex exit surface. In a lens mounting hole formed in the distal portion, a lens is housed in front of and at a predetermined distance away from the optical element fixed in a lens barrel. An outer diameter of the lens is greater than that of the optical element. To allow light rays, coming out of a peripheral portion of the exit surface of the optical element and traveling parallel with an optical axis, to be incident on the lens, a diameter of a space between the optical element and the lens is greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the optical element.

Abstract: An objective lens for an endoscope, including a negative front lens group and a positive rear lens group arranged such that an aperture stop is positioned therebetween, wherein the front lens group has at least a front-side negative lens and a front-side positive lens arranged in this order from an object side, and the rear lens group has at least a rear-side positive lens and a cemented lens arranged in this order from the object side, the cemented lens being configured by cementing together negative and positive lenses. The objective lens satisfies following conditions: ?4.5?fF/f??2.0 and 1.5?fRP/f?2.5, where fF (unit: mm) represent of the front lens group, f (unit: mm) represents a total focal length of the front lens group and the rear lens group, and fRP (unit: mm) represents a focal length of the rear-side positive lens.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a micro sensing apparatus comprising a sensing device, a cylindrical plastic body and a plurality of circuits. The sensing device has a bottom surface. The cylindrical plastic body is axially coupled to the sensing device and includes a connecting portion and a carrying portion, and the connecting portion has a first end surface coupled to the bottom surface, and the carrying portion is integrally formed and coupled to the connecting portion, and the carrying portion includes a plurality of electronic devices installed thereon and a plurality of circuits formed on the carrying portion. With the integrally formed connecting portion and carrying portion, the problem of requiring an adapting mechanism of a conventional sensing device to couple a printed circuit board can be solved. The cylindrical plastic body is axially coupled to the sensing device to reduce the overall external diameter of the micro sensing apparatus.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and light sources. In one embodiment, an endoscopic adaptor is provided for viewing fluorescent nanoparticles. The adaptor can be configured to removably mate to a portion of an endoscope, such as an eyepiece, and it can be adapted to contain a filter for filtering light received through the viewing lumen of the eyepiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter is configured to transmit fluorescent light while blocking visible light, to thereby enable a structure containing one or more fluorescent nanoparticles to be viewed through the endoscope.

Abstract: Methods and systems related to detecting disease, such as oral cancer, in a patient, using a viewing scope to investigate a patient's tissues. The systems and methods excite and detect fluorescence from the tissue. The fluorescence can then be evaluated, and the possibility of certain diseases such as cancer can be determined. The devices include an ambient light management system (ALMS, often referred to as a “vestibular device”) that manages background light in the health practitioner's office. This device can be used with scope systems for fluorescence based detection of abnormal tissue.

Abstract: An endoscope device of the invention includes: an insertion portion disposed with an observation optical system; an operation portion continuously provided to a proximal end side of the insertion portion; a display device main body provided to a proximal end side of the operation portion and disposed with a monitor portion for displaying a subject image; a rotational movement shaft for rotationally movably journaling the display device main body with respect to the operation portion; and a finger-hooking portion provided to the display device main body and for operation of rotationally moving the display device main body about a rotational movement shaft, and thus it is possible for an operator to easily orient the monitor of the display device in an easily viewable direction when operatably grasping the operation portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. A variable state optical member may be coupled within the distal end portion of the elongate member. The variable state optical member may include a first configuration and a second configuration different from the first configuration. An imager may be disposed within the distal end portion of the elongate member. The imager may be configured to produce an imaging signal associated with a tissue distal to the elongate member when the variable state optical member is in the first configuration. The imager may be also configured to produce an imaging signal associated with a tissue lateral to the elongate member when the variable state optical member is in the second configuration.

Abstract: The present optical image viewing fiberoptic otoscope electromagnetically passive. A body portion is connectable to a light source and has mounted to it a fiberoptic cable and an optical viewer. The fiberoptic cable is thin and flexible, and contains separate light and image transmission paths. Its distal end is adapted for emitting and receiving light. The body includes a light source connection for interfacing an external light source. An optical-type image viewer attached to the body is in light communication with the image path for displaying a received image for viewing by a user. One or more tools are mountable to the otoscope body or fiberoptic cable for performing an operation at the distal end of the fiberoptic cable, e.g., removal of a material from the site. Optionally, the otoscope body may be mounted to a headband via an articulated support arm.

Abstract: An endoscopic swept-source Fourier Domain optical coherence tomographic system (FDOCT system) for imaging of tissue structure includes a Fourier Domain mode locked (FDML), high speed, narrow line-width, wavelength swept source, an OCT interferometer having a sample arm, a reference arm, a detection arm, and a source arm coupled to the swept source, an endoscopic probe coupled to the sample arm, and a data processing circuit coupled to the detection arm. The swept source includes a long optic fiber functioning as a cavity, a high optical gain lasing module, and a tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter for wavelength selection combined to form a unidirectional ring laser cavity, where the tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter is driven synchronously with the optical round-trip time of a propagating light wave in the cavity.

