Rod lens assembly and method of making the same

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A rod lens assembly for endoscopes and the like which includes an inner tube or barrel disposed in spaced or floating relation within a protective outer tube the, outer tube preferably including an inner layer of lighttransmitting fibers and the inner tube containing a plurality of axially-spaced image-transmitting rod lenses. The wall portion of the barrel extending between the ends of adjacent lenses are provided with openings to allow precise positioning of the lenses during assembly and to provide zones of preferential flexure of the barrel when the entire assembly is flexed in normal use. In one embodiment, the cylindrical lenses are fixed in place by clamping forces exerted by the …