Reticle Image Transversely Adjustable Relative To Optical Axis Patents (Class 356/252)
  • Patent number: 11747481
    Abstract: A 3D LIDAR obstacle avoidance system comprising a camera; a data processor; and a gimbaled laser ranging system. The gimbaled laser ranging system is bore sighted to the camera's optical axis and has its rotation axes centered on the camera focal plane (see the attached drawing). Two-dimensional information of the camera is converted to 3-dimensional information by selectively ranging scene objects of interest (i.e. moving targets). Selected object ranges are queried simply by commanding the gimbal to point to the angle in the scene represented by the object's location in the focal plane. By not sampling the entire scene, significant improvements in throughput and range are achieved. Sensor operation in inclement weather is possible by using an IR camera and a longer wavelength ranging-laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Daniel J. Sox
  • Patent number: 11467391
    Abstract: A holographic sight comprises a unitary optical component carrier. The unitary optical component carrier may comprise a body with a first receptacle configured to receive a laser diode, a second receptacle configured to receive a mirror, a third receptacle configured to receive a collimating optic, a fourth receptacle configured to receive a grating, and a fifth receptacle configured to receive an image hologram. A laser diode may be received within opposing walls formed by the first receptacle. A mirror may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the second receptacle. A collimating optic may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the third receptacle. A grating may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the fourth receptacle. A hologram image may be received in, and abut one or more surfaces of the fifth receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: EOTech, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Heath, Deanna Kay McMillen, James Olson
  • Patent number: 11423242
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to provide radial aiming patterns are disclosed herein. An example assembly includes an imaging assembly configured to capture an image of a portion of an environment in a field of view (FOV); and an aiming light generator configured to form an illuminated radial aiming pattern and present the illuminated radial aiming pattern to enable the portion of the environment to be positioned within the FOV, the illuminated radial aiming pattern including an illuminated central mark in a central area of the illuminated radial aiming pattern, an illuminated first line, an illuminated second line, an illuminated third line, and an illuminated fourth line, wherein the first line, the second line, the third line, and the fourth line extend outward from the central mark and are angularly distributed about the central mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Zebra Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Vladimir Gurevich
  • Patent number: 11280583
    Abstract: A reflex sight includes an elongated sight housing having an outer tube and an inner tube defining a light channel with an optical axis, wherein the inner tube is pivotally secured within an end of the outer tube and has an end section forming an outer perimeter section, which is provided with separate convex sections. The separate convex sections of the inner tube are arranged to fit into the separate concave support sections in the outer tube, wherein the end section of the inner tube is pivotally received within the end section of the outer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: AIMPOINT AB
    Inventors: Niklas Larsson, John Ortengren, Olof Martinsson
  • Patent number: 10731947
    Abstract: An aiming device is provided including a body, an illumination device associated with the body and an optical element, where the illumination device is operable to selectively display a dot on the optical element being visible to a user. The optical element can include an upper edge and a lower edge, and the dot can display closer to the upper edge than to the lower edge, in some cases in the upper half or one third of the height of the optical element. The device can include a protective frame to which the optical element is joined, and the optical element upper edge can be unconcealed by any part of the protective frame above the upper edge, falling within an open top span of the frame. The optical element can be removable and replaceable relative to the protective frame, with a retainer plate temporarily securing the element to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Grace Engineering Corp.
    Inventors: Louis Grace, Cody M. Schulz
  • Patent number: 10619976
    Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described which provide weapon sighted cameras. A camera can be mounted on a weapon and, after a set-up procedure, can acquire a target without using a weapon sight of the weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: TACTACAM LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Peel, Garrison Peel
  • Patent number: 10547826
    Abstract: A computerized imaging system and method for creating a 3D imaging dataset of an object are disclosed. The computerized imaging system includes an object stage mounted on a system base plate, the object stage is configured to rotate 360 degrees around its axis perpendicular to the base plate plane. The computerized imaging system includes an elongated elevation arm positioned alongside the object stage, wherein the elongated elevation arm having an image sensor, at least one lens, and a mirror mounted thereon, and wherein the optical axis of the image sensor is parallel to the elongated elevation arm elevation axis. The image sensor is used to capture a plurality of images of the object in a plurality of rotation and elevation angles of the object stage and elongated elevation arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Segoma Ltd.
