Schott Fiber Optics, Inc.

Sli, Inc.

John M Smith

Walter P Siegmund

Robert A Brunell

Paul W Remijan

Frank R Ward

George J Carpenter

Damien J McBride

Andrew William Santin

James A Ouellette

Flexible fiberoptic scope handle

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. Relatively simple lenses are incorporated at the ends of the rod for image formation so as to cover a wide object field and to relay the image to a video camera. Stereo measuring embodiments of the endoscope provides dual optical paths for yielding two images containing parallax data.

Method of making and using a rigid endoscope having a modified high

Rigid endoscope having modified high refractive index tunnel rod for

In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, a combination is provided of a tubular elbow tube and mounting bracket which attaches directly on to the engine to a receiving end component at an entry port opening into the engine. The attachment of the bracket to the engine orients the elbow tube at a precise and reliable direction, thus forming a pathway through which the flexible probe is precisely guided to the desired interior location with minimal manipulation. Attachment of the bracket to a receiving component on the engine permits entry of the probe close to the entry port opening. Thus, the flexible probe requires a minimal amount of contortion or bend to reach the interior destination.

Elbow guide tube assembly

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a hollow, flexible guide tube assembly is provided which is a combination of a front elbow attached to a flexible tubular coil spring which is attached to a hollow, tubular handle section, forming a continuous tubular compartment in a configuration that permits the inspector to penetrate and view the inside of an engine through an external access port. The assembly further may comprise an adjustable mounting flange, attachable to an engine bulkhead, movable along the tubular axis of a tubular handle attached to the flexible coil spring that frees the operator from holding the guide tube while performing the inspection. The flexible guide tube assembly facilitates passage of the endoscope into an inaccessible location of device which is to be visually inspected. The flexible guide tube assembly guides the endoscope past obstacles and large gaps that make insertion time consuming, laborious, and damaging to the endoscope.

Flexible guide tube assembly

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.

Endoscope connector

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Southbridge, MA, United States of America

John M Smith