Abstract: A motor-driven focusing apparatus of a telescope, includes a telescopic optical system which includes a focusing lens group guided along an optical axis; a motor-driven lens moving device which drives the focusing lens group along the optical axis; a manual operating switch for actuating the motor-driven lens moving device; and a lens-control device for controlling the motor-driven lens moving device when the manual operating switch is turned ON, so that the moving amount per unit time of a focal point of the telescopic optical system, that is caused by a movement of the focusing lens group, is kept substantially at a constant speed regardless of the position of the focusing lens group on the optical axis, the constant speed being selected from one or more constant speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rifle scope that utilizes laser range-finding and microprocessor technology to eliminate the need for the shooter to calculate bullet-drop compensation. The scope includes a laser range finder that calculates the distance between the user and the target that is focused in the cross-hairs. The user simply enters the muzzle velocity, i.e. the bullet speed of his particular ammunition as well as the current altitude using pushbuttons located on the scope assembly. A microprocessor automatically calculates the distance that the bullet traveling at the dialed-in speed will drop while traveling the distance calculated by the laser range finder, taking into consideration reduced drag at higher altitudes and the weight of the bullet. Based upon this calculated value, a second LCD image cross-hair is superimposed in the scope's viewfinder, indicating the proper position at which to aim the rifle in order to achieve a direct hit.

Abstract: An autofocusing apparatus of a telescope, includes: a telescopic optical system which includes a focusing lens group guided along an optical axis; a focus detector which detects a focus state of the telescopic optical system; a lens driver which drives the focusing lens group along the optical axis; an AF switch which is manually operated; and a controller which performs a first AF operation to control the lens driver to move the focusing lens group to an in-focus position on the optical axis in accordance with a result of detection of the focus detector each time the AF switch is operated; wherein the controller performs a second AF operation when the AF switch is operated more than once within a predetermined period of time, after the first AF operation is performed, the second AF operation including the movement of the focusing lens group by the lens driver to move the focusing lens group until the focusing lens group is moved to a second in-focus position other than the in-focus position, upon a later ope

Abstract: A pistol comprises a housing and a slide which slides on this housing and contains the barrel and the breech, in which case the breech has a mainspring and a firing bolt, and a trigger acts via a trigger rod on the trigger device.

Abstract: A lockable safety mechanism for use in a wide variety of firearms and moveable among a safe position, a fire position, and a safe and locked position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are described for improving the impact angle between a missile and stationary or moving target in the presence of stationary or adverse wind conditions. A triggered bias detector provides an enabling signal to a bias resolver when the pitch line of sight rate of a missile exceeds a predetermined level. The bias resolver supplies first and second bias signals to the pitch forward guidance loop and yaw forward guidance loop in response to the detected pitch line of sight rate. The missile is given a lofting trajectory in response to the applied bias signal as it closes on the target. Impact angles of a more nearly vertical condition over a wide range of missile/target acquisition geometric conditions are obtained using this triggered bias technique over conventional constant gravity bias proportional guidance techniques.

Abstract: A method of providing a new cartridge chamber for the breech of a cattle stunning gun for the purpose of improving the ability of the chamber surface to resist corrosive deformation resulting from firing cartridges in the gun. The method includes machining the breech to remove the original surface and providing an insert sleeve which replaces the machined material with a harder and more resistant material. The disclosure includes the configuration of the insert and its relationship to the machined breech.

Abstract: A combination hunting blind 2 and shooting or rifle rest 10 can be mounted on an elevated tree stand 4 by a hunter or occupant of the tree stand. The hunting blind 2 comprises the rifle rest 10 with a camouflage partition deployed around the front and the sides. The rifle rest 10 comprise a collapsible frame 26 the includes upright front posts 28, 30 and side horizontal rails 40, 42 attached to a front rail 32 by hinges whose axes are mutually perpendicular. The posts and side rails can be folded up so that they extend substantially in the same direction as a central section 34 of a C-shaped front rail 32. The rifle rest 10 is mounted on the tree stand 4 by a base support 14 that is bolted to the front edge of the tree stand. The posts 28, 30 are mounted on studs 20, 22 on the base support 14 and the side rails 40, 42 can be fastened to the tree by a rope ratchet or cargo strap 46 and stabilized by screws 56.

Abstract: Three extender assemblies are mounted on the torpedo-mounted dispenser (TMD) of a torpedo to provide shock hardening of the TMD. In a first embodiment, the extender assemblies consist of short sections of metal tubes mounted on inner plate portions. The inner plate portions are bent to conform to the TMD radius and attach to the TMD such that the metal tubes are aligned longitudinally on the TMD. Outer plates are attached to the tubes and are in contact with the dolly used to support the torpedo and TMD. When the dolly the TMD is subjected to a shock load, the tubes deform to take up shock loads applied to the TMD through the dolly. To attach the assemblies to the TMD, slots on each inner plate are positioned over hooks on the outside surface of the TMD. The hooks are part of the TMD assembly and serve to secure o-ring or spring retainers for the cable within the TMD. An eye bolt fits over the hook and is bolted to a bent tab on the inner plate.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for bore sighting a gun. A hollow shell casing is attached to a single light source and then placed in the breech of a gun. Light is projected from the gun onto a pre-calibrated target. The user is then able to adjust the gun sights accordingly. There are a plurality of shell casings interchangeably mountable to the single light source, enabling the user to sight in a variety of guns using only one system. The shell casings may be the same shape as standard shells for the type of gun being sighted in.

