Reflex sight

Abstract

To provide a reflex sight having a front-facing photosensor.SOLUTION: An optical sight 10 has a housing, an optical element 26 supported by the housing, a light source for providing a reticle on the optical element, and a light source adjuster for changing a position of the reticle relative to the optical element. The light source is fitted on an adjustment plate. The light source adjuster has an adjustment screw, an adjustment part block allowing the adjustment screw to be received in a screwable manner and an energization mechanism for applying force to maintain the adjustment part block at an adjustment position. The adjustment part block is directly locked to the adjustment plate. A rotation of the adjustment screw moves the adjustment part block and the movement of the adjustment part block moves the adjustment plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to reflex sights, and more particularly to reflex sights having a front-facing (forward-facing) photosensor. [Background technology]

[0002] This section presents background information related to the present disclosure that is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Optical sights are generally used with firearms to assist a shooter in properly aligning the firearm's barrel with a desired target. Proper alignment of the firearm's barrel with respect to the target results in a projectile fired from the firearm impacting the target at a desired location. Conventional optical sights are generally mounted on the top of the firearm and include an aiming point that the shooter uses to align the optical sight, and thus the firearm's barrel, with the target. Such aiming points may be illuminated to further assist the shooter in quickly and accurately aligning the optical sight and firearm with the target.

[0004] Optical sights may be used with a variety of firearms, thereby providing different functions depending on the particular firearm and / or application. For example, optical sights designed for use in close-in target situations are designed to be compact and allow the shooter to quickly aim the optical sight and firearm at the target. One such optical sight is a so-called reflex sight, which is useful in close-in target situations by providing the shooter with rapid target acquisition and aiming of the firearm. Such reflex sights are generally more compact than optical sights used on rifles, for example, to allow the attachment of other systems to the firearm (i.e., laser pointers, range finders, etc.) and to reduce the overall size and weight of the combined firearm and optical sight. Furthermore, such reflex sights provide a field of view that allows the shooter to quickly position the optical sight and firearm relative to the target without reducing the shooter's situational awareness.

[0005] The reticle may indicate an aiming point on the field of view. Reflex sights generally require an illuminator to illuminate the reticle. The illuminator may be powered by a power source. Some reflex sights use a photosensor to sense ambient light conditions and determine the brightness of the illuminator based on the ambient light conditions. The photosensor samples the current ambient light conditions and provides the information to the optic's microcontroller to adjust the brightness of the reticle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, but does not comprehensively disclose the entire scope or every feature of the disclosure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An exemplary optical sight includes a housing, an optical element supported by the housing, a light source configured to present a reticle on the optical element, and a light source adjuster configured to change the position of the reticle relative to the optical element. The light source is mounted on an adjustment plate. The light source adjuster includes an adjustment screw, an adjustment block configured to threadably receive the adjustment screw, and a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force to maintain (hold) the adjustment block in the adjusted position. The adjustment block directly engages the adjustment plate. Rotation of the adjustment screw moves the adjustment block, and movement of the adjustment block moves the adjustment plate.

[0008] The adjuster block may be a first adjuster block. The biasing mechanism may include a second adjuster block and a spring. The spring may be housed in a recess in the second adjuster block. The second adjuster block may directly engage the adjuster plate.

[0009] The first adjuster block may be directly engaged with a first side of the adjuster plate. The second adjuster block may be directly engaged with a second side of the adjuster plate. The second side of the adjuster plate may be opposite the first side of the adjuster plate.

[0010] The biasing mechanism may be a spring that directly engages the adjuster block.

[0011] The spring may be supported within an opening in the adjuster block.

[0012] The light source conditioner may include a light source. The conditioner plate may be a U-shaped plate that defines a recess. The light source may be supported within the recess by the conditioner plate.

[0013] The light source may be fixed on a circuit board, and the circuit board may be supported by a U-shaped plate.

[0014] The biasing mechanism may be disposed between the adjuster block and the adjuster plate.

[0015] The biasing mechanism may be an O-ring.

[0016] An exemplary optical sight includes a housing, an optical element supported by the housing, a light source configured to present a reticle on the optical element, and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the position of the reticle on the optical element. The housing includes a main body, a pair of upwardly extending support posts, and a cross member extending between the pair of upwardly extending support posts. The optical element is disposed between the pair of upwardly extending support posts and between the main body and the cross member. The light source is mounted on a substrate. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment screw, an adjustment block configured to threadably receive the adjustment screw, and a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force to the adjustment block to hold the adjustment block in an adjusted position. The adjustment block is engaged with the substrate. Rotation of the adjustment screw moves the adjustment block, and movement of the adjustment block moves the substrate.

[0017] The adjustment screw may include a marker on the top surface configured to indicate the adjustment position of the adjustment screw.

[0018] A first of the pair of upwardly extending columns may be generally parallel to a second of the pair of upwardly extending columns.

[0019] The substrate may include a slot. The adjuster block may include a protrusion received in the slot in the substrate. An O-ring biasing mechanism may be disposed between the adjuster block and the substrate. When the adjuster block moves vertically, the protrusion may engage the substrate and move the substrate vertically. When the substrate moves laterally, the protrusion may slide in the slot to allow lateral movement of the substrate.

[0020] The cross member may include a bottom surface facing the optical element and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, the top surface being generally concave and the bottom surface being generally convex.

[0021] The adjustment mechanism may include an elevation adjustment mechanism and a windage adjustment mechanism.

[0022] The adjuster block may be a first adjuster block. The second adjuster block may house the biasing mechanism. The substrate may be a horseshoe-shaped substrate having a base plate, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall. The substrate may be disposed between the first adjuster block and the second adjuster block. The first sidewall may include a flat outer surface that engages with the first adjuster block. The second sidewall may include a flat outer surface that engages with the second adjuster block. When the adjustment screw is rotated, the first adjuster block may move laterally, thereby causing lateral movement of the substrate.

[0023] The biasing mechanism may be disposed between the adjuster block and the substrate.

[0024] The biasing mechanism may be an O-ring.

[0025] The biasing mechanism may be a spring.

[0026] The adjuster block may be a first adjuster block. The biasing mechanism may include a second adjuster block and a spring. The spring may be housed in a recess in the second adjuster block. The second adjuster block may directly engage the substrate.

[0027] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] The drawings described herein are only for the purpose of illustrating or describing selected embodiments (examples) and not all possible implementations, and the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary firearm including an optical sight according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary optical sight according to the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 3A is a rear view of an exemplary reticle on the optics of the optical sight in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 3B] 3B is a rear view of another exemplary reticle on the optics of the optical sight in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view of the optical sight in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the optical sight in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sight of FIG. 2 taken along the longitudinal axis of the optical sight. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of the optical sight of FIG. 2 taken along the longitudinal axis of the windage adjustment mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the optical sight adjustment mechanism of FIG. 2 taken along the longitudinal axis of the elevation adjustment mechanism. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustment mechanism of the optical sight of FIG. 2, taken along a plane that bisects the Z axis of the adjustment mechanism. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the internal components of the optical sight of FIG. 2 with the housing removed. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the illumination assembly of the optical sight of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting assembly in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the photodetector of the optical sight of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the photodetector in FIG. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the electronics of the optical sight of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the circuit board of the optical sight in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a graph illustrating an automatic brightness control method for the reticle of the optical sight in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a graph illustrating another automatic brightness control method for the reticle of the optical sight of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a graph illustrating another automatic brightness control method for the reticle of the optical sight of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling the brightness of a reticle in an optical sight according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

[0031] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] The exemplary embodiments are presented so that the disclosure will be thorough and fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. Many specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are described to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details may not necessarily be used (described), that the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that the exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some exemplary embodiments, known processes, known device structures, and known technologies are not described in detail.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily being performed in the particular order described or illustrated herein, unless specifically stated as such. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0034] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly engaged with, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged with," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may not be intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be construed similarly (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections; however, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Spatially relative terms such as "inside," "outside," "below," "belower," "lower side," "upper," "above," etc. may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element(s) or feature(s), as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may also be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0037] Reflex sights generally require an illuminator to illuminate the reticle. The illuminator may be powered by a power source. Some reflex sights use a photoelectric sensor to sense ambient light conditions and determine the brightness of the illuminator based on the ambient light conditions. The photoelectric sensor samples the current ambient light conditions and provides information to the optic's microcontroller to adjust the brightness of the reticle. A receiver detects changes in light and converts the changes into an electrical output.

