Abstract: Rifle scopes with friction reducing elements include a scope body, a movable optical adjustment element connected to the scope body, and a turret rotatably connected to the scope body. The turret includes a contact element contacting the adjustment element at a location of contact. The contact element is rotatable with respect to the turret. The adjustment element at the location of contact differs in hardness from the hardness of a second portion of the adjustment element. The contact element at the location of contact and the adjustment element at the location of contact are of essentially equal hardness.

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.

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.

Abstract: A sight includes a housing with first and second openings, and includes an optics section that is disposed within the housing, that has image erecting optics and eyepiece optics, and that optically influences radiation received through the first opening from a scene, so as to deliver through the second opening a viewable image that is a function of the radiation. An adjusting section facilitates adjustment of the position of the image erecting optics and the eyepiece optics within the housing.

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.

Abstract: An eyepiece assembly for use in a rifle scope may include an eyepiece that is made of a material that is transparent to light. A holographic reticle may be positioned within the eyepiece. The eyepiece assembly may also include a chrome reticle. The chrome reticle may be positioned so that the chrome reticle is aligned with the holographic reticle. A cover portion may be attached to the eyepiece.

Abstract: An ocular focus device. An ocular lens tube is movably disposed in an ocular housing and includes a positioning groove. An ocular lens set is disposed in the ocular lens tube. A positioning member is connected to the ocular housing and is disposed in the positioning groove. When the ocular lens tube moves with respect to the ocular housing, the ocular lens set performs a focus operation, and the positioning member moves in the positioning groove, limiting a moving range of the ocular lens tube with respect to the ocular housing.

Abstract: An aiming telescope has an optical axis and a line of sight. Turrets are provided for adjusting the direction of the line of sight. A range finder is structurally connected with the aiming telescope. The range finder has a light source for emitting an emitted measuring beam. The emitted measuring beam runs outside the aiming telescope. It has a direction coinciding essentially with the direction of the line of sight. A transmission is provided for automatically adjusting the direction of the emitted measuring beam when the direction of the line of sight is adjusted. The light source is pivotably mounted on the aiming telescope. The transmission acts between the aiming telescope and the light source.

Abstract: A reticle of a projectile weapon aiming system such as a riflescope includes a primary aiming mark adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and further includes a plurality of secondary aiming marks spaced apart below the primary aiming mark. The secondary aiming marks are positioned to compensate for ballistic drop at preselected incremental ranges beyond the first selected range, for a selected group of ammunition having similar ballistic characteristics. Angles subtended by adjacent aiming marks of the reticle can be adjusted by changing the optical power of the riflescope, to thereby compensate for ballistic characteristics of different ammunition. In some embodiments, the reticle includes a set of windage aiming marks spaced apart along at least one secondary horizontal axis intersecting a selected one of the secondary aiming marks, to facilitate compensation for the effect of crosswinds on the trajectory of the projectile.

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.

Abstract: A telescope that provides for simultaneous clear viewing of objects or areas at various distances may be either Galilean or astronomical. The telescope may be mounted on or into any mechanism or device used for targeting or aiming. Such devices may include iron sights of small arms weapons, and cameras and telescopes, which may be either electrically or manually focused. These miniature scopes are engineered to maximize the clear depth-of-field viewing by the eye regardless of vision irregularities, such as Presbyopia, Myopia, Hyperopic, Astigmatism, or combinations of these, in conjunction with or without spectacle lens corrections. This aiming scope/device may be placed on a pair of spectacles in a very close proximity to the eye cornea. Other maximized scope image characteristics that occur are field-of-view, luminosity, and unmagnified and unbroken or distorted viewing field.

Abstract: An optical sight includes an optical train with a reticle having a reticle substrate, and a reticle relief pattern in the reticle substrate having a relief surface oriented so that the relief surface faces an output end of the optical sight. A layer of a barrier material that is opaque to visible light is deposited upon the relief surface. There is a wavelength-converting material within the reticle relief pattern that converts a non-visible excitation wavelength to visible light. A light source of the non-visible excitation wavelength controllably illuminates the wavelength-converting material. The optical train prevents the non-visible wavelength from propagating out of the input end of the optical train.

Abstract: A sighting device couples a sight mark into a viewing beam path and is especially for a handheld weapon (2), a bow or a pump gun. The sighting device includes an optical component (6) having a first optical coupling element (8) for coupling the sight mark from a sight mark source into the component (6) and having a second optical coupling element in the region of the viewing beam path for coupling the sight mark (14) out of the component (6) and into the viewing beam path. The second optical coupling element is configured as a diffractive structure (9). The optical component (6) is configured to be totally reflective for guiding the sight mark beam in the interior of the optical component and is at least partially transmissive for the viewing beam paths in the region of the viewing beam path. In this way, a compact and lightweight illuminated sight is provided.

Abstract: An illuminated aiming device for an observation instrument comprises a reticle plate, an aiming mark provided at the reticle plate, and a light source directed onto the aiming mark via a light guide. The light guide is configured as a wave guide within the reticle plate.

