Abstract:
A dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus and system comprises an adjustable frame allowing the frame to adjust to fit any size bow. An air ram is used to controllably draw the shooting string as needed. A reference laser alignment module is mounted to a bow riser and allows a user to consistently and reliably align any bow for optimum performance based on the particularities of the selected bow subject to wear, defects and design constraints. The system removes the guesswork and allows a user to optimize any bow. A laser equipped arrow works in conjunction with the alignment module to allow the user to correctly position the shooting rest and nock indexer, and expose all functional anomalies. The system allows a user to completely quantify the performance parameters of bow performance including speed and spine tests. The system serves all major alignments and repairs.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 60/973,271, filed Sep. 18, 2007. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Since humans lack claws, beaks, fangs or great strength, we have had to develop weapons for survival. In the beginning, rocks and sticks served to provide a lethal edge, but humans soon began to refine these weapons by forming spears from the sticks and placing the rocks in a sling. Most experts agree that the invention of the bow and arrow was one of the most significant inventions of the human race and enabled humans to survive and dominate their environment. Archeological evidence shows the bow and arrow came into use in the early Neolithic era between 7,000 to 9,000 years ago, and possibly earlier in some regions, and was the weapon of choice for hunting until the advent of firearms. Today, the tradition continues by sportsman all over the world. 
         [0003]    From the earliest times, accuracy was always an issue and the best archers developed secrets to tune their bows, but it was based on trial by error and great experience. Of course early bows had very little to adjust compared to modern compound bows. The modern bow has many possible adjustments and each adjustment has an effect on all the other adjustments which makes tuning the bow by traditional means a very difficult and empirical pursuit. 
         [0004]    There is a need for an apparatus and method that allows a user to dynamically align or tune a bow without guesswork required by current methods. Additionally, there is a need for an apparatus and method that provides consistent results regardless of who does the alignment. There is also a need for an apparatus and method that optimizes the performance of any given bow. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    A dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus and system comprises an adjustable frame allowing the frame to adjust to fit any size bow. An air ram is used to controllably draw the shooting string as needed. A reference laser alignment module is mounted to a bow riser and allows a user to consistently and reliably align any bow for optimum performance based on the particularities of the selected bow subject to wear, defects and design constraints. The system removes the guesswork and allows a user to optimize any bow. A laser equipped arrow works in conjunction with the alignment module to allow the user to correctly position the shooting rest and nock indexer, and expose all functional anomalies. The system allows a user to completely quantify the performance parameters of bow performance including speed and spine tests. The system serves all major alignments and repairs. 
         [0006]    Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a detailed view of a section shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  with a bow mounted therein. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  with a reference laser alignment module mounted therein. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the section shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  with the bow drawn therein. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  with an upper limb scale mounted therein. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  with a lower limb scale mounted therein. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  with a reference arrow disposed therein. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a detailed view of the section shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is an end view of an alignment arrow according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is an end view of another embodiment of an alignment arrow according to the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is an end view of yet another embodiment of an alignment arrow according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a screen frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the screen frame shown in  FIG. 14  with the screen in a closed position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the screen frame shown in  FIG. 14  with a folding spine test frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the screen frame shown in  FIG. 14  with the folding spine test frame in an open position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a side view of an adjustable platform according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a system diagram of the components of a dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus and system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is an illustration of an alignment pattern according to a method of the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is an illustration of an alignment pattern according to a method of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is a front view of the reference laser alignment module according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 23  is a side view of a bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 
         [0031]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a bow alignment, analysis and repair frame  100  is shown having a first vertical frame support  106  and a second vertical frame support  102 . An upper horizontal frame support  108  and lower horizontal frame support  104  are provided to complete frame  100 . A first leg portion  142  includes a clamping knob  110  to provide adjustability by allowing first vertical frame support  106  to selectively move up or down as needed to match a particular bow being aligned (not shown). A second leg portion  144  is allowed to move along lower horizontal frame support  104  with adjustment knob  110  for securing the selected position to adjust as discussed above. The use of clamping knobs  110  for adjustability include a threaded portion that provides an adjustable friction grip as the knob is rotated. The threaded portion is forced against a frame portion as is known in the art. Although all like knobs are labeled  110 , it is understood that other types of locking mechanisms may be used without departing from the disclosure such as elliptical levers or others as is known in the art. 