[0038] The photoelectric sensor may be positioned to optimize sensing of ambient light conditions and provide accurate interpretation of the target scene. Positioning the photoelectric sensor facing forward and toward the top of the optic provides a more advantageous position for detecting ambient light at the target scene. An optic with more accurate detection of ambient light may then provide appropriate reticle brightness for the target scene.

[0039] The photoelectric sensor locations of the present disclosure have advantages over photoelectric sensor locations currently used in the industry. A photoelectric sensor located near a light source within the optic housing may be deeply buried, and light from the target scene may be partially obscured (attenuated) by the lens and / or housing. Light sources, natural or otherwise, may be reflected from the back of the optic, thereby obscuring the photoelectric sensor's understanding of the target scene if the photoelectric sensor is located near the light source. A photoelectric sensor located on the housing above the lens and facing upward may be well exposed but may be improperly positioned, such that lighting conditions are sampled above the optic but not at the target scene. A photoelectric sensor located below the lens may be well exposed to light, but may be obscured by the pistol slide or backup metal sights when the optic is attached to a firearm, thereby reducing the accuracy of light detection at the target scene.

[0040] As a result, the current state of the art in photoelectric sensors can be inaccurate in many situations, such as when there is a bright light on the weapon and a weak light on the target, and when there is a weak light on the weapon and a bright light on the target. Each of these situations will result in an aim point that is either too bright or too dark. The photoelectric sensor of the present disclosure solves these problems by accurately detecting light in the target scene without being obscured by the optics housing, firearm, or any part of a backup sight. Accurate detection of light in the target scene allows a controller to precisely control the illumination of the reticle so that the brightness is appropriate for the ambient light conditions.

[0041] 1-3, an exemplary optical sight 10 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. The optical sight 10 may be a reflex sight. The optical sight 10 includes a housing 14, an adjustment assembly 18, an illumination assembly 22, and an optical element 26. Each of the adjustment assembly 18, the illumination assembly 22, and the optical element 26 may be supported by and attached to the housing 14, such that the housing 14 supports the adjustment assembly 18, the illumination assembly 22, and the optical element 26 relative to the firearm 30. When the housing 14 is attached to the firearm 30, the illumination assembly 22 may cooperate with the optical element 26 to display a reticle 34 on the optical element 26 to facilitate alignment of the trajectory of the firearm 30 with a target object (not shown). The adjustment assembly 18 may interact with the illumination assembly 22 to move the illumination assembly 22 relative to the housing 14 to adjust the position of the reticle 34 relative to the optical element 26. While the optical sight 10 may be used with a variety of firearms, the optical sight 10 will be described below and shown in the drawings as being associated with the barrel 38 of a firearm 30.

[0042] 2-6 , the housing 14 may include a main body portion 42 and an optical element housing 46 extending generally upwardly from the main body portion 42. The main body portion 42 may include a first opening 50 formed in a top surface 54 and a second opening 58 formed in a side surface 62. The top surface 54 may include a series of graduations 66 generally surrounding the periphery of the first opening 50, while the side surface 62 may similarly include a series of graduations 70 generally surrounding the exterior of the second opening 58. As described further below, the graduations 66 and 70 may cooperate with the adjustment assembly 18 to position the illumination assembly 22 relative to the optical element 26.

[0043] The body portion 42 may also include a recess 74. The recess 74 generally allows the lighting assembly 22 to direct light from the body portion 42 of the housing 14 toward the optics 26. The recess 74 may generally be formed between a pair of mounting openings 78 generally disposed within the recess 74 and between the body portion 42 and the upwardly extending optics housing 46. The mounting openings 78 selectively receive a pair of fasteners 82 that removably mount the housing 14 to the firearm 30.

[0044] In one configuration, the fastener 82 includes a threaded shank 86, a head 90, and a taper 94 extending generally between the threaded shank 86 and the head 90. The head 90 includes a hexagonal recess 96 and a longitudinal (lengthwise) slot 98, which may cooperate with an external tool (not shown) to rotate the fastener 82 relative to the body 42 of the housing 14 and selectively attach the housing 14 to the firearm 30. The hexagonal recess 96 may be used with a tool having a mating male end, while the longitudinal slot 98 may be used with a tool having a generally flat male end. While the head 90 is described as including the hexagonal recess 96 and the longitudinal slot 98 to receive tools having respective mating configurations, the longitudinal slot 98 may be sized such that any flat surface can be used to rotate the fastener 82 relative to the housing 14. For example, the longitudinal slot 98 may include a width and thickness sufficient to allow a spent shell casing to be used to rotate the fastener relative to the housing 14 .

[0045] 4-6, the upwardly extending optical element housing 46 is shown and may include a pair of posts 102, an opening 106, and a cross-member 110 extending generally above the opening 106 and between the posts 102. The posts 102 may extend generally perpendicular to the body 42. The rear wall 112 of each post 102 may be formed at an angle of about thirty degrees (30°) to about ninety degrees, and about forty-five degrees to about sixty degrees, relative to the body 42 and may extend a predetermined distance above the opening 106. The opening 106 may include a generally D-shape for accommodating the optical element 26 therein. The cross-member 110 provides the D-shape to the opening 106 and may include a bottom surface 114 facing the opening 106 having a convex shape corresponding to the optical element 26, and a top surface 118 having a concave shape. The concave shape of the top surface 118 allows the top surface 118 to extend a shorter distance from the body portion 42 than each of the posts 102. In other words, the posts 102 extend a greater distance from the body portion 42 than the top surface 118 of the cross-member 110. This ensures that if the housing 14 is dropped such that the upwardly extending optical element housing 46 contacts a hard surface, the force associated with the upwardly extending optical element housing 46 contacting the hard surface will be received by the distal end of each post 102 and transmitted to the body portion 42 rather than being received by the generally convex bottom surface 114 of the cross-member 110. In general, forces transmitted away from the opening 106 and through the posts 102 toward the body portion 42 protect the optical element 26 disposed within the opening 106 and prevent the optical element 26 from being destroyed if the housing 14 is dropped or experiences an impact event.

[0046] The body 42 and the upwardly extending optical element housing 46 may be integrally and monolithically formed, or may be formed of a one-piece metal construction. Forming the body 42 and the upwardly extending optical element housing 46 as a one-piece metal body strengthens the housing 14 and enables it to withstand forces applied to either the body 42 or the upwardly extending optical element housing 46. In particular, forces applied to the posts 102 of the upwardly extending optical element housing 46 are transferred directly from the upwardly extending optical element housing 46 to the body 42, thereby diverting such forces away from the optical element 26, thereby protecting the optical element 26 as described above. Forming the body of a one-piece metal construction enhances the ability of the posts 102 to transfer forces from the distal end of each post 102 to the body 42.

[0047] Adjustment assembly 18 may be supported by housing 14 and may adjust the position of illumination assembly 22 relative to housing 14 to adjust the position of reticle 34 relative to optics 26. Adjustment assembly 18 may include a height or elevation adjustment mechanism 122 that adjusts the up / down position of reticle 34, and a windage or left / right adjustment mechanism 126 that adjusts the left / right position of reticle 34 relative to optics 26.

[0048] 7-9 , the height adjustment mechanism 122 may include an adjustment screw 130 and an adjustment block 134. The adjustment screw 130 may be rotatably received within the first opening 50 of the body 42 and may rotate relative to the scale 66. The adjustment screw 130 may include a screw body 142, a head 146, and a taper 150 generally extending between the screw body 142 and the head 146. The head 146 may include a slot 154 through which a tool (not shown) may be inserted into the head 146 to rotate the head 146 relative to the housing 14. A seal 158 may be disposed between the taper 150 of the adjustment screw 130 and the inner surface of the first opening 50 to prevent debris from entering the body 42. In one configuration, the seal 158 is an O-ring seal received generally around the taper 150 of the adjustment screw 130.

[0049] The clip 160 may be generally disposed at the junction of the screw body 142 and the taper 150 to prevent disengagement of the adjustment screw 130 from the body 42 while simultaneously allowing rotational movement of the adjustment screw 130 relative to the body 42. The clip 160 may be received generally around the adjustment screw 130 once the adjustment screw 130 is inserted into the body 42.

