Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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ILLUMINATED AIMING DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to aiming devices, and more
particularly to aiming
devices including a thermoelectric module and an illuminated sight element.
[0002] The popularity and use of archery equipment and firearms, for
hunting, target
shooting, and other dynamic shooting sports, has increased over the past
several decades. The
competitive nature of shooting and the desire by hunters to have well placed,
ethical shots, has
led to the development and commercialization of a variety of aiming devices.
These devices can
include fiber optic, light gathering sight pins, illuminated reticles for
rifle scopes or red dot
illuminated sights.
[0003] Often, the sight pins, reticles and red dots of these aiming
devices are illuminated
by a light source that is powered directly by a battery. The issue with these
types of battery
powered light sources is that the battery eventually dies. This can be
particularly problematic
when a once in lifetime shot presents itself, or during an active shooting
competition. In military
applications, soldiers also need aiming devices on their weapons to always
perform, and perform
well. If they do not¨due to battery or other failure¨it could result in
catastrophe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An aiming device is provided including a thermoelectric module, a
light source
and a sight element. The thermoelectric module generates electricity from a
thermal gradient.
The electricity powers the light source directly and/or indirectly. The light
source illuminates a
sight element of a projectile shooting device to enhance visibility of the
sight element in a variety
of ambient lighting conditions, optionally in low light conditions. With the
aiming device, a user
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can selectively illuminate a sight element of a projectile shooting device,
optionally with the
user's own body heat, to assist aiming the projectile shooting device during a
shooting activity.
[0005] In one embodiment, the thermoelectric module can be in the form of
at least one
of a thermoelectric generator (TEG), a Seebeck device, a thermoelectric cooler
(TEC) and a
Peltier module. The thermoelectric module can generate electricity based on a
thermal gradient
existing about the module. For example, a thermal gradient can exist between a
warm hand or
other appendage of a user, and a cold metal component of a projectile shooting
device.
Thermoelectric generation of electricity can occur with either variation of
thermal gradient, that
is, electricity generation can occur when one side or surface of the module is
either hotter or
colder than its surrounding environment, or other components near it.
[0006] In another embodiment, the aiming device can be configured so that
the
thermoelectric module and any associated circuitry is mounted to a hand grip,
stock, handle, fore
end or other component of a projectile shooting device. The module can be in
electrical
communication with the light source. The light source can be placed close
enough to a fiber
optic element, a red dot generator, a reticle, and/or a hologram generator of
the aiming device so
that upon illumination of a respective sight element, that sight element
assists in aiming the
device, for example, in less than desirable ambient light conditions. The
thermoelectric module
in this configuration can generate electricity for the illumination by heat
that is generated by an
appendage or other body part of the user physically contacting the module or
some other element
in thermal communication with the module.
[0007] In still another embodiment, the aiming device can include a power
source. The
power source can be electrically coupled to the thermoelectric module and/or
the light source.
The electricity from the thermoelectric module powers and/or charges the power
source.
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Optionally, the power source can be a capacitor and/or a battery, such as a
rechargeable battery.
The power source can provide electricity to the light source so the light
source emits
illumination. In this manner, the thermoelectric module indirectly powers the
light source with
electricity it generates that is stored in the power source.
[0008] In even another embodiment, the thermoelectric module directly
powers the light
source with electricity that the thermoelectric module generates. The module
can be electrically
coupled to the light source, and when the module generates electricity, that
electricity can be
transferred to the light source.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the projectile shooting device can be
an archery bow,
such as a compound bow, a recurve, a crossbow, or other device from which
arrows or bolts can
be shot. Alternatively or additionally, the projectile shooting device can be
a firearm, such as a
handgun, a rifle, a shotgun or a machine gun. Optionally, the firearm can be
in the form of a
cannon. The firearm can be single shot, automatic or a semiautomatic. The
firearm also can be
mounted on a vehicle, watercraft or other mode of transportation.
[0010] In still yet another embodiment, the aiming device can include one
or more fiber
optic elements. The fiber optic elements can be illuminated by the light
source, and portions of
the fiber optic elements can be disposed within a field of view of a user to
serve as a sight
element. As an example, an end of a fiber optic element can be included on a
sight pin and can
generally face the user during use of the aiming device.
[0011] In a further embodiment, the aiming device can include one or more
reticles. The
reticle can be illuminated by the light source, and disposed within a field of
view of a user to
serve as the sight element.
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[0012] In still a further embodiment, the aiming device can include one
or more red dots.
The red dot can be formed via a red dot generator, illuminated by the light
source, and disposed
within a field of view of a user to serve as the sight element.
[0013] In still another embodiment, the aiming device can be a
holographic sight system
that generates a hologram within a field of view of a user to serve as the
sight element. The
hologram can be in the form of a reticle or other object, which can be built
into and/or recorded
in an optional viewing window, and can serve as the sight element.
[0014] In yet a further embodiment, the aiming device can include one or
more front
and/or rear sights. The sights, or portions thereof, can be illuminated by the
light source, and
disposed within a field of view of a user to serve as the sight element.
[0015] In even a further embodiment, the thermoelectric module, optional
power source,
and light source can be included in head lamps, flash lights and other
personal lighting devices,
such as those utilized in the pursuit of hunting, fishing, hiking, spelunking
or other activities.
[00161 In another, further embodiment, the aiming device can include a
sight element
that is illuminated by ambient light, or that is illuminated by a light source
powered by secondary
power source, such as a primary battery. The aiming device can include the
thermoelectric
module as well. The thermoelectric module in this aiming device can serve to
power the light
source to illuminate the sight element when ambient light is insufficient to
illuminate the sight
element, or can serve as a back-up source of electricity to power the light
source in case of
primary battery failure. Optionally, the thermoelectric module can serve as a
redundant
electricity generator to illuminate the sight element when other illumination
fails or is
insufficiently powered.
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[0017] In still another, further embodiment, a method is provided
including: mounting a
thermoelectric module on a projectile shooting device to create a thermal
gradient as a result of
the transfer of thermal energy from the user's body; generating electricity
with the thermoelectric
module due to the thermal gradient; powering a light source with the
electricity; illuminating
the sight element with the light source, so that the user can view the
illuminated sight element
within a field of view while the projectile shooting device is in a shooting
position.
[0018] In yet another, further embodiment a method is provided including:
transferring
thermal energy from a user's body to a thermoelectric module; generating
electricity with the
thermoelectric module due to the thermal gradient; powering a light source
with the electricity;
illuminating the sight element with the light source so that the sight element
is readily viewable
in the user's field of view; aligning the sight element with a target; and
optionally shooting a
projectile at the target.
[0019] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention
will be more
fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the
current embodiment and
the drawings.
[0020] Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail,
it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to
the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following
description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other
embodiments
and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly
disclosed herein.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein
are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including"
and "comprising"
and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and
equivalents thereof
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as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may
be used in the
description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use
of enumeration
should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or
number of components.
Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of
the invention any
additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the
enumerated steps or
components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an aiming device of a current
embodiment joined
with a projectile shooting device, namely an archery bow;
[0022] Fig 2 is a section view of a thermoelectric module mounted to a
support structure
of the projectile shooting device taken along lines 2, 2A, 2B-2, 2A, 2B of
Fig. 1;
[0023] Fig. 2A is a section view of an alternative construction of a
thermoelectric module
mounted to the support structure taken along lines 2, 2A, 2B-2, 2A, 2B of Fig.