         [0032]    A ram control  146  is mounted on second vertical frame support  102  to control an air ram  138 . Of course ram control  146  may be mounted in other areas such as on second leg portion  144  or even equipped with a remote activator as is known in the art. An adjusting slide  112  is attached to the top of first vertical frame support  106  and slides over an end of horizontal frame support  108  also using clamping knob  110  to selectively secure horizontal frame support  108  therein. A similar adjusting slide  109  is attached to the other end of horizontal frame support  108  and clamping knob  110  is provided for adjustability. Second leg portion  144  is attached to a bottom portion of second vertical frame support  102  and includes a sliding portion with clamping knob  110  that adjustably slides over lower horizontal frame support  104 . 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , an upper riser brace support  111  and a lower riser brace support  113  are moveably disposed on first vertical frame support  106  using sliders with clamping knobs  110 . Upper riser brace support  111  has an upper riser stop brace  115  which is horizontal and perpendicular to the horizontal frame supports  108  and  104  and an upper riser side brace  117  which is also horizontal but parallel to the horizontal frame supports  108  and  104 . Upper riser side brace  117  is in close proximity and is used to stabilize bow  162  but does not normally come in contact with bow  162 . Similarly lower riser brace support  113  moveably supports a lower riser stop brace  119  and a lower riser side brace  121 . 
         [0034]    In use, both upper and lower riser brace supports  111  and  113  are positioned to support the riser portions of bow  162 . The purpose of the riser side braces  117  and  121  is to prevent bow  162  from rolling around bow yoke  122 . When engaging the riser stop braces  115  and  119 , bow  162  is butted up against upper riser stop brace  115  and lower riser stop brace  119 . This position is useful for various adjustments but both upper riser stop brace  115  and lower riser stop brace  119  must be disengaged to perform some procedures. 
         [0035]    Upper riser brace stop  115  and lower riser brace  119  are engaged and disengaged by adjusting clamping knobs  110  and sliding along upper riser brace support  111  and lower riser support brace  113  respectively. As upper riser stop  115  and lower riser stop  119  are moved, both upper riser side brace  117  and lower riser side brace  121  maintain their same relative position with respect to bow  162  to continue to provide roll stability regardless of the position of the stops  115  and  119 . 
         [0036]    To adjust bow alignment, analysis and repair frame  100 , first leg portion  142  is adjusted by loosening clamping knob  110  attached therein and positioning first vertical frame support  106  to the desired position and tightening clamping knob  110 . Next upper horizontal frame support  108  is positioned by loosening the clamping knob  110  disposed on slider  112 , positioning and then tightening clamping knob  110 . To maintain orthogonality, slider  109  connected to upper horizontal frame support  108  is also positioned along second vertical frame support  102  in conjunction with the slider attached to first leg portion  142 . Likewise, the slider connected to second leg portion  144  is adjusted in coordination with slider  112  connected to first vertical frame support  106 . In this manner, a full range of bow sizes are accommodated. 
         [0037]    An upper limb brace support  116  is slidably adjustable along upper horizontal frame support  108  and positioned using a clamping knob  110 . An upper limb brace  120  is slidably adjustable along upper limb brace support  116  using another clamping knob  110 . A lower limb brace support  114  is slidably adjustable along lower horizontal frame rod  104  and is positioned using another clamping knob  110 . A lower limb brace  118  is slidably adjustable along lower limb brace support  114  using another clamping knob  110 . An adjusting slide  124  is vertically adjustable along first vertical frame support  106  using a clamping knob  110  and allows a bow yoke  122  to be properly positioned for use. 
