University of Florida Research Foundation Inc

Nanoptics, Incorporated

Won Young Choi

James K Walker

Richard Joel Melker

Samsun Lampotang

Dietrich Gravenstein

Jacob Ralph Tymianski

Bongsoo Lee

Stephan A Tuchman

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical transmission medium. The subject method and apparatus can produce a variety of optical transmission medium, including for example, graded refractive index polymer optical fiber, graded refractive index rod lens, and step index polymer optical fiber. The subject optical transmission medium have improved characteristics and efficiency, due, at least in part, to better control of the profile of the refractive index distribution and stable high temperature operation of the medium. High efficiency of manufacturing can be achieved by the subject method and apparatus which can permit continuous extrusion at high speed.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing plastic optical transmission medium

The subject invention pertains to a system for imaging the human airway having highly advantageous optical and physical characteristics. In a specific embodiment, the human airway can be imaged during the intubation procedure. The excellent characteristics of the imaging system of the subject invention result, in part, from the use of plastic optic fibers. Plastic fibers are more robust than the glass optical fibers used in currently available imaging systems, and are therefore capable of being bent and/or twisted with less concern of breakage. In addition, the lower costs of plastic fibers enables scopes of the subject invention, in a specific embodiment, to be manufactured for single patient use thereby eliminating the requirement for cleaning, special care, the maintenance of expensive inventory, and most importantly eliminating the opportunity for cross contamination between patients. A further aspect of the subject invention concerns a novel sheath which covers the portion of the imaging system which enters the patient. In this case, the sheath and its optional associated fiber optic illumination is disposable after each use.

Plastic optical fiber airway imaging system

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Gainesville, FL, United States of America

Won Young Choi