1;
[0024] Fig. 2B is a section view of another alternative construction of a
thermoelectric
module mounted to the support structure taken along lines 2, 2A, 2B-2, 2A, 2B
of Fig. 1;
[0025] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustrating the various components of the
aiming device of
the current embodiment;
[0026] Fig. 4 is a partial section view of a light source and sight
elements of the aiming
device;
[0027] Fig. 5 is a close up partial section view of a sight element of
the aiming device of
the current embodiment;
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[0028] Fig. 6 is a view of a user's appendage, particularly a hand,
showing areas of
elevated heat generation;
[0029] Fig. 7 is a view of another user's appendage, namely a head,
showing areas of
elevated heat generation;
[0030] Fig. 8 is a diagram of a circuit for use with the aiming device;
[0031] Fig. 8A is a view of a switch included in the circuit for use with
the aiming
device;
[0032] Fig. 9 is a diagram of an alternative circuit for use with the
aiming device;
[0033] Fig. 10 is a diagram of another alternative circuit for use with
the aiming device;
[0034] Fig. 11 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely a
crossbow,
including a first alternative embodiment of the aiming device;
[0035] Fig. 12 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely a
firearm, including
a second alternative embodiment of the aiming device;
[0036] Fig. 13 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely a
firearm, including
a third alternative embodiment of the aiming device in the form of a rifle
scope;
[0037] Fig. 14 is a schematic illustrating of the third alternative
aiming device of Fig. 13
from a perspective of a user when the firearm is in a shooting position;
[0038] Fig. 15 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely a
firearm, including
a fourth alternative embodiment of the aiming device in the form of a red dot
scope;
[0039] Fig. 16 is a schematic illustrating the fourth alternative
embodiment of the aiming
device of Fig. 15 from the perspective of a user when the firearm is in a
shooting position;
[0040] Fig. 17 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely a
firearm, including
a fifth alterative of the aiming device;
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[0041] Fig. 17A is a close-up view of fiber optic elements taken from 17A
of Fig. 17;
[0042] Fig. 18 is a side view of a projectile shooting device, namely a
firearm, including
a sixth alterative of the aiming device; and
[0043] Fig. 19 is a schematic illustrating the sixth alternative
embodiment of the aiming
device of Fig. 18 from the perspective of a user when the firearm is in a
shooting position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS
[0044] An aiming device for use with a projectile shooting device of a
current
embodiment is shown in Figs. 1-5 and generally designated 10. The projectile
shooting device 1
as illustrated in those figures is generally in the form of an archery bow,
for example, a
compound archery bow. It will be appreciated, however, that the aiming device
of the current
embodiments can be used with any type of archery bow, including but not
limited to a compound
bow, a recurve bow, a crossbow, or other device from which arrows or bolts can
be shot.
Optionally, the projectile shooting device can be in the form of a firearm,
including but not
limited to a handgun (for example, a pistol and/or a revolver); a rifle (for
example, a long rifle, a
carbine, an assault rifle, a bolt pump rifle or a battle rifle); a shotgun (of
any gauge) and/or a
machine gun (for example, a machine pistol, a light machine gun, a mini gun, a
medium machine
gun or a heavy machine gun). The firearm can include any type of action, for
example, bolt
action, lever action, pump action and/or break action. The firearm can be
single shot, automatic
and/or semiautomatic. Further optionally, the firearm can be in the form of a
vehicle-mounted
weapon, mounted directly to the vehicle, a watercraft or other mode of
transportation of course.
As used herein, firearm can also include cannons, howitzers, handheld rocket
launchers and
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similar weaponry, as well as equipment such as paint ball markers and air
rifles such as bb guns,
air soft guns and/or pellet guns.
[0045] As used herein, the term grip area can refer to an area on the
projectile shooting
device at which thermal energy from a user's body for example, a user's
appendage, such as a
hand, arm or cheek, can be transferred directly to a portion of the projectile
shooting device, and
ultimately to the thermoelectric module 20. A grip area can include a hand
grip, a stock, a pistol
grip, a cheek piece, a receiver or again any location on a firearm or archery
bow that might be
engaged by a user's appendage or body. A grip area also can include dedicated
tabs or
projections or areas on an aiming device or a projectile shooting device that
do not provide or
assist in holding the device in a shooting position. As an example, a bow
sight of a bow, or a
rifle sight or scope can include a simple projection extending outwardly from
a main body. A
thermoelectric module can be mounted therein or immediately adjacent that
projection. A user
can grasp or otherwise warm and transfer thermal energy to that projection,
thereby causing the
thermoelectric module to generate electricity. A battery or capacitor can
store the generated
electricity for a predetermined amount of time. Thus, a user need not
necessarily transfer
thermal energy directly to the thermoelectric module to power the light source
during a shooting
activity. For example, the user can pre-charge or store power in the power
source before the
shooting activity. That electricity can be later used when a target is
presented.
[0046] Returning to the aiming device 10 mounted on an archery bow 1
shown in Fig. 1,
the aiming device is generally mounted to a support structure 2. The support
structure 2 as
illustrated is a riser of the archery bow. In other embodiments, the support
structure can be in the
form of a stock of a crossbow, or a receiver, a barrel, a mount or other
components of a firearm
or other projectile shooting device. The aiming device and, in particular, the
associated
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thermoelectric module, can be associated with, joined with or placed adjacent
some type of
thermally conducting member. As illustrated, this thermally conducting member
can be in the
form of a grip area, and in particular, a hand grip 31 of the archery bow 1.
The hand grip
typically is engaged by the user when holding or otherwise manipulating the
archery bow.
[0047] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the thermoelectric module 20 can be
mounted adjacent
and/or within a grip area 31. Generally, the grip area 31 and optionally the
thermoelectric
module 20 can be mounted substantially below the aiming device 10 and more
particularly the
sight element 40 utilized by the user U when aiming at a target T. The
distance by which the
hand grip and/or thermoelectric module can be mounted below the aiming device
10, and
optionally the sight element 40, can be at least about 1 inch, at least about
2 inches, at least about
3 inches, at least about 4 inches, at least about 5 inches, at least about 6
inches. Of course, other
distances can be selected depending on the application. Moreover, with
different constructions
of an archery bow and/or firearm, the thermoelectric module 20 can be mounted
above, beside or
in other locations relative to the aiming device 10 and sight element 40.
[0048] The thermally conducting member shown as a grip area, in
particular, a hand grip
31 in Fig. 2 can be configured to transfer thermal energy from a user's
appendage to the
thermoelectric module 20. In this manner, the thermoelectric module can be
considered in
thermal communication with the thermally conducting member. In the case of a
crossbow or
firearm, the thermally conducting member can be in the form of a stock, a fore
end and/or a
pistol grip that is engaged by the user when pointing or shooting the firearm.
[0049] As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 2A, the thermally conducting member
shown as the
grip area 31 can be a thin sheet of metal, composite, polymer or other
material which enables
thermal energy TE from the user's appendage, for example, the user's hand UH,
to penetrate
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therethrough and to transfer to the thermoelectric module 20. In some cases,
the thermally
conducting member 31 can be integrated directly into the thermoelectric module
20 in the form
of a coating, cover or housing joined with the module 20.
[0050] Optionally, the thermally conducting member 31' can be in a
construction shown
in the alternative embodiment of Fig. 2A. There, the thermoelectric module 20
is disposed
adjacent an outer surface 20S of the riser 2. The thermally conducting member
31" can be in the
form of a grip area, in particular, a hand grip that is disposed at least
partially around the riser 2.
The grip can be of a particular thickness sufficient to define a recess 31R".
The thermoelectric
module 20 can be disposed within the recess 31R'. When the grip area or
thermally conducting
member 31" is joined with the riser 2, the thermoelectric module 20, housed
within the recess
31R" is placed immediately adjacent, and in some cases contacts, the riser 2
at the outer surface
20S of the riser 2. The thermoelectric module 20 is held in place within the
grip area 31'.
Opposite the outer surface 20S of the riser 2, the thermoelectric module 20 is
covered by a thin
cover 31C". This thin cover 31C" and adjacent portions of the thermally
conducting member
surrounding the recess 31R" can facilitate or enable thermal communication
between the user's
hand UH so that thermal energy TE can be transferred from the user's hand or
appendage to the
thermoelectric module 20.
[00511 In either embodiment shown in Figs. 2 and 2A, the thermoelectric
module 20 can
be disposed within the respective recesses 2R, 31R" using cement, adhesive,
fasteners or other
elements as desired. Of course, in some constructions, these elements can be
eliminated all
together with the thermoelectric module 20 being secured within the respective
recess via a
friction fit and/or simply by virtue of the larger thermally conducting member
31, 31' overlaying
the thermoelectric module 20 and capturing it within a respective recess.
Optionally, although
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shown as a recess defined in the riser of an archery bow 1, as will be
appreciated, the recess 2R
can be defined in any suitable stock or other component of a projectile
shooting device, such as a
recurve, cross bow or firearm component such as a stock, pistol grip, fore
end, and other like
components that can be readily grasped and gripped by a user to transfer
thermal energy from the
user's appendage to the thermoelectric module 20.
[0052]
With reference to Figs. 2 and 2A, it will be appreciated that in both
embodiments,
the user's body heat, for example that thermal energy TE generated by the
user's hand UH, is
primarily conveyed to a first surface 20S1 of the thermoelectric module 20.
The user's
appendage, for example, the user's hand UH transfers thermal energy TE to that
first surface
20S1. The thermal energy is usually in the form of heat. As with most
thermoelectric modules,
for them to operate, they are placed adjacent a heat sink or a cooler surface
to create a thermal
gradient. That cooler surface 20S2 can be on or adjacent the opposite side of
the thermoelectric
module 20. This surface 20S2 can be cooled or otherwise used to create a
thermal gradient by
engaging the riser 2 or some other support structure of the projectile
shooting device. Typically,
the support structure can be constructed from a metal or a composite.
