Abstract: A method of producing a rifle scope and a rifle scope including a conical objective bell, a main tube, and a connector. The objective bell is made of composite materials and increasing in diameter as the bell extends distally from its proximal to its distal end, with the proximal end being adjacent to the distal end of the main tube. The main tube, also constructed of composite materials, is a hollow cylinder. The connector is positioned about the distal end of the main tube with an exterior surface that conforms and is adhered to the interior surface of the proximal end of the objective bell and the interior surface of the distal end of the main tube, thereby joining together the objective bell and the main tube.

Abstract: A reflex sight, having a mounting base that has an engagement element for attachment to a firearm. Also, a collimating front lens is mounted on the mounting base. A first reticle projection system projects a first reticle onto the front lens, at a first position, the first position being user adjustable, relative to the mounting base, by a first actuation assembly. In addition, a second reticle projection system, projecting a second reticle onto the front lens at a second position, the second position being user adjustable, relative to the first position by a second actuation assembly.

Abstract: An improvement to an optical assembly that is adapted to accept light from a field of view in front of the optical assembly and create a first inverted image on a first image plane. Further the assembly includes an objective lens, a first prism adapted to receive light from the objective lens and a second prism, adapted to receive light from the first prism and emit light. The improvement is the addition of a negative lens interposed between the first prism and the second prism, thereby reducing the total optical pathway of the optical assembly, relative to a device performing the same optical function and lacking the negative lens.

Abstract: A reflex sight, having a mounting base that has an engagement element for attachment to a firearm. Also, a collimating front lens is mounted on the mounting base. A first reticle projection system projects a first reticle onto the front lens, at a first position, the first position being user adjustable, relative to the mounting base, by a first actuation assembly. In addition, a second reticle projection system, projecting a second reticle onto the front lens at a second position, the second position being user adjustable, relative to the first position by a second actuation assembly.

Abstract: A method of producing a rifle scope having a body made in part of composite material. The method utilizes a composite material tubular housing element, having a rear and having an outer diameter and a metal eyepiece adapter in form of a tube having an inner diameter matching the outer diameter. In the method, the metal eyepiece adapter is adhered partially over the rear of the tubular housing element.

Abstract: An improvement in a vapor recovery line in the form of a vortex shedding flow meter installable within such vapor recovery line to monitor the flow rate of vapor being returned through the vapor recovery line, such flow meter including a housing having an inlet flange with an associated inlet connectable to the upstream portion of the vapor recovery line, an outlet flange with an outlet connectable to the downstream portion of the vapor recovery line, a housing for a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet, with a vortex strut extending into the passageway nearer the outlet to generate shed flow vortices and a transmitter-receiver transducer pair positioned nearer the outlet to subject the shed vortices to a sonic beam to effect modulation thereof, and an electronics package within an electronic housing portion for determining from such modulation the flow rate of the vapor passing through the vapor recovery line.

Abstract: A rifle scope, comprising: a scope housing and an optical train, supported in the scope housing and defining an optical axis having a pointing direction. Also, a pointing angle adjustment electrical user input device includes a first button having a first position that does not cause the pointing angle to change, and a second position that causes a progressive change in the pointing angle over time in a first direction. The user input device also includes a second button, also having a first position and a second position and wherein placing the second button in the second position causes the pointing angle to change over time in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Finally, the rifle scope includes an electric actuator, adapted to change the pointing direction, responsive to the user input device.

Abstract: A method of producing a rifle scope having a body made in part of composite material. The method utilizes a composite material tubular housing element, having a rear and having an outer diameter and a metal eyepiece adapter in form of a tube having an inner diameter matching the outer diameter. In the method, the metal eyepiece adapter is adhered partially over the rear of the tubular housing element.

Abstract: A rifle scope that includes an optical train defining an optical axis having a pointing direction. The optical train has an erector tube pivotably mounted in the scope housing and having a front end. The scope also includes an elevation and windage angle adjustment assembly, including a user input; an actuator assembly that changes the optical axis pointing direction in response to input from the user input, by pivoting the erector tube; a sensing and computing assembly that includes a laser assembly that produces a laser beam that is directed through the erector tube, a mirror that reflects the laser beam to a two-axis positioning sensor, and a data processor that computes the optical axis pointing direction in response to input from the two-axis positioning sensor; and an ocular display assembly, that displays the optical axis pointing direction as an image superimposed on the image of the field of view.

