Author: claimsbot

1. An optical element with an antireflection function, comprising:
a substrate having a surface; and
a plurality of structures
formed from convex portions or concave portions and
arranged in large numbers on the surface of the substrate with a minute pitch less than or equal to the wavelength of the visible light,

wherein the modulus of elasticity of the material forming the structures is 1 MPa or more, and 1,200 MPa or less, and
the aspect ratio of the structure is 0.6 or more, and 1.5 or less.
2. The optical element according to claim 1, further comprising a surface-treated layer disposed on the structures,
wherein the surface-treated layer includes a compound containing at least one type of fluorine and silicon.
3. The optical element according to claim 2,
wherein the contact angle of oleic acid on the surface of the substrate provided with the surface-treated layer is 30 degrees or more.
4. The optical element according to claim 3,
wherein the contact angle of oleic acid on the surface of the substrate provided with the surface-treated layer is 50 degrees or more.
5. The optical element according to claim 1,
wherein the structures are arranged in such a way as to constitute a plurality of lines of tracks on the surface of the substrate and form a hexagonal lattice pattern, a quasi-hexagonal lattice pattern, a tetragonal lattice pattern, or a quasi-tetragonal lattice pattern, and
the structure is in the shape of an elliptical cone or an elliptical truncated cone, which has a major axis direction in the extension direction of the tracks.
6. The optical element according to claim 5,
wherein the track has the shape of a straight line or the shape of an arc.
7. The optical element according to claim 5,
wherein the track meanders.
8. The optical element according to claim 1,
wherein the structures are arranged in such a way as to constitute a plurality of lines of tracks on the surface of the substrate and form a quasi-hexagonal lattice pattern, and
the height or the depth of the structures in the extension direction of the track is smaller than the height or the depth of the structures in the direction of lines of the tracks.
9. The optical element according to claim 1,
wherein the structures are arranged in such a way as to constitute a plurality of lines of tracks on the surface of the substrate and form a tetragonal lattice pattern or a quasi-tetragonal lattice pattern, and
the height or the depth of the structures in an arrangement direction slanting with respect to the extension direction of the track is smaller than the height or the depth of the structures in the extension direction of the track.
10. The optical element according to claim 1,
wherein the arrangement pitch P1 of the structures in the same track is larger than the arrangement pitch P2 of the structures between adjacent two tracks.
11. An optical element with an antireflection function, comprising a plurality of structures
formed from convex portions and
arranged in large numbers with a minute pitch less than or equal to the wavelength of the visible light,
wherein lower portions of the adjacent structures are mutually joined,
the modulus of elasticity of the material forming the structures is 1 MPa or more, and 1,200 MPa or less, and
the aspect ratio of the structure is 0.6 or more, and 1.5 or less.
12. An optical element with an antireflection function, comprising:
a substrate having a surface; and
a plurality of structures
formed from convex portions or concave portions and
arranged in large numbers on the surface of the substrate with a minute pitch less than or equal to the wavelength of the visible light,

