Abstract: Control modules for automatically adjusting a laser output based on a range to an object detected within a field of view are disclosed.

Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: Dual-function laser systems and methods are disclosed. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a laser source configured to emit a beam; a collimating optical system spaced apart from the laser source; and a diffractive element positioned to diffract the beam to provide a diffracted beam to the collimating optical system such that the collimating optical system refracts the diffracted beam to form an approximately collimated central portion and a diverging outer portion.

Abstract: Dual-function laser systems and methods are disclosed. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a laser source configured to emit a beam; an optical element spaced apart from the laser source; and a diffractive element positioned to diffract the beam to provide a diffracted beam to the optical element such that the optical element refracts the diffracted beam to form an approximately collimated central portion and a diverging outer portion.

Abstract: Laser systems and methods having an ability to automatically adjust a laser output based on one or more of a state of an object detected within a field of view and a motion of the laser system are disclosed.

Abstract: Control modules for automatically adjusting a laser output based on a range to an object detected within a field of view are disclosed.

Abstract: Dual-function laser systems and methods are disclosed. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a laser source configured to emit a beam; an optical element spaced apart from the laser source; and a diffractive element positioned to diffract the beam to provide a diffracted beam to the optical element such that the optical element refracts the diffracted beam to form an approximately collimated central portion and a diverging outer portion.

Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor apparatus includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore therethrough that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each elongated member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor apparatus includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore therethrough that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each elongated member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: Flash suppressors having novel expansion features are disclosed. In one embodiment, a suppressor apparatus includes an attachment portion adapted to attach to a gun barrel, and a suppressor portion coupled to the attachment portion. The suppressor portion has a suppressor bore therethrough that is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the gun barrel to allow a projectile from the gun barrel to pass therethrough. The suppressor bore is defined by at least one bore surface having at least one expansion groove disposed therein. The expansion groove may be partially-circumferentially disposed about the suppressor bore, or may include a plurality of expansion grooves. In another embodiment, a flash apparatus includes a suppressor portion having a plurality of longitudinally elongated members spaced apart about a circumference of the suppressor bore, each elongated member being separated from adjacent elongated members by a longitudinal slot, at least one longitudinal slot having non-parallel sidewalls.

Abstract: The invention is a dual function laser device for use in night vision systems. The invention uses lenses to cause one portion of a laser beam to converge to a target point and another portion of the beam to diverge. The divergent portion is variable in size and illuminates a viewable area around the target point. Rather than use two lasers to create an illuminated view area around an illuminated target point, the invention uses a combination of a lens and a sub-aperture lens arrangement to create two illuminations from a single laser.

Abstract: An aiming system for a trajectory weapon such as a ground launcher, machine gun, mortar, or the like. The aiming system is attached to a conventional mount for the involved weapon. Also disclosed is a method of sighting in a weapon which employs the aiming system.

Abstract: The invention is an improved image intensifier for night vision equipment. It includes an optical filter that is positioned between the phosphor output and eyepiece of the image intensifier. The filter is dichroic and limits light transmission to light that is substantially in the blue wave length. The filter minimizes reflections on the eye of the user that might otherwise be visible to others who are using night vision equipment.

Abstract: An aiming system for a trajectory weapon such as a ground launcher, machine gun, mortar, or the like. The aiming system is attached to a conventional mount for the involved weapon. Also disclosed is a method of sighting in a weapon which employs the aiming system.

Abstract: An aiming system for a trajectory weapon such as a ground launcher, machine gun, mortar, or the like. The aiming system is attached to a conventional mount for the involved weapon. Also disclosed is a method of sighting in a weapon which employs the aiming system.

Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in prodcing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.

Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in producing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.

Abstract: Devices for illuminating a target with a beam of coherent energy. The device has a number of applications. In one, it is employed with a night vision system to make available additional energy which can be utilized by an image intensifier in the night vision system in producing a visual image of a target acquired by the night vision system.