[0050] A seal 162 may be positioned generally between the head 146 and the screw body 142 of the adjustment screw 130 to prevent debris from entering the housing 14. The seal 162 may engage the taper 150 of the adjustment screw 130, as well as a surface of the body portion 42 adjacent the first opening 50. In one configuration, the seal 162 is an O-ring that generally surrounds the taper 150 of the adjustment screw 130.

[0051] The taper 150 may also include a series of detents 164 that cooperate with a detent pin 166. The detent pin 166 may be slidably supported within a bore 170 in the housing 14, whereby the bore 170 communicates with the first opening 50 in the body portion 42. A biasing member 174, such as a coil spring, may be disposed within the bore 170 (FIG. 5) and may provide a biasing force to the detent pin 166 to urge it into the first opening 50. When the adjustment screw 130 is inserted into the first opening 50, the distal end of the detent pin 166 may engage the detent 164 formed in the taper 150 of the screw 130. As the screw 130 is rotated relative to the housing 14, the detent pin 166 moves out of engagement with the adjacent detent 164 and makes an audible noise, allowing the user to know exactly how far the screw 130 has been rotated relative to the housing 14.

[0052] The detent pin 166 may include a tapered portion 178 that terminates at a point 182 at the distal end of the detent pin 166. Similarly, each detent 164 may include a tapered surface 186 that allows the screw 130 to be rotated in two directions relative to the housing 14 and that engages with the tapered surface 186 of the respective detent 164 to facilitate movement of the point 182 of the detent pin 166 into and out of each detent 164 when the screw 130 is rotated relative to the housing 14. The angle of the tapered portion 178 of the detent pin 166 and / or the angle of the tapered surface 186 of the detent 164 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the force required to rotate the screw 130 relative to the housing 14 and / or to adjust the audible noise produced when the screw 130 is rotated relative to the housing 14. Additionally, the spring constant of the biasing member 174 may also be adjusted to adjust the force required to rotate the screw 130 relative to the housing 14, as well as to adjust the audible noise generated when the detent pin 166 moves from one detent 164 to an adjacent detent 164 due to rotation of the screw relative to the housing 14.

[0053] The head 146 of the adjustment screw 130 may also include a marker 188 formed thereon. The marker 188 may be an indicator formed on the surface of the head 146 to indicate the adjustment position of the adjustment screw 130. The marker 188 may be painted on the surface of the head 146 and / or laser etched into the surface. For example, the marker 188 may be an arrow-shaped marker, a V-shaped marker, a solid line marker, a dashed line marker, etc. As the adjustment screw 130 is rotated relative to the housing 14, the marker 188 moves from a first position to a second position indicating the adjustment of the height adjustment mechanism 122.

[0054] The adjuster block 134 may interact with the lighting assembly 22 to move the lighting assembly 22 up and down relative to the housing 14. The adjuster block 134 may include a threaded bore 190 and a protrusion 198 that engages with the lighting assembly 22. The adjustment screw 130 may be threadably received within the threaded bore 190 of the adjuster block 134 such that, when the adjustment screw 130 is rotated relative to the housing 14, the adjuster block 134 is moved along an axis generally perpendicular to the top surface 54 of the body 42.

[0055] The protrusion 198 may be slidably received within a slot 200 in the lighting assembly 22. The protrusion 198 may be permitted to slide along the longitudinal axis of the windage adjustment mechanism 126 without moving the lighting assembly 22 to allow left / right adjustment of the lighting assembly 22. The protrusion 198 may contact a sidewall of the slot 200 during adjustment of the adjustment screw 130 to adjust the up / down position of the lighting assembly 22. Because the protrusion 198 engages the lighting assembly 22 and is fixed for movement with the adjuster block 134, up / down movement of the protrusion 198 similarly moves the lighting assembly 22 up / down relative to the housing 14.

[0056] A biasing member 194 may be disposed between the adjustment block 134 and the illumination assembly 22 and may bias the adjustment block 134 generally along the longitudinal axis of the housing 14 to account for any tolerances within the housing 14, the illumination assembly 22, the screw 130, and / or the adjustment block 134. In one configuration, the biasing member 194 is an O-ring and applies a force to the adjustment block 134 to maintain the adjustment assembly 18 in a desired position in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing 14 (i.e., generally parallel to the line of sight). Allowing the O-ring to apply a force to the adjustment block 134 maintains a tight engagement between the adjustment screw 130 and the adjustment block 134, thereby allowing precise manipulation and movement of the adjustment block 134 relative to the housing 14 while simultaneously maintaining the desired position of the adjustment assembly 18 in a direction generally parallel to the line of sight.

[0057] The position of the lighting assembly 22 relative to the housing 14 may be determined based on the position of the adjustment screw 130 relative to the housing 14. For example, the scale 66 formed on the top surface 54 of the body 42 may help determine the relative position of the adjustment screw 130 relative to the body 42, and therefore the position of the lighting assembly 22 relative to the body 42.

[0058] The scale 66 may be permanently attached to the top surface 54 of the housing 14 either by paint and / or laser etching, so that the scale 66 maintains the same fixed position relative to the top surface 54 and allows the user to know exactly how far the adjustment screw 130 has moved relative to the housing 14. Furthermore, each scale 66 may be positioned relative to a respective detent 164 so that each audible noise or "click" corresponds to movement of one scale 66 on the screw 130.

[0059] Once adjustment of the adjustment screw 130 is complete, the biasing member 174, together with the adjustment block 134, prevents unintentional rotation of the adjustment screw 130 due to vibrations or the like relative to the housing 14, thereby maintaining the adjusted position of the adjustment screw 130.

[0060] A biasing member 202 (or a pair of biasing members 202) may be used in conjunction with the biasing member 174 to further maintain the position of the screw 130 relative to the housing 14. The biasing member 202 may apply a force to the adjuster block 134, or may be disposed between the adjuster block 134 and the housing 14 to exert a force on the adjuster block 134. In another configuration, the biasing member 202 may be disposed between a portion of the lighting assembly 22 and the housing 14 to indirectly apply a force to the adjuster block 134. In either configuration, the biasing member 202 may be a coil spring and may be received within a bore 210 of either the adjuster block 134 or the lighting assembly 22. Alternatively, the biasing member 202 may be positioned and held against the adjuster block 134 by a post (not shown) received within the bore 210 of the adjuster block 134 of the lighting assembly 22. Applying a force to the adjuster block 134 similarly applies a force to the screw 130 , thereby resisting relative movement between the screw 130 and the adjuster block 134 .

[0061] 6-9 , the windage adjustment mechanism 126 may include an adjustment screw 206, a first adjustment block 212, a second adjustment block 214, and a biasing member 218. The adjustment screw 206 may be configured similarly to the adjustment screw 130 and may include a screw body 222, a head 226, a taper 230 extending generally between the screw body 222 and the head 226, and a slot 234 formed in the head 226. Additionally, the adjustment screw 206 may include an adjustment indicator or adjustment marking 238 ( FIG. 5 ) formed on the head 226 to indicate the adjustment position of the adjustment screw 206. The adjustment indicator 238 may be painted on and / or laser-etched into the surface of the head 226. For example, the adjustment indicator 238 may be an arrow-shaped mark, a V-shaped mark, a solid line mark, a dashed line mark, or the like.

[0062] Similar to adjustment screw 130, adjustment screw 206 may rotate relative to housing 14 but is not permitted to move along a longitudinal axis extending generally perpendicular to side surface 62 of body portion 42. Clip 242 may be generally disposed at the junction of screw body 222 and taper 230 to prevent disengagement of adjustment screw 206 from body portion 42 while simultaneously allowing rotational movement of adjustment screw 206 relative to body portion 42. Clip 242 may be received generally around adjustment screw 206 once adjustment screw 206 is inserted into body portion 42.

[0063] A seal 246 may be positioned generally between the head 226 of the adjustment screw 206 and the housing 14 to prevent debris from entering the housing 14. The seal 246 may engage the taper 230 of the adjustment screw 206, as well as a surface adjacent the second opening 58 of the body portion 42. In one configuration, the seal 246 is an O-ring that generally surrounds the taper 230 of the adjustment screw 206.

[0064] The taper 230 may include a series of detents 250 that cooperate with a detent pin 254. The detent pin 254 may be slidably supported within a bore 258 ( FIG. 5 ) in the housing 14, whereby the bore 258 communicates with the second opening 58 in the body portion 42. A biasing member 262, such as a coil spring, may be disposed within the bore 258 and may provide a biasing force to the detent pin 254 to urge it into the second opening 58. When the screw 206 is inserted into the second opening 58, the distal end of the detent pin 254 may engage the detent 250 formed in the taper 230 of the screw 206. As the screw 206 is rotated relative to the housing 14, the detent pin 254 moves out of engagement with the adjacent detent 250 and emits an audible noise, allowing the user to know exactly how far the screw 206 has been rotated relative to the housing 14.

