Tuned trajectory compensator

Abstract

An improved method for dialing in the required number of revolutions of adjustment on a riflescope elevation knob to compensate for bullet trajectory. An elevation knob having the computed yardage increments marked at the calculated point of rotation begins along the bottom edge of the knob and winds completely around the knob in a series of ascending rows with each yardage increment, having a vertical line of reference leading down to the bottom edge and reference point on the knob. The required revolutions of adjustment are made by rotating the knob from an inputted yardage increment and either passing all consecutive increasing increments for a larger increment setting or passing all consecutive decreasing increments for a smaller increment setting. The elevation knob stem mount on a riflescope is calibrated to match each corresponding revolution of the Tuned Trajectory Compensator knob. The revolution count indicator lines that are marked on the elevation stem mount are those that correspond to the sequential revolutions of adjustment that were calibrated with the corresponding number of rows of yardage increments on the Tuned Trajectory Compensator. Each revolution of the knob increases the row count and raises the height of the knob on the stem mount, which in turn exposes an additional indicator line on the stem mount. The number of visible indicator lines on the stem mount corresponds to the row count and yardage increment on the Tuned Trajectory Compensator.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention provides the operating method and improvement of my design patent, Ser. No. 29/123,171 and completes PPA 60/266934.

BACKGROUND—Field of Invention

[0002] This invention relates to riflescope elevation adjustment knobs, specifically to such knobs which rotate multiple revolutions.

DRAWING FIGURES

[0003] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

[0004] FIGS. 1 and 1A show a frontal and complete layout view of my improved elevation knob.

[0005] FIGS. 2 and 2A show a frontal and complete layout view of a standard m.o.a. numbering system on an elevation knob.

[0006] FIG. 3 shows the diameter and displays the total vertical increment clicks of an example elevation knob.

[0007] FIG. 4 shows an example of the blueprint format, which is used to insert the yardage increments at the appropriate locations.

[0008] FIG. 5 shows an example of a complete layout surrounded by a broken line cutting edge.

[0009] FIG. 6 shows an example of a standard riflescope elevation stem marked with indicator lines which is the means of counting revolutions.

[0010] FIG. 7 shows a standard riflescope elevation knob mounted on top of the elevation stem.

[0011] FIG. 8 shows an elevation stem with improved functioning design

[0012] FIGS. 9 and 9A show different dialed in positions of my improved elevation knob mounted on my improved elevation stem mount producing a complete functioning system.

[0013] FIG. 10 shows an additional embodiment of my invention.

[0014] FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of my invention.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0015] 16 m.o.a. numbers

[0016] 18 vertical increment lines

[0017] 20 diameter of knob

[0018] 22 distance b/t two vertical increment lines

[0019] 24 horizontal lines

[0020] 26 designated space b/t rows of yardage

[0021] 28 grid system

[0022] 30 set of (directional) arrowheads

[0023] 32 first row of system

[0024] 34 cutting edge

[0025] 36 screw

[0026] 38 shaft

[0027] 40 elevation stem housing

[0028] 42 revolution count indicator line

[0029] 44 increment indicator

[0030] 46 number system for counting revolutions

[0031] 48 shaft of Mark 4 riflescope

[0032] 50 elevation stem housing for same

[0033] 52 revolution indicator line for same

[0034] 54 increment indicator for same

DESCRIPTION

[0035] FIG. 1 is a frontal view of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1A is the complete layout showing the Tuned Trajectory Compensator (TTC) system of connected ascending rows of horizontally displayed yardage or meter increments. The rows of yardage increments on an elevation knob are calibrated to match an adjustment range contained within the multiple revolutions of a manufacturer's riflescope. The location of the yardage increments along each row represent the required amount of knob rotation to internally adjust the riflescope to match a calibrated bullet's trajectory. A TTC has more than one row of yardage increments with no set limit in the number of rows.

