Abstract:
A handgun sighting system that adjusts the intensity of a lighted front sight based on the ambient light conditions. A sighting rib on the handgun includes an electronic circuit having a power supply, a light emitting diode (LED), a photocell, and a reed switch. A holster for use with the sighting system includes a magnet therein. Return of the handgun to the holster brings the reed switch of the weapon in close proximity to the magnet and deactivates the LED and the electronic circuit. Withdrawal of the handgun from the holster activates the LED and the electronic circuit. The handgun sighting system automatically adjusts the intensity of the LED in accordance with changes in the ambient light conditions, as measured by the photocell, to provide an optimal sighting presentation for the shooter.

Description:
This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/965,768 filed Feb. 7, 2014. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to handheld weapon aiming devices, and specifically to an automatic electronic sighting system for use with a conventional handgun to provide quick and accurate weapon sighting in both day and night conditions. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Handheld weapons such as handguns typically include conventional sights including a front sight and a U-shaped rear sight, with the front sight being centered in the U-shaped rear sight during aiming of the weapon at a target. Although the conventional sights are adequate for aiming the weapon during conditions of high ambient light, such as on sunny days, they typically are inadequate for aiming during low light conditions, such as dusk or dawn, or at night. 
     Although there have been numerous attempts to improve the sighting of weapons in low lighting conditions, such as the use of radioluminous light sources on portions of the sights, the light sources emit at a constant intensity, which can lead to either an inadequate amount of light in high ambient light conditions or to an overpowering amount of light in low ambient light conditions. 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a sighting system for a handheld weapon that would automatically adjust the sights to compensate for the ambient light conditions, thereby providing the proper amount of light to the sights regardless of the time of day or the prevailing lighting conditions. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide a sighting system that would activate instantaneously upon withdrawal from a holster, scabbard, or similar weapon storage device, and instantaneously deactivate when returned to the storage device. Such a device, when operated by battery power, would conserve power as the sighting device would be deactivated or powered down until removed from the storage device. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The present invention is a handheld weapon sighting system that includes a lighted front sight that automatically and continually adjusts in intensity for the ambient light to provide the optimum sighting device for the prevailing light conditions. The handheld weapon sighting system includes a sighting rib for securement to a weapon and a weapon holder or storage device for automatically activating the sighting system upon its withdrawal from the holder. The sighting rib includes a sight rib housing including a power supply, a light emitting diode (LED), a photocell, and an electronic circuit including a reed switch. The weapon holder and sight rib housing are constructed of non-magnetic materials and the weapon holder includes a magnet therein. Return of the weapon to the holster brings the reed switch of the weapon in close proximity to the magnet and switches the reed switch to a “held open” position, thereby deactivating the LED and the electronic circuit. Withdrawal of the weapon from the holster switches the reed switch to its normally closed state, thereby activating the LED and the electronic circuit. The light gathering surface of the photocell, located at the surface of the sight rib housing, automatically adjusts the intensity of the LED in order to provide optimal sighting presentation for the shooter. When the ambient light increases, the LED light output intensity increases and when the ambient light decreases, the LED light output intensity decreases. The weapon sighting system provides means for fast deployment of a weapon from a weapon holder that automatically activates an illuminated front sight, allowing the user faster acquisition and alignment of the sights of the weapon on the intended target in both day and night conditions. 
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     A first object of the invention is to provide a sighting system for a handheld weapon that will enable quick and accurate weapon sighting in both day and night conditions. 
     A second object is to provide a holster that enables secure carry and fast deployment of a handgun. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a means for instant activation of an electronic sighting apparatus upon deployment of the handgun from a holster, allowing faster acquisition and alignment of the illuminated front sight on the intended target. 
     A further object is to provide a means for automatic deactivation of the electronic sighting apparatus upon the re-holstering of the handgun. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a lighted front sight for a weapon whose light intensity is automatically and instantaneously adjusted to provide the optimum light sight view in the ambient light conditions prevailing at the time of the aiming and firing of the weapon. 