[0065] Detent pin 254 may include a tapered portion 266 that terminates in a point 270 at the distal end of detent pin 254. Similarly, each detent 250 may include a tapered surface 274 that allows screw 206 to be rotated in two directions relative to housing 14 and that engages with tapered surface 274 of the respective detent 250 to facilitate movement of point 270 of detent pin 254 into and out of each detent 250 when screw 206 is rotated relative to housing 14. The angle of tapered portion 266 of detent pin 254 and / or the angle of tapered surface 274 of detent 250 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the force required to rotate screw 206 relative to housing 14 and / or to adjust the audible noise produced when screw 206 is rotated relative to housing 14. Additionally, the spring constant of the biasing member 262 may also be adjusted to adjust the force required to rotate the screw 206 relative to the housing 14, as well as to adjust the audible noise generated when the detent pin 254 moves from one detent 250 to an adjacent detent 250 due to rotation of the screw 206 relative to the housing 14.

[0066] The first adjuster block 212 may include a threaded bore 278. Similar to the adjuster block 134, the screw body 222 of the adjustment screw 206 may be threadably received therein such that rotation of the adjustment screw 206 relative to the body 42 translates the first adjuster block 212 relative to the housing 14 along a longitudinal axis extending generally perpendicular to the side surface 62. The first adjuster block 212 engages the illumination assembly 22 on a surface opposite the adjustment screw 206. Thus, translation of the first adjuster block 212 correlates with translation of the illumination assembly 22. Translation of the illumination assembly 22 relative to the housing 14 similarly translates the reticle 34 relative to the optical element 26 to adjust the position of the reticle 34 relative to the optical element 26. Adjusting the left / right position of reticle 34 relative to optics 26 adjusts the "windage" of optical sight 10.

[0067] The second adjuster block 214 is similar to the first adjuster block 212, except that the second adjuster block 214 does not include a threaded bore. Rather, as shown in FIG. 9 , the second adjuster block 214 engages a portion of the lighting assembly 22 such that at least a portion of the lighting assembly 22 is disposed between the first adjuster block 212 and the second adjuster block 214.

[0068] The second adjuster block 214 may include a bore 282 partially formed therethrough. The bore 282 may receive at least a portion of the biasing member 218 therein, such that the biasing member 218 generally exerts a force against an end face within the bore 294. Providing the internal bore 294 in the second adjuster block 214 reduces the weight of the second adjuster block 214, thereby reducing the overall weight of the optical sight 10. As with the height adjustment mechanism 122, providing a bias to the adjuster block 212, the adjuster block 214, and thus the adjustment screw 206, prevents inadvertent rotation of the adjustment screw 206 relative to the housing 14. Preventing inadvertent rotation of the adjustment screw 206 relative to the housing 14 prevents unwanted movement of the reticle 34 relative to the optic 26 and ensures that the set position of the adjustment screw 206 relative to the housing 14 is maintained. Although biasing member 218 is shown as a coil spring, any biasing member, such as a linear spring, that applies a force to adjuster block 212 and adjuster block 214 to urge the adjuster blocks generally toward side 62 may be employed.

[0069] The scale 70 ( FIG. 5 ) permanently secured to or formed on the side 62 of the housing 14 helps to facilitate adjustment of the adjustment screw 206 relative to the housing 14 and allows a user to visually observe the position of the adjustment screw 206 relative to the housing 14. Like the scale 66, the scale 70 may be painted on and / or laser etched into the housing 14, thereby permanently securing the scale 70 to the housing 14. Furthermore, each scale 70 may be positioned relative to a respective detent 250 such that each audible noise or “click” corresponds to movement of one scale 70 on the screw 206.

[0070] 10-12 , the lighting assembly 22 is shown and may include a circuit board 252, a light source 256, and a power supply 260. The circuit board 252 may be supported generally within the housing 14 by a board or block 268, which may include a slot 200 that slidably receives the protrusion 198 of the adjuster block 134. As described above, when the adjustment screw 130 is rotated relative to the housing 14, the adjuster block 134 may be moved up and down. Because the protrusion 198 is received in the slot 200 of the board 268, up and down movement of the adjuster block 134 relative to the housing 14 causes simultaneous up and down movement of the board 268 relative to the housing 14.

[0071] The protrusion 198 may be slidably received within the slot 200 to allow the base plate 268 to translate relative to the protrusion 198 along the longitudinal axis of the windage adjustment mechanism 126 when the first adjustment block 212 and the second adjustment block 214 are moved left / right relative to the housing 14.

[0072] For example, the substrate 268 may be a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped block having a base plate 270 extending between a pair of side walls 272 that define a cavity or recess 273 therein. The circuit board 252, light source 256, and power supply 260 may be supported within the recess 273.

[0073] A front surface 275 of each sidewall 272 may be in surface contact with the housing 14. An outer surface 277 of each sidewall 272 may engage with the first adjuster block 212 and the second adjuster block 214, respectively. The outer surface 277 of each sidewall 272 may be a flat surface extending along a single plane, such that the entire outer surface 277 of each sidewall 272 contacts the first adjuster block 212 or the second adjuster block 214, respectively. Because the outer surface 277 is a flat surface that contacts the first adjuster block 212 or the second adjuster block 214, the substrate 268 is decoupled from the first adjuster block 212 due to potential rotation. Furthermore, the quantity and dimensions of parts are minimized to reduce the tolerance stack-up that defines the amount of compression on the biasing member 194 between the substrate 268 and the adjuster block 134.

[0074] Circuit board 252 may be securely attached to base plate 270 of substrate 268 via contact pieces 276 (described below), thereby securing circuit board 252 for movement with substrate 268, such that circuit board 252 moves with substrate 268 when substrate 268 is moved by either adjuster block 134 or first adjuster block 212 and second adjuster block 214.

[0075] The circuit board 252 may support the light source 256 such that movement of the circuit board 252 relative to the housing 14 causes simultaneous movement of the light source 256 relative to the housing 14. In one configuration, the light source 256 is encapsulated on the circuit board 252 using a clear epoxy or other coating. In another configuration, the light source 256 may be located proximate to the circuit board 252 or may be attached to the circuit board 252.

[0076] Light source 256 may include a laser, a light emitting diode (LED), fiber optics, a tritium lamp, another suitable device configured to emit light, or a combination thereof. Light source 256 may include multiple light sources fixed on a light source base plate supported by circuit board 252 or substrate 268. Light source 256 may be selectively controlled by circuit board 252 (e.g., by a processor or microprocessor on circuit board 252) depending on ambient lighting conditions. Illumination from light source 256 is directed to light source 256 generally toward optical element 26 to display reticle 34 on optical element 26.

[0077] The light source 256 may be controlled by the circuit board 252 via a discrete system, a pulse-width modulation (PWM) system, or a combination thereof. For example, in a discrete system, a constant power supply is provided to the light source 256 to illuminate the light source 256. One or more resistors may be incorporated to vary the voltage supplied to the light source 256 and control the brightness of the light source 256. For example, one resistor is provided for each brightness level to control the brightness of the light source 256. This allows the circuit board 252 to control the light source 256 at various brightness levels.

[0078] For example, in a pulse-width modulation (PWM) system, circuit board 252 may supply power to light source 256 in an on-off pattern with a particular duty cycle. A voltage regulator may be incorporated to control the voltage pulses supplied to light source 256. Circuit board 252 may control the perceived brightness of light source 256 by cycling light source 256 on and off at a frequency high enough that the user's eye does not detect that the light source is being turned on or off. The perceived brightness is a function of the frequency with which the light source is turned on and off, and also a function of the duty cycle, which describes how long light source 256 is on versus how long light source 256 is off.

[0079] The frequency may be the rate at which the light source 256 is turned on and off, and the duty cycle may be the length of time the light source 256 is turned on and off. The light source 256 may receive voltage pulses with a longer duty cycle, for example, to produce a brighter light, or the light source 256 may receive voltage pulses with a shorter duty cycle to produce a dimmer light. For example, at a 20% duty cycle, the light source 256 may be illuminated 20% of the time and off 80% of the time. At a 40% duty cycle, the light source 256 may be illuminated 40% of the time and off 60% of the time. At an 80% duty cycle, the light source 256 may be illuminated 80% of the time and off 20% of the time. At a 100% duty cycle, the light source 256 may be illuminated 100% of the time. The frequency of each duty cycle or the duration from start to start of the cycle may not be changed, so an increased duty cycle increases the perceived brightness of the light source 256.

