And An Illuminating Or Incandescent Device Patents (Class 42/123)
  • Patent number: 11867478
    Abstract: A sighting device, such as a gunsight, includes a support. The support includes a surface. The surface has a surface first section and a surface second section. The surface second section forms a curve. A hollow is delimited by the support surface. An access into the hollow is delimited by the support surface. An elongate light collector has a first section connected to a curved second section. The collector further includes a terminal connected to the second section. Also an illuminating surface of the collector resides at the first section. The light collector first section lies on and along the surface first section. The light collector second section lies on and along said curve of the second section. A light generating source resides in the hollow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: HiViz, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley R. Smith
  • Patent number: 11686554
    Abstract: A foldable dot sight device is provided that includes a body capable of being assembled into a firearm. A dot generator is disposed on the body, and is capable of generating a dot for aiming at a target. A reflective mirror is provided, which transmits an image of a target toward the user and reflects the dot generated by the dot generator. A housing is connected to the reflective mirror. A protective cover includes a sliding guide rotatably connected to the body and rotates the housing in a folding or unfolding direction according to a rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Inventors: Bo Sun Jeung, Ik Seon Jung
  • Patent number: 11614225
    Abstract: An optical sight includes a housing, an optical element supported by the housing, a sensor positioned in the housing, a light source configured to selectively illuminate a reticle on the optical element, and a controller configured to control illumination of the reticle based on an output from the sensor. The sensor is configured to detect ambient light at a target object. The controller is configured to control the light source to constantly illuminate the reticle based on a first output from the sensor and illuminate the reticle in pulses based on a second output from the sensor. The first output is different from the second output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Trijicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Glen Sabaldan Elpedes, Nathan Stewart
  • Patent number: 11287220
    Abstract: An aiming device is provided including an illumination device and an optical element wherein the illumination device projects a primary dot and at least one secondary alignment dot distal from the primary dot to aid a user in obtaining a view of the primary dot when the aiming device is in an aligned mode, the primary dot is visible within a field of view of the user, but the secondary alignment dot is not visible. When the aiming device is in a misaligned mode, the secondary alignment dot is visible to the user, but the primary dot is not. The secondary alignment dot provides instruction to the user to realign the aiming device relative to the field of view of the user so that the aiming device transitions to the aligned mode. A related method of operation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Grace Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Nathaniel E. Grace
  • Patent number: 10823531
    Abstract: Provided is an illuminated dot reticle for use in a rifle scope having an optical path defined through axially spaced-apart objective and ocular lenses and method manufacturing a reticle disc assembly. A reticle disc has a first surface facing the objective lens and a second surface facing the ocular lens. A first reticle pattern, including a central aiming point, is applied to one of the reticle disc surfaces. An optical fiber has a proximal end portion and a distal end, with a light source configured to deliver light to the proximal end portion of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is secured to one of the reticle plate surfaces such that the distal end is positioned to transmit light from the light source toward the ocular lens in the optical path, providing an illuminated dot at the central aiming point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Lightforce USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Bellah, Grant M. W. Minor
  • Patent number: 10801811
    Abstract: An electrically powered device is secured to the exterior surface of a handgun-mounted laser sight. The powered device includes a housing with two parallel arms that receive between them the laser sight housing. An plug on the inside surface of one arm enters and engages with a battery cavity in the housing to create a physical interference and connection between the powered device and the laser sight device housing. The plug includes electrical circuit elements to electrically connect the powered device to a battery within the cavity. The powered device is powered by connection with a battery contained in the laser sight device to which it is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventor: Richard George Hovsepian
  • Patent number: 10718592
    Abstract: Firearm sight systems have an elongated mounting rail including a plurality of transverse bars separated by intervening transverse mounting location channels extending from a rearmost channel to a forwardmost channel, the rail having an elongated upper surface, the rail defining a pocket below the upper surface and at least in part forward of the rearmost channel, and a sight arm pivotally connected to the rail and movable between an elevated position angularly offset from the upper surface of the rail and a stowed position in which the sight arm occupies the pocket. At least a forward portion of the sight arm may be entirely below the upper surface of the rail when in the stowed position. The entire sight arm may be entirely below the upper surface of the rail when in the stowed position. The sight arm may pivot on a pivot axis below the upper surface of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: WM C ANDERSON INC
    Inventor: David Edmon Wheeler
  • Patent number: 10488645
    Abstract: A magnification apparatus includes a main body, an inner sleeve, an outer sleeve, an adjusting ring and a locating element. The inner sleeve is disposed within the main body. The outer sleeve includes a locating hole, wherein the outer sleeve is rotatably disposed around the inner sleeve. The adjusting ring is rotatably disposed around the main body to rotate the outer sleeve relative to the main body and the inner sleeve. The locating element includes a fixing element, an elastic element and a locating sleeve, wherein the locating sleeve is placed to penetrate through the main body and the locating hole and against an outer surface of the inner sleeve, the fixing element is disposed on the adjusting ring, and the elastic element includes a first end placed against the fixing element and a second end placed against an interior of the locating sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: SINTAI OPTICAL (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD., ASIA OPTICAL CO., INC.
