Fiber optic radiation transmisson system connector for an optical fiber and methods of usine same

US5802229A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Indigo Medical, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William J. Evans · Redford Township, US
• Thomas Henning · Gelnhausen, DE
• Kelly Cox · Lynden, US
• Victor C. Esch · San Francisco, US
• Yefim Gelfond · Danville, US
• Stephanos Papademetriou · Sunnyvale, US
• Daren Stewart · Belmont, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 13, 1997
• Grant date: Sep 1, 1998
• Expiry date: Aug 13, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B2006/4297
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A fiber optic radiation transmission system is provided in which an optical fiber and a radiation source are connected to establish optical communication therebetween. Additionally, a connecting system is provided for connecting an optical fiber and a radiation source such that optical communication is established therebetween. The systems include a connector which carries the optical fiber therein. The connector is extendable within the system toward the radiation source to bring the optical fiber into optical communication with the radiation source. More particularly, the systems are configured in such a way that when the connector is extended sufficiently within the system, it seats the optical fiber relative to the radiation source under bias, thereby establishing a reliable optical connection. Once the optical connection is thus established, the connector engages a connection port associated with the radiation source to secure the system in a fully connected configuration appropriate for use. Thus, in a method of using such a system, the user simply extends the connector until the connector engages the connection port. The present invention thus provides efficient and reliable…