[0036] The system can be applied to the vertical engraving surface of an elevation knob by laser marking, mechanical engraving, painting, pre-marked press-on ring, or adhesive-backed sleeve. It can be applied to a manufacturer's elevation knob regardless of the size of the knob and value of each vertical increment line, click, or mark. It can function with any elevation knob whether calibrated to change bullet impact per vertical increment line at ⅛, ⅙, ¼, ⅓, ½, or 1 minute of angle (m.o.a.). One m.o.a. changes bullet impact by 1.047 inches at 100 yards. This angular measurement doubles in value every 100 yards. At 200 yards, one m.o.a. would change bullet impact by 2.094 inches. The TTC would also work with any finer, courser or not listed, but commonly used click adjustment. This includes any adjustment value in metric or inches.

[0037] Most riflescope manufacturers produce their elevation knobs preferably out of aluminum by either computer numeric control (CNC) or mold. The knobs are dipped into a solution of aluminum oxide, which leaves a thickness range of approx. 0.0005 to 0.003″ depending on the type of anodized coating. The preferred color of the coating is black. The knobs are dried leaving a semi-glossy finish or placed in a tumbler and beaded for a mat finish.

[0038] The preferred way of applying the TTC system to the vertical engraving surface of an elevation knob is by laser marking. The laser cuts threw the anodized coating right to the aluminum surface. The exposed aluminum outlines the yardage increments, arrows, and vertical increment lines.

[0039] A similar method of application is by way of mechanical engraving. A hardened bit cuts threw the anodized coating and cuts away a predetermined depth of the raw aluminum. The engraved area is filled with preferably white paint to highlight the yardage increments, arrows, and vertical increment lines. The system could also be directly painted or ink printed onto the available engraving surface of a knob.

[0040] Another way of applying the system is as follows: the system can be laser marked onto a thin plastic, aluminum, or other type of anodized metal ring or band which could be pressed onto the knob forming a collar around the engraving surface of the knob.

[0041] A less expensive alternative of application would be to wrap a preprinted adhesive-backed plastic or laser marked adhesive-backed aluminum sleeve around the available vertical engraving surface of a knob.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a standard riflescope elevation knob with m.o.a. numbering 16 and vertical increment lines 18. FIG. 2A shows the complete m.o.a. layout. The first step in producing a TTC is to determine where to place each yardage increment of each row along the m.o.a. scale of an elevation knob. This is the process of calibrating a riflescope's elevation knob to match a particular bullet's trajectory. In order for a riflescope to be calibrated to match the trajectory, a required amount of internal adjustment (m.o.a.) has to be dialed in for every 50 to 100 yds. The greater the yardage or range, the more m.o.a. is required.

[0043] The selected rifle cartridge to be calibrated will be the first factor in determining the location of each yardage increment and the total number of rows of yardage increments. Each cartridge will require a certain total input of m.o.a. to match the complete trajectory of its bullet. Dialing in the total mo.a. will require the knob to be rotated a certain number of revolutions. In general, light bullets traveling at high speed require less total m.o.a. to reach their maximum effective range or complete their trajectory than due heavy bullets traveling at slow to moderate speed.

[0044] The method of determining how many m.o.a. need to be dialed in for each yardage increment is accomplished in one of two preferred ways. The first method is to input all the required data of a selected rifle cartridge into a ballistics' program. The program will provide the shooter with the approximate amount of m.o.a. adjustment needed for each yardage increment. The second method is to fire a selected cartridge using the data obtained by the ballistic program. The shooter would dial in the data and adjust the elevation knob until the exact required m.o.a. are determined for precise bullet impact at each 50 to 100 yard increment.

[0045] The second factor in determining the number of rows of yardage increments that need to be placed on a knob are the minute of angle (m.o.a.) per revolution, and maximum internal elevation adjustment (m.o.a.) of a manufacturer's riflescope which determines the total number of revolutions. The total required m.o.a. of the selected cartridge is divided by the m.o.a. count per revolution of a knob (15 m.o.a. in the case of FIG. 2) giving you the required number of rows . The height of the yardage increments is determined by the above factors coupled with the available engraving surface on an elevation knob.