    Inventors: Litan Yahav, Tomer Salvi, Gilad Kapelushnik
  • Patent number: 10514234
    Abstract: The method and apparatus for a remote weapon station or incorporated into manually-aimed weapons. The methodology requires use of a muzzle velocity sensor that refines the aiming of the second and subsequent fires or volleys fired from weapon systems. When firing the first volley a weapon uses an estimated velocity and, at firing, the muzzle velocity of a projectile is measured. When firing the second volley a weapon's fire control calculates an aiming point using the measured velocity of the first volley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: NOSTROMO HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Sullivan
  • Patent number: 10496781
    Abstract: A metrology system includes a controller communicatively coupled to a metrology tool. The controller may generate a three-dimensional model of a sample, generate a predicted metrology image corresponding to a predicted analysis of the sample with the metrology tool based on the three-dimensional model, evaluate two or more candidate metrology recipes for extracting the metrology measurement from the one or more predicted metrology images, select, based on one or more selection metrics, a metrology recipe from the two or more candidate metrology recipes for extracting a metrology measurement from an image of the structure from the metrology tool, receive an output metrology image of a fabricated structure from the metrology tool based on a metrology measurement of the fabricated structure, and extract the metrology measurement associated with the fabricated structure from the output metrology image based on the metrology recipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: KLA Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Chao Fang, Mark D. Smith, Brian Duffy
  • Patent number: 10443979
    Abstract: A turret assembly configured to be coupleable to the combination of a rifle scope and a rifle, to adjust the rifle scope relative to the rifle is provided. The turret assembly includes a turret body, a jacking screw, and a turret cap. The turret assembly may also include a locking mechanism including a locking pin configured to prevent rotational movement of the turret cap relative to the turret body. The turret assembly may include a stopping mechanism configured to limit rotational movement of the turret cap relative to the turret body. The stopping mechanism may include a zero stop ring which defines a zero stop point which prevents further rotational movement of the turret cap. The turret assembly may also include an indicator configured to depict information about the position of the turret cap relative to the turret body, where the indicator is configured for only translational movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Sig Sauer, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Sheets, Jr., Andrew W. York
  • Patent number: 10324298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an offset image wedge for use on a bore-sighted rifle that does not need to be exactly accurately mounted to the rifle because the offset image wedge is mounted directly onto the scope via a clamping mounting device and aligned optically by rotating the clamping mounting device on the scope until dual displayed images overlay each other. The offset image wedge allows for a dual image which allows it to be aligned in the field, and it allows for the user to choose either a bore-sighted image or an offset image without removing the wedge. This dual image capability is accomplished by having a wedge with a smaller diameter than the outer perimeter of the objective lens of the scope of the rifle. The use of a smaller diameter wedge allows the objective lens of the scope to continue to operate normally while the wedge delivers the offset image at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: OPEX SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jose Joaquin Aizpuru, Rodney Doster, Danny Robert Schoening
  • Patent number: 10072907
    Abstract: The invention relates to a long-range optical device, in particular a telescopic sight 1, with at least one objective lens 2 and at least one eyepiece 3 and with an adjustable reticle 6 arranged between the objective lens 2 and the eyepiece, wherein the reticle 6 is coupled to a manually operable fast reticle adjustment, wherein a display device 14 is arranged in the field of view of the long-range optical device 1, through which a distance value set by a setting device 4, 15 of the fast reticle adjustment can be read when using the long-range optical device 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: STEINER-OPTIK GMBH
    Inventors: Matthias Hofmann, Tobias Eberhardt
  • Patent number: 9910953
