With Reticle Patents (Class 359/424)
  • Patent number: 11966038
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a viewing optic having a main body and a base that couples to the main body. The base contains a light module for a reticle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: SHELTERED WINGS, INC.
    Inventor: David M. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11768056
    Abstract: Provided is an optical sight having a lens frame and multiple fixing members for fixing an objective lens to an inside of a barrel body. The objective lens is held on an inner peripheral surface of a lens frame. A male screw, which can be screwed into a female screw arranged on the inner peripheral surface of a barrel body, is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the lens frame. Multiple through-holes are formed at a wall section of the lens frame corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the objective lens along a circumferential direction of the wall section. The fixing member is made of metal or synthetic resin having a hardness lower than that of the barrel body. An assembly including the objective lens, the lens frame, and the fixing members is screwed into the female screw arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the barrel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: LIGHT OPTICAL WORKS, LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Abe, Kensuke Sakai
  • Patent number: 11105587
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a turret for a firearm. In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to a turret zero stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Sheltered Wings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Hamilton, Michael Rosen
  • Patent number: 10830561
    Abstract: A scope turret including a dial assembly that is configured to adjust point of aim optics of a scope is disclosed. The turret may include an adjustable stop assembly that prevents the dial assembly from rotating in one direction. The adjustable stop assembly may include a traveler, a nut assembly, and a bolt. The adjustable stop assembly may be internally-adjustable or externally-adjustable. The dial assembly may include an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism may include a button that is slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position of the engagement mechanism. The turret may further include a locking mechanism that selectively prevents the dial assembly from rotating in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: GUNWERKS, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Skip Davidson, Christopher Ryan Thomas, Andreas Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 10788288
    Abstract: A compensating mechanism includes a base, an adjusting unit, an adjusting cap and a stop unit. The adjusting unit is disposed on the base. The adjusting cap is configured to move the adjusting unit with respect to the base so as to form a first circumferential movement range. The stop unit includes a sliding element and a limiting element, wherein the limiting element includes a movement region, and the adjusting cap is configured to move the sliding element along the movement region so as to form a second circumferential movement range. A sum of a first central angle corresponding to the first circumferential movement range and a second central angle corresponding to the second circumferential movement range is a fixed value. A sight is provided to include a main body, an objective unit, an ocular unit, an inner lens barrel and the compensating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignees: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.
    Inventors: Yung-Chin Lin, Hao Tu, Sung-Po Cheng
  • Patent number: 10653418
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Marczyk
  • Patent number: 10101122
    Abstract: A scope turret including a dial assembly that is configured to adjust point of aim optics of a scope is disclosed. The turret may include an adjustable stop assembly that prevents the dial assembly from rotating in one direction. The adjustable stop assembly may include a traveler, a nut assembly, and a bolt. The adjustable stop assembly may be internally-adjustable or externally-adjustable. The dial assembly may include an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism may include a button that is slidable between an engaged position and a disengaged position of the engagement mechanism. The turret may further include a locking mechanism that selectively prevents the dial assembly from rotating in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: REVIC, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Skip Davidson, Christopher Ryan Thomas, Andreas Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 9958235
    Abstract: An adjusting apparatus for setting a rifle scope has a manually actuable adjusting element which is mounted such that it can be rotated about a rotational axis relative to a base. A latching device is arranged between the base and the adjusting element and has latching depressions which are distributed about the rotational axis over the circumference. A first latching element lies opposite one of the latching depressions and is dependent on the rotary position of the adjusting element relative to the base. A locking device has a manually actuable locking element which can be moved from a released position into a locked position, the locking element being coupled to the first latching element via an actuating drive. The first latching element is fixed in the latching depression which lies opposite in each case in the locked position by means of the actuating drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Schmidt & Bender GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Raphael Lassak, Werner Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9835819
