Abstract: A weapon-mountable designator/illuminator unit having a light source adapted to generate a light beam in a direction away from the unit. The light beam is variable between a collimated light beam and a divergent light beam for, respectively, designating a target and illuminating a target area of the weapon. At least a first modular power supply is adapted for installation in the designator/illuminator unit. The power supply includes a cage adapted to receive a power source, a first end adapted to be received within the designator/illuminator unit, and an end cap adapted to be exposed when the power supply is assembled with the unit. The power supply is adapted to deliver power from its power source to the light source of the designator/illuminator unit. The end cap may contain a light source for generating a light beam in addition to the light beam generated by the designator/illuminator unit.

Abstract: A signaling buoy and method suitable for emitting a light signal over long distances in marine environments. The buoy includes a watertight enclosure having a compartment, an aperture at an upper end of the enclosure for emitting a laser light beam therethrough, a laser light source disposed within the enclosure for generating the light beam, and a battery within the enclosure for powering the light source. Electrical contacts are disposed on an exterior of the enclosure and are adapted to complete an electrical circuit when an electrical short exists therebetween to conduct electrical power from the battery to the laser light source. The buoy is configured to float upright in water with the electrical contacts submersed in the water.

Abstract: A weapon-mountable designator/illuminator unit having a light source adapted to generate a light beam in a direction away from the unit. The light beam is variable between a collimated light beam and a divergent light beam for, respectively, designating a target and illuminating a target area of the weapon. At least a first modular power supply is adapted for installation in the designator/illuminator unit. The power supply includes a cage adapted to receive a power source, a first end adapted to be received within the designator/illuminator unit, and an end cap adapted to be exposed when the power supply is assembled with the unit. The power supply is adapted to deliver power from its power source to the light source of the designator/illuminator unit. The end cap may contain a light source for generating a light beam in addition to the light beam generated by the designator/illuminator unit.

Abstract: A signaling buoy and method suitable for emitting a light signal over long distances in marine environments. The buoy includes a watertight enclosure having a compartment, an aperture at an upper end of the enclosure for emitting a laser light beam therethrough, a laser light source disposed within the enclosure for generating the light beam, and a battery within the enclosure for powering the light source. Electrical contacts are disposed on an exterior of the enclosure and are adapted to complete an electrical circuit when an electrical short exists therebetween to conduct electrical power from the battery to the laser light source. The buoy is configured to float upright in water with the electrical contacts submersed in the water.

Abstract: Binoculars with an integrated laser light source capable of illuminating the optical field of view through the binoculars to provide concise and effective viewing under limited visibility conditions. The integrated light source generates a coherent laser light beam that has variably adjustable divergence.

Abstract: A mechanism adapted for rapid attachment/detachment of a lighting device to a rail system of a host weapon system. The mechanism includes a body, a fixed rail clamp, and a floating rail clamp that is adjustably attached to the body in an opposing manner to the fixed rail clamp to provide a clamping effect therebetween. The floating rail clamp has a recess in a surface opposite the fixed rail clamp. A holding screw passes through a bore in the fixed rail clamp, and a clamp screw passes through a slot in the floating rail clamp and is threaded into one end of the holding screw. An oppositely-disposed end of the clamp screw protrudes within the recess of the floating rail clamp, and a cam arm has a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the clamp screw and an oppositely-disposed distal end that protrudes from the recess.

Abstract: A novel, adjustable locking windage and elevation knob assembly for the improved accuracy of scopes wherein an adjustment turn knob may be raised from its locked position to rotate freely for desired windage or elevation adjustments and thereafter be pushed back down into a locked position.

Abstract: A one-piece shotshell comprising an integral base with an opening at a first end, a sidewall extending from the base defining an open second end, and a crimp integrally disposed between the first end and second end. Apparatus and methods for making the shotshell and shooting a projectile are also disclosed.