     Another object is to provide a system for automatically adjusting a lighted sight to in correlation to the ambient light conditions. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a weapon sighting system that can be easily mounted to the top of the gun slide on a conventional handgun. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following description along with reference to the drawings. Although the sighting system of the present invention is applicable to any handheld weapon and its respective weapon holder, the description that follows will describe the invention with respect to a handgun and a holster. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a handgun automatic electronic sighting system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 1A  is a rear perspective view of the automatic activation holster portion of the handgun sighting system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a right side elevation view of a sight rib housing according to the invention mounted to the gun slide of a conventional handgun. 
         FIG. 2A  is a right side cross sectional view illustrating the features of the electronic sighting apparatus. 
         FIG. 3  is a right side cross sectional view showing the primary components of a sight rib housing unit. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged right side cross sectional view of a front sight unit showing a LED compartment. 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged front elevation view of the front sight unit shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 4B  is an enlarged top cross sectional view of the front sight unit shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5  is an enlarged right side cross sectional view a LED light installed in the front sight unit. 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged top cross sectional view of the LED light installed in the front sight unit. 
         FIG. 6  is a right side cross sectional view of the front sight section showing a front sight compartment. 
         FIG. 6A  is a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged right side cross sectional view of the front sight unit installed. 
         FIG. 7A  is an enlarged bottom view of the front sight unit installed. 
         FIG. 8  is a right side cross sectional view of the rear sight section. 
         FIG. 8A  is a top cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 9  is a back elevation view showing two different heights of the interchangeable rear sight. 
         FIG. 9A  is an enlarged right side cross sectional view of a rear sight installed. 
         FIG. 9B  is an enlarged rear elevation view of the sight rib housing unit with the rear sight installed. 
         FIG. 10  is a right side cross sectional view of the power source section on the sight rib housing unit. 
         FIG. 10A  is an enlarged view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged front elevation view of the power switch compartment shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom cross sectional view of the power switch and battery compartments. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged right side cross sectional view of the power switch and battery installed. 
         FIG. 13A  is an enlarged front elevation view of the power switch installed. 
         FIG. 13B  is an enlarged bottom cross sectional view of the embodiment in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 14  is a front elevation view of a battery cover fastened to the battery cover frame in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged detailed front elevation view of the battery cover shown in  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 15A  is an enlarged detailed right side elevation view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 15B  is a front exploded view illustrating a means of fastening the battery cover. 
         FIG. 15C  is a top cross sectional view illustrating a means of fastening the battery cover. 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom view of the driving circuit section showing the photocell and ECU compartments. 
         FIG. 16A  is an enlarged top cross sectional view of the photocell and ECU compartments. 
         FIG. 17  is an enlarged bottom view of the ECU. 
         FIG. 18  is an enlarged top view of the ECU. 
         FIG. 18A  is an enlarged bottom view of the photocell and ECU installed. 
         FIG. 19  is an enlarged top view of the photocell and ECU installed. 
         FIG. 20  is a right side cutaway view of the sight rib housing unit showing a means of mounting. 
         FIG. 20A  is a top view of the electronic sighting apparatus showing the top of the anchor bolts. 
         FIG. 21  is an illustration of the primary components utilized by the electronic operation circuit. 
         FIG. 21A  is a block diagram of the primary components utilized in the electronic operation circuit. 
         FIG. 22  is an electronic circuit schematic of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 23  illustrates the handgun automatic electronic sighting system attached to a belt. 
         FIG. 24  is a sight picture showing sight alignment in relation to a target. 
       