[0046] The next stage in producing a TTC is to produce the system's blueprint format, which is used to fill in the yardage increments at the appropriate location on the knob. This is accomplished by creating the format within a computer assisted drawing (CAD) program. A drawing program gives the operator great flexibility in creating the height and width of the yardage increments, arrows, and vertical increment lines.

[0047] Each manufacturer's elevation knob will differ in external dimensions. In order to produce the blueprint format a few external measurements will be needed off of each different size knob. The CAD program will require the diameter of a knob on the engraving surface and the total count of vertical increment lines per revolution. FIG. 3 shows a CAD circle representing the diameter 20 and total count of vertical increment lines on an elevation knob. With the above information, the distance along the arc between any two vertical increment lines 22 can be measured. The CAD can produce a rectangular array of the total number of evenly spaced vertical lines representing the vertical increment lines on the knob. The height of the increment lines match the overall height of available engraving surface on a knob.

[0048] FIG. 4 shows the format that will be used to produce the layout of a TTC. The format shows a series of horizontal lines 24 which run perpendicular to the array of vertical increment lines 32. The horizontal lines divide up the number of rows, determine the height of the yardage increments, and spacing 26 between each row. The spacing between rows is a minimum of approx. 0.02 inches providing easy visual distinction of each row of yardage increments. However, this distance can be increased depending on the desired height of the yardage increments and required number of rows. In this format example, every four vertical increment lines equals one m.o.a. The value of each line is 0.25 m.o.a.

[0049] The m.o.a. grid system 28 is the means of inserting the yardage increments and directional arrowheads 30 in the appropriate positions along the rows. In this example, there are fifteen columns and three rows of m.o.a. numbers. This represents fifteen m.o.a. per revolution, for a maximum of forty four m.o.a. and three rows on the knob. The bottom row of m.o.a. numbers 28 would correspond to the bottom row on the layout.

[0050] FIGS. 1 & 1A show the vertical increment lines, which run from the top of the engraving surface to the bottom of the first row of yardage increments or bottom edge of the knob. Some of the lines run thru one or two digits of yardage increments depending on their location on the knob. If the knob provides enough vertical engraving surface, the first row can start above the bottom edge of the knob with the vertical increment lines extending from the bottom of the yardage increments to the bottom edge of the knob. The width of the vertical lines can remain factory width or measure approx. 0.006 inches.

[0051] Each three-digit yardage increment covers the space of three vertical increment lines. The TTC was engineered so that each digit is centered within its vertical increment line allowing easy alignment up to any yardage increment. The middle digit represents the exact indicated yardage. A four-digit yardage increment is also positioned within the spacing of three vertical increment lines. FIGS. 1a & 10 display 1000 yard increments showing the overall height and width of a four-digit yardage increment is the same as a three digit one, but each of the four-digits is reduced in width. The vertical increment line, which runs up between the two middle digits, is the exact indicated yardage.

[0052] The m.o.a. numbers of FIG. 2A are replaced by yardage increments producing FIG. 1A. The 100 yd increment starts the first or bottom row on the knob replacing the zero (0) m.o.a. position. This position is also the starting and ending point of each mechanical revolution as well as the transition point of each new row of yardage increments.

[0053] Once the m.o.a. numbers of the first revolution have been converted into yardage increments a second row of yardage increments is started. This next row represents the next revolution of the knob. This process would continue with each additional row corresponding to another revolution of the knob.

[0054] Once the yardage increments are inserted along the rows of the blueprint format in FIG. 4, the portion of vertical increment lines overlapped by the yardage increments are then erased. The directional arrows 30 shown in FIG. 4 are inserted last. The length of each arrowhead can be approx. half the height of a yardage increment. Each set of arrowheads is placed in between the last yardage increment of the row and the consecutive yardage increment of the next row. The tip of the down pointing arrow(s) lines up with the bottom edge of the yardage increment within the row and the tip of the up pointing arrow(s) lines up with the top edge of the yardage increment within the row. The portion of vertical increment line, which runs in between the two arrow tips, is erased. The horizontal lines 24 are then erased producing a complete TTC layout such as FIG. 1A.