Abstract: An illumination optical system for endoscopes, which is used by combining the llumination optical system with an objective optical system, where the objective optical system can observe a predetermined area at least ranging from the lateral direction to the backward direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of an endoscope and across the range of 180 degrees or more in the circumferential direction of the endoscope, and which is provided with an illumination optical system capable of radiating light to the predetermined area which can be observed by the objective optical system, is formed in such a way that illumination light becomes central darkening along the longitudinal direction of the endoscope and across the range of 180 degrees in the circumferential direction of the endoscope which can be observed by the objective optical system and that the illumination optical system has a luminous intensity distribution characteristic in which the central-darkening illumination light is radiated to the

Abstract: An endoscope, in particular for intubating an airway, includes a shaft, which in its distal end area includes a lens system for receiving an endoscopic image, and an endoscope head, which includes a first head section, which is connected with the shaft, as well as a second head section which includes an eyepiece, such that the second head section is configured tiltably in relation to the first head section, and such that the endoscope includes an image conductor, which is flexible at least in sections, for transmitting to the eyepiece the image captured by the lens system. The image conductor is surrounded by a protective tube that continues from the shaft as far as the second head section and is flexibly tiltable at least in sections. As a result, protection is afforded from both mechanical damage and from penetration of steam in superheated-steam sterilization.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical system and an optical system module, coupled to a distal end of a fluorescence emission endoscope apparatus, an optical waveguide-based fluorescence emission endoscopy system, and a method for remotely-controlled, multi-magnification imaging of a target or fluorescence emission collection from a target with a fluorescence emission endoscope apparatus. An exemplary system includes an objective lens disposed in a distal end of an endoscope apparatus. The lens is adapted to transmit both a visible target illumination and a fluorescence-emission-inducing target illumination as well as fluorescence-emission and visible light from the target. The system can thus simultaneously provide low magnification, large field of view imaging and high magnification, high-resolution multiphoton imaging with a single lens system.

Abstract: Out of optical elements that are provided to the top end side of an inserting portion of an endoscope, a first optical element arranged closest to an observation object side and a second optical element joined hermetically to the first optical element via an air layer are joined at joined surfaces by a first adhesive. Also, peripheries of end portions of the joined surfaces are covered with a second adhesive whose moisture permeability is lower than the first adhesive.

Abstract: An endoscope having a hollow shaft for inserting an image guide, so that the distal end of the shaft is configured at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the shaft is closed at the distal end by means of an end piece provided with a pass-through borehole for the image guide. To create an endoscope with an image transmission system of sufficient image size and image quality that can be autoclaved for cleaning purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the image guide should be positioned in the shaft in such a way that the bending radius of the image guide in the area of the bending of the shaft is greater than the bending radius of the shaft in the area of the bending.

Abstract: This application presents to an endoscope having a compact distal tip, and to a method for constructing same. In some embodiments one or more optical and sensing elements are mounted directly on an internal surface of a lumen within an external housing, which housing comprises an outer wall of the endoscope tip. Space saved by eliminating intervening containing elements can be used to enhance endoscope performance and/or reduce endoscope size.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an outer tube having a sharpened distal end and a retractable sleeve slidably disposed in the outer tube. An image conduit is attached to the distal end of the retractable sleeve for imaging any object in contact with the distal tip of the image conduit.

Abstract: An optical system which can be detached and attached is constituted such that it is arranged at the object side of an objective optical system for endoscope in which an incidence pupil is arranged, and a middle image of the objective is formed at its inside, and in the arrangement state, the incidence pupil of the objective optical system for endoscope is relayed at a predetermined position which is more projected toward the utmost object side than a surface at the object side in the endoscope. (An incidence pupil which is conjugate with an incidence pupil is arranged at a position which is more projected toward the object side by a predetermined amount than a surface which is at the utmost object side in the endoscope).

Abstract: By reducing the outer diameter, increasing the overall length, and correcting chromatic aberration well, the invention realizes an objective optical system and examination apparatus that are suitable for in-vivo examination with a sufficiently increased length and widened observation range. The invention provides a compact objective optical system and an examination apparatus comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens group having positive power; a second lens group including a compound lens; a third lens group formed of a biconvex lens; a fourth lens group having positive power and including a compound lens; and a fifth lens group having positive power. Joining surfaces of the compound lens included in the second lens group and the compound lens included in the fourth lens group have negative power.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with a housing, containing at least one optical system and a hygroscopic substance, and in which an eyepiece is detachably secured to the housing. In order to design an optical instrument of the aforementioned type in such a way that the hygroscopic substance can be integrated easily and safely into the housing, the invention proposes that the hygroscopic substance should be imbedded in a moldable matrix material and that the matrix material caulked with the hygroscopic substance can be replaceably inserted in the eyepiece.

