Abstract: An optical device for viewing a scene or subject while, at the same time, digitally recording images corresponding to the scene or subject being viewed. The optical device includes a housing supporting an eyepiece, an objective optic, and a prism assembly. The prism assembly is located along an optical path between the objective optic and the eyepiece. The prism assembly comprises a first prism and a second prism. The prism assembly allows the user to digitally record images corresponding to a scene or subject being viewed by the user. Both still images and video images may be digitally recorded. The prism assembly inverts the light traveling along the optical path so that the orientation of the image being viewed is consistent with the actual orientation of the scene or subject. The prism assembly allows the optical device to be shorter and more compact for a given magnitude of magnification.

Abstract: A system and method for introducing a display image into an afocal optics device through an objective lens and without using a beamsplitter. A display device emits the image in a first direction, a focusing lens focuses the image, and a first reflector redirects the image in a second direction. A second reflector redirects the image through a periphery of the lens so that both the image and gathered light received from a target appears on the same focal plane such that the image appears to a user to be located between the lens and the target. The periphery of the objective lens may be a distance which is no more than 30% of a diameter of the lens from an edge of the lens. If the optics device is a rifle scope, the image may communicate such relevant information as range, inclination, wind direction or velocity, or temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for introducing a display image into an afocal optics device through an objective lens and without using a beamsplitter. A display device emits the image in a first direction, a focusing lens focuses the image, and a first reflector redirects the image in a second direction. A second reflector redirects the image through a periphery of the lens so that both the image and gathered light received from a target appears on the same focal plane such that the image appears to a user to be located between the lens and the target. The periphery of the objective lens may be a distance which is no more than 30% of a diameter of the lens from an edge of the lens. If the optics device is a rifle scope, the image may communicate such relevant information as range, inclination, wind direction or velocity, or temperature.

Abstract: A system and method for introducing a display image into an afocal optics device through an objective lens and without using a beamsplitter. A display device emits the image in a first direction, a focusing lens focuses the image, and a first reflector redirects the image in a second direction. A second reflector redirects the image through a periphery of the lens so that both the image and gathered light received from a target appears on the same focal plane such that the image appears to a user to be located between the lens and the target. The periphery of the objective lens may be a distance which is no more than 30% of a diameter of the lens from an edge of the lens. If the optics device is a rifle scope, the image may communicate such relevant information as range, inclination, wind direction or velocity, or temperature.

Abstract: A handheld rangefinder device operable to determine ballistic hold-over information is disclosed. The rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a range to a target, a memory storing a database of ranges and corresponding hold-over values for a default sight-in distance, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the memory. The computing element may calculate an adjusted hold-over value based on the range and an actual sight-in distance. Additionally, a tilt sensor may be included to provide information for calculating an angle-adjusted hold-over value. Such a configuration facilitates accurate firearm use by providing ranges and hold-over values without requiring time-consuming and manual user calculations.

Abstract: A handheld rangefinder device operable to determine ballistic hold-over information is disclosed. The rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a range to a target, a memory storing a database of ranges and corresponding hold-over values for a default sight-in distance, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the memory. The computing element may calculate an adjusted hold-over value based on the range and an actual sight-in distance. Additionally, a tilt sensor may be included to provide information for calculating an angle-adjusted hold-over value. Such a configuration facilitates accurate firearm use by providing ranges and hold-over values without requiring time-consuming and manual user calculations.

Abstract: A differential drive system includes a housing having a pair of opposed apertures aligned along a longitudinal axis of the housing. First and second output shafts are positioned in respective apertures and are each at least substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis. First and second spur gears are secured to the first and second output shafts, respectively, positioned proximate respective inboard ends thereof. An output gear is within the housing and has a central bore substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis. First and second planetary spur gears are mounted on the output gear to rotate therewith and to rotate with respect to the output gear about respective planetary axes offset from and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The first and second planetary spur gears are respectively drivingly engaged with the first and second spur gears to transfer torque to the first and second output shafts.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.

Abstract: A gear drive system including a housing having a cavity and first and second opposed, axially aligned output shafts, the first and second output shafts having first and second gears, respectively, mounted thereon. At least one of the first and second output shafts has a predefined range of travel in the longitudinal direction of the first and second output shafts. A gear assembly is in operative engagement with the first and second gears. A spacer is positioned between the housing and one of the first and second gears. The spacer is configured to preclude movement of the at least one of the first and second output shafts through at least substantially all the predefined range of travel. A cover covering the cavity retains the spacer in position between the housing and the one of the first and second gears.

Abstract: Reticles and scopes using reticles are provided with increased visibility in low-light conditions by illuminating the reticle using the light emitted by a quantity of photoluminescent material. The photoluminescent material may be placed on the reticle itself or emit light which is cast onto the reticle. In some forms, the reticle is entirely coated with the photoluminescent material and in other forms, the photoluminescent material is selectively deposited on a portion of the reticle or an area adjacent the reticle. In other forms, the photoluminescent material is located remote from the reticle and the light emitted from the reticle is transmitted to the reticle. Alternatively, the light may be transmitted directly into a disc of optical material which has an area etched into a reticle pattern whereby the transmitted light escapes from the disc through the etched out portion and provides an illuminated reticle pattern which is visible in low light conditions.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.

Abstract: A gear drive assembly includes an elongated housing with a cavity and a pair of opposed apertures in communication with the cavity. At least one output shaft extends through the apertures. A drive gear is positioned in the cavity and fixedly connected to the at least one output shaft for rotation therewith. The drive gear and the output shaft have a predefined range of travel in a direction of the longitudinal axis to facilitate assembly of the gear drive assembly. A spacer is located within the cavity between the housing and the drive gear and is configured to preclude movement of the drive gear and the output shaft through the predefined range of travel after assembly. A drive motor can be mounted on the housing for transferring power to the at least one output shaft.

Abstract: A gear drive system including a housing having a cavity and first and second opposed, axially aligned output shafts, the first and second output shafts having first and second gears, respectively, mounted thereon. At least one of the first and second output shafts has a predefined range of travel in the longitudinal direction of the first and second output shafts. A gear assembly is in operative engagement with the first and second gears. A spacer is positioned between the housing and one of the first and second gears. The spacer is configured to preclude movement of the at least one of the first and second output shafts through at least substantially all the predefined range of travel. A cover covering the cavity retains the spacer in position between the housing and the one of the first and second gears.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steerable articulation coupler for effecting rapid connection of the two sections of a ground vehicle. The coupler also provides for rapid automatic connection of the power transmission shaft. The coupler consists of a socket member and an insertion member. The insertion member includes a forward semi-spherical support surface, a rearward large diameter support surface, a guide receptacle and a set of alignment members. Counterparts on the socket member cooperate with the insertion member to align the two members.