Abstract: An illuminated sighting device for an archery bow includes a bracket member for mounting to an archery bow, a frame portion with a sight window adapted for connection to the bracket member, and a first set of optical fibers connected to the plurality of sight pins. Each optical fiber has a distal end forming an illuminated sight dot coincident with its respective sight pin. A plurality of elongate light collectors, in the form of a second set of fluorescent-doped optical fibers, are optically coupled to the first set of optical fibers via a retaining member that is removably connected to one of the bracket member, frame portion and sight pins such that one or more of the light collectors can be removed and replaced independently of the first set of optical fibers.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.

Abstract: A warning unit for attachment to a handheld firearm comprises an attachment device for attachment to a firearm, a light source, and a digitally manipulable input device operable to enable selection of a mode of operation. The warning unit is capable of being operated in at least a narrow divergence mode, and a wide divergence mode wherein, in the narrow divergence mode, the warning unit is operable to emit a beam of light of a lower divergence than in the wide divergence mode.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include: a housing; at least one optic supported by the housing; an illumination device associated with the at least one optic and selectively supplying the at least one optic with light, the illumination device including a first fiber associated with a first light source; a coupler collecting light from the first fiber and supplying the at least one optic with light from the first light source; and an electroluminescent device associated with the at least one optic and selectively supplying the at least one optic with light separate from the coupler.

Abstract: An aiming apparatus and associated methods for aiming a device such as a firearm are disclosed herein. In various aspects, the aiming apparatus may include a front sight configured as a post and a rear sight configured to include a notch. An image portion is formed on the front sight and a complementary image portion formed on the rear sight such that the image portion and the complementary image portion present a unitary image to a viewer of the front sight through the notch when the front sight is aligned with the rear sight, in various aspects. Note that this abstract is presented to meet requirements of the USPTO. This abstract is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.

Abstract: A high-visibility gunsight has a body defining a vertical plane and having a vertically elongated rear face. The body extends from a lower base portion to an upper free end portion. A first visibility-enhancing element and a second visibility-enhancing element are connected to the body. The visibility-enhancing elements have different visibility enhancing properties. The visibility-enhancing elements are vertically aligned with each other and centered on the vertical plane. The body has a greater thickness lateral to the vertical plane at the base than at the free end. The invention also includes a rear sight operable to be aligned with the front sight along an aiming axis to form a gunsight system.

Abstract: A sight assembly for a shotgun is provided and may include a housing. A light-collecting fiber may be supported by the housing and may extend along a longitudinal axis of the housing. A lens may be supported by the housing and may receive light from the fiber to display an aiming point. The lens may be spaced apart and separated from a distal end of the fiber by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention is a rail mounted back-up sight with at least one, but preferred two, illumination apparatuses mounted thereon. The back-up sight features a sight housing that is configured to selectively alternate between a stowed and a spring-biased deployed position. Any type of illumination apparatus may be used, but the preferred apparatus is a flashlight, mounted upon wither side of a sight base. Either a front or a rear sight may be utilized as could different types of illumination apparatuses.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.

Abstract: A sight for a handheld weapon includes an electronic component that is powered by a power source. The sight includes an electronic controller and a motion detector. When the sight is moved, the motion detector generates signals and the electronic controller receives the signals. The electronic controller determines whether power should be supplied to the electronic component based on the received signals.

Abstract: A light emission assembly for weapon sights which provides a viewable illuminated aiming indicia of substantially fixed area and uniform brightness regardless of the ambient light conditions.

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 fiber optic sight for a gun is disclosed that allows for increased illumination to the shooter's eyes by the use of an angled cut at the forward end of the fiber optic rod. The angled cut is positioned on the underside of the rod, and the fiber optic rod is exposed to the ambient light through the exterior surface of the rod onto the angled cut. The angled cut may be polished or be provided with a reflective surface that may be applied to, bonded to or positioned adjacent to the angled cut. The ambient light is directed along the major axis of the fiber optic rod towards the shooter's eyes. A reflector may also be positioned against the angled cut to enhance the reflectivity down the major axis of the fiber optic rod. The illumination may be further increased through the positioning of a light source alongside the fiber optic rod, with the light being directed onto the angled cut, and along the major axis of the fiber optic rod.

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: An aiming device for guns, which comprises a transparent plate that shows to the user a critical image when the plate has a predetermined orientation, and shows a deformed image when said plate has any other different orientation. The transparent plate is so mounted in the device and the device is so mounted on the gun, such that the critical image is seen by the user when and only when the axis of the gun barrel is parallel to the line of sight passing through the user's eye and the center of the transparent plate.

Abstract: Apparatus, assemblies, and methods for sighting objects disclosed. A sighting device includes a segmented optic and a reticle. The reticle is optically aligned with the segmented object and is magnified by the segmented optic. A body structure supports the segmented optic and the reticle to define an open sight construction. In another aspect, a sighting device includes a segmented object and reticle, where the reticle includes multiple distance indicia and a contrast component. A support structure supports the reticle and the segmented object for magnification of the distance indicia by the segmented optic. A segmented optic in a sighting device is cut above center or otherwise such that a partial optic is defined having a portion above and below center. In another aspect, a sight adjustment mechanism includes a threaded connector that adjusts the sight position based on a difference between coarseness of threads engaged with the threaded connector.

