Abstract: A laser device is mounted on the front surface of a trigger guard on a firearm such that a laser beam is emitted in the direction of fire. Mounting screws pass through the trigger guard into an end of the laser device, and a pivot device placed between the laser device and trigger guard permits adjustment of the orientation of the laser beam relative to the barrel axis of the firearm. Power to the laser device is provided by passing wires through channels that are drilled through the trigger guard, and then to a battery through a momentary switch that is mounted on the front surface of the firearm handle or grip.

Abstract: A self-contained laser module assembly has a diode laser and driver circuit enclosed with a cylindrical metal housing which forms a first electrical contact for inputting a DC voltage to power the circuit and laser. The housing has a first end which includes a lens positioned to emit a collimated laser beam along an axis of the housing and a second end including a second external electrical contact positioned to contact the power supply. One application of the module is in a pen-like pointer. The pointer includes conductive cap and body portions which are threaded together to house a laser module and a battery in end-to-end relationship. An O-ring between the battery and the body or module is axially compressed by tightening the cap on the body to enable turning on the pointer. The cap has a pocket clip through which electrical contact is selectably made between the body and a side contact on the module to cause a beam to be emitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for mounting a laser diode in an existing TO-5 structure within a cylindrical heat sink so that the laser beam can be focused, aimed and collimated in a mechanically repeatable manner in about 45 seconds. The basis for so doing lies in the use of an alignment apparatus to align the beam of a laser diode within its TO-5 heat sink structure with a lens that has been placed within a second heat sink, and thereby to form an aimed laser optic system (ALOS). The apparatus is constructed using processes that leave several compressive forces acting within itself, whereby the structure is constrained to adopt configurations that are essentially identical upon each installation of a laser diode. An interference fit of the TO-5 heat sink flange against the second heat sink provides an additional degree of heat sinking, thereby permitting the diode to be operated at temperatures of up to 130 deg. F. without damage.

Abstract: A compression coupling system is employed for attaching one optical or electro-optical component to another in a manner such that different diameters of devices readily may be coupled together without causing any cosmetic defects from the coupling function. The first component to which the other component is to be attached has a cylindrical portion on it; and the other component has a hollow cylindrical extension on it, with an internal diameter which is equal to or greater than the external diameter of the first component. A cylindrical sleeve/shim having a thickness which is equal to the difference between the external diameter of the first component and the internal diameter of the extension is placed between the two devices which then are fitted, one over the other. A compression ring and locking ring secure the devices together by compressing the locking ring onto the body of the first component.