         [0038]    An upper limb fixture  136  is slidably adjustable along upper horizontal frame support  108  using another clamping knob  110 . An upper limb measurement fixture  148  adjustably slides up and down and is secured in a selected position using yet another clamping knob  110 . Likewise, a lower limb fixture  137  is slidably adjustable along lower horizontal frame support  104  using another clamping knob  110 . A lower limb measurement fixture  150  adjustably slides up and down and is secured in a selected position using another clamping knob  110 . 
         [0039]    It is possible to combine the functionality of upper limb brace support  116  and upper limb fixture  136  since generally only one of these components would be engaged at any one time. Likewise, both lower limb brace support  114  and lower limb fixture  137  may be combined. In an embodiment using a combined configuration, a double-sided attachment is used having a limb brace on one side and a limb fixture on the other. A user merely selects the appropriate end (limb brace or limb fixture) and then places the selected side on a single moveable attachment that is positioned for use. 
         [0040]    Air ram  138  is slidably adjustable along second vertical frame support  102  using an adjusting slide  112  and a clamping knob  110 . A ram mounting ring  132  is provided to support air ram  138 . An air ram shaft  134  controllably moves back and forth in response to input from air ram control  146  to provide the required pull and release for bow  162 . Air ram shaft  134  engages a horseshoe indexer  128  to allow air ram  138  to draw and controllably release string  196 . A ram support  126  is adjustably disposed on vertical frame rod  102  using another adjusting slide  112  and a clamping knob  110  and provides support for air ram  138  in use. Air ram tubing  140  connects air ram  138  with air ram control  146  and with an air source (not shown). 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 8 , lower limb measurement fixture  150  is pivotally disposed using pivot  152  and held in place by a bolt and nut  160 . A lower limb fixture swing arm  156  rotates around pivot  152  and is used to position a limb scale  200 . A limb scale holder  158  is held in place using a bolt  161 . A swing arm stop  154  is used to limit the movement of lower limb fixture swing arm  156 . Of course other attachment methods would be acceptable such as rivets or pin and retainer and could be used in place of bolt as is known in the art. 
         [0042]    Also, as shown in  FIG. 23 , an alternative embodiment of a bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus frame  1000  is shown having a single limb fixture  1360 . Similar to the above description, frame  1000  is shown having a first vertical frame support  1060  and a second vertical frame support  1060 . An upper horizontal frame support  1080  and lower horizontal frame support  1040  are provided to complete frame  1000 . A first leg portion  1420  includes a clamping knob  110  to provide adjustability by allowing first vertical frame support  1060  to selectively move up or down as needed to match a particular bow being aligned (not shown). A second leg portion  1440  includes a ram control  1460  and another adjustment knob  1100  for adjustability. An adjusting slide  1120  is attached to the top of first vertical frame support  1060  and slides over an end of upper horizontal frame support  1080  and a clamping knob  1100  provides adjustability. A similar adjusting slide  1090  is attached to the other end of upper horizontal frame support  1080  and clamping knob  110  is provided for adjustability. Second leg portion  1440  is attached to the bottom of second vertical frame support  1020  and includes a sliding section that adjustably slides over lower horizontal frame support  1040   
         [0043]    An upper bow brace support  1160  is slidably adjustable along upper horizontal frame support  1080  and positioned using a clamping knob  1100 . An upper limb brace  1200  is slidably adjustable along upper bow brace support  1160  using clamping knob  1100 . A lower bow brace support  1140  is slidably adjustable along lower horizontal frame support  1040  and is positioned using a clamping knob  1100 . A lower limb brace  1180  is slidably adjustable along lower bow brace support  114  using another clamping knob  1100 . An adjusting slide  1240  is vertically adjustable along first vertical frame support  1060  using a clamping knob  1100  and allows a bow yoke  1220  to be properly positioned for use. 
         [0044]    A limb fixture  1360  is slidably adjustable along upper horizontal frame support  1080  using a clamping knob  1100 . Limb fixture  1360  adjustably slides up and down and is secured in a selected position using a clamping knob  1100 . An upper limb measurement fixture  1480  and lower limb measurement fixture  1500  are provided to facilitate an aligning measurement. 