[0055] The format is setup the same way for each type of manufacturer's knob. The format will be used repeatedly with the only change being that the yardage increments will be placed at different locations along the rows based on the required amount of m.o.a. adjustment for a particular bullet's trajectory.

[0056] The completed format file in FIG. 1A is then imported into the software program of a computer-assisted laser-marking machine. A blank elevation knob is mounted in the machine's rotator, which rotates the knob, as the layout is laser marked.

[0057] A less expensive alternative to laser marking or mechanical engraving is the application of a preprinted adhesive-backed plastic sleeve or laser marked adhesive-backed aluminum sleeve. The sleeve would simply mount around the available vertical engraving surface of the knob. The plastic sleeve is made using a computer label printer. The blueprint drawing format with m.o.a. grid system is setup in the custom drawing program. The same steps used in creating a format in the CAD for laser marking a knob are used for the custom drawing program.

[0058] FIG. 5 shows the cutting edge 34 outlining the dimensions of a sleeve, which are drawn around the rows of yardage increments to match the vertical engraving surface of a knob. The circumference of a knob would equal the length of a sleeve with the available engraving surface area being the height of the sleeve. A completed TTC layout with marked cutting edge is printed onto the adhesive-backed plastic tape. The tape is cut along the dotted cutting edge producing the sleeve, which is ready for application.

[0059] The same procedure used to produce a CAD file for laser-marking a knob can be used to produce a file for laser-marking an adhesive-backed aluminum sleeve. The diameter of the knob must be measured with a mounted sleeve to account for the substantial width gained by the thickness of this type of sleeve. Adhesive-backed anodized aluminum sheets are laser cut into a set of sleeves. Each blank sleeve is laser marked with the layout and ready for application.

Additional Embodiment

[0060] FIG. 10 depicts the complete layout of a TTC where a yardage increment is displayed every one moa. creating formatted columns and more yardages from which to choose. Some operators may prefer having more yardages over 50/100 yard increments. The same previously described CAD format can be used for this embodiment.

[0061] An additional embodiment would be to place the actual numbers of the m.oa. grid system 28 of FIG. 4 in their appropriate positions along each row in lieu of yardage increments. Although the operator would have to know how many m.o.a. need to be dialed in for a given yardage or range, all the benefits of the system are still in place. Such a knob could be used for many cartridges with different trajectories.

Alternative Embodiment

[0062] FIG. 11 depicts the 100 yd increment starting the first row at the top of the knob. The consecutive increasing yardage increments are added along each lower row. This format is necessary for the Mark 4 and Var-X III M1 series of riflescopes made by Leupold & Stevens Inc. when the maximum number of rows are applied onto the knob. The elevation knob on these types of riflescopes mount onto the shaft 48 and are seated within the elevation stem housing 50. These types of knobs have the revolution count indicator lines 52 marked on the knob itself The indicator line that runs directly above the top of the elevation stem housing indicates which revolution the scope is set on. With each counterclockwise revolution, another indicator line becomes visible.

[0063] These types of riflescopes contain a lot of internal elevation adjustment (m.o.a.) with the possibility of up to six or more rows of yardage increments. If a knob required the maximum number of rows of yardage increments, then the last one or two rows would be initially hidden behind the elevation stem housing 50. The last rows would not come into view until the knob was rotated counterclockwise several times increasing the m.o.a. count, and revolution count which elevates the knob. To obtain the 100-yard setting requires no revolutions. In the above scenario, this type of knob would not work having the 100 yd increment start on the bottom row hidden behind the elevation stem housing.

[0064] FIG. 11 shows a single visible indicator line 52, which confirms the operator's 100 yd sight in range and also indicates that the knob is set at the start of the first revolution and first row of yardage increments. Only the indicator lines, which correspond to the revolutions that have been calibrated with rows of yardage increments, are marked on the knob. Several sets of these indicator lines can be marked around the circumference of the knob providing instant visual confirmation as to which row the operator is on no matter which side of the knob is facing him.