    Inventor: Tsung-Mou Tsai
  • Patent number: 10175031
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for configuring an optical aiming device for ballistic drop compensation (BDC). The optical aiming device can include a housing with a reticle pane defining a reticle display field viewable by a user and indicating a zero point, the housing further including a plurality of axially spaced lenses and defining an optical path therethrough. In various embodiments the system includes a display device configured to project an image generated from a display, a processor, and a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The computer readable data storage medium can include instructions executable by the processor to receive a first set of ballistics input data indicating a first type of ammunition, determine a BDC pattern including at least two holdover marks corresponding to at least two ranges for the first type of ammunition, and project the BDC pattern onto the reticle display field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Vista Outdoor Operations LLC
    Inventor: Jacob C. VanBecelaere
  • Patent number: 9924098
    Abstract: A rifle scope includes an image sensor configured to capture visual data corresponding to a view area, a display, and a controller coupled to the display and the image sensor. The controller is configured to apply a first stabilization parameter to at least a portion of the visual data to produce a stabilized view, to provide the stabilized view and a reticle to the display, and to apply a second stabilization parameter to stabilize the reticle relative to the stabilized view in response to motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Trackingpoint, Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Andrew Thyssen, John Hancock Lupher
  • Patent number: 9644921
    Abstract: A sight assembly for aiming at a distant target by a user includes a sight housing having a sight window; a lens connected to the housing in alignment with the sight window; a depression formed with the lens; and an illuminated sight point for superimposing on the distant target. The illuminated sight point includes an artificial light source located in the depression. In this manner, the light source is protected from the outside environment to thereby protect the light source against inadvertent separation from the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: TruGlo, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul LoRocco, John Estridge
  • Patent number: 9062931
    Abstract: A firearm sight including a base coupled to a firearm receiver. The base includes a body having opposed side defining a void therebetween. A sight housing having an end coupled to the base and an opposing end carrying a sight structure. The end coupled to the base is bifurcated with spaced apart furcated portions defining a central gap therebetween. A threaded support member extends transversely between the opposed side portions and concurrently through apertures formed through the furcated portions. A wheel member has a threaded bore and is received on the threaded support member between the furcated portions within the central gap. Rotation of the wheel member moves the sight housing laterally between the opposed sides of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Troy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Troy, Sergey A. Monveldt
  • Patent number: 9025040
    Abstract: A rifle scope includes an image sensor configured to capture visual data corresponding to a view area, a display, and a controller coupled to the display and the image sensor. The controller is configured to apply a first stabilization parameter to at least a portion of the visual data to produce a stabilized view, to provide the stabilized view and a reticle to the display, and to apply a second stabilization parameter to stabilize the reticle relative to the stabilized view in response to motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: TrackingPoint, Inc.
