Abstract: Optical sights for mounting on a firearm are provided, each of the sights having a base defining a barrel end and a rear end; a frame extending upwardly from the base at the barrel end and defining an opening; an optical element received in the opening; and an illumination device operable to display an aiming point on the optical element to generate said aiming point.

Abstract: A sniper dashboard for displaying ballistics data attaches to a rail interface system (RIS) of a rifle or other longarm. The dashboard comprises a support arm, a mounting block that is rotatably attached to the support arm, and a display panel to support a ballistic data card or calculator. The support arm includes a clamping mechanism for removably mounting the support arm to the firearm such that the display panel is positioned within the shooter's field of view while the shooter is taking aim at a target.

Abstract: A reflex sight comprises two apertures. One aperture is a direct view optical path of the target scene. The other aperture is a digital (e.g., thermal) camera or image intensifier. A beam combiner with two reflective surfaces (for example, a Bauernfeind, Penta, or other prism bonded to a wedge prism) and afocal eyepiece optics overlay the digital image or intensified image onto the direct view scene with matched magnification.

Abstract: A method for design and fabrication of holographic optical elements for a compact holographic sight is proposed. The method includes use of ray-trace software to design holographic elements having optical power using an intermediate hologram with parameters obtained through minimization of the merit function defining image quality.

Abstract: A fire-control system including a housing, a light channel, a light source, and a processor. Through the light channel, a user may directly observe a target and receive visually displayed information simultaneously. The light channel includes partially reflective optics and allows for visualization of a reticle to the user via the partially reflective optics. A measure of the distance to the target is also received by the system. The processor is for determining the adequate position of the reticle, based on the distance to the target, and for controlling the light source to emit light so that the reticle is visualized at the adequate position. The light source is an array capable of selectively emitting light in well defined locations on its surface.

Abstract: A backlight module is disclosed. The backlight module includes an ambient light collector for collecting ambient lights, at least one optical fiber connecting to the ambient light collector, a light emitting plate arranged closely to an optical plate, at least one fixing sleeve being received in the through hole, and at least one optical fiber sleeve. The light emitting plate includes a plurality of through holes. The optical fiber sleeve is fixed within the fixing sleeve and engages with the light emitting ends of the optical fibers to fix the optical fibers on the light emitting plate. The backlight module utilizes the ambient lights as light source. In addition, by cutting the light emitting end of the optical fibers, the light emitting angle of the lights are greatly enlarged. As such, the brightness difference is decreased and the display performance is enhanced.

Abstract: Various gun sights and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a gun sight includes a light source adapted to project light, a user-viewable interface, and an optical element. The optical element includes a first surface adapted to pass the light to provide a reticle at the user-viewable interface. The optical element also includes a second surface adapted to refract the light to provide a light guide at a peripheral area of the user-viewable interface to aid a user to substantially align the user's eye with the reticle. Various mechanisms for aligning gun sights, attaching gun sights, related methods, and other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: A video display system for a weapon includes a removably attachable optical range finder for calculating a distance to a selected target. The optical range finder includes an optical emitter for sending an optical signal to a target and an optical detector for detecting the signal reflected from the target. A fire control system is removably attachable to the weapon and associated with the optical range finder. The fire control system includes a ballistics computer for calculating a ballistics solution based on the distance to the target. A portable electronic device associated with the fire control system has a display screen and is removably attachable to the weapon. The portable electronic device includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the program instructions configured to display the ballistics solution in human viewable form on the display screen. In another aspect, a weapon video display housing configuration is provided.

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).

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.

Abstract: A sighting system for a firearm is provided and may include a rear-sight assembly having a rear surface opposing a shooter, a pair of rear-aiming points, and a U-shaped opening disposed between the pair of rear-aiming points. The rear surface may be formed at an angle relative to a top surface of the firearm such that a bottom portion of the rear surface disposed proximate to the top surface of the firearm is farther away from a shooter than a top portion of the rear surface. The sighting system may also include a front-sight assembly including a housing having a front-aiming point, a brightly colored material surrounding the front-aiming point, and a top coat extending over the brightly colored material and the front-aiming point.