    Abstract: A metrology design and verification framework is provided, which includes methods and systems for metrology structure identification in an integrated circuit design data block, design rule checking, hierarchal design of metrology target structures to minimize random errors, and metrology design rule verification of metrology target design files. In-die metrology targets are identified using various filtering methods and/or designed as hierarchical structure within dies or outside the dies. Particularly, metrology target design files are generated, which are hierarchical in structure and compatible with design rule checks. Design rule check takes into account the hierarchical and often repetitive target designs in the verification process. Layouts may be verified using design rule checks at different levels of design rules, which may be combined to remove rule violations and errors prior to actual target production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Adel, Tal Shusterman, Chen Dror, Ellis Chang
  • Patent number: 9879963
    Abstract: Kits or sub-systems that include sensors to measure a projectile's condition at muzzle exit. The kits or sub-systems are coupled to ballistic calculators or fire control systems that calculate aiming and programming solutions to improve shot placement, reduced dispersion and improve terminal performance. Where airburst munitions are used, the projectile is programmed when reaching a programming station beyond the barrel and the projectile is programmed with a solution that adjusts the burst location based on the measured muzzle velocity. Sub-systems, processes and sub-routines optimize “post-shot” programming using certain non-linear methods that are incorporated into fire control systems and ballistic calculators. These non-linear sub-routines are useful in establishing the optimum terminal effect of such airburst projectiles. The sub-systems are used separately or are incorporated into the weapons, to reduce dispersion and improve the terminal effects of the projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: NOSTROMO HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Michael Sullivan
  • Patent number: 9766042
    Abstract: The invention discloses an integrated precise photoelectric sighting system that facilitates calibration, the system comprises a field-of-view obtaining unit, a range-finding unit, a display unit, three-dimension unit and a sighting circuit unit; In the sighting system, an optical image obtained by the field-of-view obtaining unit can be displayed on the display unit, which simultaneously displays the optical image, an icon and a reticle, wherein the icon is used to indicate the adjustment of the optical image, and the reticle is used to aim the target in the optical image. The three-dimension unit can convert the reticle, the icon and the image information obtained by the field-of-view obtaining unit, which are displayed by the display unit, from a two-dimension image into a three-dimension image, thereby allowing user to perceive deeply the environment. The precise photoelectric sighting system applies the sighting circuit unit and the range-finding unit to perform precise prediction to the impact point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: HUNTERCRAFT LIMITED
    Inventors: Lin Zhang, Chunhua Shi, Sang Su
  • Patent number: 9702662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sighting device, and specifically relates to an electronic sighting device with real-time information interaction. The sighting device comprises a field-of-view obtaining unit, a display unit; a sighting circuit unit, a sensor module, a positioning unit, and an interaction unit, wherein shooting vibration of a gun is judged by a vibration sensor in the sensor module, and then, the interaction unit is connected with internet or a remote display terminal to send the real-time information acquired by the sensor module and/or image information acquired by the field-of-view obtaining unit during shooting process to the internet or the remote display terminal, to achieve information collection and recording of each-time shooting by the electronic sighting device and achieve real-time interaction of the collected information with the internet or the remote display terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: HUNTERCRAFT LIMITED
    Inventors: Lin Zhang, Chunhua Shi, Sang Su
  • Patent number: 9677851
    Abstract: Methods and systems for aligning a point of aim with a point of impact for a projectile device are disclosed. Using a superposition device coupled to the projectile device, at least one optical reference point is superposed within a first target area with at least one beam from the superposition device. A position of at least one of the optical reference points is noted. A projectile is expelled from the projectile device at a second target area, while the position of the at least one optical reference point is maintained, to create the point of impact. The point of aim for the projectile device is adjusted to align with the point of impact while the position of the at least one optical reference point is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Umarex USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Hancosky