         
           
                 
               
                 
                 
                 
               
             
                 
                     
                 
                 
                   TABLE OF NOMENCLATURE 
                 
               
            
             
                 
                     
                   Part No. 
                   Description 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                 
                 
                     
                    18 
                   handgun automatic electronic sighting system 
                 
                 
                     
                    20 
                   automatic activation holster 
                 
                 
                     
                    20a 
                   formed Kydex holster 
                 
                 
                     
                    21 
                   activation magnet 
                 
                 
                     
                    21a 
                   magnet compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    22 
                   belt mount 
                 
                 
                     
                    24 
                   electronic sighting apparatus 
                 
                 
                     
                    25 
                   electronic sighting apparatus mounted 
                 
                 
                     
                    25a 
                   electronic sighting apparatus features 
                 
                 
                     
                    26 
                   conventional 45 caliber handgun 
                 
                 
                     
                    28 
                   top of the gun slide 
                 
                 
                     
                    30 
                   sight rib housing unit 
                 
                 
                     
                    31 
                   illuminating front sight 
                 
                 
                     
                    33 
                   interchangeable rear sight 
                 
                 
                     
                    33a 
                   enlarged back elevation view (rear sights) 
                 
                 
                     
                    33b 
                   low rear sight 
                 
                 
                     
                    33c 
                   high rear sight 
                 
                 
                     
                    35 
                   LED (light emitting diode) 
                 
                 
                     
                    35a 
                   luminous red dot 
                 
                 
                     
                    36 
                   12 v battery power source 
                 
                 
                     
                    37 
                   power switch 
                 
                 
                     
                    38 
                   driving circuit 
                 
                 
                     
                    39 
                   photocell 
                 
                 
                     
                    40 
                   sight rib housing unit components 
                 
                 
                     
                    40a 
                   electronic operation circuit 
                 
                 
                     
                    41 
                   front sight section 
                 
                 
                     
                    41a 
                   side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    41b 
                   bottom view 
                 
                 
                     
                    42 
                   rear sight section 
                 
                 
                     
                    42a 
                   side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    42b 
                   top cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    43 
                   power source section 
                 
                 
                     
                    43a 
                   side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    43b 
                   enlarged side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    43c 
                   bottom cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    44 
                   driving circuit section 
                 
                 
                     
                    44a 
                   bottom view 
                 
                 
                     
                    44b 
                   top cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    45 
                   means of mounting 
                 
                 
                     
                    45a 
                   right side cutaway view 
                 
                 
                     
                    45b 
                   top view 
                 
                 
                     
                    46 
                   front sight unit 
                 
                 
                     
                    46a 
                   enlarged right side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    46b 
                   enlarged front elevation view 
                 
                 
                     
                    46c 
                   enlarged top cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    47 
                   front sight 
                 
                 
                     
                    47a 
                   LED compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    47b 
                   front of LED compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    47c 
                   back of LED compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    47d 
                   LED light aperture 
                 
                 
                     
                    47e 
                   front sight face 
                 
                 
                     
                    48 
                   front sight base 
                 
                 
                     
                    48a 
                   front sight base rim 
                 
                 
                     
                    48b 
                   LED vertical wire groove 
                 
                 
                     
                    48c 
                   LED horizontal wire groove 
                 
                 
                     
                    49 
                   LED light installed 
                 
                 
                     
                    49a 
                   enlarged right side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    49b 
                   enlarged top cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    50 
                   LED flange 
                 
                 
                     
                    50a 
                   LED positive lead wire 
                 
                 
                     
                    50b 
                   LED negative lead wire 
                 
                 
                     
                    51 
                   front sight compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    51a 
                   right side (front sight compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    51b 
                   bottom (front sight compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    52 
                   front sight compartment rim 
                 
                 
                     
                    53 
                   front sight cutout 
                 
                 
                     
                    54 
                   front sight unit installed 
                 
                 
                     
                    54a 
                   enlarged right side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    54b 
                   enlarged bottom view 
                 
                 
                     
                    56 
                   LED positive wire channel 
                 
                 
                     
                    58 
                   LED negative wire channel 
                 
                 
                     
                    60 
                   rear sight dovetail 
                 
                 
                     
                    60a 
                   right side (rear sight dovetail) 
                 
                 
                     
                    60b 
                   top (rear sight dovetail) 
                 
                 
                     
                    61 
                   rear sight set screw hole 
                 
                 
                     
                    61a 
                   rear sight set screw 
                 
                 
                     
                    61b 
                   center notch 
                 
                 
                     
                    62 
                   rear sight installed 
                 
                 
                     
                    62a 
                   enlarged right side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    62b 
                   enlarged rear elevation view 
                 
                 
                     
                    62c 
                   alignment of the front and rear sights 
                 
                 
                     
                    62d 
                   target 
                 
                 
                     
                    62e 
                   sight picture 
                 
                 
                     
                    63 
                   back end (sight rib housing unit) 
                 
                 
                     
                    64 
                   power switch compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    64a 
                   right side (power switch compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    64b 
                   enlarged front view (power switch compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    64c 
                   bottom (power switch compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    66 
                   power switch wire hole 
                 
                 
                     