Abstract: A sight includes a housing with first and second openings, and includes an optics section that is disposed within the housing, that has image erecting optics and eyepiece optics, and that optically influences radiation received through the first opening from a scene, so as to deliver through the second opening a viewable image that is a function of the radiation. An adjusting section facilitates adjustment of the position of the image erecting optics and the eyepiece optics within the housing.

Abstract: An optical sight includes an optical train with a reticle having a reticle substrate, and a reticle relief pattern in the reticle substrate having a relief surface oriented so that the relief surface faces an output end of the optical sight. A layer of a barrier material that is opaque to visible light is deposited upon the relief surface. There is a wavelength-converting material within the reticle relief pattern that converts a non-visible excitation wavelength to visible light. A light source of the non-visible excitation wavelength controllably illuminates the wavelength-converting material. The optical train prevents the non-visible wavelength from propagating out of the input end of the optical train.

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.

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.

Abstract: A binocular telescope with a photographing function comprises a pair of telescopic optical systems, a photographing optical system, and a pair of reticle elements, on which reticles are formed. The reticle elements are provided in the telescopic optical systems for focusing the telescopic optical systems. The distance between the optical axes of the telescopic optical systems can be adjusted, so that the reticle images are fused. The shapes of the fused reticle images are geometrically non-coordinate with each other.

Abstract: An improved reticle for optical instruments such as telescopic sights, riflescopes and surveying telescopes, provides a primary indicator at the focal plane of the instrument and a secondary indicator spaced, axially, apart from, and viewable with, the primary indicator. When an operator's eye is properly centered on the optical axis of the instrument, the indicators provide visual feedback to the operator of such proper alignment. When an operator's eye is laterally displaced from the optical axis, the indicators provide visual feedback indicative of improper positioning of the eye. Thus, an operator may readily, and intuitively, make the necessary adjustments to the relationship of the eye to the optical axis to correct for misalignment without the need for cumbersome mechanical adjustments and special mechanisms.

Abstract: A combined focus and reticle illumination system for a riflescope which uses a single, dual functioning turn knob mounted on the scope turret for focusing and activating and deactivating the illuminated reticle. During use, the turn knob is rotated to adjust the relative position of a sliding focusing cell assembly located inside the scope body in front of the erector tube. The reticle, attached to the proximal end of the erector tube, includes a side mounted LED. The turn knob has a push-pull movement and a battery located therein that disconnects and connects, respectively, the electric circuit. The sliding focusing cell includes a rigid outer housing that is resistant to bending and a rear sliding lens cell that is biased in a rearward direction to be self-centering during recoil. Wires extend from the turn knob to the LED along the scope sidewalls and are designed to preclude twisting.

Abstract: The slotted peep of this invention is a device that eliminates the detrimental effects of diffracted light from its aperture. Diffraction causes light to bend toward and perpendicular to an object's edge. In a current peep's aperture diffracted light is neither controlled nor eliminated. Diffracted light creates several shortcomings in current peeps which impair their accuracy and utility. The current aperture must be oversized to allow space for the diffracted light. The visual size and shape of the current aperture will vary with changes in the light diffraction. Under low light conditions, enough light may be diffracted within the current peep aperture that a user may not be able to see through the peep. A slotted peep is designed to eliminate detrimental effects of diffracted light from its aperture. By surrounding an open space with the open ends of slots, a space is defined that has virtually no physical edges. A slot of the slotted peep confines diffracted light within the slot. “(FIG.

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: 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.

Abstract: A combined focus and reticle illumination system for a riflescope which uses a single, dual functioning adjustment knob mounted on the scope's turret for focusing and activating and deactivating the illuminated reticle. During use, the adjustment knob is rotated to adjust the relative position of a sliding focusing cell assembly located inside the scope body in front of the erector tube. The reticle, attached to the proximal end of the erector tube, includes a side mounted LED. The adjustment knob has a push-pull movement and a battery located therein that disconnects and connects, respectively, the electric circuit. The sliding focusing cell includes a rigid outer housing that is resistant to bending and a rear sliding lens cell that is biased in a rearward direction to be self-centering during recoil. Wires extend from the turn knob to the LED along the scope's sidewalls and are designed to preclude twisting.

Abstract: An optical sighting system includes at least one optical channel with which there is associated at least one reticle. The reticle includes at least one mark which demarcates a blind spot, which is visible to an observer using the optical sighing system and which is centered approximately about a centering point that is situated substantially at a distance which is representative of a sighting angle of between 13° and 18°, with respect to a predetermined direction of observation along a first direction. This first direction is representative on the optical sighting system of the direction passing substantially by the centers of the eyes of an observer who is using the optical sighting system.

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).

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.

Abstract: A device by an optical sight with a light tunnel (10, 11). A light emitting diode is received in the light tunnel providing an illuminated aimpoint in the light tunnel. An element sensitive to the ambient light is provided in the light tunnel for controlling the brightness of the aimpoint in dependence of the intensity of the ambient light.

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.

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.