wherein the modulus of elasticity of the material forming the structures is 1 MPa or more, and 1,200 MPa or less, and
the aspect ratio of the structure is 0.6 or more, and 5 or less.
13. The optical element according to claim 12,
wherein the modulus of elasticity of the material forming the substrate is 1 MPa or more, and 3,000 MPa or less.
14. The optical element according to claim 13,
wherein the thickness of the substrate is 60 \u03bcm or more.
15. The optical element according to claim 12,
wherein the substrate has a layer structure composed of at least two layers, and
the modulus of elasticity of a base layer disposed adjoining to the structures is 1 MPa or more, and 3,000 MPa or less, among the layer structure composed of at least two layers.
16. The optical element according to claim 15,
wherein the thickness of the base layer is 60 \u03bcm or more.
17. The optical element according to claim 12,
wherein the substrate comprises a base layer disposed adjoining to the structures and a base member disposed adjoining to the base layer, and
the moduli of elasticity of the base layer and the base member are 1 MPa or more, and 3,000 MPa or less.
18. The optical element according to claim 17,
wherein the total thickness of the base layer and the base member is 60 \u03bcm or more.
19. The optical element according to claim 12,
wherein the elongation percentage of the material forming the structures is 50% or more.
20. The optical element according to claim 12, wherein the elongation percentage of the material forming the structures is 20% or more.
21. A display device comprising the optical element according to claim 1.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. Apparatus for introducing an airway tube into a patient’s trachea, the apparatus comprising:
a rigid elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior space disposed near the distal end;
an imaging system disposed within the interior space, the imaging system electrically coupled to a connector disposed at the proximal end of the elongated body, the connector configured to be coupled to a monitor;
a light source disposed within the interior space adjacent to the imaging system; and
a optical lens associated with the imaging system to focus light rays onto the imaging system,
wherein the elongated body has a preformed curvature between its proximal and distal ends and is dimensioned to be received within a lumen of the airway tube.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a protrusion extending from the distal end of the elongated body.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the protrusion is fixed to the distal end of the elongated body.
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the protrusion is movable relative to the distal end of the elongated body.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the protrusion comprises an elongated member configured to reciprocate through a lumen in the elongated body.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the protrusion comprises a tension member having a first end coupled to the protrusion and a second end coupled to a handle.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the protrusion comprises a hollow member that is configured to be at least partially retracted within a space in the elongated body.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the protrusion is configured to articulate to be retracted within a space in the elongated body.
9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the protrusion comprises an inflatable member.
10. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the imaging system comprises a CMOS device.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the CMOS device comprises a pixel array and driver circuitry, the pixel array configured substantially perpendicular to the driver circuitry.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the CMOS device comprises a pixel array and driver circuitry, the pixel array disposed at a distance proximal to the array driver circuitry and in communication with driver circuitry.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongated body includes a bend near the distal end.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a circuit, the circuit having a timer that disables one or more operative features of the apparatus after a pre-determined time.
15. Apparatus for introducing an airway tube within a patient’s trachea, the apparatus comprising:
a main section having an elongated body, a proximal end, a distal end, an imaging system, and a light source; and
an introducer section comprising an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an engagement feature configured to slidably couple with the main section, the introducer section configured to be received within a lumen of the airway tube.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the introducer section is more rigid than the main section.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the imaging system is configured to be selectively directly coupled to a monitor.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the main section has a non-uniform profile.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the main section is configured to be selectively coupled to an external power source.
20. A method of introducing an airway tube into a patient’s trachea, the method comprising:
providing apparatus comprising an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, an imaging system, and a light source, the imaging system configured to communicate video data to an external monitor;
providing an airway tube;
inserting the apparatus orally into a patient;
observing data communicated from the imaging system to determine the position of the distal end of the apparatus relative to the patient’s trachea;
advancing the airway tube along the apparatus so that a distal end of the airway tube enters the patient’s trachea; and
removing the apparatus while leaving the airway tube in position.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising observing video images generated by the imaging system to confirm placement of the airway tube.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the apparatus comprises two components, the method further comprising:
after observing data communicated from the imaging system to determine the position of the distal end of the apparatus relative to the patient’s trachea, removing a first component of the apparatus,
wherein advancing the airway tube along the apparatus so that a distal end of the airway tube enters the patient’s trachea comprises advancing the airway tube along the second component of the apparatus.
23. Apparatus for introducing an airway tube into a patient’s trachea, the apparatus comprising:
an elongated body dimensioned to be received within a lumen of the airway tube, the elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an interior space disposed near the distal end;
an imaging system comprising a pixel array coupled to array driver circuitry, the pixel array disposed within the interior space adjacent to the distal end, the array driver circuitry disposed near the proximal end of the elongated body and electrically coupled to the pixel array and a connector disposed at the proximal end of the elongated body, the connector configured to be coupled to a monitor;
a light source disposed within the interior space adjacent to the imaging system; and
a optical lens associated with the imaging system to focus light rays onto the imaging system.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising a protrusion extending from the distal end of the elongated body.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the protrusion is fixed to the distal end of the elongated body.
26. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the protrusion is movable relative to the distal end of the elongated body.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the protrusion comprises an elongated member configured to reciprocate through a lumen in the elongated body.
28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the protrusion comprises a tension member having a first end coupled to the protrusion and a second end coupled to a handle.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the protrusion comprises a hollow member that is configured to be at least partially retracted within a space in the elongated body.
30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the protrusion is configured to articulate to be retracted within a space in the elongated body.
31. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the protrusion comprises an inflatable member.
32. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the elongated body includes a bend near the distal end.
33. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising a circuit, the circuit having a timer that disables one or more operative features of the apparatus after a pre-determined time.

What is claimed is:

1. An imaging system comprising:
an imaging device assembled on a carrier tube; and
a first outwardly expandable element and a second outwardly expandable element mounted on said carrier tube, wherein said second expandable element is expandable both radially and axially, said imaging system comprising a mode of operation, wherein during expansion of said second expandable element, obstruction of the radial expansion of said second expandable element causes the axial expansion of said second expandable element to propel said carrier tube and said imaging device axially.
2. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said first expandable element is fixed axially to said carrier tube, and said second expandable element is slidable axially relative to said carrier tube.
3. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said carrier tube is formed with first and second apertures in fluid communication with said first and second expandable elements, respectively.
4. The imaging system according to claim 3, further comprising a first supply tube disposed in said carrier tube in fluid communication with said first aperture, and a second supply tube disposed in said carrier tube in fluid communication with said second aperture.
5. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said first and second expandable elements are expandable to different shapes.
6. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said first expandable element is expandable substantially radially with negligible axial expansion.
7. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said second expandable element is expandable generally spherically.
8. The imaging system according to claim 1, wherein said imaging device is mounted at a distal end of said carrier tube, distally of said first and second expandable elements.
9. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a light source disposed in said carrier tube.
10. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a suction tube disposed in said carrier tube.
11. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a tool lumen disposed in said carrier tube.
12. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising control wires disposed in said carrier tube.
13. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member disposed at a proximal end of said carrier tube.
14. The imaging system according to claim 1, further comprising a linear encoder disposed on said carrier tube, and a decoder operative to sense linear movement of said carrier tube with respect to said linear encoder.

