Eugene S Kelly

US Patent:

55399711, Jul 30, 1996

Filed:

Sep 13, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/120887

Inventors:

Eugene J. Kelly - Bayville NY

Assignee:

United States Surgical Corporation - Norwalk CT

International Classification:

B29D 1100

US Classification:

29418

Abstract:

An optical system to be incorporated in endoscopic instrumentation is provided. The optical system includes objective lens, relay lens and eye lens assemblies. The relay lens assembly includes at least one relay lens module for transferring an image between successive image planes. The relay lens module consists of two identical optical components in symmetrical arrangement relative to a center plane of symmetry. Each optical component includes a single curved lens and a doublet lens. In a preferred embodiment, the single and doublet lenses are thin lenses and are fabricated from polymeric materials. An illumination system is also provided and preferably includes a plurality of small diameter polymeric fibers in cooperation with a heat absorbing filter means.