Abstract: The optical gun sight for daytime and nighttime use in which a reticle illumination system has two operation states, one with full range of illumination for shooting during daytime and dusk and the other with the range of illumination safe for the expensive image intensifier tube. When the optical arms sight is used under night vision conditions, switching means interlocked with the nighttime aiming unit automatically switches the reticle illumination system to a safe mode of illumination, such as low-intensity light or infrared light so that the expensive image intensifier tube is protected from accidental damage due to “burning” of the reticle.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a space-saving yet high-quality real image type finder indicator wherein an optical member such as a hologram is used for a device for indicating various information in a finder. In a finder optical system has an objective system, an image erection system and an eyepiece system; A hologram H is provided on a reflecting surface of the image erection system, so that an image at an indication portion is indicated by hologram H in visual field of the finder.

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.

Abstract: A real image finder optical system, having a relay lens system, comprises a positive first lens group, a positive second lens group, and a positive third lens group, in this order from the object. The finder optical system is arranged to form an inverted primary image of an object by the positive first lens group, and to form an erected secondary image by the positive second lens group functioning as the relay lens system so that the erected secondary image can be viewed through the third lens group. Furthermore, the second lens group comprises a diffractive optical element having at least one diffractive surface having positive diffractive power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable, hand-held distance-measurement apparatus utilizing a laser range finder. The distance-measurement apparatus executes a number of distance-measurement cycles. In each cycle, a capacitor begins charging at approximately the same time that a light pulse is generated. An analog-to-digital converter generates a digital representation of the capacitor voltage at approximately the same time that a reflected light pulse is received. The lowest and the highest digital values are discarded and the remaining digital values are averaged and scaled to produce a distance measurement. A reflective target may be used at a remote location to reflect the light beam back to the distance-measurement apparatus. The distance-measurement apparatus has several power saving features that facilitate convenient battery operation. The distance-measurement apparatus may also have a view finder.

Abstract: An aiming post for an optical sighting device providing an illuminated aiming mark defined by surfaces forming a generally sharp peak or point and also a construction for providing ambient light illumination for the aiming mark in which the intensity is selectively variable by the operator.

Abstract: A variable length telescoping viewfinder for cameras that provides a variably adjustable eye viewing distance relative to the camera without changing the focus or magnification of the scene being photographed throughout the telescoping movement of the viewfinder. The light rays of the real image supplied to the viewfinder directly or indirectly from the camera are passed through a field lens, Pechan prism, relay lens system forming collimated light rays from the fixed front module to the movable rear module wherein lens elements form an intermediate image that is viewed through an eyepiece lens group. The front module is weakly powered and of a substantial effective optical length because of the inclusion of the Pechan prism. The image forming lens group of the rear module is weakly powered whereby relative telescopic movement between the front and rear modules does not adversely affect the location, focus or magnification of the intermediate image throughout the range of movement.

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).

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.

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).

Abstract: A semitransparent mirror is attached to a holder on its objective side and an LED (light source) is attached to the holder on its ocular side. The light from the LED is reflected by the semitransparent mirror and provided as an aiming point. A receiving recess having an inclined axis is formed in one end of the holder on the objective side. A resilient ring, the semitransparent mirror and a support ring are received in the receiving recess in this order. Three or more adjusting screws are equally spacedly arranged in the circumferential direction. By selectively tightening the adjusting screws, the inclination of the semitransparent mirror is adjusted.

Abstract: A field glass having means for alternatively observing additional information, an information carrier or an information deflecting means being disposed in the beam path, the information carrier or information deflecting means being disposed within the housing of the field glass and adapted to be brought into and out of the beam path between the objective and eyepiece.

Abstract: A variable focus adapter is disclosed that comprises the combination of a ns and an aperture provided by a plate all lodged in a housing that is placed so that the lens is in proximity with each objective lens of a binocular arrangement to change the focal range from greater than 20 ft. to seven (7) ft. with a depth of field spanning from 5 to 15 ft.

Abstract: A device for adjusting the reticle of an aiming telescope has a pair of threaded spindles disposed at right angles to each other and engaging a thread in an intermediate housing on the main tube. The threaded spindles act on an inner tube with the reticle mounted movably within the main tube. The threaded spindles are connected in rotationally firm fashion with a snap-in locking device which engages snap-in recesses in the intermediate housing distributed about the threaded spindle. The index plate provided is an axially displaceable turning knob to be coupled with the snap-in locking device by positive locking.

Abstract: In a sight scope device, a sleeve-like body is provided with a translucent mirror and a light source. Light emitted from the light source is reflected by the translucent mirror and proceeded toward an eyepiece side so as to served as an aiming point. A shield member interposed between the translucent mirror and the light source and having a plurality of through-holes is provided on the body. These through-holes have different areas, respectively, with each other. A movement of the shield member on a plane which is generally perpendicular to an axis of the body causes one of the through-holes to be selectively arranged or appeared on a line connecting the light source and the translucent mirror. The one of the through-holes is selected depending on a distance to a target.

Abstract: An aiming telescope has an inner tube mounted within the main tube on the eyepiece side, e.g. with a ball-and-socket joint, for receiving an inversion system and a reticle. For adjusting the reticle, a pair of adjusting spindles disposed at right angles to each other are provided, the restoring forces being applied by a spring which is supported on the ball of the ball-and-socket joint at a distance from the center of the ball, on the one hand, and on the main tube, on the other hand.

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.