    Abstract: A sight includes a main body including a focus lens system and an erecting lens system; a first adjusting member disposed in the main body and configured to move the focus lens system along the optical axis; a second adjusting member disposed in the main body and configured to move the erecting lens system in a first direction which is perpendicular to the optical axis; a focus adjusting module disposed in the main body and configured to drive the first adjusting member so as to move the focus lens system along the optical axis; and a first adjusting module detachably joined to the focus adjusting module and configured to drive the second adjusting member so as to move the erecting lens system in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignees: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., ASIA OPTICAL INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Chi Tang
  • Patent number: 9706994
    Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument including a handle portion, a body portion, an articulating tool assembly and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The body portion extends distally from the handle portion. The articulation mechanism includes an articulation link for articulating the tool assembly, an articulation knob operatively coupled to the articulation link, wherein rotational motion of the articulation knob is translated into axial motion of the articulation link thereby articulating the articulating tool assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Stanislaw Marczyk
  • Patent number: 9658032
    Abstract: A turret system for use with a firearm scope is provided, wherein the turret system comprises a plurality of turrets connected in an interlocked and telescoping orientation. The system may include a first turret having a hollow body and a second turret that may be at least partially received within the hollow body of the first turret. The first turret can be selectively axially movable relative to the second turret such that the second turret may be at least partially exposed when the first turret is in a raised position and the second turret may be substantially covered when the first turret is in a lowered position. The first turret may include a first set of calibration data thereon tailored to a first set of shooting conditions and the second turret may include a second set of calibration data thereon tailored to a second set of shooting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HUSKEMAW OPTICS, LLC
    Inventors: John Porter, Jack Peterson, Michael Peterson
  • Patent number: 9070348
    Abstract: A cymbal stand for mounting at least one cymbal. The cymbal stand comprises a base assembly including a base pipe, a support pipe assembly including a first support pipe, and a first locking clamp for releasably locking said first support pipe and said base pipe together. The base pipe has an upper end and a longitudinal axis. The first support pipe has a length, opposite terminal ends and a first longitudinal axis along the length. The first support pipe is telescopically and coaxially movable relative to the base pipe. The first support pipe is connected to the base pipe along the longitudinal axis of the first support pipe by the first locking clamp at a nodal point of the first support pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: PEARL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CO.
    Inventor: Akito Takegawa
  • Patent number: 9046321
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Kruger Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Thomas, Mitchell Thomas
  • Patent number: 9030735
    Abstract: An optical sight ensures a more accurate aim at feebly discernible targets in the twilight and in dull weather. The sight includes an objective, a reticule, an erecting system consisting of a first and a second positive component, each of which is cemented of two lenses, and an eyepiece. The sight also includes a beam-splitting cube, the beam-splitting face made as a diagonal face, three mirrors and a third positive component cemented of two lenses, a first plane mirror parallel to the beam-splitting face of the cube on the same axis with the third positive component, a second plane mirror perpendicular to the first mirror in front of a focal plane of the eyepiece, and a third mirror tilted to the optical axis and faced with its reflective surface toward the eyepiece arranged between the eyepiece focal plane and the second component of the erecting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: RusOpticalSystem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Pavel Andreevich Blagov, Evgeny Viktorovich Tsivilev
  • Patent number: 8947778
    Abstract: New families of two mirror unobscured telescopes with compact Schiefspiegler, eccentric pupil Cassegrain geometries, incorporating aspheres, tilted and decentered secondaries, and tilted decentered focal surfaces. These variables allow control of focal surface tilt. All embodiments, from f/5 to f/16, are totally reflecting, fully baffled systems, with wide diffraction limited FOVs and unobscured aperture MTFs. Systems optimized with the focal plane normal to the gut ray are well suited for visual and general use. They can incorporate a variable iris for f/number control and allow focusing along the gut ray with minimal field tilt. Systems optimized with a fixed focal plane tilt are well suited for high resolution, wide field collimators and IR scene generators. Any light reflected at focus can be trapped, eliminating Narcissus or “cats eye” effects. Additionally, this reflection can be used to provide a uniform “background” irradiance field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Richard F. Horton
