Abstract: An optical instrument, such as a spotting scope, is provided. The optical instrument may include a range finder configured to calculate or otherwise determine a distance between the optical instrument and an identified object. The optical instrument may also include a display and a user interface. In some embodiments, an operation system associated with the optical instrument may include sensing touchless gestures. For example, hand gestures or eye gestures may be used to navigate a user interface, to actuate the laser range finder, to alter the brightness of a display, or to carry out any of a number of other operational commands.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a spindle, a pecking mechanism, and a clutch mechanism coupled to the pecking mechanism. The spindle includes a drill tool and the spindle is configured to be fed in a first direction during a drilling operation. The pecking mechanism is configured to retract the drill periodically during the drilling operation. The clutch mechanism is configured to selectively engage the pecking mechanism during a portion of the drilling operation. The clutch mechanism is configured to constrain the rotation of the washer such that the spindle drill is retracted a predefined distance periodically.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a spindle, a pecking mechanism, and a clutch mechanism coupled to the pecking mechanism. The spindle includes a drill tool and the spindle is configured to be fed in a first direction during a drilling operation. The pecking mechanism is configured to retract the drill periodically during the drilling operation. The clutch mechanism is configured to selectively engage the pecking mechanism during a portion of the drilling operation. The clutch mechanism is configured to constrain the rotation of the washer such that the spindle drill is retracted a predefined distance periodically.

Abstract: An optical instrument, such as a spotting scope, is provided. The optical instrument may include a range finder configured to calculate or otherwise determine a distance between the optical instrument and an identified object. The optical instrument may also include a display and a user interface. In some embodiments, an operation system associated with the optical instrument may include sensing touchless gestures. For example, hand gestures or eye gestures may be used to navigate a user interface, to actuate the laser range finder, to alter the brightness of a display, or to carry out any of a number of other operational commands.

Abstract: A riflescope having a display that provides information to a user of the riflescope, along with related methods, is provided herein. In one embodiment, a riflescope includes an objective system and an ocular system, wherein a focal plane is defined between the objective system and the ocular system. A display system, comprising a display and a mirror, is positioned at a location between the focal plane and the ocular system. In one embodiment, the distance between the focal plane and the ocular system is equal to a sum of a distance between the display and the mirror and a distance between the mirror and the ocular system.

Abstract: A method of making a rifle scope that makes use of a longitudinal base plate piece and a mating, closure housing piece. Optical assemblies are attached to the longitudinal base plate and the mating, closure housing piece is attached to the longitudinal base plate and the housing piece and base plate are fastened together.

Abstract: A combined reflex/telescopic sight that includes a telescopic optical element train and a view window, offset from the optical element train. A transition assembly is positioned to receive light from the optical element train and the view window and has an image display, a collimating lens-set positioned to transmit light to the image display and a luminous reticle. This assembly may be placed in a first mode wherein light from the optical train travels through the collimating lenses to the image display and light from the view window is blocked. In a second mode light from the optical train is blocked and light from the luminous reticle travels through the collimating lens set and is combined with light from the view window and a resulting combined image appears at the image display. Finally an actuation assembly is adapted to permit a user to switch the transition assembly between modes.

Abstract: A scope having a zoom mechanism that includes a cam tube holding an optical train of lenses whose relative positions change when said cam tube is rotated, causing an image seen through the scope to expand or contract. A gear is in contact to said cam tube and is positioned so as to rotate said cam tube when said gear is rotated. Finally, an actuator is positioned on a side of said scope and operatively connected to said gear so that said actuator causes said gear to turn when a user moves said actuator.

Abstract: A rifle boresighter having a front adapted to face a rifle user after the boresighter has been attached to a rifle and a rear adapted to face away from the user after the boresighter has been attached to a rifle. The boresighter includes a post defining a receptacle that retains a magnet and a tubular housing having a front and a rear coincident to the front and rear of the boresighter and being supported by the post. A collimating lens is supported at the front of the tubular housing, a reticle supported in the tubular housing and a light window in the rear of the tubular housing. Also, the tubular housing is supported by the post approximately midway between it front and its rear, thereby providing a balanced load to the magnet.

Abstract: A method of making a rifle scope that makes use of an element-retaining housing piece and a mating, closure housing piece. Optical assemblies are attached to the element-retaining piece and the mating, closure housing piece is attached to the element-retaining housing piece and the pieces are fastened together. In one preferred embodiment the element-retaining housing piece is in the form of a plate.

Abstract: A combined reflex/telescopic sight that includes a telescopic optical element train and a view window, offset from the optical element train. A transition assembly is positioned to receive light from the optical element train and the view window and has an image display, a collimating lens-set positioned to transmit light to the image display and a luminous reticle. This assembly may be placed in a first mode wherein light from the optical train travels through the collimating lenses to the image display and light from the view window is blocked. In a second mode light from the optical train is blocked and light from the luminous reticle travels through the collimating lens set and is combined with light from the view window and a resulting combined image appears at the image display. Finally an actuation assembly is adapted to permit a user to switch the transition assembly between modes.

Abstract: A scope for a firearm can be used for a gun sight. The scope comprises a main tube that contains imaging optics therein. In certain embodiments, the main tube comprises a single continuous tubular body extending uninterrupted from a widened proximal end portion through a narrow medial portion to a widened distal end portion. A side focus assembly is positioned along the tubular body. The side focus assembly is used to vary the position of optics within the scope to adjust the overall focus of the scope.

Abstract: A scope for a firearm can be used for a gun sight. The scope comprises a main tube that contains imaging optics therein. In certain embodiments, the main tube comprises a single continuous tubular body extending uninterrupted from a widened proximal end portion through a narrow medial portion to a widened distal end portion. A side focus assembly is positioned along the tubular body. The side focus assembly is used to vary the position of optics within the scope to adjust the overall focus of the scope.

Abstract: A scope for a firearm can be used for a gun sight. The scope comprises a main tube that contains imaging optics therein. In certain embodiments, the main tube comprises a single continuous tubular body extending uninterrupted from a widened proximal end portion through a narrow medial portion to a widened distal end portion. An objective is disposed in the widened distal end portion of the tubular body and an ocular is disposed in the widened proximal end portion of the continuous tubular body. A zoom selector ring is located about a circumference of the narrow medial portion of the continuous tubular body. The zoom selector ring can be used to provide optical zoom. In one arrangement, the zoom selector ring includes a plurality of segments arranged circumferentially about the circumference of the narrow medial portion. A flexible erector assembly that includes erector optics may be included in the main tube. This flexible erector assembly may flex to adjust windage and elevation.

Abstract: Binoculars capable of simultaneous individual focus and simultaneous individual focus mechanisms therefor are discussed. The binoculars of the present invention are preferably offset hinged in the bridging portion to accommodate various users and for compactness. In addition, the binoculars of the present invention simulate the ease of center focus and combat parallax that results from misalignment of the optical axis and the mechanical axis of each binocular tube.