         [0045]    An air ram  1380  is slidably adjustable along second vertical frame support  1020  using adjusting slide  1120  and a clamping knob  1100 . A ram mounting ring  1320  is provided to support air ram  1380 . An air ram shaft  1340  controllably moves back and forth in response to input from an air ram control  1460  to provide the required pull and release for a bow (not shown). Air ram shaft  134  engages a horseshoe indexer  128  to allow air ram  138  to draw and controllably release a bow string. A ram support  1260  is adjustably disposed on second vertical frame support  1020  using adjusting slide  1120  and a clamping knob  1100  and provides support for air ram  1380  in use. Air ram tubing  1400  connects air ram  1380  with air ram control  1460  and with an air source (not shown). 
         [0046]      FIG. 3  illustrates bow alignment, analysis and repair frame  100  with a bow  162  installed. Bow  162  is held in place by bow yoke  122  and a bow restraint strap  164 . Bow  162  is shown with a bow string  196 . 
         [0047]    Now referring to  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  22 , a reference laser alignment module  166  is shown mounted on bow  162  and clamped in place using a clamping knob  176 . Reference laser alignment module  166  has an alignment block  168  mounted around an alignment block pivot  170 . A cross-hair laser battery holder  172  is attached to alignment block  168  and provides power to a cross-hair laser  190 . Cross-hair laser  190  is held in place with cross-hair laser mount  188  and controlled with a switch  174 . Cross-hair laser  190  is horizontally adjusted using a horizontal cross-hair laser adjust  192  and vertical cross-hair laser adjust  194 . A vertical arrow support member  184  is movably attached to reference laser alignment module  166  and is adjusted using vertical arrow support adjusting screw  182  and vertical arrow support adjustment knob  186 . A horizontal arrow support member  180  is adjusted using a horizontal arrow support adjuster  178 . A clamping bar  177  is used to attach reference laser alignment module  166  to bow  162  in conjunction with a clamping attachment bar, bolt  179  and attachment knob  176 . An arrow rest opening  185  is disposed in vertical arrow support member  184  to removeably hold a reference laser arrow  204  ( FIG. 9 ). 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 ,  7  and  8 , bow alignment, analysis and repair frame  100  is shown having a 3D balancer  198  attached to bow  162 . Bow string  196  is shown drawn by air ram shaft  134  and horseshoe indexer  128 . Limb scale  200  is attached to upper limb measurement fixture  148  and placed under tension to provide a reading and then to lower limb fixture  150 . A level  202  is supported by 3D balancer to indicate the orientation of bow  162 . 
         [0049]    Additionally, referring to  FIG. 6 , dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair frame  100  is configured as a bow press. In this use, upper limb brace support  116  and lower limb brace support  114  engage bow  162  after bow  162  is drawn using air ram  138 . Once drawn, upper limb brace  120  is secured against the upper limb of bow  162  and lower limb brace  118  is secured against the lower limb of bow  162 . Both upper and lower limb braces  120  and  118  respectively are covered with a protective material such as rubber, plastic or other non-marring material to protect bow  162  as is known in the art. 
         [0050]    With reference to  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 , laser arrow  204  is placed in bow  162  and selectively energized by laser wire  212  connected to arrow power source (not shown). Arrow laser  204  has an arrow laser  206  mounted at its end using a spacer  211 , a U-Channel mounting bracket  210  and wrapped with a heat shrinkable wrap  208 . Laser wire  212  runs through the shaft therein. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 12 and 13  are illustrations of alternative laser arrow mounting brackets. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , a unshaped channel  216  is used to position laser arrow  204  and arrow laser  206  and wrapped with wrap  208 . An X-Channel  218  is shown in  FIG. 13 . Of course other embodiments are also possible as long as the laser and arrow are firmly held in axial alignment relative to each other. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIGS. 14 through 17 , a screen frame  500  is shown having a target frame  220  which supports a ballistic blanket  248  with spring hooks  250  and connectors  252 . The purpose of ballistic blanket  248  is to non-destructively stop an arrow that has been shot from a bow. A moveable screen  226  is hingedly attached to target frame  220  with hinges  224 .  FIG. 14  shows movable screen  226  in an open position exposing ballistic blanket  248 .  FIG. 15  shows moveable screen  226  in a closed position for alignment. A screen lock  222  selectively retains screen in the open position. 