  • Patent number: 8786948
    Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a marking, which is applied on a transparent reticle in the form of a diffraction structure, wherein illuminating beams are injected into the reticle via a side edge surface of the reticle such that they are emitted after diffraction at the marking perpendicular to the plane of the reticle, wherein a concavely curved mirror having two focal points is attached to the side edge surface such that a light source is arranged in the region of the first focal point and the marking is arranged in the region of the second focal point, wherein a second mirror having two focal points is attached such that a second light source with a second emission wavelength is arranged in the first focal point thereof and the marking is arranged in the region of the second focal point of the second mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Leica Camera AG
    Inventor: Sigrun Kammans
  • Patent number: 8425063
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for an article of manufacture for use in a weapon sight wherein the article of manufacture comprises a passively charged photoluminescent material. When installed in a weapon sight, the passively charged photoluminescent material provides light to a fiber optic of the weapon sight during low light conditions to illuminate a reticle pattern of the weapon sight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Defense Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Martin Buckingham, Herbert Jones
  • Patent number: 7997163
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Gamo Outdoor USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Juan Carlos Casas
  • Patent number: 7876501
    Abstract: An optical sight includes an optical train having an optical path therethrough, an entrance, and an exit. A reticle is visible through the exit of the optical path. An unpowered reticle illumination source has a first light source that illuminates the reticle responsive to the level of ambient light, and a second light source that illuminates the reticle with an unpowered light source. The reticle illumination source preferably has a light filter positioned so that ambient light entering the ambient-light receiver is incident upon the light filter, whereupon the light filter transmits filtered light, a light-gathering prism that receives the filtered light and has a diffusing surface disposed to illuminate the reticle using the filtered light, and an unpowered light source positioned to emit light through the diffusing surface to be incident upon the reticle. The unpowered light source may be a tritium light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kevin B. Wagner, Brien Douglas Ross
  • Patent number: 7821708
    Abstract: An apparatus has structure with a reticle oriented approximately parallel to and adjacent an imaginary plane. The structure includes on one side of the plane a portion transmissive to visible radiation, the portion having a surface that is spaced from and angled with respect to the plane, and that faces away from the reticle. A reticle illumination section emits radiation adjacent the surface. According to a different aspect, a method involves: providing a reticle oriented approximately parallel to an imaginary plane and disposed immediately adjacent the plane; providing on one side of the plane a structural portion that is transmissive to visible radiation; forming on the portion a surface spaced from the plane, oriented at an angle to the plane, and oriented to face away from the reticle; and emitting radiation adjacent the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Blaise R. J. Robitaille
  • Patent number: 7804643
    Abstract: An illuminable reticle (1) has a minor (5) disposed laterally beside the carrier (2) and having two foci (8 and 9). The light source (6) is disposed in one focus (8). The line image (3) is disposed in the second focus (9), whereby optionally a total reflection on one of the two carrier surfaces is also possible for focusing light beams (12) in the line image (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Swarovski Optik K.G.
    Inventors: Dietmar Menges, Alois Zangerl
  • Patent number: 7706065
    Abstract: A compact spotting scope includes a housing with an outer surface having a grasping region sized and shaped to fit in a user's hand. An optical element positioned within the housing is adjusted by manually rotating a side-mounted adjustment knob that extends laterally from the outer surface of the housing opposite the grasping region. The side-mounted position of the adjustment knob allows the arm and wrist of the focusing hand to be maintained in an ergonomic position during manipulation of the adjustment knob, thereby further facilitating steady support. An internal support member of the spotting scope includes a frame portion and a generally tubular portion, which are preferably formed together of unitary one-piece construction for aligning optical elements of the spotting scope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: Rick R. Regan, Rodney H. Otteman, Erik R. Halverson
  • Patent number: 7652818
    Abstract: An optical sight includes an optical train having an optical path therethrough, an entrance, and an exit. A reticle is visible through the exit of the optical path. An unpowered reticle illumination source has a first light source that illuminates the reticle responsive to the level of ambient light, and a second light source that illuminates the reticle with an unpowered light source. The reticle illumination source preferably has a scintillation material positioned so that ambient light entering the ambient-light receiver is incident upon the scintillation material, whereupon the scintillation material responsively emits secondary light. A light-gathering prism receives the secondary light and has a diffusing surface disposed to illuminate the reticle using the secondary light. An unpowered light source is positioned to emit light through the diffusing surface to be incident upon the reticle. The unpowered light source may be a tritium light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kevin B. Wagner, Brien Douglas Ross