  • Patent number: 9671195
    Abstract: A sighting device includes a body, a light emitting unit, a bracket, a first adjusting unit and a second adjusting unit. The body couples to an arm having a barrel. The body is disposed relative to the arm in a first direction defined on an up and down axis. A third direction is defined as a direction of the barrel on a front and back axis. A second direction is defined as a left and right axis. The bracket couples to the light emitting unit. The first adjusting unit couples the bracket to the body and moves the bracket relative to the body. The second adjusting unit couples the bracket to the body and moves the bracket relative to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Bo Sun Jeung
  • Patent number: 9410769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of gun sight, and specifically relates to an integrated precise photoelectric sighting system that facilitates calibration. The invention discloses an integrated precise photoelectric sighting system that facilitates calibration, the system comprises a field-of-view obtaining unit, a range-finding unit, a display unit, and a sighting circuit unit; the sighting system being capable of displaying an optical image obtained by the field-of-view obtaining unit on the display unit, the display unit simultaneous displays optical image and reticle, and reticle is applied to sight the target in the optical image; the precise photoelectric sighting system applies the sighting circuit unit and the range-finding unit to perform precise prediction to the impact point, which facilitates calibration and shooting for user. The invention displays the sighted image via the display unit, to thereby realize dual-eye sighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: HUNTERCRAFT LIMITED
    Inventors: Lin Zhang, Chunhua Shi, Sang Su
  • Patent number: 9113061
    Abstract: A clip-on sight that includes a sight housing, a lens, a sensor, a display, a module, and a plurality of buttons positioned on the sight housing is disclosed. The module is designed to display an alignment reticle on the display and move the alignment reticle to an electronic zoom center point in response to the buttons. The electronic zoom center point is stored in memory and serves as the center point when the clip-on sight is zoomed in from an un-zoomed (1.0×) zoom to a 2.0× zoom. A method of aligning a clip-on sight is also disclosed. To align the clip-on sight, a user activates the user menu, activates an alignment reticle on the display of the clip-on sight, sets the electronic zoom center point by moving the alignment reticle to the electronic zoom center point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: NIVISYS, LLC
    Inventor: Roland Morley
  • Patent number: 8989449
    Abstract: An arrangement and methods for firing a fire arm. The fire arm includes a determining unit configured to determine a movement of an aim point for the fire arm relative to a target. A processing unit is configured to determine a target point for the aim point based on the movement of the aim point relative to the target and to predict the future movement of the aim point. A firing unit is configured to fire the fire arm when the aim point is predicted to be within a tolerance of the target point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Göran Backlund, Gert Johansson
  • Patent number: 8904696
    Abstract: A device for fast reticle adjustment of a sighting device is described, which is provided with a rotatable safeguard against unintended adjustment and has tactile and visual indicating means for the locked and unlocked position of the safeguard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Camera AG
    Inventor: Reiner Geller
  • Publication number: 20140029001
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for testing the boresight of a gimbaled camera and laser system, such as an infrared countermeasures (IRCM) system, in extreme environments. Light simulating a target is reflected through an optics system to the camera, with a portion of the light reflected back from a corner cube reflector through the optics system as a reference. A laser beam from the laser is received through the same optics system, and a position of the corner cube reflected reference and laser beam are compared in order to determine whether the camera and laser are properly aligned. A spherical shell adapted to position the camera at its geometric center keeps misaligned laser pulses from reflecting back into the camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: DRS RSTA, Inc.