    Inventors: Dane Andrew Thyssen, John Hancock Lupher
  • Patent number: 8943732
    Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic sight for a firearm which has a telescope body (2) with an eyepiece (3) and an objective (4) and an illuminating device for an illuminated graticule, wherein the illuminating device has a control electronics unit (22) and an energy store (23). Further, the invention relates to an illuminating module (7) for a telescopic sight of this kind and a programming adapter (30) for an illuminating module of this kind. In order to enable an individual adjustment of the illumination characteristic, the control electronics unit (22) is arranged in a housing (10) which can be releasably accommodated in a saddle (8) on an outside of the telescopic sight (1), wherein the housing (10) with the control electronics unit (22) forms an independently manageable illuminating module (7) which can be fitted into a programming adapter (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Schmidt & Bender GmbH Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Schmidt, Manuel Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8804237
    Abstract: A sighting telescope included a beam splitter which is slanted relative to an optic axis and is configured between an objective and an ocular, further a projection element to generate onto the beam splitter a target mark visible from the ocular, the projection element being fitted with a light source, further two image planes between the objective and the ocular, of which a first image plane is nearer the objective and a second image plane is nearer the ocular, and a reversal system configured between the image planes, a reticle being situated in the first image plane and the target mark in the second image plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Schmidt & Bender GmbH Co. KG
    Inventors: Manuela Tesmar, Helke Karen Hesse, Christoph Hilmar vom Hagen
  • Publication number: 20140157647
    Abstract: The invention relates to a telescopic sight for a firearm which has a telescope body (2) with an eyepiece (3) and an objective (4) and an illuminating device for an illuminated graticule, wherein the illuminating device has a control electronics unit (22) and an energy store (23). Further, the invention relates to an illuminating module (7) for a telescopic sight of this kind and a programming adapter (30) for an illuminating module of this kind. In order to enable an individual adjustment of the illumination characteristic, the control electronics unit (22) is arranged in a housing (10) which can be releasably accommodated in a saddle (8) on an outside of the telescopic sight (1), wherein the housing (10) with the control electronics unit (22) forms an independently manageable illuminating module (7) which can be fitted into a programming adapter (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Schmidt & Bender GmbH Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner SCHMIDT, Manuel Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8713845
    Abstract: A method and apparatus involve collection of radiation with a radiation collector that allows entry of external radiation. The exterior of the collector has mutually exclusive first, second, third and fourth surface portions oriented so that they each effect total reflection of the majority of radiation within a waveband that impinges thereon while propagating within the collector. The first and second surface portions are spaced and approximately parallel. The third and fourth surface portions extend at a first angle with respect to each other, and respectively extend at second and third angles with respect to end portions of the first and second surface portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Raytheon Canada Limited
    Inventor: William Conrad Stenton
  • Publication number: 20140075820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gun-sight system and a method for using the gun-sight and in particular, to such a gun-sight which is calibrated without maneuvering a mechanical bore-sight mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: IPU INDUSTRIES LTD
    Inventor: Eyal David Ben-Ami
  • Patent number: 8671611
    Abstract: An optical aiming device of the type having a light source and a reflective mirror or lens reflecting or projecting an image of a rectile to the eye of a user. The optical aiming device comprises a light sensor arrangement being arranged to cooperate with the light source to enable the adjustment the light intensity of the image of the reticle as a function of the detected light. The light sensor arrangement comprises at least one lens having at least one convex surface and at least one detector wherein the detector is arranged on a distance from the lens so as to detect light from a predetermined area on a predetermined distance from the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Vidderna Jakt & Utbildning AB
    Inventors: Per-Olof Yngve Ostergren, Niklas Eriksson, Kennet Jan-Ake Vilhelmsson
  • Publication number: 20140007486
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reticle with a visible pattern in a transparent substrate for a telescope. The pattern of the reticle is made of open grooves which are engraved in a surface of the transparent substrate, wherein the engraved open grooves define groove surfaces at an angle to said substrate surface in which the open grooves are engraved. The groove surfaces have a surface roughness which is large enough to scatter light directed onto the reticle perpendicular to the substrate surface when the reticle is illuminated in transmission mode, such that the pattern becomes visible relative to the remaining substrate surface by said light scattering at the groove surfaces in the transmission mode when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface. The reticle is produced with direct laser engraving of the grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Hornung, Christoph-Hilmar vom Hagen, Juergen Mattern
  • Publication number: 20130318853
    Abstract: A sighting telescope has two image planes situated between an objective and an ocular. A first such plane is situated closer to the objective and a second image plane is closer to the ocular. A reversal system is situated between the first and second image planes containing reversing lens elements. The reversing lens elements for a first and for a second adjustment distance can be adjusted by an adjustment means in a manner that the image in the second image plane shall be parallax-free between the target image and the target mark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: SCHMIDT & BENDER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Manuela TESMAR, Helke Karen HESSE, Christoph Hilmar vom HAGEN
  • Publication number: 20130283661
    Abstract: A method of lighting a target includes directing light through an ocular end of a firearm scope having a reticle to project the reticle on a target distanced from the firearm scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Paul Lynn, Daniel Lynn
  • Patent number: 8510982