  • Patent number: 7355790
    Abstract: An optical sight includes an optical train having an optical path therethrough. The optical train typically includes an objective, a prism that receives the optical path from the objective, and an eyepiece that receives the optical path from the prism. A reticle is formed on a surface of the prism. The reticle is illuminated by a reticle illumination source including a light source having a light-source output beam that illuminates the reticle, and a light diffuser lying in the light-source output beam between the light source and the reticle. The light diffuser is made of a non-lambertian material such as acetal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Kevin B. Wagner, Andrew J. Hoy
  • Patent number: 7006285
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pair of range binoculars that, when the pupil distance is adjusted, is free from a deviation of the optical axes and undesirable influences on the electronic parts resulting from vibration caused by the adjustment, is capable to show the measured distance in such a way as the user can see it easily without making the system complicated, and secures the brightness of the visual field where the measured distance is displayed. The range binoculars are characterized in that a main case and an attached case contain a pair of left and right observation optical systems and the pupil distance is adjusted by turning only the attached case, and that the main case accommodates laser range-finding means, and measured distance displaying means comprising LCD means for displaying a distance measured by said laser range-finding means and a displaying optical system for projecting the distance displayed by said LCD means on the reticle so that the distance is shown at a rim of the visual field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kamakura Koki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Naomi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6927907
    Abstract: A reference plate is situated on an optical axis of an eyepiece. The reference plate includes a first glass plate and a second glass plate. One surface of the first glass plate and one surface of the second glass plate are bonded. Cross hairs are formed on the bonded surface of the first glass plate by using a chromium plating and so on. A radius of curvature of the bonded surface accords with the field curvature of the sagittal image surface of the eyepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: PENTAX Corporation
    Inventor: Shuji Yoneyama
  • Publication number: 20030086165
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: John W. Cross, Christopher A. Lalik
  • Publication number: 20030035210
    Abstract: Telescope with a main tube in which a crosshair plate is movably arranged in an intermediate image plane. The crosshair plate can be moved relative to the main tube by means of a vertical drive and a horizontal drive. An index plate is associated with the crosshair plate of the telescope, is tiltably mounted in the main tube, and executes a tilting movement accompanying the movement of the crosshair plate in a horizontal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventor: Timo Burzel
  • Patent number: 6429970
    Abstract: The invention proposes a supplementary appliance (3) in order to produce an illuminated reticle (5) for telescopic sights (1), which can be fitted as required to different telescopic sights (1), to be precise to their objective end (2), and allows the user to aim at his target reliably even in twilight or moonlight. An inner ring (12) is mounted such that it can be adjusted centrally in an annular cage (9) which can be pushed onto the objective side (2) of a telescopic sight (1), and the light from a point light source (19) is directed onto a lens (20) which is held on the center axis of the inner ring (12). The diameter of the light beam which emerges from the light source is limited by optical means (21, 29) at the object-side focal point of the lens (20), and the light beams which leave the lens (20) are directed onto the aiming point (7) in the reticle (5) or crosswires (6) of the telescopic sight (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Sensopart Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Rudiger Ruh
  • Publication number: 20020080480
    Abstract: A target device with a crosshair plate has a target marking. Radiation emitted by a light source allocated to the crosshair plate and coupled-in to the crosshair plate, illuminates the target marking. This radiation is coupled-in to the crosshair plate from various directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Reimund Stingl
  • Patent number: 6333812
    Abstract: An orbital scanning borescope includes a tube insertable into an inaccessible location in use and an optical system for gathering an image of a feature and transmitting the image to a viewing device located in a housing at the proximal end of the tube. The tube is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the housing. The viewing device includes an ocular lens and a reticle both of which are rotatable relative to the tube. Therefore, the tube can be rotated until a desired feature can be viewed through the borescope. The reticle can then be rotated independently of the tube until it is aligned as appropriate with the feature of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Keymed (Medical & Industrial Equipment) Ltd.