[0065] If the riflescope had one or more full revolutions of adjustment beyond the revolutions that were calibrated with yardage increments, an additional “ceiling” indicator line is marked. If the operator was not following the simple method of dialing within the consecutive yardage increments and rotated the knob beyond the last row of yardage increments, then the exposed ceiling indicator line would indicate that his count of indicator lines 52 is greater than the count of rows of yardage increments.

[0066] The preferred placement of the indicator lines is across the vertical increment line, which runs up to the operator's 100 yd sight in range. The length of an indicator line is the width of a three-digit yard increment. Each indicator line forms the top portion of a Letter “T” when matched up with the increment indicator 54 on the elevation stem housing.

DESCRIPTION—TTC Mounted on Improved Stem Mount

[0067] FIG. 1 will operate on a standard elevation stem such as FIG. 6. However, the operating method and design of the TTC demands modification of the marking design on the standard elevation stem to provide additional benefits as a complete functioning system.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows an improved stem mount design, which will function in unison with a TTC knob. The only revolution count indicator lines 42 that are marked on the elevation stem mount are those that correspond to the sequential revolutions of adjustment that were calibrated with the corresponding number of rows of yardage increments on the TTC knob. FIG. 8 would operate with any three-row TTC knob such as FIG. 1. FIG. 9 shows FIG. 1 mounted on FIG. 8 with the knob set at the 100-yard sight in range or starting point of all calibrated revolutions. The one exposed indicator line 42 confirms that the knob is on the first revolution or first row of yardage increments.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows the standard long horizontal indicator lines 42 which are used to keep count of the revolutions. Instead of having such long indicator lines, the length of the lines are shorten to equal the length of a three digit yardage increment providing the operator with a visual image of one visible indicator line equals first row of yardage increments, two visible indicator lines equals second row, etc.

[0070] The combination of short indicator lines coupled with having no lines below the first calibrated row or revolution provides the operator with a quick visual alignment point if he needs to return to his sight in range.

[0071] FIG. 9A shows what the knob looks like in relation to its position on the elevation stem after two complete counterclockwise revolutions from the 100 yd setting shown in FIG. 9. Now three visible indicator lines are exposed which indicates the operator is on the third row for an approx. 885 yd setting. Rotating the knob one and a quarter (1¼) revolutions from the 100 yd setting in FIG. 9 would expose one additional indicator line for a total of two exposed indicator lines confirming that the knob is set on the second row of yardage increments with the additional quarter (¼) revolution dialing in at 675 yds. FIG. 9A shows the preferred size and location of the indicator lines 42 to maximize the functioning improvement of the elevation stem when operating with a TTC.

[0072] The indicator lines matching the revolutions of a TTC can be laser marked or mechanically engraved onto the elevation stem during production of the riflescope. A printed adhesive-backed plastic or laser marked aluminum sleeve or collar displaying the required indicator lines can be mounted around the elevation stem providing aftermarket application.

[0073] The process of marking and cutting either type of elevation stem sleeve is the same as previously described adhesive TTC sleeves.

DESCRIPTION—Prior Art

[0074] FIG. 6 shows a standard riflescope elevation stem, which FIG. 2 would mount on top of producing FIG. 7. The set screws 36 are turned tightening down the knob onto the shaft 38 within the elevation stem housing 40. By rotating the knob, the shaft 38 turns changing the internal adjustment (m.o.a.) within the riflescope.

[0075] FIG. 7 shows that a standard elevation knob has one row of m.o.a. numbers. The desired m.o.a. number or vertical increment line is matched up with the increment indicator 44 located on the elevation housing 40. As the knob is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, increasing the number of m.o.a., it ascends up the elevation stem exposing an additional revolution count indicator line 42 with each revolution of the knob. To add or subtract any combination of partial or full revolutions of m.oa. to the running total count of m.o.a. is accomplished by having to continuously keep track of the number of exposed indicator lines 42 on the elevation stem.