    Abstract: Disclosed is a light assembly for placement inside a handgun, with the battery of the light assembly replacing the recoil spring guide of the handgun. The recoil spring of the handgun fits over the battery of the disclosed lighting assembly. The light provides a primary or alternative light source for the user of a handgun, and may provide white light or infrared light. The light assembly disclosed may be mounted inside a handgun without making permanent modifications to the handgun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: William Squires
  • Patent number: 8474173
    Abstract: A sight system is provided which may be selectively used in a variety of different ways. In one example, the sight system may be positioned on a rifle to provide a rifle sight system. In this example, the sight system may be positioned on the rifle barrel a substantial distance away from a user's eye. Advantageously, such an implementation may permit a user to effectively sight the rifle without compromising situational awareness. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide a reflex sight with a reticle (e.g., a dot, crosshair, mark, or other appropriate shape) superimposed on an image (e.g., a zoomed or non-zoomed image) displayed from a camera. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide an occluded sight in which a camera and/or display of the sight system is disabled. As a result, a reticle may be displayed over an opaque background.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Mark Buczek, Mark Squire
  • Publication number: 20130152447
    Abstract: An optical aiming device for aiming a shot gun which upon firing a shot provides a shot pattern, the optical aiming device comprises a base part having a longitudinal extension, a distal and proximal end and including means for attaching the aiming device to the shot gun. The optical aiming device further has a mirror or lens having a maximum height and a maximum width. A light source being arranged to project light on the mirror or lens, wherein the mirror or lens is arranged to reflect or redirect at least parts of the light in a first direction. The projected light forms a reticle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: VIDDERNA JAKT & UTBILDNING AB
    Inventors: P.O. Per-Olof Yngue Östergren, Kennet Jam - Ålce Vihelmsson, Niklas Eriksson
  • Publication number: 20130145666
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical aiming device of the type having a light source and a mirror or lens reflecting or projecting an image of a reticle, i.e. a sight, to the eye of a user. The optical aiming device comprises means for attaching the optical aiming device to a weapon, such as a shot gun. The optical aiming device comprises a base part comprising the opticals and at least one attachment member for attaching the base part to the weapon. The base part and at least one attachment member are displaceable with respect to each other. The relative displacement can effectively be used to dampen the recoil force imparted to the base part carrying the sensitive opticals of the optical aiming device, e.g. by at least one force absorbing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Vidderna Jakt & Utbildning AB
    Inventors: Niklas Eriksson, Kennet Jan Åla Vilhelmsson, Hans Olsson, P.O. Per-Olot Yngve Östergren
  • Patent number: 8448373
    Abstract: Various gun sights for firearms and related methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the sight includes an apparatus adapted to be mounted at a rear end of a firearm and arranged to occlude one eye of a user of the firearm and to generate an illuminated dot that is disposed such that it is generally centered on the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the firearm. The gun sight produces a collimated beam of light that creates an image of an illuminated dot by either a refractive method or a reflective method. In use, a dominant eye of the user is occluded by the sight and the other eye of the user is focused on the target. The user then adjusts the position of the gun relative to the target such that the user perceives the illuminated dot of the sight to be positioned on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Mark Buczek, Mark Squire
  • Patent number: 8437079
    Abstract: A scope is disclosed and includes a substantially tubular body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The scope includes a reticle, a light-emitting diode, and a circuit board including a processor having a program. The light-emitting diode is connected to the circuit board and the program controls the light-emitting diode to emit one of at least three user-selectable colored lights upon the reticle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Leapers, Inc.
    Inventor: Youjin Wu
  • 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: 8405904
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for superimposing an image in the beam path of an aiming optics, having an at least partially transparent optical support element which is arranged in the beam path of the aiming optics and has at least one diffractive optical coupling element and at least one diffractive optical decoupling element, the at least one diffractive optical coupling element leading light of the image to be superimposed, which light is incident on said coupling element and is to be coupled in, through the optical support element to the at least one diffractive optical decoupling element for the purpose of superimposition with the beam path. The image to be superimposed is imaged into the beam path of the aiming optics by the at least one diffractive optical coupling element and the least one diffractive optical decoupling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Carl Zeiss Sports Optics GmbH, Carl Zeiss AG
    Inventors: Hans-Juergen Dobschal, Guenter Rudolph, Eva-Maria Menzel, Christian Sinn, Karsten Lindig, Thomas Wagner
  • Publication number: 20130061510
    Abstract: An optical aiming device of the type having a light source and a reflective minor or lens reflecting or projecting an image of a rectile to the eye of a user. The optical aiming device comprises a light sensor arrangement being arranged to cooperate with the light source to enable the adjustment the light intensity of the image of the reticle as a function of the detected light. The light sensor arrangement comprises at least one lens having at least one convex surface and at least one detector wherein the detector is arranged on a distance from the lens so as to detect light from a predetermined area on a predetermined distance from the lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: VIDDERNA JAKT & UTBILDNING AB
    Inventors: Perolot Yngve Ostergren, Niklas Eriksson, Kennet Vilhelmsson
  • Publication number: 20130055618
    Abstract: An attachable and length adjustable cover for use with a fiber optic light receptor band associated with an optical gunsight for varying an amount of light which is permitted to enter the fiber optic of the rifle scope and be communicated to the associated reticle display. A body overlays the fiber optic band and includes a plurality of telescopically adjustable sections which overlays at least a corresponding portion of the optic band and which is movable in at least one direction to vary an exposed portion of the band which is available for collecting ambient light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ELITE ARMS INC.