    Inventors: Gary Martin Rose, Christopher Ian Collins
  • Publication number: 20010017730
    Abstract: The invention proposes a supplementary appliance (3) in order to produce an illuminated reticle (5) for telescopic sights (1), which can be fitted as required to different telescopic sights (1), to be precise to their objective end (2), and allows the user to aim at his target reliably even in twilight or moonlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 30, 2001
    Inventor: Rudiger Ruh
  • Patent number: 6169628
    Abstract: The invention comprises a protective window for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an optical sight (20) may comprise an optical component (182, 300) transmitting an image of a scene. A protective window (180, 430) may be disposed approximate to an internal side of the optical component (180, 300) to obstruct dirt from contacting the internal side of the optical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Isbell, Robert E. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6154313
    Abstract: The invention comprises a protective window for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an optical sight (20) may comprise an optical component (182, 300) transmitting an image of a scene. A protective window (180, 430) may be disposed approximate to an internal side of the optical component (180, 300) to obstruct dirt from contacting the internal side of the optical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne E. Isbell, Robert E. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6111692
    Abstract: A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device includes a single objective lens and a single eyepiece lens, and at the eyepiece lens provides an image of a scene. The single objective lens leads to a visible-light first optical path, and to an invisible-light second optical path. The invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first and second optical paths converge with visible images being provided by each pathway overlaying at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A lens group includes a lens through which light from the scene is transmitted to be focused at an image plane. A focus cell body carries at least one lens of the lens group, and a support structure of the device movably supports the focus cell body for controlled lateral relative movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Warren Sauter
  • Patent number: 6088156
    Abstract: A finder optical system has an objective optical system for forming an intermediate image of an object and an eyepiece optical system, and is disposed independent of a photographing optical system. The objective optical system includes a reflecting member. A lens unit situated on the object side of the intermediate image is used as a correcting lens and moved along the optical axis. The finder optical system is thus corrected for diopter and satisfies a condition:0.1<.vertline.1000.times..alpha..sub.F /f.sub.R.sup.2 .vertline.<7.0where .alpha.F is the maximum longitudinal magnification of the correcting lens and f.sub.R is the focal length of the eye-piece optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kato
  • Patent number: 6081373
    Abstract: A light transmitting device for use in a viewing apparatus or optical device, particularly a night vision device. The device is composed of a material which is capable of transmitting light from a remote source. Light from a visible indicator such as an LED is transferred through at least one outer flat to an inner flat of the device. The inner flat provides a signal to the user that the power supply is low. An additional outer flat and inner flat provides a signal to the user that the infrared illuminator is in operation. A projection formed along the outer periphery of the device prevents rotation and aids in assembling the device in a viewing apparatus. With the light transmitting device, there is no need for a separate device attached to the housing of an optical device for indicating power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Bryant, Paul Thomas Schweitzer, James Hoge Bowen, Roger Douglas Whiddon
  • Patent number: 6005711
    Abstract: A variable optical power telescopic sight with adjustable focus control includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, an interior and exterior, and first and second ends. The housing holds an eyepiece positioned at the second end and an erector positioned in the interior of the housing medially of the first end and the eyepiece. To enable side focus control in the telescopic sight, an objective lens system includes a stationary portion positioned in the interior of the housing near the first end and a movable portion positioned in the interior of the housing between the stationary portion and the erector for movement generally along the longitudinal axis to adjust the focus of the telescopic sight. A manually adjustable focus control device projects outwardly from the exterior of the housing in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis and is connected to the movable portion of the objective lens system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil T. Mai, Mark A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5905592
    Abstract: A laser theodolite is provided which comprises a telescope (6), a focusing lens (10) and a reticle (12) provided in the telescope, a polarization beam splitter (13') provided on an optical axis (O) between the focusing lens and the reticle for reflecting a laser beam (S1) in a direction of collimation, and a laser-beam light source portion (16) for emitting the laser light toward the polarization beam splitter (13'). The laser-beam light source portion (16) and the reticle (12) are conjugate with respect to the polarization beam splitter (13').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha TOPCON
    Inventors: Etsuji Gohdo, Takashi Maezawa, Michiyo Saito
  • Patent number: 5902996
    Abstract: The invention comprises a mounting assembly for an image intensifier tube in an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a mounting assembly (152) may include a housing (154), a retainer (158) and a locking device (177). The housing (154) may be mounted to an optical bench (60). The retainer (158) may engage an image intensifier tube (150) and be coupled to the housing (154). The image intensifier tube (150) may be rotatable relative to the optical bench (60). The locking device (177) may selectively secure the image intensifier tube (150) relative to the optical bench (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5898519