    Inventor: DRS RSTA, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7925486
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, carrier media, and systems for creating a metrology target structure design for a reticle layout are provided. One computer-implemented method for creating a metrology target structure design for a reticle layout includes simulating how one or more initial metrology target structures will be formed on a wafer based on one or more fabrication processes that will be used to form a metrology target structure on the wafer and one or more initial metrology target structure designs. The method also includes creating the metrology target structure design based on results of the simulating step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Smith, Robert Hardister, Mike Pochkowski, Amir Widmann, Elyakim Kassel, Mike Adel
  • Patent number: 7916290
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a coaxially arranged, off-axis optical system for a sighting device or aiming device. It is the object of the invention to provide a possibility for constructing an optical system in such a way that the typical disadvantage with respect to the tightness of a sighting device in an open-type construction is overcome and a good flattening of the image field is achieved in addition to the high optical imaging quality of the aiming mark. According to the invention, by means of a coaxially arranged, off-axis optical system for a sighting device or aiming device comprising a lens group, wherein the lens facing the target object is constructed as a converging meniscus and the lens facing the eye is constructed as a diverging meniscus, with a dichroic reflector and an embodiment for the aiming mark, the above-stated object is met in that a correction lens with positive refractive power is arranged at a distance of less than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Analytik Jena AG
    Inventor: Albrecht Koehler
  • Patent number: 7873504
    Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, carrier media, and systems for creating a metrology target structure design for a reticle layout are provided. One computer-implemented method for creating a metrology target structure design for a reticle layout includes simulating how one or more initial metrology target structures will be formed on a wafer at different values of one or more parameters of one or more fabrication processes that will be used to form a metrology target structure on the wafer based on the one or more fabrication processes, one or more parameters of the wafer, and one or more initial metrology target structure designs. The method also includes simulating one or more spectra that will be produced by a predetermined metrology system configuration for each of the simulated one or more initial metrology target structures. In addition, the method includes creating the metrology target structure design based on the one or more spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Christopher F. Bevis
  • Patent number: 7733480
    Abstract: A visual aid is used by a pilot in an aircraft to position himself in the cockpit by an axial movement, called movement along the X axis, in an aircraft reference coordinate system, and by a vertical movement, called movement along the Z axis, in the aircraft reference system. The visual aid comprises two geometric shapes (3, 4), separated in space and designed to be visually aligned by the pilot; these shapes have the characteristic that each has a visual reference (31, 41) on its surface, approximately in the same horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical XZ plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Maxime Le Texier, Georges Duchams
  • Publication number: 20080239305
    Abstract: A reticle assembly of an aiming device is provided. The reticle assembly includes an illumination source, a first optical mask and a second optical mask. The first optical mask has a plurality of optical openings which define a reticle pattern. The first optical mask is mounted in a fixed position. The second optical mask is movably positioned relative to the first optical mask. The second optical mask has a plurality of masking portions adapted to block selected portions of the reticle pattern. The illumination source is adapted to project a plurality of output patterns which correspond to unblocked portions of the reticle pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Kwok Hoo Mok
  • Patent number: 6583862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combined telescope and telemeter device comprising a telescopic sight (1) having a housing (2), one end of which receives an objective lens (3) while the other end receives an eyepiece (4), said housing defining a beam path (5) between the objective lens and the eyepiece. The device also includes an opto-electronic telemeter (12) with emitter-receiver optics (14) for optical measuring beams (15) and evaluation electronics (24) for timing the interval between an emitted measuring beam and a received measuring beam and for determining the distance on the basis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Andreas Perger
  • Patent number: 5724181
    Abstract: A semitransparent mirror is attached to a holder on its objective side and an LED (light source) is attached to the holder on its ocular side. The light from the LED is reflected by the semitransparent mirror and provided as an aiming point. A receiving recess having an inclined axis is formed in one end of the holder on the objective side. A resilient ring, the semitransparent mirror and a support ring are received in the receiving recess in this order. Three or more adjusting screws are equally spacedly arranged in the circumferential direction. By selectively tightening the adjusting screws, the inclination of the semitransparent mirror is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Negishi
  • Patent number: 5508843