    Inventor: Scott Eric Watkins
  • Publication number: 20120255213
    Abstract: This device uses an electric motor to move the magnification change mechanism of a variable magnification telescope that is intended to be used on a gun, or, uses the motor to move an other mechanical accessory, or, can move multiple accessories in unison mechanically with or without the motor, and/or also serves as an electric power supply. This device is universally adaptable, and an example of an accessory could be a flashlight with an adjustable beam, and this could be mounted on the telescope, or on the gun itself. This device also has an electronic control circuit to control the movement of the motor, and can coordinate movement between multiple drive units of various accessories. This device can also be detached from the gun and used hand held.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: John David Panos
  • Patent number: 8215050
    Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element and a reticle displayed on the optical element. A housing of the optical sight may include a base, a first post extending from the base, a second post extending from the base, and a cross member extending between the first post and the second post to define an opening receiving the optical element therein. The first post and the second post may extend above the opening and away from the base a greater distance than a top surface of the cross member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Trijicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Glen Sabaldan Elpedes, Darin W. Schick, Mark William Lister, Joshua Lee Varner
  • Patent number: 8196331
    Abstract: An auto light intensity adjustment system is provided. The auto light intensity adjustment system includes a light sensing unit, a charge/discharge circuit, a comparator unit and a light source module. The light sensing unit outputs a sensing signal according to an ambient light intensity detected thereby. The charge/discharge circuit is coupled to the light sensing unit for receiving the sensing signal, and generating a voltage signal with regular variation periods according to the sensing signal. The comparator unit compares the voltage signal to a threshold value signal, and outputs a result signal accordingly. The light source module modifies a light intensity according to the result signal. The invention automatically controls the light intensity according to the ambient light intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Asia Optical Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tung-Ching Chen, Shang-Yung Liang
  • Patent number: 8117780
    Abstract: Various gun sights for firearms and related methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the sight includes an apparatus adapted to be mounted at a rear end of a firearm and arranged to occlude one eye of a user of the firearm and to generate an illuminated dot that is disposed such that it is generally centered on the longitudinal axis of the barrel of the firearm. The gun sight produces a collimated beam of light that creates an image of an illuminated dot by either a refractive method or a reflective method. In use, a dominant eye of the user is occluded by the sight and the other eye of the user is focused on the target. The user then adjusts the position of the gun relative to the target such that the user perceives the illuminated dot of the sight to be positioned on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: SureFire, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Matthews, Mark Buczek, Mark Squire
  • Patent number: 8074394
    Abstract: An image stabilization or vibration reduction facility for a riflescope and firearm has a transparent optical element that refracts incoming rays passing based on motion, to provide a stabilized image, which is transmitted to a user along an optical path of a rifle scope. A feedback transducer connected an output signal from the stabilization facility indicates a characteristic of the output signal. The transducer may be a second reticle that moves based on motion of the riflescope to indicate the degree of deflection by the stabilization facility, and may illuminate when the stabilization facility is in a neutral condition without deflection. The rifle may include a trigger block the prevents trigger operation until a neutral condition is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: John William Lowrey, III
  • Patent number: 7954971
    Abstract: An offset mountable light, including a light body, wherein the light body includes a battery compartment positioned within a cavity formed by the light body; a light hood housing a light source; at least three electrical contacts formed in the light body, wherein the at least three electrical contacts comprise at least one inner contact and at least two outer contacts; a controller that is capable of controlling the light source to illuminate in a predetermined manner; a light switch bar pivotably coupled to the light body; and an accessory mounting clamp coupled to the offset mountable light, wherein the accessory mounting clamp mounts the mountable light to an accessory rail, such that the mountable light is mounted offset from the accessory rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Blackhawk Industries Product Group Unlimited LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Kincaid, Craig Adam Lamb, John E. Proc, Birten L. Todd, Thomas M. Gregory, Eric M. Yeates, Clifton L. Cook
  • Patent number: 7937879
    Abstract: Rifle scopes with low-light visible elements include a scope body, a movable optical element defining an optical axis enclosed by the scope body, a turret operably connected to the optical element for adjusting the optical axis, and a low-light visible element attached to the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by viewing the low-light visible element. A tactile indicator may be attached to the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by touch. A plurality of indicia may be attached to the perimeter of the turret such that the rotational position of the turret can be determined by viewing the indicia. At least one of the indicia may be visible in low-light conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Sheltered Wings, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel J. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7877921