                    68 
                   battery compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    68a 
                   front side (battery compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    68b 
                   bottom (battery compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    68c 
                   outside ends (battery compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    68d 
                   inside back (battery compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    69 
                   battery compartment frame 
                 
                 
                     
                    69a 
                   cover screw anchor hole 
                 
                 
                     
                    69b 
                   thumbnail slot 
                 
                 
                     
                    69c 
                   access point 
                 
                 
                     
                    70 
                   clip holder screw anchor hole 
                 
                 
                     
                    71 
                   power switch wire groove 
                 
                 
                     
                    72 
                   wire channel access hole 
                 
                 
                     
                    72a 
                   wire channel 
                 
                 
                     
                    73 
                   power switch installed 
                 
                 
                     
                    73a 
                   enlarged side cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    73b 
                   enlarged front view (power switch installed) 
                 
                 
                     
                    73c 
                   enlarged bottom cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    74 
                   power switch toggle 
                 
                 
                     
                    74a 
                   toggle position OFF 
                 
                 
                     
                    74b 
                   toggle position ON 
                 
                 
                     
                    75 
                   power switch leg wire 
                 
                 
                     
                    75a 
                   power switch supply wire 
                 
                 
                     
                    76 
                   battery installed 
                 
                 
                     
                    76a 
                   enlarged front view (battery installed) 
                 
                 
                     
                    76b 
                   enlarged bottom cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                    77 
                   battery clip holder (positive) 
                 
                 
                     
                    78 
                   battery clip holder (negative) 
                 
                 
                     
                    79 
                   clip holder screw 
                 
                 
                     
                    79a 
                   clip holder screw hole 
                 
                 
                     
                    80 
                   battery positive lead wire 
                 
                 
                     
                    81 
                   battery negative lead wire 
                 
                 
                     
                    82 
                   battery cover 
                 
                 
                     
                    82a 
                   front view of battery cover fastened 
                 
                 
                     
                    82b 
                   enlarged front view (battery cover) 
                 
                 
                     
                    82c 
                   enlarged side cross sectional view (battery cover) 
                 
                 
                     
                    82d 
                   front exploded view (battery cover) 
                 
                 
                     
                    82e 
                   top cross sectional view (battery cover) 
                 
                 
                     
                    83 
                   front (battery cover) 
                 
                 
                     
                    83a 
                   beveled edge 
                 
                 
                     
                    83b 
                   battery cover support 
                 
                 
                     
                    84 
                   right side (battery cover) 
                 
                 
                     
                    85 
                   battery cover screw 
                 
                 
                     
                    86 
                   cover screw hole 
                 
                 
                     
                    86a 
                   counter sink bore 
                 
                 
                     
                    88 
                   ECU compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    88a 
                   bottom (ECU compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    88b 
                   top (ECU compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    90 
                   photocell compartment 
                 
                 
                     
                    90a 
                   bottom (photocell compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    90b 
                   top (photocell compartment) 
                 
                 
                     
                    91 
                   photocell compartment rim 
                 
                 
                     
                    92 
                   ECU (electronic control unit) 
                 
                 
                     
                    92a 
                   enlarged bottom view (ECU) 
                 
                 
                     
                    92b 
                   enlarged top view (ECU) 
                 
                 
                     
                    92c 
                   bottom (ECU) 
                 
                 
                     
                    92d 
                   top (ECU) 
                 
                 
                     
                    93 
                   ECU electronic components 
                 
                 
                     
                    94 
                   printed circuit board 
                 
                 
                     
                    95 
                   battery positive solder pad 
                 
                 
                     
                    96 
                   current limiting resistor R1 
                 
                 
                     
                    98 
                   parallel bypass resistor R2 
                 
                 
                     
                    99 
                   reed switch RS 
                 
                 
                     
                   102 
                   LED positive solder pad 
                 
                 
                     
                   104 
                   ECU installed 
                 
                 
                     
                   104a 
                   enlarged bottom view (ECU installed) 
                 
                 
                     
                   104b 
                   enlarged top cross sectional view 
                 
                 
                     
                   106 
                   photocell installed 
                 
                 
                     
                   106a 
                   enlarged bottom view (photocell installed) 
                 
                 
                     
                   106b 
                   enlarged top view (photocell installed) 
                 
                 
                     
                   106c 
                   bottom (photocell) 
                 