Generally, the material
from which it is constructed is of a colder temperature than the user's
appendage in most ambient
conditions. As an example, a user's appendage can be around 98 Fahrenheit. In
hunting
conditions, where the ambient temperature is about 0 Fahrenheit to 70
Fahrenheit, the support
structure, for example, the riser 2 can be cooler than the user's appendage.
Of course, in some
cases, such as shooting competitions, or when firearms are heated up, the
thermal gradient can be
reversed. For example, the user's appendage at 98 Fahrenheit or so, can be
less than the
temperature of support structure, for example, the riser. As a more particular
example, where a
riser is colored black, and is used in a tournament in 90 , clear weather in
full sun, the support
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structure or riser can heat up to 1300-1500. In this case, the thermal energy
from the user,
provided through the surface 20S1 to the module 20 can be less than the
thermal energy or heat
provided through the opposing surface 20S2 from the heat riser. Optionally,
the thermoelectric
module can be constructed so that even with this reversed thermal gradient, it
can generate
electricity. In most cases, however, the support structure can be cooler than
the user's body,
which results in the thermal gradient in which heat from the user's body is
channeled toward the
support structure, which in turn acts as a heat sink relative to the
thermoelectric module 20 to
generate electricity voltage and/or current flow. Again, the opposite of this
operation is also
contemplated herein.
[0053]
As mentioned above, a user's body generates the thermal energy that is
transferred to the thermoelectric module so that the thermoelectric module can
generate
electricity to power the aiming device. As shown in Fig. 6, an appendage of
the user U,
specifically a user's hand UH, is illustrated. There, multiple heat generating
regions HR are
identified. These regions are generally the warmest or hottest parts of the
hand. Accordingly, a
particular grip or fore end of a projectile shooting device can be configured
so that the
thermoelectric module 20 is placed in close proximity to these heat regions
HR. Examples of
this placement are further illustrated in the description of the embodiments
below, where the
projectile shooting device is in the form of various firearms. It has also
been discovered that the
thermal energy generated from a user's face UF, as shown in Fig. 7, can be
sufficient to create a
thermal gradient to operate the thermoelectric module. As shown there, the
user's face UF
includes heat regions HR which are generally aligned with the cheeks of the
user's face. Thus, a
projectile shooting device, when in the form of a crossbow or firearm, can
include a stock or
other cheek piece in which the thermoelectric module is disposed. This can
place a
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thermoelectric module in close proximity to the facial heat regions HR when a
user is shooting
and/or aiming the firearm, thereby efficiently transferring thermal energy to
a thermoelectric
module to ultimately illuminate an associated sight element of the aiming
device.
[0054] Optionally, the support structure disposed adjacent the opposing
surface 20S2 of
the thermoelectric module can be constructed from plastic or a composite that
is not a suitable
heat conductor or heat sink. In such a case, a piece of metal acting as a heat
sink can be located
adjacent the second surface 20S2 of the thermoelectric module to act as a heat
sink. This can be
particularly used where the projectile shooting device support structure is
constructed from wood
or composite¨such as a wood or synthetic stock of a firearm or a cross bow.
Optionally, other
heat sinks used instead of or in addition to metal can be graphite, carbon
nanotubes, composites
and/or special polymers.
[0055] An optional example of such a construction is illustrated in Fig.
2B. There, the
thermoelectric module 20' can be embedded in or otherwise disposed in a recess
2R' of a support
structure 2'. This support structure 2' can be the riser of a bow, or a stock
of a cross bow, or a
grip area such as a hand grip, stock, cheek piece or other component of a
firearm or cross bow, or
generally any other point of contact where a user may engage the support
structure. In this
construction, the support structure 2' can be a non-thermally conductive
material such as wood
or composite. In such a construction, the thermoelectric module 20' can be
included in the
recess 2R' with a secondary heat sink 20W. The secondary heat sink 20H' can be
disposed
within the recess 2R. adjacent the second or inner surface 20S2' of the
thermoelectric module
20'. If desired, the secondary heat sink 20FF can be adhered within the recess
2R'. Likewise, an
adhesive 20A' can be disposed between the secondary heat sink and the
thermoelectric module
20' to provide desired positioning and securement of the same. This adhesive
20A' can be
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thermally conductive so that it does not substantially impair the function of
the thermoelectric
module 20".
[0056] Opposite the secondary heat sink 20H", adjacent the outer surface
20S1", a
thermally conductive member 20C' can be disposed. This thermally conductive
member 20C'
can generally have less mass than the heat sink so that thermoelectric energy
TE from a user's
body can be efficiently transferred through the thermally conductive member
20C' to the
thermoelectric module 20'. This thermally conducting member 20C" also can be
adhered with
an adhesive 20A' to the surface 20S1' and generally interfit within the recess
2R".
[0057] The outer surface 20S' of the thermally conducting member 20C' can
be
contoured to approximate a feature of the user's body, for example, a palm,
finger, cheek or the
like, that provides the thermal energy TE ultimately to the thermoelectric
module 20". In other
embodiments, the outer surface 20S" of the thermally conducting member 20C'
can be contoured
to approximate and generally match the outer surface 20" of the support
structure 2". For
example, where the support structure 2" is a stock of a firearm, the outer
surface 20" can
generally smoothly and seamlessly transition to the outer surface 20S" of the
thermally
conducting member 20C" so that the thermally conducting member 20C" is not
readily
identifiable or provides a generally aesthetically pleasing appearance of the
outer surface 20'.
Optionally, the thermally conducting member 20C" can be deleted from the
construction shown
in Fig. 3. The outer surface 20S1' of the thermoelectric module 20' can be
generally coextensive
and/or contiguous with the outer surface 20" of the support structure 2".
Optionally, there can be
a thin coating of a thermally conductive polymer or other material disposed on
the outer surface
20S1" to protect it from the environment in certain applications.
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[0058] Fig. 2B also illustrates a support structure 2' that defines a
secondary recess 2R2'
extending generally away from the thermoelectric module 20'. This secondary
recess can
generally conceal, house and/or protect an electric coupling element 22
extending away from the
thermoelectric module 20' toward the light source and optionally other
circuitry associated with
the light source, as well as other optional electrical components of the
aiming device. The
secondary recess 2R2' can be in the form of a U- or V-shaped channel. The
electrical coupling
element 22 can be in the form of a wire, conductive cord, strip, band, tape or
other electricity
conducting structure. The secondary recess 2R2' can be defined by the outer
surface 20' of the
support structure 2'. It can extend over a length of the outer surface 20' to
a location sufficient
to establish electrical communication with the light source 50 and/or other
circuit components of
the aiming device 10. Generally, the thermoelectric module is mounted distal
from the light
source in most embodiments herein. For this reason, the thermoelectric module
20' is connected
to the other elements of the aiming device with the electrical coupling
element 20W'.
Optionally, the secondary recess 2R2' can be covered with a cap or other type
of closure or cover
to conceal and/or protect the electrical coupling element 22 disposed therein.
[0059] The thermoelectric module 20 can be in the form of a
thermoelectric generator
(TEG), a Seebeck device, a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) and/or a Peltier
module. Generally, the
thermoelectric module generates electricity or voltage based on a thermal
gradient existing about
the module. For example, a thermal gradient can exist between a user's
appendage, which
generates thermal energy, and a cold metal, composite, polymeric or other heat
sink of a
projectile shooting device. Generation of electricity via the thermoelectric
module can occur
with either variation of the thermal gradient. Specifically, electricity
generation can occur when
one side or surface of the module is either hotter or colder than its
surrounding environment or
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an opposing side or surface of the module as described above. One type of
suitable
thermoelectric power source is disclosed in U.S. Patent 8,231,240 to Rubio
entitled Surface
Lighting Devices Having a Thermoelectric Power Source. This type of
thermoelectric module,
namely a TEG, includes a variety of different thermoelectric materials which
can include
metallic conductors such as, for example, bismuth and antimony. Other
thermoelectric materials
can include but are not limited to semiconductors, N-doped semiconductors, and
P-doped
semiconductors. Some suitable non-metallic thermoelectric materials can
include, for example,
bismuth chalcogenides, skuderite-type materials and complex oxide materials.
[0060] Generally the thermoelectric module 20 as shown in Fig. 3 operates
as follows: a
heat source, such as the user's hand UH, transmits thermal energy to the outer
surface 20S1 of
the thermoelectric module 20. A heat sink 2, for example, a metallic riser of
a bow, causes a
flow of heat or thermal energy TE from the user's hand toward the heat sink.