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.

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.

Abstract: A fire-control system comprising a housing, a light channel, through which a user may directly observe a target and receive visually displayed information simultaneously, said light channel comprising partially reflective optics, a light source emitting light to the partially reflective optics via an optical path, providing light for a reticle visible for a user, means for receiving a measure of the distance to the target a processor, for determining the adequate position of the reticle, based on the distance to the target, wherein at least one tiltable mirror is arranged in the optical path such that the position of the reticle in controllable by the tilt of the mirror.

Abstract: A sighting system for a firearm is provided and may include a rear-sight assembly having a rear surface opposing a shooter, a pair of rear-aiming points, and a U-shaped opening disposed between the pair of rear-aiming points. The rear surface may be formed at an angle relative to a top surface of the firearm such that a bottom portion of the rear surface disposed proximate to the top surface of the firearm is farther away from a shooter than a top portion of the rear surface. The sighting system may also include a front-sight assembly including a housing having a front-aiming point, a brightly colored material surrounding the front-aiming point, and a top coat extending over the brightly colored material and the front-aiming point.

Abstract: A sight assembly for a firearm is provided and may include a main body attached to the firearm and a pair of projections defining a first surface opposing a shooter and a second surface formed on an opposite side of the projections than the first surface. The first surface may be formed at an angle relative to a top surface of the firearm such that a bottom portion of the first surface disposed proximate to the top surface of the firearm is farther away from a shooter than a top portion of the first surface. The sight assembly may further include a U-shaped opening disposed between the pair of projections and in communication with a passage defined by the pair of projections, whereby the passage widens along a length of the pair of projections in a direction extending from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a light source which produces a first radiation within a first wavelength range and which produces a second radiation within a second wavelength range when a property of the light source is changed. The apparatus further comprises an optical device which receives the first radiation and attenuates the first radiation to emit a first attenuated radiation having a first perceived brightness. The optical device also receives the second radiation and attenuates the second radiation to emit a second attenuated radiation having a second perceived brightness. The first and second perceived brightnesses are approximately equal.

Abstract: A weapon mounted light for affixing to a weapon has a bulb-reflector assembly cap with at least one light source, and a reflector conformed to direct a beam of light generated by the at least one light source in which the beam generated encompasses a broad area outside of the targeting line to illuminate a broad circular or oblong area encompassing both the target zone and opposing sides thereof.

Abstract: Various gun sights and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a gun sight includes a light source adapted to project light, a user-viewable interface, and an optical element. The optical element includes a first surface adapted to pass the light to provide a reticle at the user-viewable interface. The optical element also includes a second surface adapted to refract the light to provide a light guide at a peripheral area of the user-viewable interface to aid a user to substantially align the user's eye with the reticle. Various mechanisms for aligning gun sights, attaching gun sights, related methods, and other embodiments are also provided.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An improved modular video display system for a weapon having a video display module that can accommodate multiple camera inputs. The video display module contains a video control panel and human-viewable display screen, which enables the operator to switch between viewing and controlling a thermal sight and a left and right rotating camera. The video display module and cameras are powered by a power supply, which is electrically coupled to the weapons accessory devices, once each device is mounted on the modular rails. The cameras are connected to the video display module and the weapons operator may select either a thermal display using the thermal sight or an image display of the left or right using the left and right rotating camera.

Abstract: A ranging and sighting system for a lethal and non-lethal projectile launcher having an housing and a eyepiece positioned on an end of the housing and one or more reticles in the eyepiece having separate indicia for sighting a target and ranging a target and a switch for selecting between the indicia for sighting and the indicia for ranging the target.

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.

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.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include a housing having a base, a first post extending from the base, and a second post extending from the base. The optical sight may additionally include an optical element supported by the housing between the first post and the second post, a reticle displayed on the optical element, and an illumination system generating the reticle. A first actuation member may be disposed on one of the first post and the second post and may selectively control an intensity of the reticle by controlling an output of the illumination system.