         [0053]    Now referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , a folding spine test frame  230  is shown folded ( FIG. 16 ) and unfolded ( FIG. 17 ). A roll of spine test paper  228  is fed through folding spine test frame  230  and may be advanced as needed to provide a spine test target  256 . Spine test paper  228  may be tissue paper or any other suitable paper as is known in the art. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , an adjustable platform  600  is shown having a plurality of supports  240  supporting an adjustable platform base  258 . Four adjustable platform frames  232  are rotatably attached to adjustable platform base  258  and a pair of upper mounting supports  260  and are constrained to maintain a parallel orientation with each other in use. A rotating adjustment rod engagement collar  242  is pivotally mounted between the two lower adjustable platform frames  232 . A height adjustment rod  236  is selectively positioned to provide height adjustment of a speed measurement apparatus  234  which is disposed on upper mounting supports  260 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 19  is a system diagram that shows a typical dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus set up for use. Dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair frame  100  is placed on a table or workbench  520  which sits on a floor  510  and is directed towards screen frame  500  with folding spine test frame  230  placed in front of screen frame  500 . Adjustable platform  600  is located between alignment frame  100  and screen frame  500 . 
         [0056]    Method of Operation: 
         [0057]    Configuring the Bow Alignment, Analysis and Repair Frame to Work with a Bow: 
         [0058]    In use, bow  162  is stripped of unnecessary equipment such as quiver, sights, balancer/damper, limb covers and string silencers etc. If there is an in-string peep sight, it is not removed. Reference laser alignment module  166  is mounted to bow  162  on the bow riser just above the travel path of an arrow released from a shooting position. 
         [0059]    In use, the horizontal frame rods  108  and  104  are adjusted to fit the selected bow. Bow  162  is secured in place by placing a bow restraint strap  164  around the bow yoke  122 . Bow restraint strap is an elastic strap that firmly holds the bow  162  in place while still allowing it to be positioned further as needed. 3-D balancer  198  is attached to a stabilizer insert which is present on most modern bows and level  202  is supported by hanging horizontally on the shaft of 3-D balancer  198  as shown in  FIG. 9 . The weights are manipulated by adding or subtracting weights and by reorienting the position of the weights to help stabilize the bow for alignment. 
         [0060]    Air ram shaft  134  is positioned so it is generally level with the nock indexer and then bow string  196  is engaged using horseshoe indexer  128 . Next cross-hair laser  190  is energized and bow  162  is fully drawn. At this point, the user must check level  202  and adjust air ram  138  until it indicates proper orientation. When viewing a cross-hair laser pattern  246  ( FIGS. 20 and 21 ), if the cross-hair laser projection  246  moves up at full draw, air ram  138  should be moved up; with the reverse being true. If cross-hair laser projection  246  moves significantly left or right, air ram  138  should be moved in the same direction until movement is minimized. 
         [0061]    Measurement Procedures: 
         [0062]    After configuring bow alignment, analysis and repair frame  100  to a selected bow  162 , measurements are taken that allow a user to align the bow. The measurements are recorded. The measurements may be recorded on a sheet (not shown) prepared for this purpose or inputted in an electronic form to an aligning computer (not shown). 
         [0063]    Steps: 
         [0064]    Measure the distance from the top of the bow string center serving to the nock point indexer, relative to the bow riser. 
         [0065]    Measure the distance from the center of an in-string peep sight to the nock point indexer (if peep sight is used). 