As heat flows from
the heat source, that is, the user's hand UH, toward the heat sink, that is,
the riser 2, the charge
carriers (e.g. electrons and/or holes) move in the direction of heat flow.
Movement of the charge
carriers results in an electric current 1 which moves through the electrical
coupling element 22
which is described in further detail below. Ultimately, the electrical current
I, also referred to as
voltage and/or electricity herein, powers a light source 50. The light source
50 of the aiming
device 10 can be a variety of different light sources.
[0061] As an example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light emitting
diodes
(OLEDs), and/or laser diodes can be utilized as the light sources herein. Of
course, the light
sources can be provided in a variety of colors spanning the visible region of
the electromagnetic
spectrum. The light sources as utilized in the aiming devices can be
continuously lit at a constant
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intensity when electricity is flowing thereto. Of course, depending on
associated circuitry, the
light source can be dimmed in response to varying light conditions rather than
being turned off
entirely. In some cases, the light sources can be configured to blink in a
given pattern depending
on the particular application.
[0062] As further shown in Fig. 1, the thermoelectric module 20 is in
electrical
communication with the light source 50 and/or other circuitry 60 of the aiming
device 10 via an
electrical coupling element 22. This electrical coupling element extends from
the thermoelectric
module toward the light source. As described further below, the electrical
coupling element 22
can be on an outer surface of the support structure or mounted within a recess
or channel defined
by the outer surface of a support structure. Alternatively, the support
structure might be hollow
so that the electrical coupling element 22 extends through an internal cavity
of the support
structure.
[0063] As mentioned above, the light source 50 shown in Figs. 1 and 3 can
be in the form
of an LED or other low voltage draw lighting element. If desired, the
electrical requirements of
the light source 50 can be selectively matched to the operation of the
thermoelectric module 20.
In some cases, as described further below, a voltage booster circuit can be
utilized to assist in
consistently providing electricity at a desired level to the light source 50,
for example, when the
light source is a laser diode. Generally, the light source 50 emits
illumination L. The light
source is placed in proximity to any one of a variety of sight elements 40. As
explained in
connection with the current embodiments, these sight elements can be fiber
optic elements, red
dot elements, reticles, holographic reticles/images or other indicia or sight
items that a user U
can align with a target T.
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[0064] As further shown in Figs. 1 and 3, at least in the context of an
archery bow, the
sight element 40 can be in the form of a fiber optic element. A fiber optic
element can be
constructed from a polymer and specially fabricated to reflect light conveyed
through the sight
element 40 from a first end 40E1 to a second end 40E2. The first end 40E1 can
be disposed
adjacent the light element 50 so that light L emitted by the light source 50
is projected at least
partially if not substantially upon the end 40E1. The light then travels
through the fiber optic
element 40 to the end 40E2. As illustrated in Fig. 3, this end 40E2 appears
illuminated. Thus, a
user U can readily discern the illuminated end 40E2 within the user's field of
view FOV. This
can be helpful, particularly when ambient light conditions are of low light,
for example, at dusk
and dawn. With the illuminated end 40E2, the user's ability to appropriately
align the sight
element with game or a target can be enhanced.
[0065] Generally, this sight element, in the form of the fiberoptic
element, and more
particularly, its end 40E2, is disposed within the field of view FOV of the
user U to serve as a
sight element and align the projective shooting device with the target T. The
end 40E2 can
generally face the user during use of the aiming device, particularly when
illuminated by a light
source 50.
[0066] The sight element 40 in Fig. 3, in the form of a fiber optic
element, can be
disposed in or otherwise held or constrained by a sight pin, optionally
constructed from metal
composites or polymers, to protect the fiber optic element from the
environment and to keep it
satisfactorily aligned with a user's field of view. The sight pin can be
mounted to a housing 42
as illustrated in Fig. 1. The housing itself can be part of an archery sight
configured to be
attached to the archery bow 1 with fasteners, brackets and/or other
constructions.
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[0067] Depending on the application, a single sight element 40 can be
illuminated by the
light source 50 as shown in Fig. 3. If desired, however, multiple sight
elements, optionally in the
form of fiber optic elements, can be illuminated by the light source. This is
illustrated in Fig. 4.
There, the light source 50 is in the form of an LED. The LED is connected via
an electrical
coupling element 22 to circuitry and/or a thermoelectric module which provides
electricity
thereby causing the light source 50 to emit illumination. The light source 50
can be joined with a
housing 52, which as illustrated, is in the form of a tube. This tube can
optionally be constructed
from a polymer, such as a heat shrinkable polymer or other polymer. The end
52E of the tube 52
can be disposed over at least a portion of the LED 50. Where the tube is heat
shrinkable, this end
52E can be heated to secure the housing 52 to the light source 50. Within the
housing or tube 52,
multiple fiber optic elements 40A, 40B and 40C can be disposed. The first ends
of these fiber
optic elements, for example, 40A1 can be disposed immediately adjacent the
outer rounded
and/or spherical surface optional of the light source 50, particularly where
the light source 50 is
an LED. The fiber optic element 40A can extend through the housing or tube 52,
and can be
associated with a sight pin or other sight support so that the second end
40AE2 is readily visible
to a user and within the user's field of view.
[00681 Optionally, the ends of the fiber optic elements 40A, 40B, 40C can
be specially
bonded to the outer surface of the light source 50, for example, with an
optically transmissive
adhesive or other material. Further optionally, the ends of the fiber optic
elements 40A-40C can
be disposed adjacent the light source 50 and flared at the ends adjacent the
light source 50. For
example, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the end 40AE1 includes a flare 40AF. This
flare can be joined
with a main body potion 40AM of the fiber optic element 40A. The main body
element 40AM
can have a substantially uniform diameter and circumference. The main body
40AM can
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transition to the flare 40AF. At the flare, the diameter and the circumference
around the exterior
surface of the flare 40AF increases as it becomes more distal from the main
body 40AM. Put
another way, at the end 40AE1 of the fiber optic element 40A, the main body
40AM tapers from
a smaller diameter or dimension to a larger diameter or dimension in the flare
region 40AF,
toward the large end of the element at the right of Fig. 5. The amount of
flare and/or tapering
can be selected depending on the light transmissive properties of the fiber
optic element and/or
the method of attachment to, or placement near, the light source 50.
Generally, the flare can be
configured to enhance light capture by the end of the fiber optic element so
that more light is
transferred to an opposite end of the element. The flare can also provide a
physical structure so
that the end near the flare can be physically constrained or captured by
another element, such as
an aperture, to precisely place the end.
[0069]
The system and light source 50 herein can serve as a backup to illuminate a
sight
element when ambient light is insufficient, or when a light source is powered
by a secondary
power source, such as a battery, which can no longer power the light source
due to failure of a
battery. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the fiber optic element 40, in the
form of a sight
element, can be illuminated by ambient light AL. This, in turn, illuminates
the end 40E2 of the
sight element 40 to enable a user to view it better within the user's U field
of view FOV. When
the ambient light decreases, for example, at dusk and dawn, it may be unable
to sufficiently
illuminate the end 40E2. In this case, the thermoelectric module light source
and any associated
circuitry can be powered on or actuated to supplement or replace the ambient
light with the light
L produced by the light source 50. Optionally, thermoelectric module can
include an on/off
switch described below to selectively turn on or off the light source 50
depending on the user's
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preferences, or a timer to automatically turn on/off the light source during
expected times of low
ambient light.
[0070] Further optionally, the light source 50 can be joined with a
circuit 60 within
which another power source is disposed. This power source can be in the form
of a replaceable
and/or rechargeable battery. When the replaceable/rechargeable battery fails,
the circuitry can
sense the failure and utilize electricity from the thermoelectric module 20 to
alternatively power
the light source 50. Thus, the thermoelectric module can operate as a backup
source of
electricity for the light source. Put another way, the thermoelectric module
can serve as a
redundant electricity generator to illuminate a sight element when there is
insufficient power or
electricity provided the light source.
[0071] As mentioned above, the light source 50 can output illumination L
to illuminate
the end 40E2 of the element 40. Optionally, the performance characteristics of
the light source
can be selectively regulated by a user using a selector that is manually
operable by the user. For
example, light intensity and/or other light characteristics generated by the
light source 50 can be
modulated in a variety of manners, for example, via a rheostat that regulates
current by varying
resistance, a potentiometer voltage divider and/or on/off switch, all of which
are described
further below.