    Abstract: In a sight scope device, a sleeve-like body is provided with a translucent mirror and a light source. Light emitted from the light source is reflected by the translucent mirror and proceeded toward an eyepiece side so as to served as an aiming point. A shield member interposed between the translucent mirror and the light source and having a plurality of through-holes is provided on the body. These through-holes have different areas, respectively, with each other. A movement of the shield member on a plane which is generally perpendicular to an axis of the body causes one of the through-holes to be selectively arranged or appeared on a line connecting the light source and the translucent mirror. The one of the through-holes is selected depending on a distance to a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Saburo Tomita
  • Patent number: 5434704
    Abstract: A night vision sight is provided for use with a weapon, which includes an objective lens and a non-inverting image intensifier tube disposed along an optical axis, providing an intensified target image. The sight is focused by direct movement of the image intensifier tube relative to the fixed position of the objective lens. A reticle projector is disposed orthogonal to the optical axis and provides a collimated reticle image, the reticle image providing an aiming point for the weapon. The reticle image is superimposed over the target image, which are reflected into an eyepiece of the sight. The eyepiece has an axis between the optical axis and a sight line passing through a pre-existing sight provided with the weapon. Adjustment of the apparent position of the reticle to compensate for azimuth and elevation is accomplished by moving the reticle projector about crossed cylindrical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford J. Connors, Gary A. Wannagot, Roland M. Morley
  • Patent number: 5374986
    Abstract: An automated boresighting device and method for an aiming light assembly. The device comprises a housing attached to the weapon, aiming means enclosed in the housing for generating a beam in a direction whereby an operator may aim the weapon at a target, range determination means enclosed in the housing for determining the range from the weapon to the target, ballistic trajectory data enclosed in the housing for use in calculating device elevation angle as a function of range, and automatic adjusting means for automatically adjusting the aiming means responsive to computed elevation determined by the range determination means. The adjusting means includes a computer and the servo assembly. The computer may use the range determination information and ballistic trajectory information determined by a ballistic trajectory means to determine an elevation angle adjustment necessary for a given range. A servo assembly automatically adjusts the transmitter in response to the computed angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Insight Technology Incorporated
    Inventor: Kenneth S. Solinsky
  • Patent number: 5369888
    Abstract: A gunsight comprises a unitary frame for securing to a gun. The frame has a ring with a lens at its front end. A light source is secured to the frame rear end to project a light spot onto the lens. The lens and the light source may be independently adjustable in the vertical and horizontal planes, respectively. Alternatively, where the light source is fixed, the lens may be adjusted in the vertical and horizontal planes. The light source and the lens are positioned relative to each other and to the gun barrel axis such that the light spot projected onto the lens is reflected to a shooter's eye who then lines up the light spot onto a target to take aim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventors: Ira M. Kay, Clifford E. McLain
  • Patent number: 5349179
    Abstract: A night vision device with a holographic reticle ordinarily provides a user with all image of a night time scene unimpaired by any reticle pattern. Such a reticle pattern can interfere with night time observations, or may be distracting to the user. Consequently, the utility of the night vision device for use by observers is improved. However, when the holographic reticle is activated, the user is provided with a clearly visible reticle pattern superimposed on the night time scene. The reticle pattern may be used, for example, to estimate ranges to objects observed, or to aim a weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland M. Morley
  • Patent number: 5315368
    Abstract: An optical sight typically used in cooperation with a weapon is provided to include a light tube, that in turn further is provided with a blade member mounted to the light tube that includes a concave surface of mirror image reflective qualities directing light into the light tube for enhanced optical illumination through the sight arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventors: Charles W. Winters, Janice F. Winters
  • Patent number: 5141313
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a collimating mark within an optical sighting device includes a light source to generate a beam of light for the mark, imaging optics, and a beam splitter. The beam splitter reflects one portion of the light from the light source into a sighting ray path and directs another portion of light on to a two-dimensional photosensor matrix. From the signals generated by the matrix, the actual position of the collimating mark is determined. A ballistics computer predetermines a set position. Control signals are generated based on an actual position/set position comparison to permit the continuous movement of the collimating mark such that it indicates the elevation and lead angles relative to the optical axis of the sighting device. The signals generated by the photosensor matrix are also used to control the contrast of the collimating mark with respect to its immediate surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Leica Heerbrugg AG (Schweiz)
