Eastman-kodak Company

Sarah R Welch

Russell J Palum

David W Gruszczynski

Andrew D Thompson

Richard A Bierma

A flexible fiber optic illuminator 10 for inspecting an interior space, comprises a thin fiber optic element 12 composed of a plurality of optic fibers 20 arranged in at least one substantially planar layer having front and back sides 32,34. Thin stiffner members 24,26 are arranged adjacent to the optic fibers 20 to provide reinforcement. First and second layers 28,30 of adhesive material having adhering means on one side only, are fixedly adhered to the back and front sides of the planar layer 22. A protective jacket 36 for optic fibers 20 and stiffner members 24,26 is therefore defined by first and second adhesive layers 28,30. A light source 14 coupled to the fiber optic element 12 is provided for illuminating the optic fibers 20. In another embodiment of the invention, a method of inspecting an interior space is provided which comprises providing the fiber optic slot illuminator 10 of the invention and, inserting and positioning the illuminator 10 in the interior space for effective illumination of the interior space.

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Rochester, NY, United States of America

Sarah R Welch