[0072] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the amount of light L reaching
the sight
element 40 also can be physically modulated using another type of selector. As
illustrated, the
aiming device 10 can include a shutter 52. The shutter 52 can be selectively
moveable from the
configuration in solid lines to the configuration shown in broken lines by a
user. The shutter,
when in the position shown in full lines, generally does not impair the amount
of light L that
reaches the end 40E1 of the sight element 40. Thus, a significant amount of
the light L reaches
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the end 40E1 to illuminate the sight element 40. The shutter 52 can be coupled
to a screw
element 52S disposed in a housing (not shown). The screw element 52S can be
joined with a
knob 52K. The knob 52K can be manually adjustable by a user to effectively
move the shutter
52 from the position shown in full lines to the position shown in broken
lines. This can be
affected by rotating the knob 52K in the direction of the arrow. This
translates to linear
movement of the shutter 52 downward, so that it is disposed between the light
source 50 and the
end 40E1. Thus, the amount of light L reaching the end 40E2 is diminished. In
this manner, a
user can selectively adjust the illumination output at the end 40E2 which
again can be used to
directly align the sight element with a target. In this construction, the
light from the light source
50 can be modulated by simply shading the sight element in varying degrees
relative to light
emitted from the light source 50.
[0073] The aiming device can include a circuit 60. This circuit can take
on a variety of
forms depending on the particular application and desired functionality of the
aiming device.
One example of a simple circuit that can be used with the aiming device is
illustrated in Fig. 8.
There, the circuit 60 includes the thermoelectric module 20, which for
example, can be a Peltier
module that generates current. The current flows in direction of the arrow CF
to a capacitor 62.
The electricity generated by the thermoelectric module 20 is stored in the
capacitor 62. The
circuit 60 also can include a switch 63. Closing the switch 63 allows the
current to flow, in the
direction of the arrow CF. The circuit also can include a resistor 64 and a
light source 50. When
the switch is closed, electricity flows through the resistor 64 to the light
source 50, which
optionally can be an LED. This causes the LED 50 to illuminate.
[0074] Although shown as including a capacitor 62, the circuit 60 can
include a
rechargeable battery, such as nickel cadmium or lithium rechargeable battery.
Whatever the
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case, the capacitor or rechargeable battery can serve as a power source to
store the electricity and
provide current flow or electricity to the light source 50, even when thermal
energy TE is not
being transmitted directed to the thermoelectric module 20. Where a battery,
rechargeable
battery and/or capacitor is provided in the circuit 60 to provide electricity
or voltage to the light
source 50, the thermoelectric module 20 is considered to indirectly power the
light source
because, technically, the electricity is flowing from the battery or
capacitor. Where no battery or
capacitor is included, the thermoelectric module is considered to directly
power the light source,
with the electricity flowing from that module to the light source.
[0075]
Another example of a circuit is illustrated in Fig. 9. There, the circuit 60'
can be
coupled to the thermoelectric module 20'. Current flows in the direction CF to
a voltage booster
circuit 60VBC. There, the voltage can be increased in a variety of manners to
provide more
voltage ultimately to the light source. Optionally, this can be useful where
the light source is a
laser diode or LCD. The booster circuit can include a DC/DC converter. It also
can be unipolar,
with voltages at fixed polarity only, or bipolar with voltage at either
polarity. The circuit 60'
also can include a light intensity modulation circuit 60MC. This light
intensity modulation
circuit can include a variety of different electrical components to modulate
the current flow to
the light source 50' and ultimately to the light L that is transmitted to the
sight elements 40'. For
example, the light intensity modulation circuit can include a rheostat that
regulates the current
flow by varying resistance. As another option, the light intensity modulation
circuit can include
a potentiometer voltage divider. As yet another example, this circuit 60MC can
include a simple
on/off switch. Other electrical components for modulating light intensity can
be included in the
modulation circuit 60MC.
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[0076] Yet another example of the circuit is shown in Fig. 10. There, the
circuit 60"
includes a thermoelectric module 20". The circuit also includes a transformer
63" which can
include a transformer itself and a second primary side of a transformer. The
circuit also can
include a P channel enhanced MOSFET 64" and an N channel enhanced MOSFET 65".
Downstream, a depletion N channel JFET 66" is included in the circuit. A gate
resistor 67- is in
electrical communication with the depletion N channel JFET. Diodes 68A- and
68B- are also
disposed in the circuit. Capacitors 62A" and 62B- are included to store the
power generated by
the thermoelectric module 20". A ground can be included in this sub-circuit.
The circuit 60"
also can include a potentiometer 69- which can be used to modulate the
intensity of light emitted
from the light source 50. As illustrated, the light source 50 included in the
circuit 50" can emit
light L to the sight element 40". As explained above, the various components
of the circuits
described herein can be modified to provide different functionality and/or to
accommodate
different light sources or power sources as well as different thermoelectric
modules.
[0077] As mentioned above, the circuit 60, or any other circuit described
herein, can
include an on/off switch 63. The switch 63 can be in the form of various
switches, for example,
toggle switches, push button switches, pressure switches and the like. As
shown in Fig. 8A, the
switch 63 can be in the form of a pressure switch P that is mounted to a
support structure 2 of the
archery bow or projectile shooting device. The pressure switch can be a
conventional pressure
switch actuated by a user depressing the pressure switch P to close and/or
open the switch 63
within the circuit 60. This type of on/off switch 63 can be utilized in
conjunction with capacitors
and/or a battery. As an example, the thermoelectric module 20 can be used to
generate
electricity and/or voltage. That voltage and/or electricity can be stored in
the capacitor 62 or a
battery, as shown in Fig. 8. The user can effectively "charge" the capacitor
while waiting for a
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target. For example, while sitting on stand, a bow hunter can grip the hand
grip, transfer the
user's thermal energy to the thermoelectric module, which is then stored in
the capacitor 62.
When game or a target comes within the field of view of the user at a later
time, the electricity
stored in the capacitor and/or battery can be utilized by switching the switch
63 to the on
position, such as by depressing the pressure switch P as shown in Fig. 8A.
This in turn causes
the light source 50 to illuminate at that time, thereby illuminating or
generating light for use by
the sight element. Optionally, an additional switching circuit that can stop
the flow of electricity
or voltage through the circuit thereby turn the light source 50 off until
needed, can be provided if
the capacitor 62 cannot store sufficient power.
[0078] Operation of the aiming device 10 in conjunction with the
projectile shooting
device in the form of the archery bow 1 shown in Figs. 1-5 will now be
described in further
detail. In general, the thermoelectric module 20 is mounted in a location
relative to the support
structure 2 of the archery bow 1 sufficient to transfer thermal energy from a
user's body U. As
an example, the thermoelectric module 20 is placed in the grip area, in
particular a hand grip 31
of the archery bow. When a user engages the grip area, thermal energy is
transferred from the
user's appendage to the thermoelectric module 20. A thermal gradient also is
created between
the user's appendage and/or generally the user's body heat and the colder
support structure 20,
for example, a riser. This thermal gradient generates electricity, current
and/or voltage within
the thermoelectric module.
[0079] The electricity, current and/or voltage, hereinafter referred to
as electricity, is
transferred via an electrical coupling element 22 to the circuit 60 shown in
Fig. 8. There, the
electricity flows in the direction of arrow CF to a capacitor 62, or
optionally a battery,
rechargeable or otherwise. The capacitor can store electricity until the
switch 63 is altered from
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the off position to the on position. This altering can be performed via a user
depressing pressure
switch P as shown in Fig. 8A to close the switch 63, thereby allowing the
current to flow to the
remainder of the circuit 60, ultimately to the light source 50.
[0080] Upon the light source illuminating, it transfers light L as shown
in Fig. 1 to an end
40E1 of the sight element 40, thereby transferring light to the end 40E2. In
the embodiments
shown, the illuminating end 40E2 of the sight element 40 is disposed directly
in the field of view
FOV. A user can align the sight element 40 with a target T as shown in Fig. 1.
Upon
satisfactory alignment, the user U can release the bowstring 4 of the archery
bow 1 thereby
propelling the arrow A toward the target. Optionally, the user can selectively
choose to
illuminate or not illuminate the sight element, depending on the ambient
lighting conditions or
other factors. Again, this can be accomplished via actuation of the switch in
the circuit 60 shown
in Figs. 8 and 8A.
[0081] Optionally, when the thermoelectric module generates the
electricity, the
electricity is communicated to the capacitor 62. The capacitor is charged with
electricity
generated by the thermoelectric module. The electricity can be stored in the
capacitor 62 until
the user actuates the pressure switch P, turning the switch 63 in the circuit
to the on position to
transmit electricity to the light source 50.