    Inventor: Robert Brun
  • Patent number: 5127165
    Abstract: The gun sight comprises a cathode ray tube (21) to generate an aiming image and optical means (22,23) to project said generated image into a line of sight through the gun sight. Velocity of movement of the gun sight is sensed by gyros and in response thereto the cathode ray tube (21) generates an aiming image at a location displaced from a sight-stationary position by an amount dependent on the velocity and direction of movement of the gun sight and a predetermined target range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventors: David H. Polzin, Lynn Jackson, John E. Pike
  • Patent number: 5103340
    Abstract: This invention describes a tunable optical filter to be used in an optical communication system. The filter of this invention has a pair of resonator cavities which are cascaded. The lengths of each of the cavities change simultaneously with the change in length of a piezoelectric sleeve which contacts a reflective surface of each of the cavities through spacers. The sleeves and spacers are set so as to move the reflecting surfaces of the cavities along a single axis in response to a single control signal. When optical signals are passed through the two cavities and when the ratio of the length of the cavities is adjusted to a predetermined ratio of integers, the resonator cavity will resonate at a desired wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Dono, Paul E. Green, Jr., Philippe A. Perrier
  • Patent number: 5090805
    Abstract: A bow sight apparatus is described with at least one lighted reticle aiming spot which is projected onto a partially reflecting mirror through which the target is viewed to superimpose the aiming spot on the target image. A light guide of fluorescent plastic is employed to convert ambient visible light entering such light guide into colored light of a selected wavelength, such as green light, which is transmitted through one or more aiming apertures in a reticle member to produce the aiming spot. Range adjustment is provided by moving a reticle projection mirror to adjust the position of the aiming spot between different precalibrated range positions, or by providing several different aiming spots corresponding to different target ranges. A bow mount attaches the sight to a bow handle by a bracket which adjusts the sight vertically and horizontally for calibration sighting of the sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventor: Dick A. Stawarz
  • Patent number: 5054917
    Abstract: This system enables the boresighting of the optical axes of a system comprising, for example: an infrared distance measuring device, a television camera, sensitive in the visible band, and a laser telemeter which does not emit radiation in the ranges of spectral sensitivity of the distance measuring device and of the camera. One embodiment includes:a collimated radiation source, associated with the laser;a wide-band collimator including, in its focal plane, a screen with holes cut out in it, constituting a reticle illuminated by an incandescent bulb, the surface of the screen being covered with glass micro-beads. The source associated with the laser forms a light spot on the screen, and this light spot is visible to the television camera. The holes form a reticle visible both to the television camera and to the distance measuring device. The distance measuring device determines the distance between the image of the reticle and a reference point on its image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Thomson-CSF
    Inventors: Christian Pepin, Vincent Vilbois, Marc Audion
  • Patent number: 5037200
    Abstract: In a laser-operated detecting device, the light source of a laser beam applied to a specimen under test is a tunable laser whose wavelength can be continuously tuned in a certain range. The detecting device is realized as a high speed liquid chromatography fluorescence detector, a high speed liquid chromatography Raman detector, a laser Raman spectroscopic measuring device, a coherent anti-Stokes Raman measuring device, or a microscopic Raman measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Kodama
  • Patent number: 5026158
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining and recording a calculated impact point of one or more projectiles discharged from a firearm include a sighting mechanism with a field of view display unit, sensor elements, a recording unit, and a trajectory calculating microprocessor unit, the microprocessor unit for storing parameter data and for responding to sensor and/or manual data input signals and modifying the image presented by the field of view display unit. The trajectory calculating microprocessor unit, in response to the sensor data and parameter data, determines the trajectory of a projectile. The calculated impact point of the projectile is used to superimpose an indicia, namely an impact point-reticle on the image of the field of view of the display unit relative to the zero-range reticle or standard cross-hair setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Victor G. Golubic
  • Patent number: 4993833
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aiming device for weapons whose targets are disposed at changing distances and whose fired projectiles follow a curved trajectory. The aiming device calculates the distance from the weapon to the target. The calculated distance is used as a basis for correcting the point of aim with allowance for the ballistical trajectory, the latter being dependent upon the particular weapon and particular ammunition used. To correct the point of aim, a storage medium storing the ballistic trajectory correlates the range-finding data with the ballistic trajectory data. The resulting signal actuates a row of diodes which are reflected into the beam path of the optical system. Depending upon the range and the trajectory, a particular diode of the row lights up and is brought into registration with the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignees: Kontron Elektronik GmbH, Friedrich Wilh. Heym GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Otto Lorey, Gunter Mauer