                 
                     
                   106d 
                   top (photocell) 
                 
                 
                     
                   107 
                   photocell ½ shutter 
                 
                 
                     
                   107a 
                   photocell ¼ shutter 
                 
                 
                     
                   108 
                   photocell top lead wire 
                 
                 
                     
                   108a 
                   photocell bottom lead wire 
                 
                 
                     
                   110 
                   bolt hole 
                 
                 
                     
                   112 
                   counter bore 
                 
                 
                     
                   114 
                   ⅜″ anchor bolt 
                 
                 
                     
                   116 
                   ⅜″ drill hole 
                 
                 
                     
                   118 
                   primary electronic components 
                 
                 
                     
                   119 
                   block diagram illustration 
                 
                 
                     
                   119a 
                   electronic circuit schematic 
                 
                 
                     
                   120 
                   power supply (block) 
                 
                 
                     
                   120a 
                   power supply circuit schematic 
                 
                 
                     
                   120b 
                   12 v cell 
                 
                 
                     
                   120c 
                   cell positive side 
                 
                 
                     
                   120d 
                   cell negative side 
                 
                 
                     
                   122 
                   power switch (block) 
                 
                 
                     
                   122a 
                   power switch circuit schematic 
                 
                 
                     
                   122b 
                   SPST power switch SW 
                 
                 
                     
                   122c 
                   ON-OFF pole 
                 
                 
                     
                   122d 
                   power pole 
                 
                 
                     
                   124 
                   ECU (block) 
                 
                 
                     
                   124a 
                   ECU circuit schematic 
                 
                 
                     
                   124b 
                   solder pad BATTERY+ 
                 
                 
                     
                   124c 
                   current limiting resistor R1 
                 
                 
                     
                   124d 
                   parallel bypass resistor R2 
                 
                 
                     
                   124e 
                   reed switch RS 
                 
                 
                     
                   124f 
                   solder pad LED+ 
                 
                 
                     
                   126 
                   photocell (block) 
                 
                 
                     
                   126a 
                   photocell circuit schematic 
                 
                 
                     
                   126b 
                   photocell sensor PS 
                 
                 
                     
                   126c 
                   top connection 
                 
                 
                     
                   126d 
                   bottom connection 
                 
                 
                     
                   128 
                   LED light (block) 
                 
                 
                     
                   128a 
                   LED light circuit schematic 
                 
                 
                     
                   128b 
                   light emitting diode 
                 
                 
                     
                   128c 
                   anode+ 
                 
                 
                     
                   128d 
                   cathode− 
                 
                 
                     
                     
                 
               
            
           
         