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: The electronic sight includes a base, an optical window, a point light source, a photomask and a low-reflective layer. The optical window is disposed on a first end of the base. The point light source, disposed on a second end of the base, provides a lightbeam. The photomask is disposed between the point light source and the optical window, and the low-reflective layer is formed thereon. The lightbeam passes through the photomask along a first direction, hits the optical window, and is reflected toward a second direction by the optical window. The method for manufacturing the electronic sight includes: providing a base; providing an optical window disposed on a first end of the base; providing a point light source disposed on a second end of the base; providing a photomask; forming a low-reflective layer on the photomask; and positioning the photomask between the point light source and the optical window.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.

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: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a sighting light source at the rear of the that is visible to a user when turned on. The sighting light source (preferably an LED light source emitted through an opening), can be used to sight a target. Preferably, the gun with which the sighting device is used also has a first, mechanical sight at the end of the barrel distal the sighting light source. In use the user aligns the sighting light source with the first, mechanical sight in order to properly sight a target. The first, mechanical sight could also be illuminated by a light source on the device, so it can be seen when the ambient light is low.

Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include a housing, at least one optic supported by the housing, and an illumination device associated with the at least one optic that selectively supplies the at least one optic with light. The illumination device may include a first fiber associated with a first light source and a second fiber associated with a second light source. A coupler may join the first fiber and the second fiber and may supply the at least one optic with light from at least one of the first light source and the second light source.

Abstract: A sighting device is mountable to a gun. The device includes a light source (preferably a laser), a power source connectable to the light source and a mount attachable to the gun so that the laser is juxtaposed either the top surface of the gun or a side surface of the gun. In one embodiment, the sighting device includes a bottom rail mountable in a slot on the gun, wherein the slot is preferably positioned on the top surface of the gun. The sighting device may also include a mechanical sight that functions as the rear mechanical sight on the gun and/or a secondary light source.

Abstract: A firearm accessory mounting rail with an integrated back up sight system including an elongated Picatinny rail having longitudinally spaced apart first and second end regions and a transverse profile. A first sight element has a visual marker substantially centrally positioned. A second sight element has laterally spaced apart visual markers. A substantially centered longitudinal channel extends along the upper surface of the rail between the first and second sight elements. The firearm may be sighted by visually aligning the marker of the first sight element between the markers of the second sight element, the visual alignment being at least partially through the longitudinal channel. The sight elements may be defined completely within the transverse profile of the rail so as not to interfere with the normal attachment of any accessories to the rail and may be adjustable for windage and/or elevation. The visual markers may be illuminated by light gathering fiber optic or tritium elements.

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.

Abstract: An aiming sight has a base, at least one light emitting element on the base, and a clear cover over the light emitting element. The light emitting element is made of light gathering plastic combined with self-luminous microspheres. When ambient light is present, the light emitting element functions as a light gathering rod that emits light from the back end. When no light is present, the light emitting element is self-luminous.

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 aiming sight has a base, two oppositely facing light emitting elements on the base, a pivot upon which the base rotates, a detent that holds the base at selected positions, and a spring, magnet or other structure that presses the sight towards the aimed device upon which the sight is mounted. The sight is selectively rotated so that one of the light emitting elements faces the user for aiming, without removing the sight or the light emitting elements from the aimed device.

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: Apparatus and method discloses a pair of strobe lights which are mounted onto the front of a firearm so that the lights send a light beam toward the target. The strobe lights comprise a red and a blue alternately flashing, high lumen, light-emitting diode for emitting a bright, alternating, red/blue light beam which prevents the target from properly focusing his eyes because of the alternating red and blue beams which affect the target's eyes. The lights are powered by a power supply and are controlled by a switch which is activated by the hand of a user.

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: 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 rugged adjustable, optical alignment system is well suited for use in low light environments or at night. A rear sight includes a U-shaped array of, preferably, first second and third substantially cylindrical, transparent, tritium vials arranged such that the elongated cylindrical side surfaces of the vials are exposed to define an array of elongated illuminated segments. The array is preferably in the shape of a “U” having a first horizontally aligned vial positioned below a sight notch with a second vertical vial positioned above and to the left of the notch. A third vertical vial is positioned to the right of the sighting notch, above the first vial. In use, a front blade or front post also containing a tritium insert is aligned within the rear sight's U-shaped array of illuminated segments, thereby providing an intuitive sight picture.

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.

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: 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.

Abstract: New and unique improvements of prior known fiber optic sights for firearms with day and night time capabilities are disclosed that comprise (A) a sight base, (B) a fiber optic rod mounted in said base having an angle cut at the distal end which is positioned on the underside of the rod, and (C) an artificial light insert that is positioned in a cavity in the fiber optic rod. The cavity is sealed with a fiber optic rod plug and epoxied using an optically clear epoxy. The sight provides increased light output, co-located day and night sight views with increased illumination during the day, and uses a low power tritium insert for night time use. At night the sight achieves a transition from a bright ring during the day to a small central dot at night while maintaining the same color light for both.