  • Patent number: 4964724
    Abstract: A radiation mast such as a periscope has a head end 10 incorporating a radiation receiver in the form of a top mirror 12, the lower end 11 of the mast being physically separated by a considerable distance from end 10 and being provided with an information station, for example, in the form of viewing optics (E) and/or a video monitor 17. The radiation image formed at the receiver 12 is viewed at the information station in accurate superimposition with a reference pattern which is electronically generated by generator 19 and which is stabilized in space with respect to at least pitch, roll and yaw movements of the vehicle on which the mast is mounted. The pattern is also stabilized with respect to such disturbance factors as are effective on the information relaying means, for example, optics in path B, C, D, whereby the radiation image can be visually referenced to the electronically generated pattern, unwanted relative movements having been eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Barr & Stroud Limited
    Inventor: David S. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 4965439
    Abstract: A microcomputer-controlled optical instrument comprises an objective lens, an ocular lens, and an erector lens assembly mounted to pivot between the objective lens and the ocular lens. A first image plane is defined by the objective lens, and a second plane of focus is located between the ocular lens and the erector lens assembly. A microcontroller is carried on the instrument, and a spanning reference is in focus on the first image plane. The erector lens assembly pivots by appropriate adjustments so the image of the spanning reference can be viewed on the first image plane in relation to a reference indicator focused on the second image plane, to thereby adjust the apparent spacing between the spanning reference and the reference indicator in response to the user's viewing the target through the instrument spanning the size of the target. A first control signal is produced and sent to the microcontroller to represent the pre-set size of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Inventor: Sidney D. Moore
  • Patent number: 4945646
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a luminous dot sighting instrument (1) for use together with a telescopic attachment (2). The invention is characterized in that the optical system of the luminous dot sighting instrument, i.e. the portion (15) containing a light-emitting diode (29) directed against a semitransparent spherical mirror (24) and supplied with current from the electronic system, is suspended in and, against or under the action of a spring load (27), universally angularly adjustable in relation to one tubular part (17a) of a twin tube member (17), the other tubular part (17b) of which carries the electronic system (16) of said sighting instrument, said member being arranged for mounting the sighting instrument on a firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Interaims Aktiebolag
    Inventor: John A. I. Ekstrand
  • Patent number: 4877324
    Abstract: The optical aiming device may be mounted on firearms. It comprises a light-collecting rod (8) consisting of a phosphor material to illuminate a central circular spot (22) of an aiming mark (6). Such illumination passes through a truncated hollow cone (25) and is used for good ambient light conditions. For poor ambient light four tritium luminous cells (18, 19, 20, 21) are mounted around the truncated hollow cone (25). Each tritrium cell illuminates one radial line component (23) of the aiming mark (6) via the external mirrored lateral area of cone (25). To adapt the brightness of the aiming mark to the brightness of the target the tritium luminous cells (18, 19, 20, 21) may be shifted on a circle around cone (25) with respect to the line components (23) of aiming mark (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Kern & Co. AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Hauri, Hans Etter
  • Patent number: 4869590
    Abstract: The invention relates to a geodetic instrument with a telescope, an objective with a reticle in the focal plane, a clinometer and optoelectronic elements with the objective of avoiding faulty measurements due to a vibrating or oscillating target image, as well as of avoiding hanging or sticking of the pendulum and of achieving a higher measuring accuracy and of facilitating the reading of the pole. The invention is applicable particularly for compensator levels. Its task is to provide the fundamentals for an automated compensator level through the use of optoelectronic components and microprocessors and to carry out measurements on an oscillating substratum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Jenoptik Jena, GmbH
    Inventors: Wieland Feist, Klaus Gurtler, Jost Schuler
  • Patent number: 4794430
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reticle generator having an azimuth array (64) of light emitting diode filament lines and an elevation array (66) of orthogonal light emitting diode filament lines. The arrays (64, 66) are fixed by rigid bracket members (136, 144) with respect to the faces (74, 80) of a partially reflecting prism (76). An illuminated LED filament line projected into the prism (76) by azimuth array (64) is reflected by the partially reflecting surface (82), and emitted from prism face (84). A selected LED filament (78) from elevation array (66) is transmitted through the prism (76) and emitted from face (84) and thus superimposed with the azimuth filament line (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Varo, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Whittaker, Wayne E. Isbell, Peter Sorensen, III