    Abstract: A weapon sight has an optical system that causes first radiation to propagate along a path of travel within the sight, and has a reticle generating portion that causes second radiation representing a reticle to propagate along the path of travel with the first radiation. The reticle generating portion includes a reticle illuminating portion that illuminates the reticle. The reticle illuminating portion includes a first light source having thereon a surface, light from the first light source passing through the surface and then illuminating the reticle. The reticle illuminating portion also includes a second light source spaced from the first light source, light from the second light source traveling toward the surface, being reflected and then illuminating the reticle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: William Conrad Stenton
  • 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: 7739825
    Abstract: An illuminated sighting device includes an elongate light collector having one end defining a sight point that faces rearwardly for viewing by a user. The light collector is formed such that light can be gathered along its length and transmitted to the one end. The light collector further includes a curved transition section optically coupled with the sight point. The curved transition section has a radius of curvature that is sufficiently large to substantially reduce or eliminate light loss from the curved section and thereby increase a brightness of the sight point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: TruGlo, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul LoRocco
  • Publication number: 20100083554
    Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element and a reticle displayed on the optical element. A housing of the optical sight may include a base, a first post extending from the base, a second post extending from the base, and a cross member extending between the first post and the second post to define an opening receiving the optical element therein. The first post and the second post may extend above the opening and away from the base a greater distance than a top surface of the cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: Trijicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry Glen Sabaldan Elpedes, Darin W. Schick, Mark William Lister, Joshua Lee Varner
  • Publication number: 20100077646
    Abstract: A quick-acquisition optical sight for short-distance aiming or viewing enhanced with an illuminated reticle, e.g., a red dot, and intended for installation on a conventional long-distance viewing apparatus, the combination thereof comprising an integral assembly consisting of a mounting part attachable directly to the tubular scope without any intermediate adapters and a housing with an optical system that is pivotally supported by the mounting part. In spite of the fact that the quick-acquisition sight is approximately 30% smaller and less heavy than the smallest existing sight of this type, it incorporates click-type mechanisms for adjusting the position of the sight optical axis relative to the optical axis of the scope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Leonid Gaber, Dmitry Rocklin, James Munn
  • Patent number: 7676981
    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: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Defense Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Martin Buckingham, Herbert Jones
  • Publication number: 20090200376
    Abstract: A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: Victoria J. Peters, Tim Lesser, Andrew W. York, Rick R. Regan
  • Publication number: 20090193705
    Abstract: An illuminated sighting device includes a reflective sight component with a reflective surface for facing a user and an adjustable imaging component with a plurality of reticles. Each reticle has a unique trajectory compensation pattern including a plurality of reticle marks that denote a plurality of distances for a particular projectile launching device and/or projectile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: TRUGLO, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony T. LoRocco
  • Patent number: 7530192
    Abstract: A weapon aiming system may utilize a laser diode and a reflective coating on an optical element to generate a red dot aim point for a shooter with a bright view to the target with minimal color distortion. The optical element may utilize an off-axis parabolic lens to reduce parallax to improve sighting accuracy. The weapon aiming system may utilize visible and infrared aim lasers that are coaligned to simplify boresighting of the weapon and to simplify target acquisition. The weapon aiming system may include a magnifier and a sight being disposed along a longitudinal rail of a weapon in a position with the close quarter combat sight being disposed between the magnifier and the weapon muzzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Insight Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard P. Grauslys, Allen R. Harding
  • Publication number: 20090100735
    Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include a housing, at least one optic supported by the housing, and a fiber supported by the housing and selectively supplying light to the at least one optic. A sleeve may be supported by the housing and may include an opening that selectively exposes the fiber to vary an amount of light supplied to the at least one optic and a cover extending over the opening and movable with the sleeve relative to the fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Darin W. Schick, Newton Quan-Chung Kwan, Timothy H. Miller, Jerry Glen S. Elpedes