Hutchinson Technology Corporation

Kenneth R Quast

Dean E Myers

Mark Steven Lewandowski

Mark A Schmidt

Joseph P Ortner

Sergey I Gritsenko

Diane L Rupp

An optical structure for combining light from a plurality of individual optical fibers into a single optical transmission device. The structure can be incorporated into the optical probe of a spectrophotometric instrument and includes a plurality of optical send fibers having input and output ends and an optical light mixer having input and output ends. The output ends of the send fibers are secured in optical communication with the input end of the light mixer.

Fiber optic light mixer

A disposable tip adapted for use in connection with an optical probe of an instrument. The tip includes a one-piece molded elastomeric base member having a boot and an opaque tissue-engaging surface. The boot releasably mates with and provides an interference/friction fit to the probe. The tissue-engaging surface surrounds and extends from the boot. A window in the base member extends into the boot to transmit light between the probe and tissue. A layer of optically transparent material covers the window on the tissue-engaging surface. Adhesive on the tissue-engaging surface of the base member releasably secures the probe to the tissue being analyzed.

Disposable tissue probe tip

An optical connector latch to optically couple at least one optical fiber ferrule on an interface housing with an optics receptacle mount on an instrument and a method of using the same. The optical connector latch comprises one or more shell pegs adapted to advance the interface housing into engagement with the optics receptacle mount. One or more ferrule pins are adapted to extend through latch holes in the interface housing and latch holes in the optics receptacle mount to engage with the optical fiber ferrule. A drive mechanism is provided to drive the shell pegs and the ferrule pins toward the optics receptacle mount.

Growing community of inventors

Hutchinson, MN, United States of America

Kenneth R Quast