Abstract: Improved optical devices and methods transmit optical images along elongate optical paths with relatively limited cross-sectional dimensions using an improved objective, relay, and ocular systems. In a first aspect, at least one intermediate image formed within an optical component, rather than being formed in a gap between optical components. In a preferred embodiment, a first intermediate image is formed within glass of the most proximal objective lens, with the first intermediate image extending axially along a curved image location within the glass. The last intermediate image may similarly be disposed within a distal lens of the ocular system. By making use of a first and/or last intermediate image disposed in this manner within a lens, endoscopes can exhibit a significantly larger Numerical Aperture than known endoscopes having similar cross-sectional dimensions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical endoscope (1) that comprises a proximal end piece (3) and an optical system (4) that can be inserted up to a proximal eyepiece (5). A spring-loaded locking device is configured in the end piece and engages in a groove (8) of a pin (7) in a locking manner. Said pin is provided with a tip (9), distally projects from the eyepiece and can be inserted in the groove. A slide (12a) is disposed in a shaft (11) that extends in the end piece (3) and can be actuated from the shaft end. Said slide is coupled to one or more blades (15a) in such a manner that it lifts them off the pin when the device is actuated, the blades being slideable cross-wise to the pin in the end piece and being pressed against the pin under the action of a spring.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with a housing (1), containing at least one optical system (2) and a hygroscopic substance, and in which an eyepiece (6) is detachably secured to the housing (1). In order to design an optical instrument of the aforementioned type in such a way that the hygroscopic substance can be integrated easily and safely into the housing (1), the invention proposes that the hygroscopic substance should be imbedded in a moldable matrix material and that the matrix material caulked with the hygroscopic substance can be replaceably inserted in the eyepiece (6).

Abstract: An endoscope suitable for autoclave sterilization includes an insertion section having an objective lens section disposed at the extreme end thereof for focusing a subject image and an eyepiece section located on the base end side of the inserting section and including at least an eyepiece lens. an image guide fiber is disposed in the bundle for transmitting the subject image in an observation section focused by the objective lens section. An eyepiece lens unit is disposed in the eyepiece section, the eyepiece lens unit causing the eyepiece lens to confront the base end structure whose hermetic seal level is higher than the watertight seal level of the shell of the endoscope. A focus position changing means is disposed to the eyepiece lens unit to change the focus position of the eyepiece lens. The eyepiece section is so constructed and/or assembled that the autoclave sterilization process does not cause water vapor or the like to adversely affect the operability of the eyepiece section.

Abstract: The present invention is a modularly structured endoscope with an interchangeable image transmission unit and an endoscope casing which includes the optical fiber system. Due to the modular design, the light transmission unit can be repaired independently of the image transmission unit.

Abstract: A composition has a durability to a sterilization treatment using vapor under high temperature and pressure and capable of transmitting or absorbing light. The composition comprises a group A including 15 to 23 mol % of lanthanum oxide, 3 to 8 mol % of gadolinium oxide, 3 to 8 mol % of tantalum oxide, and 8 mol % or less of yttrium oxide; a group B including 30 to 45 mol % of boron oxide, 20 mol % or less of silicon oxide, and 20 mol % or less of germanium oxide; zero mol % of alkaline metal oxide or alkaline earth metal oxide; and a group D including 0.3 to 15 mol % of niobium oxide and 3 to 15 mol % of zirconium oxide. A mol % ratio A/B between the group A and group B is 80% or more, and a dissolving-out rate of metal ion of the composition is 0.002×10−6 mol/hour or less per square centimeter.

Abstract: A hand-held ophthalmoscope modified by the removal or augmentation of the focusing wheel and the addition of a manual or automatic focusing lens system. An electronic imager (CCD array or video camera) is placed optically conjugate to a viewing screen such that focus operations performed by the examiner to adjust the image seen by the examiner on the screen also focuses the image on the electronic imager. This is accomplished by an optical system which includes a straight path from the viewing screen to the patient's eye with a beam splitter interposed to cause the image of the patient's eye to be reflected onto the imager. As a result, when the examiner uses the focusing lens system, manual or automatic, positioned between the beam splitter and the patient's eye, to affect the image viewed by the examiner, the focus of the imager is simultaneously affected as well.

Abstract: A monocular borescope or endoscope is provided with an image relaying means (16) defining a longitudinal axis (L)(and with a viewing means comprising an ocular lens (20) and field mask (18) defining a central axis (C) which is parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis (L). In one embodiment the ocular lens (20) is coincident with the central axis (C) of the mask (18), while in another embodiment the ocular lens (20) is coincident with the longitudinal axis (L). The mask (18) is arranged to be mountable in a number of different rotational orientations each providing a different offset between the longitudinal axis (L) and the central axis (C).