Abstract: The present invention provides a powered aiming platform for pointing devices such as firearms, illumination devices, or sensing instruments, remotely controlled by a hand-controller device, with video feedback of the aiming position and audio feedback of the exact direction and speed of positioning movements. The present invention overcomes the safety and accuracy limitations of manual and conventional remotely-controlled aiming mechanisms, thereby allowing operators to point devices accurately and quickly with predictable, precise control. In the case of firearms, the present invention maintains a steady position after repeated firing.

Abstract: A breech Block safety device for preventing weapons from being accidentlly loaded while at home or on display in businesses and military applications. The breech Block device utilizes two O-rings and the two grooved angles in which the O-rings are seated, that serves to secure and hold the safety breech block in location. The use of the O-rings and grooves ensures a firm hold in the chamber, plus the angles of the seat walls cause a easy insertion and a restricted extraction of the plug. The composition of the breech block makes it inexpensive for mass production and manufacturing techniques. The two O-rings fit within the two grooves that is slightly wider than the thickness of the O-ring which causes the a easy insertion and a secure hold in the chamber and a restricted extraction with no shearing of the O-rings.

Abstract: Day and night weapon sights have a sight element which includes a rod-shaped light guide, and a self-luminescent capsule integrally co-located within an end of the light guide. Preferably, the light guide is formed of a rod-shaped fluorescently dyed transparent plastics material and the self-luminescent capsule includes a radioactive luminescent source (e.g., tritium).

Abstract: A displaceable rear sight mounted on a firearm transverse to the gun-target line and moveable in a preferably dovetailed slot transverse to the gun-target line. The rear sight has a groove-like recess, running in a direction of the slot, proceeding from the base of the sight, which opens into an opening essentially horizontal and running parallel to the direction of the slot and parallel to the gun-target line from the front wall up to the rear wall of the sight.

Abstract: A quick focusing firearm scope includes an elongated tubular scope housing mounted to the upper surface of the firearm barrel. A focusing gear is provided in place of the conventional rotating focusing ring found on conventional scopes. Mounted adjacent to and engaging the focusing gear is a drive gear having a cable attached thereto. The opposing end of the cable extends through a support member that is mounted to the firearm trigger guard. Pivotally attached to the support member is a trigger member having an arcuate gear attached to the upper end thereof that engages a rotary gear on the cable. The lower end of the trigger member includes a loop that receives a shooter's trigger finger. Accordingly, a shooter may quickly focus the scope by pivoting the trigger member with the index finger.

Abstract: An improved nipple, used with a percussion cap to ignite the propellent of a muzzleloader without significant ejecta from the nipple (back-flash), is disclosed. A check valve, preferably using a spherical actuator that is loosely retained within the valve chamber, is used to preclude back-flash. Use of a check valve and use of a relatively mild percussion cap (compared to primers) revealed a set of new problems that are solved by the disclosed device. Difficulty in removing spent caps, because of the lack of cap removing back-flash, was solved by flash chamber structure within the nipple adjacent to the cap. A tendency for the protective membranes of percussion caps to lodge within a nipple not having back-flash was cured by the use of an actuator retainer that directs the actuator to the side of the valve chamber during ignition. Ignition was improved by the use of a flash jet orifice and by the use of a directing actuator retainer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water discharge device for a system for launching objects, including torpedoes, mines, or missiles, from at least one tube built into a fixed or movable submerged structure (e.g., a submarine). The tube is provided with at least one end door and one slide valve connecting it hydraulically to the water ram by a impulse tank filled with water. The impulse tank is built into the submarine hull, and comprises a closed, sealed space in which the water is driven to the tube, under the influence of a leading pneumatic ram acting on a following hydraulic ram controlled by the water contained in the chamber and previously drawn in from the marine environment by an intake line. The chamber is immovably located outside the hull.

Abstract: A phosphorescent or light-reflective member is disposed on a holder supporting an elongated light-gathering optical fiber formed of a light-gathering plastic material. The sight is adaptable for use on rifles, handguns, bows, and other weapons requiring an aiming indicia. The light-gathering optical fiber provides a brilliant dot that is readily identifiable under bright light conditions, and the phosphorescent or light-reflecting member provides a supplemental light source which serves to provide an illuminated dot under low-light or dark conditions. The sight 10 effectively solves the problem of providing electrically-powered light sources for illumination of the aiming indicia under low light or dark conditions, or the requirement to precisely align the fiber or hollow tube with a light source disposed at the distal end of the fiber or tube spaced from the viewing end of the fiber or tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a rapid fluid impulse which can be used for launching vehicles into a liquid medium. The apparatus comprises a ring diaphragm of coupled concentric elastomeric rings, adapted to accept pressurized fluid at an interior side. The pressurized fluid extends the elastomeric rings of the ring diaphragm, placing them in shear strain. When the fluid is released, a kinetic impulse is provided and the ring diaphragm returns to its resting position. The apparatus further comprises a central check valve on the ring diaphragm. The check valve allows fluid to flow from an exterior side, through the ring diaphragm, to the interior side when exterior fluid pressure exceeds interior pressure. The invention is useful in a submarine vehicle launch assembly wherein the ring diaphragm is a component thereof.

Abstract: A Quick-release Gun Lock is disclosed. The gun lock comprises a base that cooperates with the gun's extractor, a pliable and expandable portion attached to the base for expanding to create an interference fit with the gun's bore, and a compression shaft that, when rotated, will force the expandable portion outwardly to create the interference fit. The device may further include a cam hub that interacts with the compression shaft to provide the desired interference fit with less than one rotation.