    Abstract: A lightweight night vision device that can be used by itself or can be selectively attached to either the objective lens assembly or ocular lens assembly of an existing optical device. The night vision device includes an image intensifier tube for amplifying low intensity light to produce a visible image. The image produced by the image intensifier tube is inverted. A prism assembly is positioned proximate to the image intensifier tube to reinvert the image in a space and cost efficient manner. The image intensifier tube, the power supply for the image intensifier tube and the reinverting prism are all contained within a house just large enough to accommodate these components. The housing has an objective port and an ocular port. Both ports are adapted to be joined to other optical components. As a result, a large variety of optical devices can be attached to either the object port or ocular port of the night vision device, thereby providing night vision capabilities to the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5745287
    Abstract: The invention comprises a reticle assembly for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a reticle assembly (58) may comprise a housing (302) having a first slot (322) formed along an inside surface (304) by a first set of opposing side walls (318). A cross slide (330) may disposed in the first slot (322). The cross slide (330) may include opposing edges (334) engaging the first set of opposing side walls (318). The cross slide (330) may include a second slot (340) formed by a second set of opposing side walls (346) substantially normal to the first set of opposing side walls (318). A reticle holder (350) may be disposed in the second slot (340). The reticle holder (350) may include opposing edges (358) engaging the second set of opposing side walls (346). The reticle holder (350) may include a viewing aperture (354). A reticle (300) may be coupled to the reticle holder (350) in alignment with the viewing aperture (354).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5671088
    Abstract: The present invention provides an erector system characterized by centered erector lenses and lens holder movement capability to alter relative erector lens placement. Alignment of the erector lens optical centers facilitates the reduction of the phenomenon of trackout. Alteration of relative erector lens position permits a pistol scope or another device embodying the erector system to operate at more than one magnification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Mai, Mark Thomas, Klaus Mahr
  • Patent number: 5594584
    Abstract: A dot sighting device comprises a lens-shaped transparent objective element with convex and concave surfaces, the convex surface extending outwardly toward a target and the concave surface extending toward a user's eye. The concave surface has a first center of curvature lying on a baseline parallel to an optical axis of the element extending from a center of the element to the user's eye. The concave surface has a first radius from the first center of curvature to a center of the concave surface. The baseline and the first radius subtends an angle .theta. with each other. The convex surface has a second center of curvature positioned eccentrically from the first center of curvature located in a plane containing the baseline and the first radius. The convex surface has a second radius extending from the second center of curvature to a center of the convex surface. A light source is disposed behind the element and directed toward the center of the concave surface such that a light flux makes an angle .theta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventors: Ira M. Kay, Ubao Jibiki
  • Patent number: 5434704
    Abstract: A night vision sight is provided for use with a weapon, which includes an objective lens and a non-inverting image intensifier tube disposed along an optical axis, providing an intensified target image. The sight is focused by direct movement of the image intensifier tube relative to the fixed position of the objective lens. A reticle projector is disposed orthogonal to the optical axis and provides a collimated reticle image, the reticle image providing an aiming point for the weapon. The reticle image is superimposed over the target image, which are reflected into an eyepiece of the sight. The eyepiece has an axis between the optical axis and a sight line passing through a pre-existing sight provided with the weapon. Adjustment of the apparent position of the reticle to compensate for azimuth and elevation is accomplished by moving the reticle projector about crossed cylindrical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford J. Connors, Gary A. Wannagot, Roland M. Morley
  • Patent number: 5414557
    Abstract: Reticle apparatus that is affixed to the output surface of an image intensifier tube fiber optic element in a night vision goggle system. One embodiment provides for an illuminated reticle pattern. The reticle pattern is etched into a glass substrate which is then filled by a light reflective material. At least one light emitting diode (LED) is positioned adjacent to the edge of the substrate. Light from the LED is then received by the edge of the substrate which then illuminates the reticle pattern. An alternate embodiment provides for a reticle pattern that is affixed to an output surface of a fiber optic element wherein the output surface is curved. The reticle pattern is formed on a clear, flexible substrate that is able to conform the curvature of the output surface. The substrate is affixed to curved output surface by an adhesive that is coated on the flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Earle N. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5144479
    Abstract: A riflescope or other telescope is used as a target projector and as a collecting telescope for the reflected light. The light source is placed at the usual eye position of the telescope, projected through the ocular and then through the objective lens of the telescope. The reflected beam is recollected by the objective lens and forms an image on the telescope reticule. The image is presented to the eye through the ocular and a beamsplitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventors: Yehudit Aharon, Oren Aharon, Any Cohen