[0080] Frequencies of several hundred Hz are often fast enough that the human eye cannot perceive a light source being switched on and off and perceives a constant light source. In most scenarios, especially those in which the light source is stationary, these low-frequency implementations are sufficient. However, when the light source is moving and the eye is constantly tracking this movement, the eye can begin to see the light source cycling on and off. In some situations, such as when an optical sight is moving quickly, poorly executed pulse-width modulation may be illuminated as a series of dots, known as "PWM visibility." Weapon-mounted reflex sights present several scenarios in which the eye is constantly tracking a light source and the light source is moving. Examples include panning a weapon to track a target or "resetting" the aim point on a target during recoil. In these scenarios, if the PWM (pulse width modulation) frequency does not exceed a certain threshold, the user will see the reticle cycling on and off, which can be distracting to the shooter. In the case of recoil, the user may see what appears to be "multiple" reticles as they attempt to stabilize the firearm back on target.

[0081] The minimum frequency threshold for visibility may be affected by the duty cycle. For example, at a high duty cycle of greater than 50%, the minimum visibility frequency may be as low as only 2 kHz. However, if the duty cycle is reduced below 50%, some users may begin to see PWM (pulse width modulation) at 2 kHz. PWM visibility may be user-dependent. Some users may detect PWM (pulse width modulation) at lower frequencies than other users. For example, some people may not detect PWM (pulse width modulation) at 2 kHz and a low duty cycle. Others may detect PWM (pulse width modulation) at 2 kHz regardless of the duty cycle. Through a series of tests, the optical sight 10 of the present disclosure implements a PWM (pulse width modulation) system operating at 4 kHz or higher to eliminate “PWM visibility.”

[0082] A PWM (pulse width modulation) system requires fewer resistors (only one resistor compared to three resistors for three brightness settings in a discrete system) and fewer inputs / outputs on the processor of circuit board 252 (only one input / output compared to three inputs / outputs in a discrete system). Fewer inputs / outputs on the processor reduces the size of the processor and / or eliminates the need for an additional expander chip on the processor.

[0083] PWM (pulse width modulation) can allow for easier "tuning" of brightness settings during development because changes in perceived brightness can be achieved through software changes, whereas discrete systems require changing physical resistors to change perceived brightness. Additionally, in some cases, a PWM (pulse width modulation) approach can extend the battery life of the optical sight 10. Using PWM (pulse width modulation) with a discrete system allows for optimal reticle illumination, taking into account battery life, reticle brightness, and user preference.

[0084] The reticle 34 may be a dot reticle (FIG. 3A), a ring reticle, a crosshair reticle, a combination thereof (the combination of a dot reticle and a ring reticle in FIG. 3B), or any other suitable reticle. The reticle 34 may incorporate a first reticle 34A, such as a dot reticle, for use in a first set of conditions, and a second reticle 34B, such as a ring reticle, for use in a second set of conditions. The reticles 34A and 34B may be used in different brightness settings, such as night vision conditions, very low light conditions, low light conditions, and bright light conditions. The first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B may be controlled by a discrete system, by pulse width modulation (PWM), or a combination thereof. For example, the first reticle 34A or the second reticle 34B may be controlled by PWM (pulse width modulation) for some brightness settings and by a discrete system for other brightness settings. Controlling the reticle 34 by PWM (pulse width modulation) and a discrete system allows the perceived brightness to be controlled and varied.

[0085] For example, the first reticle 34A or the second reticle 34B may be controlled by PWM (pulse width modulation) at all brightness levels. For example, if there are 11 brightness settings, the first reticle 34A or the second reticle 34B may be illuminated by PWM (pulse width modulation) at all 11 brightness settings.

[0086] For example, the first reticle 34A or the second reticle 34B may be controlled by a discrete system at some brightness level, e.g., if there are 11 brightness settings, the first reticle 34A or the second reticle 34B may be illuminated by a PWM (pulse width modulation) and discrete system at four of the 11 brightness settings.

[0087] Circuit board 252, light source 256, and substrate 268 are generally protected from environmental conditions by a window 278, which may be disposed between light source 256 and optical element 26. Window 278 may be sealed to housing 14 with epoxy or other suitable adhesive. Placing epoxy between window 278 and housing 14 prevents debris from entering housing 14 and contacting components of illumination assembly 22 and conditioning assembly 18.

[0088] To limit water and other debris from contacting the exterior surface of the window 278, the housing 14 may protrude or extend generally above the edge of the window 278. Preventing water and other debris from contacting the exterior surface of the window 278 ensures that light from the light source 256 is not deflected, reflected, or blocked, and therefore reaches the optic 26. Because the optical sight 10 may be used on a firearm 30 by law enforcement and / or military personnel, the optical sight 10 may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as rain, wind, and ice. Providing the housing 14 to extend above the window 278 helps prevent such weather conditions from reaching the window 278, thereby improving the ability of the light source 256 to consistently provide light to the optic 26 to display the reticle 34 thereon.

[0089] The power source 260 may be in electrical communication with at least one of the circuit board 252 and the light source 256 via contact pieces 276 (FIGS. 10 and 11). In one configuration, the power source 260 may be a battery having a generally circular shape. The battery may be housed within a recess 280 (FIG. 6) in the housing 14 and retained within the recess 280 by a lid 284 threadably received within the recess 280, which allows for removal and replacement of the battery when replacement is required.

[0090] The power supply 260 may be received within the recess 280 in an assembly including a lid 284, the power supply 260, a retainer 288, and contact pieces 276, in that order ( FIGS. 6 and 10 ). The lid 284 may include a seal 292 disposed between the power supply 260 and the lid 284 and a seal 296 disposed on the exterior of the lid 284 for engaging with the housing 14. The seals 292 and 296 may be O-rings or other suitable seals to protect the recess 280 and the power supply 260 from debris and moisture. For example, the seals 292 and 296 may be formed of an elastomer or another suitable sealing material.

[0091] The retainer 288 may define a battery cavity 300 therein for receiving the power source 260. The retainer 288 may be a tubular wall having external threads that engage threads in the recess 280 of the housing 14. The retainer 288 may be disposed on top of the contact piece 276 and may provide access to contacts 304 secured to the contact piece 276. The power source 260 may be disposed within the battery cavity 300 and directly engage the contacts 304. A seal 292 may bias the power source 260 to be positioned within the retainer 288 and into contact with the contacts 304. Thus, power may be transferred from the power source 260, through the contacts 304, and to the contact piece 276 for distribution throughout the optical sight 10.

[0092] 2, 5, 10, and 13-15, photodetector 308 may be positioned proximate optics 26 to allow light from the target object to be collected and transmitted to circuit board 252 via contact strip 276. More specifically, contact strip 276 extends from power source 260 to circuit board 252 and from power source 260 to photodetector 308, such that circuit board 252, power source 260, and photodetector 308 are all in electrical communication (FIG. 15). Circuit board 252 selectively illuminates light source 256 depending on ambient light conditions at the target object as detected by photodetector 308.

[0093] More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 10, the photodetector 308 may be located in an upper corner 312 of the forward or front face of the housing 14, facing the user downrange (along the intended flight path). For example, the photodetector 308 may be located in the upwardly extending optics housing 46 at a location between the optics 26 and the intersection of the cross member 110 and the strut 102. Due to the concave top surface 118 and convex bottom surface 114 of the cross member 110, the intersection of the cross member 110 and the strut 102 forms a shoulder or ear 316 in the upwardly extending optics housing 46. The shoulder 316 may have a triangular cross-section defined by the cross member 110, the strut 102, and the opening 106. The photodetector 308 may be located in an opening 320 approximately centered in the shoulder 316.

[0094] Positioning the photodetector 308 on the upwardly extending shoulder 316 of the optics housing 46 and pointing the photodetector 308 downrange from the user provides an unobstructed line of sight (line of sight) from the photodetector 308 to the target object. Having a clear line of sight allows the light intensity at the target object to be accurately detected by the photodetector 308.