[0076] FIGS. 6 & 7 show a total of five indicator lines 42 which are marked on the elevation stem 40. FIG. 7 shows three horizontal lines are exposed and two lines are hidden behind the knob. This shows an example of a knob in relationship to its position on the elevation stem when it is set at the midpoint of the total internal adjustment or halfway point of the total count of revolutions. This setting places the crosshair or reticle in the center of the scope or scope center. This is an example of the factory setting. This would also be what the majority of operators are looking at if the riflescope was mounted on a flat base with a 100-yard sight in range.

[0077] By mounting the riflescope on a flat base, only the upper half of the total internal m.o.a. or upper half of the total revolutions can be utilized. If the riflescope is mounted on an incline tapered base, which slopes the scope downward, potentially, depending on the angle of the base, the total internal m.o.a. or total revolutions can be utilized.

[0078] The task of determining how many m.o.a. to add or subtract to the running total count and then having to count out the adjustment for each new distance is already time consuming and takes a degree of mental concentration. Monitoring each new count of m.o.a. by way of exposed indicator lines on the elevation stem can be further delayed and confusing when the additional indicator lines, which pertain to revolutions that are not being utilized, have to be taken into account.

[0079] The operator must make sure that any indicator lines below the operators sight in range or starting point of first revolution are not included in any new count of m.o.a. Also, locating the horizontal line which corresponds to the operators sight in range or starting point can be delayed or mistaken with the additional lines especially if the operator forgets which indicator line is the scope center. The operator must memorize, mark, or draw a picture of his knobs position on the elevation stem when the sight in range is dialed in.

[0080] Most riflescope manufacturers also label the revolution count indicator lines with a numbering system 46. The numbering system 46 provides a total count of revolutions starting from the bottom or first revolution of a riflescope. The order of the numbers corresponds to the order of revolutions only if the riflescope is mounted on a tapered base that provides the full use of the total count of m.o.a. or total count of revolutions. FIG. 7 shows how the numbers 46 do not correspond to the actual count of revolutions. The knob is set at the mid point of total revolutions or factory center but the indicator line which corresponds to this revolution is marked with a number two (2). The numbering system tends to direct an operator to rotate his knob down to the No. 1 or No. 0 (zero) indicator line if he is attempting to return to his 100 yd sight in range and starting point of the first revolution.

[0081] The combination of unnecessary indicator lines and a numbering system which does not correspond to most true counts of revolutions makes for delays. It may lead to confusion and error in the number of m.o.a. dialed in. It also takes additional time in locating the sight in range or starting point of first revolution with the possibility of dialing in on the wrong indicator line.

[0082] The common complaint of operators using this type of elevation knob is that one can get “lost” with every step that is necessary in dialing in a set amount of m.o.a. to correspond to a yardage or range.

Oeration—TTC

[0083] The TTC system, consisting of connected ascending rows of consecutive yardage increments, functions beyond the method of displaying just one row of m.o.a. numbers. The TTC system eliminates the need to add or subtract any partial or full revolution of m.o.a. to the running total count of m.o.a. It also eliminates the continuous monitoring of revolutions by way of revolution count indicator lines on the elevation stem mount.

[0084] It eliminates possible delays or problems with rotational direction. It is simple to operate and provides the capability to rapidly dial in any yardage increment located along the multiple rows of the knob.

[0085] FIGS. 1 and 1a show that the TTC utilizes a method of easy to read and follow horizontally displayed consecutive yardage increments. The method of operation is a continuous process of dialing from the current inputted yardage to the easy to locate new increment setting. Starting from the last inputted yardage, if a smaller increment is desired, the operator rotates the knob passing all consecutive decreasing yardage increments until the desired increment is dialed in. Conversely, if a larger increment is desired, the operator rotates the knob passing all consecutive increasing yardage increments until the desired increment is dialed in. FIG. 9 shows the operator lines up the increment indicator 44 with the center digit of the yardage increment or vertical increment line that leads to the center digit of the desired yardage increment.

