Abstract: A combination optical aiming device comprises a non-magnifying sight that includes an optic and a magnifying sight that includes an eyepiece and an objective. To reduce the vertical distance between viewing positions for the sights, the optic and the eye lens are truncated in order to position the optic predominately outside of a projection of a perimeter of the eye lens, the projection being parallel to the optical axis of the objective.

Abstract: Optical aiming systems having a primary direct view optical system and an accessory optical system are arranged to provide a user with distinct views of a primary image and accessory image display without head movement. The primary optical system may be a riflescope and the accessory optical system may include an electronic image display device that directs light through a side wall of the riflescope toward an optical combiner or mirror within a housing of the riflescope. The optical combiner or mirror reflects the accessory display light through an eyepiece of the riflescope to form an exit pupil that is distinct from an exit pupil of the riflescope. The optical path of the accessory optical system may be angularly displaced relative to the optical path of the riflescope so that the accessory image display does not occlude aiming points within the field of view of the riflescope.

Abstract: A combination optical aiming device comprises a non-magnifying sight that includes an optic and a magnifying sight that includes an eyepiece and an objective. To reduce the vertical distance between viewing positions for the sights, the optic and the eye lens are truncated in order to position the optic predominately outside of a projection of a perimeter of the eye lens, the projection being parallel to the optical axis of the objective.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a body member during a body intrusive procedure includes infrared light energy which is applied to the body member. Substantially visible infrared free light is introduced into the region. The body member is located by detecting the infrared light energy applied thereto. The infrared light energy may be applied to the body member via a light guide which is inserted into or placed in contact with the body member. In addition, a body member to be located may be illuminated from one side and the location of the illuminator detected by a probe on the other side of the body member.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided that provides a ring of light around a junction to be viewed; the ring of light being bright enough to be seen on the other side of the junction. Such an arrangement may be used in severing an anatomic body, such as the cervix, from the vagina whereby a surgeon viewing the structure from the pelvic cavity has the junction outlined in light brought into contact with the junction through the vagina.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a body member from damage during a body intrusive procedure in a region adjacent the body member to be protected includes infrared energy introduced into an emitting light guide that is introduced into the body member to be protected; visible light is introduced into the region, one or both or neither of the lights being pulsed at the frame rate of a monitor energized by a video camera that receives light from such region, the camera being sensitive to infrared energy as well as visible light. In another embodiment of the invention both sources are pulsed in alternation so that the images produced by the different sources are basically emphasized in alternation. A signal source for producing audible and/or visual signals may be provided with a light guide to view the region under investigation. The signal source may be synchronized with the infrared source to protect against false signals produced by the visual light.

Abstract: In order to protect body members adjacent an invasive procedure on a body, the member to be protected is illuminated preferably with infrared light energy and the entire site of the invasive procedure is viewed through an optical system that conducts both infrared and visible light energy to one or more video cameras. Various structures may be employed to separate the visible and infrared light energies so that the signals representing such light energies may be processed separately and differently if desired and then recombined for display or separately displayed on a video color monitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for illuminating the region of a body member to be subjected to a surgical procedure by inserting an infrared conducting fiber into the body member, the fiber emitting infrared light energy over a limited range at the precise location where the procedure is to occur. The procedure may involve an organ, a blood vessel, even a nerve. Mechanisms and detectors may be employed to locate the infrared emissions.