[0082] Where other circuits are utilized, such as those shown in Figs. 9
or 10, the
electricity and voltage provided to the light source can be modulated and/or
boosted with the
respective voltage boosters and/or light intensity modulators described above.
[0083] A method of shooting the archery bow 1 or generally the projectile
shooting
device, such as a firearm, in general is also provided. In the method, the
user takes up the
archery bow and transfers thermal energy from the user's body U to the
thermoelectric module
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20. Electricity is generated with the thermoelectric module 20 due to thermal
gradient produced
via the thermal energy in the user's body. More particularly, the thermal
gradient is produced
between the user's body and the support structure 2 of the archery bow 1. The
support structure
2 acts as a heat sink for the thermal energy generated by the user's body
which again operates as
a heat source. In turn, this causes the thermoelectric module 20 to generate
electricity.
[0084] The electricity is communicated through any of the circuits
described herein
ultimately to power the light source. With the light source illuminated, it in
turn illuminates
and/or generates light for use by a portion of the sight element so that the
sight element is readily
viewable in a user's field of view FOV. As noted herein, a sight element can
be in the form of a
fiber optic element, a reticle, a red dot element, a holographic image and/or
holographic reticle,
and/or other elements that assist a user in firing and aiming the projectile
shooting device, for
example, an archery bow 1. The user aligns the sight element with a target T
and subsequently
shoots an arrow A at the target. Assuming the sight element 40 is accurately
aligned with the
target T; the arrow will hit or impact the target T. Of course, where the
projectile shooting
device is a firearm, instead of shooting an arrow, the device can fire a
bullet at the target.
[0085] In cases where a capacitor or battery is included in the circuit,
the electricity
generated by the thermoelectric module can be transferred and stored in that
power source. The
electricity stored in the power source can be transferred to the light source
from the power source
during a powering step. Alternatively, with the capacitor, battery or other
power sources absent
from the circuit, the thermoelectric module can directly power the light
source.
[0086] In some cases, as mentioned above, the thermoelectric module and
light source
can serve as a backup or supplement to illuminate the sight element. For
example, ambient light
can be used primarily to illuminate the sight element, for example, a fiber
optic element. When
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ambient light is sufficient to illuminate the sight element, that ambient
light can be used solely
by itself. Where ambient light is insufficient for adequate illumination, for
example, at dusk or
dawn, the thermoelectric module and light source can operate to provide the
desired illumination
to the sight element. Of course, if ambient light becomes sufficient to
illuminate the sight
element during a particular activity, the user can discontinue illuminating
the sight element with
the light source and thermoelectric module and return to illuminate the sight
element with
ambient light or some other source.
[0087]
As mentioned above, the user's body generates thermal energy that is
transferred
to the thermoelectric module so that the thermoelectric module can generate
electricity to power
the aiming device. As shown in Fig. 6, an appendage of the user, specifically
the user's hand UH
is illustrated. There, multiple heat generating regions HR are identified.
These regions are
generally the warmest or hottest parts of the hand. Accordingly, a particular
grip area of a
projectile shooting device can be configured so that the thermoelectric module
is placed in close
proximity to the heat regions HR. Examples of such placement are further
illustrated with the
description of the firearms in the embodiments below, where the projectile
shooting devices are
in the form of firearms. It also has been discovered that the thermal energy
generated from a
user's face UF as shown in Fig. 7 can be significant enough to create a
sufficient thermal
gradient and operate the thermoelectric module. As shown there, the user's
face includes heat
regions HR which are generally aligned with the cheeks of the user's face.
Thus, a projectile
shooting device, when in the form of a firearm, can include a stock or other
cheek piece in which
the thermoelectric module is disposed. This can place a thermoelectric module
in close
proximity to those heat regions HR when a user is shooting and/or aiming the
firearm.
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[0088] Although described in connection with an archery bow being a
projectile shooting
device, the aiming device of the current embodiments can be made and used in a
similar manner
in connection with firearms.
[0089] A first alternative embodiment of an aiming device associated with
projectile
shooting device, namely a crossbow, is illustrated in Fig. 11 and generally
designated 110. This
embodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to the other
embodiments described
herein with a few exceptions. For example, the aiming device 110 is in the
form of a rifle or
crossbow scope mounted on crossbow 101. The scope can include an internal
sight element 140
which can be in the form of a reticle. The scope can also house a light source
150 and a
respective circuit 160, similar to the light source and circuits described
above, except housed or
otherwise associated with the scope directly. As shown in Fig. 11, there can
be one or more
thermoelectric modules 120, 121 and 122 arranged in different locations on the
support structure,
for example, the stock 102 of the crossbow. The stock 102 generally includes a
butt stock 102A,
a hand grip area 102B and a fore end 102C. A first module 120 can be located
in the butt stock
102, generally where the cheek of a user might engage the stock. In turn, this
module can absorb
thermal energy from a heat region HR of the user's face UF as shown in Fig. 7.
[0090] Another additional thermoelectric module 121 can be disposed in
the hand grip
102B. This thermoelectric module 121 can absorb thermal energy from one of the
user's hands.
Yet another thermoelectric module 122 can be disposed in the fore end 102C of
the stock 102.
This thermoelectric module 122 can absorb heat from another hand of the user
when supporting
the crossbow in the shooting position 101. As illustrated, the thermoelectric
modules 120, 121
and 122 can be daisy chained together in series. These thermoelectric modules
thereby each
create electricity that is transferred to the circuit 160 and utilized to
power the light source,
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thereby illuminating the reticle 140 for the user as described in further
detail below. With the
modules daisy chained together in series, the voltage is increased.
Optionally, the circuit 160
includes a single voltage booster circuit, if desired, to boost the voltage
and adequately power the
light source 150.
[0091] Although shown with multiple thermoelectric modules 120, 121 and
122, this
aiming device 110 included on the crossbow 101 can be modified to include only
one or two
thermoelectric modules, or more than three modules, depending on the desired
function of the
light source and illumination of the sight element 140.
[0092] A second alternative embodiment of the aiming device associated
with a
projectile shooting device, namely a firearm, is illustrated in Fig. 12 and
generally designated
210. This embodiment is similar in structure, function and operation to the
other embodiments
described herein with a few exceptions. For example, projectile shooting
device 201 is in the
form of a firearm, in particular, a rifle. The rifle includes a front aiming
device 210A and a rear
aiming device 210B. These front and rear aiming devices can be in the form of
front and rear
iron sights. The iron sights optionally can include sight elements 140 in the
form of fiber optic
elements that are visible to a user U, in the user's field of view FOV. The
aiming devices 210A
and 210B can be similar in structure, function and operation to the aiming
devices of the
embodiments described above with a few exceptions. Each of the aiming devices
210A and
210B can include a light source, a circuit and a sight element, for example, a
fiber optic element.
The front aiming device 210A, and in particular its sight element, can be
illuminated with a light
source that is powered by electricity generated from a thermoelectric module
220 mounted in the
fore end of the stock 202C. This module 220 can be in electrical communication
with the light
source via an electrical coupling element 222. Optionally, the support
structure 202, shown as a
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stock, and in particular, the fore end 202C can include one or more recesses
within which the
electrical connector element 222 is disposed. Indeed, a portion of the barrel
of the firearm 202
can define a recess within which the electrical connector element 222 is
disposed. The rear
aiming device 210B can be separately powered from the front aiming device
210A, and can be
distal from the front aiming device 210A. The rear aiming device 210B, and in
particular, the
light source 150 thereof can be in electrical communication with the
thermoelectric modules 221
and 223 mounted in the pistol grip 202B and butt stock 202A of the stock 202.
This is
accomplished via electrical connector elements 222', which can be in the form
of wires similar to
the electrical connector element 222 in the front of the firearm. These
thermoelectric modules
can transmit electricity to the light source to illuminate the sight element
140, in a manner
similar to the thermoelectric modules of the embodiments above. The
thermoelectric modules
221 and 223 of this embodiment, however, can be arranged in parallel. In turn,
the amperage
generated by the thermoelectric modules is increased relative to a single
module. When in this
parallel configuration, each of the respective modules 221 and 222 can be
associated with a
voltage booster circuit (not shown) in a circuit of the aiming device 210B.
[0093]
Optionally, although shown as including separate aiming devices 210A and 210B,
with separate, isolated thermoelectric modules 220, 221 and 223, the firearm
201 can be outfitted
to include a fiber optic element extending from the rear aiming device 210B to
the front aiming
device 210A. This fiber optic element can extend along the barrel, optionally
within a recess or
otherwise under a cover, protected from the environment, up to the front sight
of the firearm.