Abstract: A fire-control system comprising -a housing, -a light channel, through which a user may directly observe a target and receive visually displayed information simultaneously, said light channel comprising partially reflective optics a light source, for visualization of a reticle to the user via the partially reflective optics, -means for receiving a measure of the distance to the target a processor, for determining the adequate position of the reticle, based on the distance to the target, and for controlling the light source to emit light so that the reticle is visualized at the adequate position, wherein the light source is an array capable of selectively emitting light in well defined locations on its surface.

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.

Abstract: A weapons reflex sight including a display substrate mounted on a weapon, and an optics module, disposed in a housing, the optics module including a computer-generated imagery (CGI) system and optical elements for generating images and projecting a beam of the images on the display substrate, the images including an aimpoint for aiming at a target and information related to use of the weapon.

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.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element, a reticle displayed on the optical element, and a housing. The housing 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.

Abstract: A sight. A saddle is connected between an ocular housing and an objective housing. A crosshair is disposed in the ocular housing. A light-emitting element is disposed in the ocular housing, illuminating the crosshair. A focal adjustment member is disposed on the saddle, adjusting an objective focus for the sight. A key-type member is connected to the focal adjustment member and is electrically connected to the light-emitting element, controlling operation of the light-emitting element and adjusting luminous brightness thereof.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element, a reticle selectively displayed on the optical element, and a housing. The housing 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 cross member may include a first surface opposing the optical element and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the cross member than the first surface, whereby the second surface has a substantially concave shape.

Abstract: According an embodiment, a projectile weapon aiming system includes a computer-controllable reticle with crosshairs or other aiming marks having a color and/or illumination that can be selectively changed to provide feedback to a shooter to indicate when the projectile weapon aiming system (and hence the projectile weapon itself) is accurately aimed to compensate for a particular range, inclination, crosswind, and/or other ballistic conditions.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element, a reticle displayed on the optical element, and a housing. The housing 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.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include an optical element, a reticle selectively displayed on the optical element, and a housing. The housing 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 cross member may include a first surface opposing the optical element and a second surface disposed on an opposite side of the cross member than the first surface, whereby the second surface has a substantially concave shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the reticle for a projectile weapon aiming system comprises a primary horizontal sight line, a primary vertical sight line which intersects the primary horizontal sight line to define a primary aiming point, a windage grid, a ballistics grid, and a range finder grid.

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.

Abstract: An accessory mount for a rifle for mounting a scope at an offset angle and a flashlight without obscuring the open sight of the rifle.

Abstract: A weapons reflex sight including a display substrate mounted on a weapon, and an optics module, disposed in a housing, the optics module including a computer-generated imagery (CGI) system and optical elements for generating images and projecting a beam of the images on the display substrate, the images including an aimpoint for aiming at a target and information related to use of the weapon.

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.

Abstract: A long range, high intensity spotlight for human incapacitation and control that uses an incoherent collimated constant light source of sufficient intensity and focus to cause temporary incapacitation of a person for a period of time when illuminated by the beam without causing permanent physical harm. The high intensity spotlight comprises a head portion at one end having a window opening and a handle portion connected to the head portion and containing electronic circuitry and thermal air management for controlling operating temperature of the lamp. A paraboloid reflector is mounted in the head portion to face the window opening, and a high intensity electric arc Xenon lamp is adjustably mounted within the reflector so that the electrode gap is located as close as possible to the focus of the reflector. An adjustable mounting base allows the position of the reflector to be adjusted until the optimum focus is reached. A properly positioned cathode wire feed optimizes the lamp performance.

Abstract: A head up display for firearms is provided, wherein a light valve is employed to create variable images in response to user input. The images from the light valve are entrained in an illuminating beam which intersects a diffractive optic. The diffractive optic includes a recorded infinite focal plane which is reconstructed by the illuminating beam, thereby displaying the image from the light valve at an infinite focal plane which is readily viewed be a user looking through the diffractive optic.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include a housing, an optical element supported by the housing, and a reticle. An illumination system may selectively display the reticle on the optical element and may include a switch supplying the optical element with light from one of a first light source and a second light source to generate the reticle.

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.

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.

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.

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.