[0095] The location of the photodetector 308 on the shoulder 316 offers advantages over other configurations in the art. For example, compared to locating a sensor on the top surface 118 of the upwardly extending optics housing 46, the photodetector 308 on the shoulder 316 can be aimed downrange to the target object and provide an accurate reading of the ambient light at the target object. Compared to locating a sensor below the optic 26, the photodetector 308 on the shoulder 316 is not obstructed by backup sights, iron sights, mounting hardware, portions of the barrel 38, or any other parts protruding upward from the firearm 30, which gives the photodetector 308 on the shoulder 316 a clear line of sight to the target object. Compared to locating a sensor on or near the circuit board 252, the photodetector 308 on the shoulder 316 is not obstructed by any part of the optical sight 10 and can provide an accurate reading of the ambient light at the target object.

[0096] Providing an accurate measurement of ambient light at the target object is advantageous over a sensor that detects ambient light in the optical sight. Knowing the light conditions at the target object allows the optical sight 10 to adjust the brightness of the light source 256 based on the light conditions at the target object, which is advantageous in situations where the light conditions at the target object are different from those at the optical sight. For example, entering a dark space from a brightly lit space, being located in a dark room and focusing on a target outdoors or in a brightly lit room, and standing in or shooting into a shadow are all situations that benefit from controlling the brightness of the reticle 34 based on the light sensed at the target object.

[0097] The photodetector 308 may include a lens 324 and a sensor chip 328 connected to an arm 332 of a contact piece 276. The arm 332 of the contact piece 276 may be a flexible circuit that bends and twists within the post 102 of the optics housing 46 from which the arm 332 extends upward to provide a path from the photodetector 308 to the power source 260. For example, the arm 332 may extend from the power source 260 along the wall of the post 102 and twist upward to align with the power source 260. A distal end 336 of the arm 332 may fit snugly or be sandwiched between the sensor chip 328 and the lens 324.

[0098] The sensor chip 328 may be disposed on the distal end 336 of the arm 332. The center 340 of the sensor chip 328 may be aligned with an opening 344 in the distal end 336 of the arm 332. The opening 344 may allow the sensor chip 328 to sense light on the side of the arm 332 opposite the sensor chip 328.

[0099] The lens 324 may be a rod-shaped lens that protrudes through the opening 320 in the upwardly extending optics housing 46. Alternatively, the lens 324 may be a spherical lens, a curved plate lens, or a lens of any suitable shape. The lens 324 may be a transparent lens. For example, the lens 324 may be formed of glass, plastic, or another suitable transparent material.

[0100] A proximal end 348 of lens 324 abuts distal end 336 of arm 332 and may be axially aligned with aperture 344. A distal end 352 of lens 324 may be axially aligned with the target image when optical sight 10 is aligned with the target image such that distal end 352 of lens 324 transmits ambient light from the target image through lens 324, through aperture 344, and to sensor chip 328.

[0101] The sensor chip 328 may be configured to detect light through the opening 344. For example, the sensor chip 328 may include a photodiode or other suitable type of device configured to detect light. For example, the photodiode may be a photoconductive detector, a photovoltaic detector, or another suitable detector. For example, the photodiode may be a pin detector, an avalanche photodiode, a Schottky barrier photodiode, a metal-semiconductor-metal photodiode, a type II superlattice photodetector, an optical electromagnetic detector, a quantum well intersubband photodetector, and a quantum dot infrared photodetector.

[0102] The lighting assembly 22 may include a first actuating member 356 and a second actuating member 360. Each of the actuating members 356 and 360 may be used to control the illumination of the light source 256 and may be associated with a cover 364 and a cover 368, respectively. The actuating members 356 and 360 may be electrically connected to the contact piece 276 such that the actuating members 356 and 360 are in electrical communication with the circuit board 252. For example, the actuating members 356 and 360 may be secured onto the arms 332 and 372 of the contact piece 276, respectively.

[0103] In one configuration, first actuation member 356 and second actuation member 360 may be button switches that contact respective covers 364 and 368. Covers 364 and 368 may be formed from a flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, such that when a force is applied to either cover 364 or cover 368, the respective cover 364 and cover 368 flexes and transmits the applied force to the associated actuation member 356 and actuation member 360. When either cover 364 or cover 368 is pressed, the actuation member 356 and actuation member 360 associated with the particular cover 364 and cover 368 is actuated to control operation of light source 256. Such control may be facilitated by providing descriptive markings on at least one of covers 364 and 368. For example, one actuation member 356 may be labeled with a plus sign (+) and the other actuation member 360 may be labeled with a minus sign (-) to provide a user with a quick reference as to which cover 364 or cover 368, and its associated actuation member 356 or actuation member 360, increases (+) or decreases (-) the illumination.

[0104] With particular reference to FIG. 6 , optical element 26 is shown to include a doublet lens having a first lens 376, a second lens 380, and a dichroic coating 384 formed on at least one of first lens 376 and second lens 380 to allow light from light source 256 to be reflected thereon. Coating one of lenses 376 and 380 with dichroic coating 384 allows light source 256 to generate reticle 34 generally in the area between lenses 376 and 380, thereby allowing reticle 34 to be displayed on optical element 26. Lenses 376 and 380 may include a generally D-shape and may have a generally convex top surface 388. Once optical element 26 is attached to housing 14, top surface 388 of optical element 26 may be positioned generally adjacent to bottom surface 114 of cross member 110.

[0105] Lenses 376 and 380 may be spherical lenses, whereby at least one of lenses 376 and 380 has a diameter substantially within the range of about 30 mm to about 45 mm, or within the range of about 40 mm to about 41 mm, or about 40.54 mm, with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.2 mm. Once spherical lenses 376 and 380 are formed, the overall height of lenses 376 and 380 may be substantially within the range of about 15 mm to about 20 mm, or within the range of about 17 mm to about 18 mm, or about 17.17 mm, with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.10 mm. Regardless of the actual dimensions (exact size) of lenses 376 and 380, optical element 26 may have an effective focal length substantially within the range of about 25 mm to about 40 mm, or within the range of about 35 mm to about 36 mm, or about 35.88 mm, with a tolerance of plus or minus 0.12 mm. Optical element 26 may be formed from SCHOTT S-3 Grade A Fine Anneal material.

[0106] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-15 , the operation (actuation, function, function, manipulation) of the optical sight 10 will now be described in detail. Once the optical sight 10 is attached to the firearm 30, the optical sight 10 may be adjusted to properly align the reticle 34 with the barrel 38 of the firearm 30. A flat-head screwdriver, a generally flat object (such as a coin or spent ammunition shell), or another suitable object may be inserted into the slot 154 of the adjustment screw 130 to rotate the adjustment screw 130 relative to the housing 14. Rotation of the adjustment screw 130 relative to the housing 14 causes simultaneous up / down movement of the adjustment block 134 relative to the housing 14. The projection 198 of the adjustment block 134 is slidably received within the slot 200 of the base plate 268, causing the base plate 268 to simultaneously move upward or downward along with the adjustment block 134.

[0107] Movement of substrate 268, either upward or downward, causes simultaneous movement of circuit board 252, either upward or downward. Because light source 256 is mounted to circuit board 252 or otherwise fixed to substrate 268, light source 256 similarly moves either upward or downward. Light source 256 outputs light through window 278 and toward optical element 26 to generate reticle 34 on optical element 26. Thus, movement of substrate 268 and light source 256, either upward or downward, causes simultaneous movement of reticle 34 on optical element 26, either upward or downward.

[0108] Once the position of the reticle 34 has been adjusted in the up / down direction, the flathead screwdriver or other member may be removed from engagement with the adjustment screw 130. Similar to the height adjustment mechanism 122 of the optical sight 10, the up / down position of the reticle 34 relative to the optic 26 is maintained by forces applied to the adjustment block 134 by the biasing member 174 and the biasing member 202. Specifically, the biasing member 202 applies a force to the adjustment block 134 between the housing 14 and the adjustment block 134, while the biasing member 174 applies a force directly to the adjustment screw 130 to hold the adjustment screw in its position. Additionally, the biasing member 194 applies a force to the adjustment block 134 between the base plate 268 and the adjustment block 134.