         [0066]    Measure the rest position of the bow in the x, y and z planes. For the x position, measure the distance from riser face to point of arrow contact. For the y position, measure the distance from the center of a pressure button hole (if used) to the point of arrow contact, or from horizontal to front of bow riser. For the z position, measure the distance from bow shelf to the point of arrow contact. 
         [0067]    The draw weight of the bow is measured by attaching limb scale  200  at the usual nock point and using the air ram  138 , draw bow just beyond the “walk over point” and record the highest reading. 
         [0068]    The draw length is measured by continuing to pull the bow to its “wall” recording the reading from the limb scale where the reading starts to rise again after passing through a “let off” region. Measure the distance from the pressure button hole (if used) or from the front of the bow riser to the nock point where the “wall” point is reached. The bow tension is released by moving the air ram and the limb scale is removed. 
         [0069]    Measurement of the differential pull of the upper and lower limbs is taken by removing the original nock point indexer (not shown) and installing horseshoe indexer  128 . The air ram is connected to horseshoe indexer  128  and the bow is drawn to the point of maximum tension and ram stop collar  130  is secured against ram mounting ring  132  to prevent the ram shaft from moving past that point. Upper and lower bow braces  114  and  116  are moved into position to secure the bow riser to immobilize it as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0070]    To measure the differential pull of the lower limb, limb scale  200  is secured to upper limb fixture swing arm  156  by attaching it to limb scale holder  158  and moving limb swing arm  156  to a locked over position. The limb scale reading is recorded. Limb swing arm  156  is rotated to a release position and limb scale  200  is removed. The process is repeated for the upper limb in a like manner. The lowest reading is subtracted from the highest reading allowing a “Differential Tension” to be calculated. Note that the actual reading is not important as only the differential tension is used. 
         [0071]    Alignment Procedure: 
         [0072]    Note: the alignment procedure is performed after configuring the frame and taking the measurements as discussed above. Also, if an in-string peep sight is used, it must be installed at this point. It can be adjusted again after completing the alignment procedure. Also, when making adjustments, use an appropriate wrench to tighten the weakest limb and loosen the stiffest limb by equal amounts to help maintain the overall draw weight. Using the bow manufacturing information or a “best guess”, reset the position of horseshoe indexer  128  with the aid of a bow square (not shown) to the best guess position. 
         [0073]    Repeat the procedure for measuring the upper and lower limb tension by drawing the bow to the same point as before by moving the ram to the ram stop collar position. Re-measure the limbs to achieve the goal of balancing the tension between the upper and lower limbs. If possible, the bow should be set to a “zero setup” where the differential is zero. Of course, some users may wish to offset the differential based on personal preference. In this case, the target differential is the goal rather than a zero setup. Small adjustments are made and measurements are taken again to direct the process towards the goal setup. 
         [0074]    Laser reference arrow  204  is now used for the next alignment procedure. The upper bow braces  116  and  114  respectively are moved out of the way ( FIG. 9 ) and the ram is released after releasing the ram stop collar. 
         [0075]    Laser reference arrow  204  is inserted through arrow rest opening  185  and vertical arrow support member  184  respectively and nock laser arrow  204  to shooting string  196 . Caution: Make sure that no one is downrange during any procedure using any kind of arrow including laser reference arrow  204 . Energize both cross-hair laser  190  and arrow laser  206 . Using air ram  138 , pull bow to full draw. Adjustments are made by adjusting crosshair laser alignment mark  246  to coincide with arrow laser alignment mark  244  ( FIGS. 20 and 21 ). The coincidence of the lasers must be checked at the relaxed undrawn position as well. Relax the bow and readjust the arrow support mechanism for coincidence. If the arrow laser alignment mark is left of the cross-hair laser alignment mark, the support mechanism is adjusted to the right using the appropriate adjustment controls, etc. Redraw the bow and check for coincidence and realign as necessary and repeat the process until coincidence is achieved for both the fully relaxed position as well as the full draw position. This is the position for the shooting rest to be installed. 