       
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with the present invention,  FIG. 1  depicts a handgun automatic electronic sighting system  18  including an automatic activation holster  20  and an electronic sighting apparatus  24  that is mounted on a conventional handgun  26 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , the automatic activation holster  20  includes a formed Kydex® holster  20   a  having an activation magnet  21  installed in a magnet compartment  21   a  and a belt mount  22  for attaching the holster to the belt of a user. Kydex® is an acrylic-polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic material available from Kydex LLC of Bloomsburg, Pa. The activation magnet  21  is preferably a neodymium magnet, available from Dura Magnetics, Inc., of Sylvania, Ohio. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2  for the remaining primary components, there is shown a right side elevation view of the electronic sighting apparatus  24  mounted  25  on a conventional handgun  26  by attachment to the top of the gun slide  28 . The electronic sighting apparatus  24  comprises a sight rib housing unit  30  (see  FIG. 2A ) constructed from a solid piece of Delrin® 150 acetal homopolymer, available from E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, Wilimington, Del., that has been machined to provide compartments for an electronic operation circuit. Delrin® is a plastic that offers an excellent balance of properties that include high tensile strength, extreme durability, superior impact resistance, and excellent machinability. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , the electronic sighting apparatus  24  includes a sight rib housing unit  30  with an illuminating front sight  31  and an interchangeable rear sight  33 . The illuminating front sight  31  includes a light emitting diode (LED)  35 , most preferably a red LED, as the light source in the form of a luminous red dot  35   a , along with a battery power source  36 , a power switch  37  and a driving circuit  38  to operate the LED  35 . The battery source  36  is preferably a 12-volt power source. The electronic sighting apparatus  24  includes a photocell  39  that provides a means for monitoring the ambient light conditions and automatically adjusting the intensity of light output from the LED  35  in correlation to the amount of ambient light available. When the photocell measures an increase in the ambient light, the electronic sighting apparatus  24  increases the LED  35  light output intensity. When the photocell measures a decrease in the ambient light, the electronic sighting apparatus  24  decreases the LED  35  light output intensity. When the photocell detects no ambient light, such as with the handgun in total darkness, the electronic sighting apparatus  24  produces a minimal amount of light output from the LED  35 . There is no complete back out of the LED in total darkness. 
     FIG. depicts the sight rib housing unit components  40  comprising a front sight section  41 , a rear sight section  42 , a power source section  43 , a driving circuit section  44  and a means of mounting  45 . The front sight section  41  includes a front sight compartment  51  designed to house a front sight unit  46 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 4  the front sight  47  includes a LED compartment  47   a  having two sections designated as front of the LED compartment  47   b  and back of the LED compartment  47   c  respectively. The front of the LED compartment  47   b  secures the LED  35  flush against an aperture  47   d , while the back of the LED compartment  47   c  is holds the LED  35  securely in place within the LED compartment  47   a . The front sight unit  46  also comprises a front sight base  48  with a front sight base rim  48   a  and two wire grooves, identified as the LED vertical wire groove  48   b  or the LED horizontal wire groove  48   c , that are designed to house electronic components within the front sight unit  46 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A , there is shown an enlarged front elevation view  46   b  of the front sight unit  46  showing the same component reference numbers illustrated in  FIG. 4 , as they apply to a front elevation view  46   b .  FIG. 4A  also shows that the LED compartment  47   a  is cylindrical in shape by design in order to house a cylindrical shaped LED  35 — FIG. 5 .  FIG. 4B  is an enlarged top cross sectional view  46   c  of the front sight unit  46  showing the same component reference numbers illustrated in  FIG. 4 , as they apply to a top cross sectional view  46   c . A more detailed description of the front sight unit  46  will follow below. 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged right side cross sectional view  49   a  of the LED light installed  49  in the LED compartment  47   a  within the front sight unit  46 . The illustration shows the LED  35  housed in the front of the LED compartment  47   b  flush against the aperture  47   d , which allows light produced by the LED  35  from inside of the LED compartment  47   a  to be seen in the form of a luminous red dot  35   a  on the front sight face  47   e  of the front sight  47 . The back of the LED compartment  47   c  holds the LED flange  50  with two attached lead wires, identified as a LED positive lead wire  50   a  and a LED negative lead wire  50   b , securely in place within the LED compartment  47   a . The LED positive lead wire  50   a  and LED negative lead wire  50   b  extend downward out from the back of the LED compartment  47   c  into the vertical wire groove  48   b , continuing to travel downward past the front sight base rim  48   a , thru the front sight base  48  to the vertical wire groove  48   b , then into the horizontal wire groove  48   c  until ending flush with the front sight base  48 .  FIG. 5A  is an enlarged top cross sectional view  49   b  of the LED light installed  49  in the LED compartment  47   a  within the front sight unit  46  showing the same component reference numbers illustrated in  FIG. 5 , as they apply to a top cross sectional view  49   b.    