Abstract: The battery adapter system includes a housing having a body portion and a reversible cap adapted to screw on and off of the body portion. The body portion has an interior sized to accommodate the whole of a relatively short and wide 3-volt lithium battery or to partially accommodate the narrower, taller 1.5-volt AA battery. The reversible cap has an open end and an interior, and has outer threads that allow the cap to screw to the body portion in either of two orientations. When using the smaller and wider lithium battery, the cap is screwed onto the body portion in a first orientation that forms a first sealed housing interior that does not include the cap interior. When using the taller and thinner AA battery, the cap is screwed onto the body portion in a second orientation wherein the cap open end is first placed over the portion of the AA battery that protrudes from the body portion. This forms a second sealed housing interior that includes the cap interior.

Abstract: An illuminated sighting device includes a reflective sight component mounted within a sight window. Light emitting elements are vertically arranged for projecting vertically stacked sight points or dots onto a reflective surface of the sight component which can be superimposed on a distal target during aiming. The light emitting elements may be one or more light collector ends and/or one or more separate light sources such as LED's.

Abstract: A battery adapter system and night-vision scope using same is disclosed. The system includes a housing having a body portion and a reversible cap adapted to screw on and off of the body portion. The body portion has an interior sized to accommodate the whole of a relatively short and wide 3-volt lithium battery or to partially accommodate the narrower, taller 1.5-volt AA battery. The reversible cap has an open end and an interior, and has outer threads that allow the cap to screw to the body portion in either of two orientations. When using the lithium battery, the cap is screwed onto the body portion in a first orientation that forms a first sealed housing interior that does not include the cap interior. When using the AA battery, the cap is screwed onto the body portion in a second orientation wherein the cap open end is first placed over the portion of the AA battery that protrudes from the body portion. This forms a second sealed housing interior that includes the cap interior.

Abstract: An illuminated sighting device includes a capsule with an integrally formed lens that is adapted to face rearwardly for viewing by a user. An elongate light collector is positioned within the hollow interior of the capsule and is formed such that light can be gathered along its length and transmitted to its ends. One of the light collector ends is located adjacent to the first lens and defines a sight point or dot. An artificial light source is located within the capsule hollow interior and is oriented for projecting radiant energy into the second light collector end so that the sight point is viewable during dark or low light conditions.

Abstract: An aiming sight has a base, two oppositely facing light emitting elements on the base, a pivot upon which the base rotates, a detent that holds the base at selected positions, and a spring, magnet or other structure that presses the sight towards the aimed device upon which the sight is mounted. The sight is selectively rotated so that one of the light emitting elements faces the user for aiming, without removing the sight or the light emitting elements from the aimed device.

Abstract: A tilt indicator for use on a firearm includes a signal to indicate if the firearm is level or out of level. The signal is located to be viewed by a user via the user's peripheral vision and his secondary concentration so the user can maintain his primary concentration on the target.

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.

Abstract: A sighting device for use with a firearm or bow comprises a fiber optic member having a sight end visible by a user for aiming the firearm or bow at a target. A non-electrical, light-emitting material is disposed over a length of the fiber optic element in order to illuminate the fiber optic element in low light or no ambient light conditions. The non-electrical, light-emitting material may be incorporated into the sighting device in order to provide sufficient surface contact with the fiber optic member to provide adequate illumination as well as illumination of the sighting device itself.

Abstract: An illuminated sighting device includes a capsule with an integrally formed lens that is adapted to face rearwardly for viewing by a user. An elongate light collector is positioned within the hollow interior of the capsule and is formed such that light can be gathered along its length and transmitted to its ends. One of the light collector ends is located adjacent to the first lens and defines a sight point or dot. An artificial light source is located within the capsule hollow interior and is oriented for projecting radiant energy into the second light collector end so that the sight point is viewable during dark or low light conditions.

Abstract: An optical sight includes: an outer barrel having first and second ends; an objective lens unit mounted to the first end of the outer barrel; an ocular lens unit mounted to the second end of the outer barrel; and an aiming unit disposed in the outer barrel between the objective lens unit and the ocular lens unit. The aiming unit includes a glow-in-the-dark aim indicator that is self-illuminating.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a telescopic sight has a lamp, in particular for a reticle of the telescopic sight. The apparatus comprises a control circuit for supplying the lamp, and an adjustment knob cooperating with the control unit for adjusting the brightness of the lamp. Incremental markings are associated with the adjustment knob. The control unit is provided with first means for scanning the incremental markings when the adjustment knob is operated, second means for generating incremental signals, and third means for generating from the incremental signals a signal for controlling the brightness of the lamp.

Abstract: Archery and firearm sight products and processes are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment an apparatus may comprise a sight ring and a shaft. The sight ring may comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a track. The track may comprise a major axis disposed substantially parallel with a vertical axis of the sight ring. The shaft may comprise a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body disposed between the first and second ends of the shaft. The first end of the shaft may be removably coupled with the sight ring and may be adapted to be displaced along the track of the sight ring.