[0109] The left / right (i.e., windage) of the reticle 34 may be adjusted by inserting a flathead screwdriver, a flat object (such as a coin or spent ammunition shell), or another suitable object into the slot 234 of the adjustment screw 206. Once the flathead screwdriver or other flat object is inserted into the slot 234 of the adjustment screw 206, rotation of the adjustment screw 206 relative to the housing 14 causes simultaneous movement of the first adjustment block 212 and the second adjustment block 214. Movement of the adjustment block 212 and the adjustment block 214 causes simultaneous movement of the base plate 268 relative to the housing 14 toward or away from the side 62 of the body 42. Because the base plate 268 supports the light source 256, movement of the base plate 268 relative to the housing 14 in either a leftward or rightward direction similarly moves the light source 256 relative to the housing 14. As described above, movement of the light source 256 relative to the housing 14 causes simultaneous movement of the reticle 34 relative to the optical element 26. Once the position of the reticle 34 relative to the optical element 26 has been adjusted, the flathead screwdriver or flat tool may be removed from engagement with the adjustment screw 206. Similar to the windage adjustment mechanism 126 of the optical sight 10, the force applied by the biasing member 218 to the first adjuster block 212 and the second adjuster block 214 maintains the windage set position.

[0110] Once the up / down and windage positions of the reticle 34 have been properly adjusted relative to the optic 26, the optical sight 10 may be used to align the barrel 38 of the firearm 30 relative to a target (not shown).

[0111] The reticle 34 may be illuminated by a light source 256. For example, in low ambient light conditions at the target object, the light source may be controlled solely by PWM (pulse width modulation), and sufficient light may be projected by the light source 256 such that only one of the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B may be needed. Therefore, the other of the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B, which is controlled by a resistor, is not illuminated. In brighter or daylight conditions, the light source 256 may use both a resistor and PWM (pulse width modulation) to illuminate both the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B. In bright conditions at the target object, the first reticle 34A may be illuminated along with the second reticle 34B to provide an adequate aim point on the target object. Alternatively, in brighter or daylight conditions, the light source 256 may illuminate both the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B using resistance only or PWM (pulse width modulation) only.

[0112] The brightness of the reticle 34 may be automatically controlled on the circuit board 252. For example, referring to FIG. 16, the circuit board 252 may include a processor, or microprocessor 390, and a memory 391. The microprocessor 390 may receive a signal from the photodetector 308 and determine whether to illuminate the first reticle 34A, the second reticle 34B, or both the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B. Alternatively, the microprocessor 390 may receive a signal from a user input and determine whether to illuminate the first reticle 34A, the second reticle 34B, or both the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B based on the user input. Referring to FIG. 17, the automatic brightness may be controlled according to a brightness curve. More specifically, in a normal mode, the circuit board 252 may control the brightness of the light source 256 according to a first curve 392. The first curve 392 may have a lower brightness setting in low light (low illumination) and may increase to a higher brightness setting as brightness increases. The user may have the option to increase or decrease the first curve 392 based on the user's preference (e.g., using the first actuation member 356 and the second actuation member 360). For example, if the user prefers a brighter reticle 34, the user may increase the automatic brightness setting to a high setting to follow the second curve 396. If the user prefers a dimmer reticle 34, the user may decrease the automatic brightness setting to a low setting to follow the third curve 400. The curves 396 and 400 may follow the same slope as the curve 392, but may be shifted up or down one level to adjust the overall brightness accordingly.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 18 , automatic brightness may be controlled according to an alternative brightness curve. More specifically, in normal mode, circuit board 252 may control the brightness of light source 256 according to a first curve 404. First curve 404 may be similar to first curve 392 and have a lower brightness setting in low light and may increase to a higher brightness setting as brightness increases. A user may have the option to increase or decrease first curve 404 based on user preference. For example, if a user prefers a brighter reticle 34, the user may increase the automatic brightness setting to a high setting to follow second curve 408. Compared to first curve 404, second curve 408 may be shifted up and may have a steeper or greater slope to increase light intensity as the sensed light becomes brighter. If the user prefers a dimmer reticle 34, the user may decrease the auto-brightness setting to a low setting to follow the third curve 412. Compared to the first curve 404, the third curve 412 may be shifted downward and may have a gentler or smaller slope to increase light intensity as the sensed light becomes brighter.

[0114] Once processor 390 determines the brightness level from the appropriate curve, processor 390 causes one or more resistors 420 to supply power to illuminate light source 256. For example, in a configuration in which light source 256 has 11 brightness settings for each of reticle 34A and reticle 34B, circuit board 252 may contain 11 resistors. The voltages for the 11 brightness settings for reticle 34A (e.g., a dot reticle) may be controlled by seven resistors, with three resistors controlling the voltages for seven PWM (pulse-width modulation) settings and four resistors controlling the voltages for four discrete settings. Meanwhile, the voltages for the 11 PWM (pulse-width modulation) brightness settings for reticle 34B (e.g., a ring reticle) may be controlled by four resistors. The PWM (pulse-width modulation) implementation in this example saves 11 resistors in the optic and 11 inputs / outputs from processor 390.

[0115] The optical element 26 includes a dichroic coating 384 disposed on at least one of the first lens 376 and the second lens 380 such that wavelengths of light from the light source 256 are reflected and cause the reticle 34 to appear along the line of sight (line of sight) on the optical element 26. The reticle 34 may be used by a user to align the barrel 38 of the firearm 30 with a target object.

[0116] 19, a user may be able to select whether to illuminate the first reticle 34A, the second reticle 34B, or both the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B. The user may also adjust the brightness of the second reticle 34B relative to the first reticle 34A. The user may also adjust the brightness of the first reticle 34A relative to the second reticle 34B.

[0117] The ability to adjust the relative brightness can provide a user with the ability to match the reticle 34A and reticle 34B to their personal preferences or to a particular shooting scenario. For example, if the brightness of the second reticle 34B may be adjusted relative to the first reticle 34A, if the user anticipates being primarily in close-range scenarios, the user may want the brighter second reticle 34B (e.g., a segmented circle) as a primary, general aiming point, but the first reticle 34A (e.g., a dot) will still be available when the user needs to aim more precisely. In this scenario, because the first reticle 34A is dimmer than the second reticle 34B, the first reticle 34A will not cause any distraction or significant obscuration. In the opposite scenario, a user may want the first reticle 34A (e.g., a dot) to be brightly lit for precision aiming, but the dim second reticle 34B (e.g., a segmented circle) is still available when the user needs to aim at close range. The latter scenario allows the user to easily focus on the first reticle 34A and prevents the second reticle 34B from obscuring the target or overpowering the first reticle 34A. Enabling the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B to have different brightness levels can help the user easily focus on the “brighter” of the two reticles 34A and 34B without completely turning off the other reticle 34A and 34B. The dimmer reticle 34A or reticle 34B is still available if the user needs it, but it will be much less distracting if the user does not need the dimmer reticle 34A or reticle 34B as the primary aiming point.

[0118] For example, FIG. 19 illustrates the above example in which the brightness of the second reticle 34B may be adjusted relative to the first reticle 34A. The default setting for the optic 10 may be for the first reticle 34A and the second reticle 34B to be at "equal brightness" (shown in FIG. 19 by the solid and dotted lines). For example, the dot and ring together would appear equally bright. By pressing a series of buttons or through other user input, the user may access a mode in which the brightness of the second reticle 34B relative to the first reticle 34A can be adjusted. These can be selected between the default setting (equal brightness), a high setting (e.g., dashed lines) in which the second reticle 34B is brighter than the first reticle 34A, and a low setting (e.g., dashed lines) in which the second reticle 34B is dimmer than the first reticle 34A.

[0119] During the default setting, the first reticle 34A may operate along the solid lines and the second reticle 34B may operate along the dotted lines. If the user selects the high setting, the first reticle 34A may continue operating along the solid lines and the second reticle 34B's operation may transition from the dotted lines to the dashed lines. If the user selects the low setting, the first reticle 34A may continue operating along the solid lines and the second reticle 34B's operation may transition from the dotted lines to the dashed-dotted lines. If the second reticle 34B is operating at the high setting and the user selects the default setting or decreases the brightness setting, the second reticle 34B's operation may transition from the dashed lines to the dotted lines. If the second reticle 34B is operating at the low setting and the user selects the default setting or increases the brightness setting, the second reticle 34B's operation may transition from the dashed lines to the dotted lines. Operation would be similar for the example where the brightness of the first reticle 34A is varied relative to the second reticle 34B, in which case the first reticle 34A may move between dotted, dashed, and dash-dot lines with user input, while the second reticle 34B would remain on the solid line.