[0086] FIG. 9 shows that no matter which yardage is dialed in, there is always at least one visible consecutive yardage increment providing instant visual direction. No delays or problems with rotational direction. Each row of yardage increments corresponds to one revolution of the knob with the transition point of the next row being the increment above the 100 yd increment or starting point of the next revolution. FIG. 9 shows that the vertically displayed arrows provide visual direction when going from the last marked yardage increment of the current dialed in row to the consecutive yardage increment in the next row. The use of the arrows quickly becomes unnecessary. With practice and familiarity of the TTC system, you can train your eyes to automatically focus onto the next consecutive yardage increment without having to pause at the row juncture.

[0087] The operating method of a TTC eliminates the need to count the number of revolutions and operates independently from having to monitor the running total count of indicator line on the elevation stem. The TTC can operate from the revolution count indicator line which the 100 yd sight in range or starting point of first revolution is based off of.

[0088] With the simple procedure of rotating the knob pass each consecutive displayed yardage until the new setting is dialed in, the TTC system places all shooters on equal ground regardless of their operating knowledge of multiple revolution m.o.a. elevation knobs.

OPERATION—TTC Mounted on Improved Elevation Stem

[0089] By marking only the indicator lines on the elevation stem which correspond to the rows of yardage increments on the knob provides instant visual confirmation as to the knob's current setting. The number of exposed indicator lines on the elevation stem indicates which row of yardage increments the operator is currently on. The dialing in of any yardage increment on any row corresponds directly to the number of exposed indicator lines.

[0090] If that the riflescope still had one or more revolutions of adjustment beyond those that were calibrated with rows of yardage increments, then no matter how many extra revolutions there are, an additional “ceiling” indicator line would be marked. In the event that the operator continued rotating the knob passed his last displayed yardage increment and rotated up to the next revolution, then his count of indicator lines would be greater than the total count of rows of yardage increments.

[0091] Starting at the 100 yard sight in range or starting point of the first revolution, if the operator happens to turn the dial clockwise rather than to the next consecutive yardage increment, the indicator line would disappear behind the knob confirming wrong rotational direction. The improved stem design additionally functions as a safety net keeping the operator within the bounders of the calibrated revolutions. The indicator lines act as a safe guard if the operator was not following the simple operating procedure of the system.

[0092] This new elevation stem design provides several functional improvements when operating with a TTC. Marking only the indicator lines which correspond to the actual operating revolutions provides instant confirmation as to the yardage setting on the knob, the ability to rapidly dial in the sight in range, and to remain within the sequential revolutions that were calibrated with the corresponding rows of yardage increments on the TTC. No operator will get lost within the multiple revolutions of a TTC, which is the common complaint when operating standard elevation knobs mounted on standard elevation stems.

[0093] Although a TTC will operate on a standard elevation stem, the benefits described above warrants its use on the improved stem mount as a complete functioning system.

Claims

1. A method for dialing in a required number of revolutions of adjustment on a rifle scope elevation knob to compensate for bullet trajectory, comprising the steps of:

a. marking predetermined sized yardage increments at the calculated point of rotation starting along the bottom edge of said knob and winding completely around said knob in a plurality of predetermined spaced ascending rows with each said increment having a vertical line of reference leading to the bottom edge and reference point of said knob, and

b. rotating said knob from the current imputed yardage increment and either passing all consecutive increasing increments for a larger increment setting or passing all consecutive decreasing increments for a smaller increment setting,

whereby said revolutions of adjustment have been dialed in to compensate for bullet trajectory and eliminate the process of having to calculate and count said revolutions of adjustment.

A method of calibrating the elevation knob stem mount on a riflescope to match each corresponding revolution on a Tuned Trajectory Compensator knob, comprising the steps of:

a. marking the revolution count indicator lines on said stem mount that correspond to the sequential revolutions of adjustment that were calibrated with the corresponding number of rows of yardage increments on said knob, and

b. rotating said knob pass each consecutive yardage increment to each ascending said row increases said row count and elevates the height of said knob on said stem mount, which in turn exposes an additional said indicator line,

whereby the number of visible said indicator lines on said elevation stem is a direct correlation to which said row and yardage increment are dialed in on said knob providing instant visual verification.