The claims below are in addition to those above.
All refrences to claim(s) which appear below refer to the numbering after this setence.

1. A connector adapter comprising:
an adapter base located substantially within a plane and defining an aperture to receive a first connector body having a first connector body height; and
a sleeve proximate the adapter base, at least a portion of the sleeve extending in a direction substantially normal to the plane to a distance greater than the first connector body height, the sleeve having an inner width substantially equal to an outer width of a second connector body,
wherein the connector adapter is configured to be slidable onto one of the first connector body and the second connector body and to guide insertion of the other connector body to facilitate alignment of the first and second connector bodies.
2. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein the first connector body comprises a telematics subsystem connector.
3. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein the second connector body comprises a wireless telephony module connector.
4. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein the connector adapter is formed from a rigid polymer.
5. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein the connector adapter is formed from a semi-rigid polymer.
6. The connector adapter of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve extends in a direction substantially normal to the plane to a distance greater than a second connector body height of the second connector body.
7. The connector adapter of claim 1, further comprising a roller located proximate the sleeve and configured and arranged to interact with the second connector body to guide positioning of the second connector body.
8. The connector adapter of claim 1, further comprising a rib projecting from an inner surface of the connector adapter and configured and arranged to interact with the first connector body to guide positioning of the first connector body.
9. The connector adapter of claim 8, wherein the rib is sloped.
10. A vehicle communication system comprising:
a first circuit;
a first connector operatively coupled to the first circuit, the first connector comprising a first connector body having a first connector body height;
a second circuit;
a second connector operatively coupled to the second circuit, the second connector comprising a second connector body having an outer width; and
a connector adapter comprising
an adapter base located substantially within a plane and defining an aperture to receive the first connector body; and
a sleeve proximate the adapter base, at least a portion of the sleeve extending in a direction substantially normal to the plane to a distance greater than the first connector body height, the sleeve having an inner width substantially equal to the outer width of the second connector body,
wherein the connector adapter is configured to be slidable onto one of the first connector body and the second connector body and to guide insertion of the other connector body to facilitate alignment of the first and second connector bodies and establishment of an electrical connection between the first and second circuits.
11. The vehicle communication system of claim 10, wherein the first connector comprises a telematics subsystem connector.
12. The vehicle communication system of claim 10, wherein the second connector comprises a wireless telephony module connector.
13. The vehicle communication system of claim 10, wherein the connector adapter is formed from a rigid polymer.
14. The vehicle communication system of claim 10, wherein the connector adapter is formed from a semi-rigid polymer.
15. The vehicle communication system of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve extends in a direction substantially normal to the plane to a distance greater than a second connector body height of the second connector body.
16. The vehicle communication system of claim 10, further comprising a roller located proximate the sleeve and configured and arranged to interact with the second connector body to guide positioning of the second connector body.
17. The vehicle communication system of claim 10, further comprising a rib projecting from an inner surface of the connector adapter and configured and arranged to interact with the first connector body to guide positioning of the first connector body.
18. The vehicle communications system of claim 19, wherein the rib is sloped.
19. A vehicle telematics system comprising:
a housing;
a telematics subsystem located at least partially within the housing;
a telematics subsystem connector operatively coupled to the telematics subsystem, the telematics subsystem connector comprising a telematics subsystem connector body having a first connector body height;
a wireless telephony subsystem located at least partially within the housing;
a wireless telephony subsystem connector operatively coupled to the wireless telephony subsystem, the wireless telephony subsystem connector comprising a wireless telephony subsystem connector body having an outer width; and
a connector adapter comprising
an adapter base located substantially within a plane and defining an aperture to receive the telematics subsystem connector body; and
a sleeve proximate the adapter base, at least a portion of the sleeve extending in a direction substantially normal to the plane to a distance greater than the first connector body height, the sleeve having an inner width substantially equal to the outer width of the wireless telephony subsystem connector body,
wherein the connector adapter is configured to be slidable onto one of the telematics subsystem connector body and the wireless telephony subsystem connector body and to guide insertion of the other connector body to facilitate alignment of the first telematics subsystem connector body and the wireless telephony subsystem connector body and establishment of an electrical connection between the telematics subsystem and the wireless telephony subsystem.
20. The telematics system of claim 19, wherein the housing is formed from a die cast metal.
21. The telematics system of claim 19, wherein the connector adapter is formed from a rigid polymer.
22. The telematics system of claim 19, wherein the connector adapter is formed from a semi-rigid polymer.
23. The telematics system of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve extends in a direction substantially normal to the plane to a distance greater than a second connector body height of the wireless telephony subsystem connector body.
24. The telematics system of claim 19, further comprising a roller located proximate the sleeve and configured and arranged to interact with the wireless telephony subsystem connector body to guide positioning of the wireless telephony subsystem connector body.
25. The telematics system of claim 19, further comprising a rib projecting from an inner surface of the connector adapter and configured and arranged to interact with the telematics subsystem connector body to guide positioning of the telematics subsystem connector body.