The fiber optic element can be disposed in the front sight so that it is
visible to a user U and
within their field of view FOV when aiming or shooting the firearm. In this
manner, the front
fiber optic sight element can be illuminated by a light source 150 within or
associated with the
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rear sight 210B. Accordingly, a front thermoelectric module 220 and associated
wiring 222 can
be absent from the construction. Of course, this construction can be reversed,
so the front aiming
device includes a light source that also illuminates the rear fiber optic
sight element.
[0094] As will be appreciated, when utilizing fiber optics to transmit
illumination from a
light source in one location on a projectile shooting device to another
location, those fiber optics
can be protected in various ways. In some instances, they can be coated with a
special coating to
prevent them from cracking or breaking. The elements can be adhered to the
exterior of the
firearm. In other instances, components of the firearm, such as a stock,
barrel, slide, receiver,
rail or other component, can include a groove, recess or channel¨or even an
internal tube or
cavity. The fiber optic element can be disposed through the same. These
elements can be
formed in the firearm when its components are initially constructed. For
example, a slide or
barrel can include a recess formed directly in the metal when the same is
constructed. With a
polymer stock, a recess or groove can be formed directly in the stock when it
is molded from a
polymer. Where a stock is constructed from wood, the groove or recess can be
artfully produced
in the wood.
[0095] A third alternative embodiment of an aiming device is illustrated
in Figs. 13 and
19 and generally designated 310. This embodiment is similar in structure,
function and operation
to the other embodiments described herein with a few exceptions. For example,
the projectile
shooting device in this construction also can be a firearm 301 in the form of
a rifle. The rifle
includes a barrel and a stock 302 attached thereto. The aiming device 310 is
in the form of a
scope including a sight element 340 in the form of a reticle, mounted in the
within a rifle scope
tube 307. The rifle scope tube can include conventional lenses, glass and
other prism type
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magnifiers. It also can be constructed to be of a variable objective and can
have one or more
magnification settings if desired.
[0096] Generally, the aiming device 310 can be mounted to a support
structure such as
the barrel 303 or receiver. The aiming device can include a light source 350,
which can be
associated with a circuit 360. The circuit can be in electrical communication
with a
thermoelectric module 320 disposed in the stock 302 and/or other locations
described in
connection with the other embodiments herein. The thermoelectric module can be
in electrical
communication with the light source 350 via an electrical connector element
322 like those
described in other embodiments herein. The module 320 can be placed in a
location sufficient to
absorb thermal energy TE from a user's body when the rifle is brought to a
shooting position or
into a field of view FOV of a user U.
[0097] As shown in Fig. 14, the sight element 340 is in the form of a
reticle having a
vertical crosshair 340V and a horizontal crosshair 340H. The intersection of
these crosshairs
provides a point of aim. This point of aim can be aligned with a target so
that the rifle 301 can
be fired at the target, and assuming the aiming device is properly sighted in,
the bullet will hit the
target.
[0098] The reticle, and in particular the crosshairs are illuminated by
the light source
350. The crosshairs 340V and 340H optionally can be coated with a special
light absorbing or
reflecting coating or material so that when the light from the light source
350 illuminates them,
the crosshairs become illuminated or generally more visible, particularly in
low ambient light
conditions.
[0099] Optionally, as illustrated in Fig. 14, the light source 350 can be
associated with a
circuit 360 which can be in the form of any of the circuits described in any
of the embodiments
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herein. This circuit and/or the light source 350 is in electrical
communication with the
thermoelectric module 320 which can absorb thermal energy TE from a user's
body.
[00100]
A fourth alternative embodiment of the aiming device associated with a
projectile
shooting device, in the form of a semiautomatic pistol, is illustrated in
Figs. 15 and 16 and
generally designated 410. This embodiment is similar in structure, function
and operation to the
other embodiments described herein with a few exceptions. For example, the
device 401 is in
the form of a pistol having a grip 402 and a slide 403. When the pistol is
fired, the slide 403
slides rearward as shown in broken lines. Thus, the aiming device 410 mounted
to the slide 403
also moves. The aiming device 410 can be in the form of a red dot scope which
includes a red
dot sight element 440. As used herein, the term red dot scopes also encompass
reflex sights,
which generally have the same structure and operate similar to red dot scopes.
The sight element
is a reflection of a light on a transparent or clear lens 411 disposed in a
housing 412. In this
embodiment, the sight element 440 can be considered the reflected light or dot
that is displayed
on the lens 411 or otherwise projected onto a viewing plane or surface.
Generally, this sight
element or red dot 440 is illuminated or created by the light source 450. More
particularly, the
light source projects illumination or light toward a plate 451. The plate
includes one or more
apertures 452. Only the light that goes through the aperture passes by plate
451. This light can
be in the form of a small red, green or other colored dot depending on the
color of the light
source 450 projected on a viewing plane or surface. This dot is a reflected
off of a mirror 453,
and projected on the lens 411 within the field of view FOV of the user U as
shown in Fig. 16. In
the same manner as described above, the light source 450 can be powered
directly or indirectly
by the thermoelectric module 420, and in particular, by the thermal energy TE
produced by the
user U. Further optionally, the red dot can be substituted with any reticle
typically used with
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projectile shooting devices such as firearms. In some cases, the substitute
reticle can include
multiple crosshairs to compensate for bullet drop. In other cases, the reticle
can be a fast
acquisition reticle; such as a circle or polygon, or a ballistic compensation
reticle, a mil-dot
reticle, and/or a ranging reticle. Any variety of reticle patterns is
contemplated for use herein.
[00101] Optionally, the lens and certain other components of the red dot
scope, also
referred to as a reflex scope, can be modified from the optical sight
disclosed in U.S. Patent
8,443,541, entitled Optical Sight, which is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
[00102] Although shown as a single dot sight element 440, the sight
element of the aiming
device 410 can be modified to be of virtually any appearance. For example,
multiple dots can be
aligned in a vertical line above one another on the lens 411. Alternatively,
other types of dot or
reticle configurations can be implemented directly on the lens 411. This can
be accomplished by
altering the shape and configuration of the aperture 452 of the plate 451 so
that certain
illumination patterns are generated by the light passing through specifically
configured apertures.
[00103] Further optionally, the aiming device described herein can be used
in systems that
are not mounted to a projectile shooting device. For example certain types of
red dot sight
elements are used in conjunction with a finder's scope used in connection with
photography
(camera) or astronomy (telescope) conventional telescope. These types of red
dot scopes are
standalone units, and are not used as sighting devices for projectile shooting
devices. Indeed,
most of these scopes are either mounted directed to a camera, telescope and/or
tripod. Again,
these scopes can include all the elements and can function the same as the
aiming device, for
example, which is similar to a red dot scope used on a firearm, however, these
devices simply are
not mounted on a firearm or other projectile shooting device. Likewise, the
other types of
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aiming devices described herein can also be utilized in conjunction with
devices other than
projectile shooting devices, such as cameras, telescopes or other long range
viewing instruments.
[00104] A fifth alternative embodiment of the aiming device associated
with a projectile
shooting device, in the form of a semiautomatic pistol, is illustrated in
Figs. 17 and 17A and
generally designated 510. This embodiment is similar in structure, function
and operation to the
other embodiments described herein with a few exceptions. For example, this
construction
includes an aiming device 510 generally in the form of a red dot scope. The
red dot scope,
however, is operated via a fiber optic element that is generally disposed
within the housing 512
of the aiming device 510. The sight element 540 itself is in the form of a dot
or point that is
reflected or otherwise projected onto a lens similar to that described above
in connection with the
lens 411 in the embodiment immediately above. This dot, however, is projected
via the first
fiber optic element 542 pointing at the lens. This fiber optic element 542 can
be aimed toward
the lens of the aiming device so that a small dot is within the field of view
FOV of the user when
illuminated.
[00105] The fiber optic 542 can extend out of the housing 512 and can be
located within a
recess 503R of the slide 503. The slide 503, as mentioned above, slides back
and forth upon
firing of a round. The sliding action feeds another round into a chamber, and
thus the barrel of
the firearm 501. The direction of movement is generally indicated by the
arrows S depicted in
Figs. 17 and 17A. To account for this sliding movement and still transmit
illumination with the
fiber optic element 442, a chain of fiber optic elements that transmit
illumination from one fiber
optic element to another without direct contact is utilized.
[00106] As shown more particularly in Fig. 17A, the thermoelectric module
520, circuitry
560 and light source 550 can be disposed in the support structure 502, for
example, the frame or
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hand grip of the firearm 501. The thermoelectric module operates off a thermal
gradient
generated by the user grasping the firearm to illuminate the light source 550.
