Abstract: This invention describes an apparatus and method for generating artificial stars for the simple collimation of catoptric, dioptric, and catadioptric telescopes using a light source along with an appropriate hologram and housing to generate collimated laser beams that enter the front aperture of the telescope. The apparatus of this invention can be fastened to the outside of the telescope aperture. In addition, this invention allows the apparatus position to be adjusted at its tip and tilt axis to center an artificial star under the view of the ocular. The light source illuminates the hologram from some off axis position. Once the hologram is illuminated, the collimated beam emanates from the hologram with a slightly different angle. When these beams are then viewed with the telescope they appear as artificial stars.

Abstract: This laser-sighting system can be constructed as a compact side module for use with a revolver or automatic pistol. Features on the side of the firearm such as the yoke screw and the other side plate screws of a revolver are used to secure this laser-sighting system in a favorable location on the side of the firearm frame above the trigger guard forward of the grip, but behind the leading edge of the firearm's trigger guard. The takedown pins or slide stops found in this same location on many automatic pistols can also be used for this purpose. The system uses a very thin self-contained laser-sighting module that does not interfere with the holstering, concealment, or handling of the firearm. The system can also contain a white light or colored LED for illumination and communication.

Abstract: This laser-sighting system can be constructed as a compact side module for use with a revolver or automatic pistol. Features on the side of the firearm such as the yoke screw and the other side plate screws of a revolver are used to secure this laser-sighting system in a favorable location on the side of the firearm frame above the trigger guard forward of the grip, but behind the leading edge of the firearm's trigger guard. The takedown pins or slide stops found in this same location on many automatic pistols can also be used for this purpose. The system uses a very thin laser-sighting module that does not interfere with the holstering, concealment, or handling of the firearm. This module is self-contained, including a laser diode and lens, a diode laser control circuit, a battery, an activation switch, and a laser housing with screw holes and an alignment/aiming mechanism. The system can also contain a white light or colored LED for illumination and communication.

Abstract: The present invention includes a reticle image generator and a display screen selected to form a reflected reticle image from the optical element to be aligned, wherein the reflected reticle image is viewed on the display screen. The optical element is then aligned in response to the reflected reticle image upon the display screen.

Abstract: The present invention includes a diffractive optic and an illuminator for illuminating the diffractive optic. The illuminated diffractive optic forms a reticle image which is projected onto the optical elements to be aligned.

Abstract: A laser gun uses small arms technology for loading and firing a cartridge containing flash powder. When the cartridge is fired, the flash powder burns to produce an intense burst of light. This light is directed for optically pumping a laser medium that emits an intense pulse of laser light. The cartridge-based small arms technology allows the gun to be easily and conveniently carried about and fired rapidly and reliably.

Abstract: A laser gun uses small arms technology for loading and firing a cartridge containing flash powder. When the cartridge is fired, the flash powder burns to produce an intense burst of light. This light is directed for optically pumping a laser medium that emits an intense pulse of laser light. The cartridge-based small arms technology allows the gun to be easily and conveniently carried about and fired rapidly and reliably.

Abstract: A laser sight 33 in a pistol 20 includes a battery power supply 34, driver board 38 and laser 27 in a casing 11. The laser 27 is energized when a take down latch 36 is moved to the left or right. In a center position, take down 46 in the middle of the latch 36 contacts a ball tip electrical contact 41 that extends through end cap 35 of laser sight 33 and disconnects the laser 27 from the power supply 34.

Abstract: A laser sight for a firearm (10) having a recoil spring guide (15) mounts components on the spring guide so that a light beam (18) is directed along the axis of the spring guide. This automatically makes light beam (18) parallel with the barrel (11) of firearm (10). Several mounting alternatives are possible, including a collimating lens (21) arranged on the axis of the spring guide to receive light from a laser diode (20) that is either mounted on the spring guide with the collimating lens or mounted remotely and arranged for directing light to collimating lens (21) via a fiber optic cable (25). These arrangements can also conceal the laser light within the firearm, where it is well protected and not noticeable.

Abstract: A process of making holographic images comprising the steps of recording a hologram of a parallax limited aerial image formed by a lens on a recording surface with a reference beam at an angle of incidence to the recording surface that is preferably equal and opposite to the angle of incidence of the object beam to the recording surface, and illuminating the hologram with a beam of diverging or collimated light, preferably at the angle of incidence of the object beam to the recording surface and directed oppositely to the direction of the object beam during recording. Illumination can be with white light. The hologram may comprise superposed recordings of the aerial image made with light of different wavelengths to produce full color holographic images.