Abstract: A rifle scope, comprising: a scope housing and an optical train, supported in the scope housing and defining an optical axis having a pointing direction. Also, a pointing angle adjustment electrical user input device includes a first button having a first position that does not cause the pointing angle to change, and a second position that causes a progressive change in the pointing angle over time in a first direction. The user input device also includes a second button, also having a first position and a second position and wherein placing the second button in the second position causes the pointing angle to change over time in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Finally, the rifle scope includes an electric actuator, adapted to change the pointing direction, responsive to the user input device.

Abstract: A method of making a rifle scope that utilizes a mounting assembly that includes a longitudinal base plate and a mating, closure housing piece. Separate optical assemblies are attached to the base plate to form an optical train of optical assemblies, extending longitudinally along the base plate, to form an image magnifying assembly. Also, at least some of the optical assemblies include a support and an optical element and an adjustment feature permitting adjustment of position of the optical element relative to the base plate. In the method, at least one of the adjustment features is used to adjust position of one of the optical elements, relative to the base plate, and wherein the optical element is then permanently fixed in place. Finally, the mating, closure housing piece is attached to the longitudinal base plate and the closure housing piece is fastened to the base, thereby forming a rifle scope.

Abstract: An improvement in a vapor recovery line in the form of a vortex shedding flow meter installable within such vapor recovery line to monitor the flow rate of vapor being returned through the vapor recovery line, such flow meter including a housing having an inlet flange with an associated inlet connectable to the upstream portion of the vapor recovery line, an outlet flange with an outlet connectable to the downstream portion of the vapor recovery line, a housing for a passageway extending between the inlet and outlet, with a vortex strut extending into the passageway nearer the outlet to generate shed flow vortices and a transmitter-receiver transducer pair positioned nearer the outlet to subject the shed vortices to a sonic beam to effect modulation thereof, and an electronics package within an electronic housing portion for determining from such modulation the flow rate of the vapor passing through the vapor recovery line.

Abstract: A method of making a rifle scope that makes use of a longitudinal base plate piece and a mating, closure housing piece. Optical assemblies are attached to the longitudinal base plate and the mating, closure housing piece is attached to the longitudinal base plate and the housing piece and base plate are fastened together.

Abstract: A rifle scope having a longitudinal dimension and a reticle and having an adjustment mechanism for changing the apparent reticle position seen through the scope, relative to a straight line extending along the longitudinal dimension of the scope. The scope includes an objective assembly defining an objective center line extending from the center of the assembly front to the center of the assembly back. Also, a housing includes an outer objective housing, and a tubular housing. An optical train is supported inside the tubular housing defining a train center line extending longitudinally through the center of the optical train. The objective assembly is mounted in the outer objective housing so as to have freedom to be repositioned, thereby changing the position of the assembly center line relative to the train center line and an actuation mechanism is adapted to reposition the objective assembly, in response to manipulation of the actuator.

Abstract: A combined reflex/telescopic sight that includes a telescopic optical element train and a view window, offset from the optical element train. A transition assembly is positioned to receive light from the optical element train and the view window and has an image display, a collimating lens-set positioned to transmit light to the image display and a luminous reticle. This assembly may be placed in a first mode wherein light from the optical train travels through the collimating lenses to the image display and light from the view window is blocked. In a second mode light from the optical train is blocked and light from the luminous reticle travels through the collimating lens set and is combined with light from the view window and a resulting combined image appears at the image display. Finally an actuation assembly is adapted to permit a user to switch the transition assembly between modes.

Abstract: A scope having a zoom mechanism that includes a cam tube holding an optical train of lenses whose relative positions change when said cam tube is rotated, causing an image seen through the scope to expand or contract. A gear is in contact to said cam tube and is positioned so as to rotate said cam tube when said gear is rotated. Finally, an actuator is positioned on a side of said scope and operatively connected to said gear so that said actuator causes said gear to turn when a user moves said actuator.

Abstract: A method of making a rifle scope that makes use of an element-retaining housing piece and a mating, closure housing piece. Optical assemblies are attached to the element-retaining piece and the mating, closure housing piece is attached to the element-retaining housing piece and the pieces are fastened together. In one preferred embodiment the element-retaining housing piece is in the form of a plate.