[0120] 20, there is illustrated a flowchart of a method 500 for controlling reticle brightness. Method 500 may be performed by circuit board 252, a microprocessor or processor 390 on circuit board 252, or a controller on microprocessor or processor 390.

[0121] Method 500 begins at 504. At 508, the brightness of the reticle is controlled according to a default curve. For example, circuit board 252 may receive output from photodetector 308 and control light source 256 to illuminate reticle 34 according to the default curve. For example, the default curve may be a standard factory setting, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18. For example, the default curve may be a standard factory setting, as illustrated by the solid and dotted lines in FIG. 19. Alternatively, the default curve may be any curve stored in memory 391 of circuit board 252.

[0122] At 512, a check is made against the received input from the user. For example, a user may use first actuation member 356 and second actuation member 360 to input commands regarding the brightness of the reticle. Actuation member 356 and actuation member 360 may be associated with cover 364 and cover 368, respectively. For example, first actuation member 356 associated with cover 364 may be pressed to decrease or dim the illumination. For example, second actuation member 360 associated with cover 368 may be pressed to increase or brighten the illumination. To indicate the function of actuation member 356 and actuation member 360, cover 364 may include a minus sign and cover 368 may include a plus sign. Alternatively, user input may be received from a series of buttons or other actuation members.

[0123] If no (N) at 512, method 500 returns to 508, and lighting is controlled according to the default curve. If yes (Y) at 512, the default curve is changed to a new curve according to user input at 516. For example, if the default curve is the base factory setting (thin solid line) in FIG. 17 or 18, and the user input is activation of first actuation member 356 via cover 364, the default curve is changed to the decreased auto-brightness curve (dashed line) in FIG. 17 or 18. For example, if the default curve is the base factory setting (thin solid line) in FIG. 17 or 18, and the user input is activation of second actuation member 360 via cover 368, the default curve is changed to the increased auto-brightness curve (thick solid line) in FIG. 17 or 18.

[0124] Alternatively, if the default curve is the increased auto-brightness curve (thick solid line) in Figure 17 or 18 and the user input is activation of first actuation member 356 via cover 364, the default curve is changed to the base factory setting (thin solid line) in Figure 17 or 18. For example, if the default curve is the decreased auto-brightness curve (dashed line) in Figure 17 or 18 and the user input is activation of second actuation member 360 via cover 368, the default curve is changed to the base factory setting (thin solid line) in Figure 17 or 18.

[0125] Similarly, the brightness of the second reticle 34B may be adjusted relative to the first reticle 34A, or the brightness of the first reticle 34A may be adjusted relative to the second reticle 34B. More specifically, the default brightness of the first reticle 34A may be the solid line in FIG. 19, and the default brightness of the second reticle 34B may be the dotted line in FIG. 19. The solid line may resemble the dotted line and may have a lower power output at lower brightness settings, and may increase power output as the brightness setting increases. If a user input increases the automatic brightness setting to the high setting, the dotted line may transition to the dashed line in FIG. 19. Compared to the dotted line, the dashed line may shift upward to have a higher reticle power output for each brightness setting. If a user input decreases the automatic brightness setting to the low setting, the dotted line may transition to the dash-dot line in FIG. 19. Compared to the dotted line, the dash-dotted line may be shifted down to have less reticle power output for each brightness setting. This same scenario would apply to adjusting the first reticle 34A relative to the second reticle 34B.

[0126] At 520, the brightness of the reticle is controlled according to the new curve. For example, circuit board 252 may receive the output from photodetector 308 and control light source 256 to illuminate reticle 34 according to the new curve. As illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, as the brightness output from photodetector 308 increases, the brightness setting for light source 256 and illumination of reticle 34 increases. Similarly, in Figure 19, as the brightness setting increases, the reticle power output to the reticle increases.

[0127] At 524, a check is made against the received input from the power input. For example, a user may select a power button to power on or off the optic 10. Alternatively, for example, the light source 256 may be timer-based and may shut off after illumination for a threshold time.

[0128] If no (N) at 524, the method 500 may return to 512. If yes (Y) at 524, the method 500 may power down or shut off the light source 256 at 528. The method 500 ends at 532.

[0129] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, can be interchanged and used in selected embodiments even if not specifically shown or described. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the disclosure, and all such variations are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. Housing and an optical element supported by the housing; a light source mounted on an adjustment plate configured to present a reticle on the optical element; a light source adjuster configured to change the position of the reticle relative to the optical element; The light source adjuster includes: Adjustment screw and a first lateral adjuster block configured to threadably receive the adjustment screw; a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force to maintain the first lateral adjuster block in an adjusted position; the first lateral adjustment block includes an inner surface that contacts the adjustment plate, the inner surface being entirely formed as a flat surface; rotation of the adjustment screw moves the first lateral adjustment block, and movement of the first lateral adjustment block moves the adjustment plate; the adjustment plate is isolated from possible rotation by the first lateral adjustment block; Optical sight.

2. The biasing mechanism includes a second lateral adjustment block and a spring; the spring is received in a recess in the second lateral adjuster block; the second lateral adjuster block is in contact with the adjuster plate; The optical sight of claim 1 .

3. the first lateral adjuster block is in contact with a first side of the adjuster plate; the second lateral adjuster block is in contact with a second side of the adjuster plate; the second side of the adjusting plate faces the first side of the adjusting plate; 3. The optical sight of claim 2.

4. the biasing mechanism is a spring that directly engages the first lateral adjuster block. The optical sight of claim 1 .

5. the spring is supported within an opening in the first lateral adjuster block; 5. The optical sight of claim 4.

6. the adjusting plate has a U-shape that defines a recess; The light source is supported within the recess by the adjustment plate. The optical sight of claim 1 .

7. The light source is fixed on a circuit board, The circuit board is supported by the adjustment plate in a recess defined by the U-shape.

7. The optical sight of claim 6.

8. a housing having a main body, a pair of upwardly extending support posts, and a cross member extending between the pair of upwardly extending support posts; an optical element disposed between the pair of upwardly extending struts and between the main body and the cross member, the optical element being supported by the housing; a light source mounted on a substrate configured to present a reticle onto the optical element; an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a lateral position of the reticle on the optical element; The adjustment mechanism includes: Adjustment screw and a first lateral adjuster block configured to threadably receive the adjustment screw; a biasing mechanism configured to apply a force to the first lateral adjuster block to maintain the first lateral adjuster block in an adjusted position; the first lateral adjustment block includes an inner surface that contacts the substrate, the inner surface being entirely formed as a flat surface; rotation of the adjustment screw moves the first lateral adjuster block, and movement of the first lateral adjuster block moves the substrate; the substrate is isolated from possible rotation by the first lateral adjustment block; Optical sight.

9. the adjustment screw includes a marker on an upper surface configured to indicate the adjustment position of the adjustment screw.

9. The optical sight of claim 8.

10. a first support column of the pair of upwardly extending support columns is generally parallel to a second support column of the pair of upwardly extending support columns; 9. The optical sight of claim 8.

11. the substrate includes a slot; The adjustment mechanism further includes a height adjustment mechanism, the height adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust the vertical position of the reticle; the height adjustment mechanism includes a height adjustment block, the elevation adjuster block includes a protrusion received in the slot in the substrate; and the O-ring biasing mechanism is disposed between the height direction adjustment block and the base plate, When the height direction adjustment block moves vertically, the protrusion engages with the substrate to move the substrate vertically; When the substrate moves laterally, the protrusion slides within the slot to allow lateral movement of the substrate.

9. The optical sight of claim 8.

12. the cross member includes a bottom surface facing the optical element and a top surface opposite the bottom surface, the top surface having a generally concave shape and the bottom surface having a generally convex shape; 9. The optical sight of claim 8.

13. The second lateral adjustment block houses the biasing mechanism, the substrate has a base plate, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall; the substrate is disposed between the first lateral adjuster block and the second lateral adjuster block; the first sidewall includes a flat outer surface that contacts the first lateral adjustment block; the second sidewall includes a flat outer surface that contacts the second lateral adjuster block; When the adjustment screw is rotated, the first lateral adjustment block moves laterally, thereby causing lateral movement of the substrate.

9. The optical sight of claim 8.

14. the biasing mechanism is a spring; 9. The optical sight of claim 8.

15. The biasing mechanism includes a second lateral adjustment block and a spring; the spring is received in a recess in the second lateral adjuster block; the second lateral adjuster block is in contact with the substrate; 9. The optical sight of claim 8.

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