However, in this
embodiment, a second fiber optic element 543, physically separated from the
first fiber element
542 that extends up into the housing 512 of the aiming device 510, is mounted
in proximity to
the light source 550. In operation, light L from the light source 550 is
projected on an end of the
second fiber optic 543. The light as shown in arrows is transmitted through
the second fiber
optic element 543 to the end 543E of the second fiber optic element 543. When
the end 542E of
the first fiber optic element 542 is placed adjacent or generally aligned with
the end 543E of the
second fiber optic element 543, light transmitted out of the end 543E is
transmitted directly to
the end 542E of the fiber optic element 542. The light is conveyed through the
element 542 and
projected as sight element 540 within the aiming device.
[00107]
Generally the ends 542E and 543E are aligned when the slide is stationary,
that is,
when a round is not being fired from the firearm as illustrated in Fig. 17A.
However, when the
round is fired, the slide 503 slides rearward in direction S. Upon sliding,
the ends 542E and
543E are no longer aligned, thus even though the light source illuminates the
secondary fiber
optic element 543, that light is not transmitted to the fiber optic element
542 until the slide
returns to its normal, stationary position. Upon return to that position, as
shown in Fig. 17A,
light is immediately transmitted from the secondary fiber optic 543 to the
fiber optic 542 to
provide a sight element 540 for the user U to view within their field of view
FOV. During the
sliding action, the sight element 540 may be temporarily interrupted or
generally disappear from
the user's field of view FOV because light is no longer being transmitted
through the fiber optic
element 542. Typically this is of little consequence because the firearm is
slightly recoiling and
the user cannot fully view the aiming device 510 anyway.
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[00108] Of course, if desired, the second fiber optic element 543 can be
duplicated so that
the sight element 540 is always visible, as long as the light source 550 is
on. For example,
multiple additional second fiber optic elements (not shown) can be placed
behind the fiber optic
element 543 illustrated by the light source 550. During the rearward sliding
of the slide in
direction S at any one time, at least one of these additional second fiber
optic elements can be
aligned with the fiber optic element 542.
[00109] Optionally, given the debris, powder residue and other
environmental features that
the firearm 501 may encounter, the fiber optic elements 542 and 543 as
illustrated can be
disposed within recesses 503R and 502R, respectively. These recesses can
further be covered,
sealed or otherwise protected to protect the fiber optic elements therein.
Further, although shown
in conjunction with a semiautomatic pistol, the construction and
multicomponent fiber optics
used in this embodiment are well suited for semiautomatic rifles or other
firearms including a
slide or moving component upon which the aiming device is typically mounted.
[00110] A sixth alternative embodiment of an aiming device associated with
a projectile
shooting device, in the form of a carbine, is illustrated in Figs. 18 and 19
and generally
designated 610. This embodiment is similar in structure, function and
operation to the other
embodiments described above herein with a few exceptions. For example, this
construction
includes an aiming device generally in the form of a holographic weapon sight,
also referred to
as a holographic diffraction sight or a holo sight. In this construction, the
aiming device can
include a light source 650 which can be associated with a circuit 660. This
circuit can be in
electrical communication with a thermoelectric module 620 disposed in the grip
area and/or
other locations described in connection with the other embodiments herein. The
thermoelectric
module 620 can be in electrical communication with light source 650 via an
electrical connector
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element 622 like those described in the other embodiments herein. The module
620 can be
placed in a location sufficient to absorb thermal energy TE from a user's body
when the firearm
is brought to a shooting positing or into a field of view of the user.
[00111] The light source 650 can be in the form of a laser diode, also
commonly referred
to as a laser. The sight element 640 in this case can be the reticle image
hologram 640 recorded
or disposed within the substrate 655 that is ultimately illuminated by the
light from the light
source 650 and subsequently creates the holographic image 641 which is
superimposed on the
field of view FOV. This reticle image hologram can be superimposed or
displayed in the form of
a desired image reticle or other aiming indicia, in the user's field of view
FOV by way of a laser
transmission hologram. Generally, the laser transmission hologram is a reticle
image hologram
640 that is recorded in a substrate 655 or some other three dimensional space.
The recorded
hologram 640, or sight element, in the substrate 655 is illuminated via the
light emitted by the
light source/laser 650. In particular, the light source/laser diode 650 emits
radiation onto a first
reflector 652 which is transmitted to and reflected to a collimating reflector
653. The light
thereafter reflects toward a holographic grating 654, and is then transmitted
through the substrate
655, thereby illuminating the hologram/sight element 640 and creating the
holographic image
641.
[00112] The aiming device 610 as illustrated can include a circuit 660
associated with the
light source 650. Because the light source is a laser diode, it can require
significant electricity to
power it. If desired, a voltage booster as discussed in the embodiments
herein, can be
incorporated into the circuit. Additionally, a replaceable and/or rechargeable
power source 665
such as a battery, can be included in the aiming device 610. This power source
665 and the other
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components of the aiming device can all be housed within a housing 670, which
can withstand
shock and vibration.
[00113] Optionally, the lens and certain other components of the
holographic aiming
device can be modified from the optical sight disclosed in U.S. Patent
5,483,362 to Tai.
[00114] Further optionally, the light source 650 can be in communication
with a circuit
660 which is further in communication with a grip area 680 in the form of a
projection extending
directly from the aiming device 610. Optionally, with this construction, the
coupler 622 and the
grip area 620 associated with the firearm 601 can be eliminated. In such a
case, a user can grasp
the projection 680. The projection 680 can include an internal thermoelectric
module 620'. The
thermoelectric module can generate electricity transferring it to the circuit
660 and the laser
diode 650, thereby illuminating the laser diode.
[00115] Of course, the projection form of a grip area 680 shown in Figs. 18
and 19 can be
used in conjunction with any of the other rifle scopes, red dot scopes, fiber
optic systems of the
other aiming devices described in the embodiments herein. In these
constructions, the thermal
electric module is joined with or is associated directly with the aiming
device (rather than being
on the projectile shooting device, and can power the light source. Sometimes,
the additional
thermoelectric modules on different grip areas of the firearm, bow and or
other projectile string
device can be eliminated.
[00116] As shown in Fig. 19, the projection 680 can extend outwardly from
at least a
portion of the rear of the aiming device 610. This perspective also
illustrates the projected
hologram 641 within the field of view of the user. In addition, this view
illustrates an optional
feature for use in connection with the holographic weapon sight, which also
can be used in
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conjunction with the red dot devices and any other electronic device used in
conjunction with the
thermoelectric module and concepts related thereto. Specifically, the viewing
area 694 of the
aiming device 610 can include a gauge 690 or other representation that is
displayed within the
user's field of view. This gauge can provide a visual indication of the
relative power of a battery
665 and/or of electricity or current generated by the thermoelectric module
620' and generally
being conveyed to or from the laser diode 650. This gauge 690 can be displayed
by a small
projector 692 onto the viewing area 694. Of course, in other implementations,
a lower portion of
the viewing area 694 can be in the form of a liquid crystal display or other
visual output device
that can display indicia representative of the amount of power stored by an
optional battery in the
aiming device, or the function of the thermoelectric module, or the input or
output of electricity
to the light source 650. Again, this type of power gauge and display of the
same can be
incorporated into any of the aiming device embodiments herein.
[00117] Further optionally, the aiming device 610 can be equipped with
mechanical or
electronic windage and/or elevation adjusters, so that the image hologram can
be calibrated to
provide accurate shooting adaptabilities. The other aiming devices of the
other embodiments
herein can optionally be equipped with such windage and elevation adjusters as
well.
[00118] Directional terms, such as "vertical," "horizontal," "top,"
"bottom," "upper,"
"lower," "inner," "inwardly," "outer" and "outwardly," are used to assist in
describing the
invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the
illustrations. The use of
directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any
specific orientation(s).
[00119] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various
alterations and changes can be made without departing from the aspects of the
invention as
defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with
the
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principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This
disclosure is presented for
illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive
description of all
embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the
specific elements
illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example,
and without
limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be
replaced by alternative
elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide
adequate operation.
This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as
those that might be
currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may
be developed in the
future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development,
recognize as an
alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of
features that are described
in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The
present invention is
not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or
that provide all of the
stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the
issued claims. Any
reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles
"a," "an," "the" or
"said,- is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any
reference to claim
elements as "at least one of X, Y and Z- is meant to include any one of X, Y
or Z individually,
and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z ; and Y,
Z.
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