         [0076]    Note that although theoretically coincidence should be constant and track together throughout the adjustment, dynamic anomalies can appear that are less than ideal. Diagnosing the causes of these dynamic anomalies can be performed during alignment. 
         [0077]    In the next step, a user observes the position of the arrow shaft as it passes across the riser above the shelf. If there is a factory installed threaded pressure button port in the riser (this is the position where the shooting rest is normally anchored), the arrow shaft should pass directly in front of this hole. Note that this alignment is not required, but is useful because it indicates the position of the arrow path for a particular bow design. To complete this alignment, move both the nock indexer and the arrow support in the same direction and the same distance to achieve centering of the arrow with respect to this hole. If the pressure button threaded hole is absent or a custom hole was drilled after purchase, the elevation of the arrow shaft should be chosen to allow adequate clearance for the arrow to pass without interference with the shelf riser and the nock indexer and arrow support should be adjusted as discussed above. 
         [0078]    Note: If it is necessary to move the nock indexer and arrow support, the alignment procedure must be repeated from the beginning because a change in anything brings about other changes and must be taken into account each time an adjustment is performed. Generally, the user should diagnose and correct other dynamic anomalies at this stage if possible. The bow is now aligned for optimum performance based on the specifics of the bow design and the manufacturing process. Changes after this point is reached will only degrade performance. 
         [0079]    Diagnosis and Analysis of Dynamic Anomalies 
         [0080]    If the laser beams diverge during the stroke of the draw between the fully relaxed and fully drawn position, then a dynamic anomaly is indicated. Some anomalies are repairable, while others are not. 
         [0081]    If arrow laser alignment mark  244  moves vertically up, vertically down or a combination of both during the draw but settles in to coincidence at the extremes, then the timing of the cams or wheels should be carefully examined for excessive wear or misalignment and adjusted if possible for minimum vertical travel. Other possibilities include mismatched limbs resulting in tension variations between the limbs, flex curves of the limbs relative to each other during the stroke, or poor bow geometry due to design flaws. Additionally, unequal limb warping can lead to this behavior. 
         [0082]    If arrow laser alignment mark  244  wanders left and/or right during the draw stroke, the cam(s) or wheel(s) should be checked for excessive or uneven wear, wobble or tilt. Limb tip warping can be a major factor in this kind of anomaly 
         [0083]    If the arrow laser alignment mark jumps or darts around during the draw stroke, look carefully for damaged cams and/or wheels, or cable that bind and release with a jerking or popping action. The limb root attachment and pivot should be carefully examined as well. 
         [0084]    Referring again to  FIG. 19 , in use a bow is mounted in alignment frame  100  and the adjustment procedures are performed to adjust alignment frame  100  to match a specific bow. Next, measurements are taken as described above. Alignment is performed as discussed above and then a complete bow profile is produced by performing a spine test where the flexing movement of the arrow as it flies to the target is examined by having the arrow pass through the paper leaving a hole that is used to analyze the arrow spine properties. The spine frame  230  is foldable so that the paper can be displaced during targeting and alignment functions. Adjustable platform  600  is raised and lowered as needed. In use, a speed measurement apparatus  234  is raised into position so that an arrow shot from the bow will pass through the speed detecting circuitry to give the user an indication of the speed the arrow is traveling. In this way the bow alignment system allows a user to completely align and quantify the performance of any bow. 
         [0085]    Safety Considerations: 
         [0086]    Screen  226  must be made of a material that diffuses laser light to avoid dangerous reflections. 
         [0087]    All observers should be a minimum of 5 feet from the System. 
         [0088]    Laser safety stickers should be used to label the lasers used in the system. 
         [0089]    No user should look directly into a laser source. 
         [0090]    The air source for the air ram should be limited to 120 psi or below. 
         [0091]    No one should be allowed down range of the apparatus anytime an arrow is used. 
         [0092]    No modifications to the System are authorized. 
         [0093]    The air ram must be secured to string in a safe manner consistent with specified equipment. 
         [0094]    Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.