       FIG. 6  is a side cross sectional view  41   a  of the front sight section  41  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the right side  51   a  of the front sight compartment  51  comprising a front sight compartment rim  52  and a front sight cutout  53 . The front sight compartment  51  is designed to house the front sight unit  46  within the sight rib housing unit  30 , while the front sight compartment rim  52  and the front sight cutout  53  are designed to hold the front sight base  48  and the front sight  47  of the front sight unit  46  securely in place within the front sight compartment  51 . 
       FIG. 6A  is a bottom view  41   b  of the front sight section  41  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the bottom  51   b  of the front sight compartment  51  with same component reference numbers shown in  FIG. 6 , as they apply to a bottom view  41   b . Also shown in the front sight section  41  is a LED positive wire channel  56  and a LED negative wire channel  58  designed to connect and hold electronic components securely in place within the sight rib housing unit  30 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown an enlarged right side cross sectional view  54   a  of the front sight unit installed  54  within the front sight compartment  51  of  FIG. 6 . The front sight unit  46  is received into the bottom  51   b  of the front sight compartment  51  by inserting the front sight  47  to and thru the front sight cutout  53  until the front sight base rim  48   a  stops flush against the front sight compartment rim  52 . The front sight cutout  53  and the front sight compartment rim  52  hold the front sight  47  and the front sight base  48  of the front sight unit  46  securely in place within the sight rib housing unit  30 . 
       FIG. 7A  is an enlarged bottom view  54   b  of the front sight unit installed  54  within the front sight compartment  51  of  FIG. 6A  showing the LED positive lead wire  50   a  and the LED negative lead wire  50   b  coming out of the LED horizontal wire groove  48   c  separating into two different directions. The LED positive lead wire  50   a  travels thru the LED positive wire channel  56  and the LED negative lead wire  50   b  travels thru the LED negative wire channel  58  where they are both held securely in place within the sight rib housing unit  30 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side cross sectional view  42   a  of the rear sight section  42  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the right side  60   a  of a rear sight dovetail  60  and a rear sight set screw hole  61 . The rear sight dovetail  60  is designed as a means for attaching a interchangeable rear sight  33  to the sight rib housing unit  30 . The rear sight set screw hole  61  is designed to receive a rear sight set screw  61   a  that is used to hold an interchangeable rear sight  33  securely in place within the rear sight dovetail  60  on the sight rib housing unit  30 .  FIG. 8A  is a top cross sectional view  42   b  of the rear sight section  42  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the top  60   b  of the rear sight dovetail  60  and the rear sight set screw hole  61 . A more detailed description of the rear sight section  42  will follow below. 
       FIG. 9  is an enlarged back elevation view  33   a  of the interchangeable rear sight  33  showing two different sizes identified as a low rear sight  33   b  and a high rear sight  33   c  that are used for the purpose of lowering or raising the impact point on a target from a fired round. The low rear sight  33   b  will lower the impact point and the high rear sight  33   c  will raise the impact point. 
       FIG. 9A  is an enlarged right side cross sectional view  62   a  of the rear sight installed  62  within the rear sight dovetail  60  of  FIG. 8 . The interchangeable rear sight  33  is inserted into the rear sight dovetail  60  until centered with the sight rib housing unit  30 . The rear sight set screw hole  61  receives the rear sight set screw  61   a  that is tightened to hold the interchangeable rear sight  33  securely in place within the rear sight dovetail  60  on the sight rib housing unit  30 . 
       FIG. 9B  is an enlarged rear elevation view  62   b  of the rear sight installed  62  in the rear sight dovetail  60  and the alignment of the front and rear sights  62   c .  FIG. 9B  shows the interchangeable rear sight  33  installed in the rear sight dovetail  60  centered on the sight rib housing unit  30 , aligning the front sight  47  with the center notch  61   b  of the interchangeable rear sight  33 . Once the interchangeable rear sight  33  has been properly aligned with the front sight  47 , the rear sight set screw  61   a  inside of the rear sight set screw hole  61  is tightened to hold the interchangeable rear sight  33  securely in place within the rear sight dovetail  60  on the sight rib housing unit  30 . 
       FIG. 10  is a side cross sectional view  43   a  of the power source section  43  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the right side  64   a  of a power switch compartment  64  and the front side  68   a  of a battery compartment  68 . The power switch compartment  64  is designed to house the power switch  37 — FIG. 2A  and the battery compartment  68  is designed to house the 12v battery power source  36 — FIG. 2A . A more detailed description of the power switch compartment  64  and battery compartment  68  will follow below. 
       FIG. 10A  is an enlarged side cross sectional view  43   b  of the power source section  43  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing a more detailed illustration of the power switch compartment  64  and the battery compartment  68  shown in  FIG. 10 . The power switch compartment  64  contains a power switch wire hole  66  beginning at the back of the power switch compartment  64  and terminating inside of the battery compartment  68  at the wire channel access hole  72 . The power switch wire hole  66  is designed to provide a means of connecting electronic components between the power switch compartment  64  and the battery compartment  68 . 
       FIG. 10A  also shows the battery compartment  68  comprising a battery compartment frame  69  with two cover screw anchor holes  69   a  on the outside ends  68   c  of the battery compartment  68  and two clip holder screw anchor holes  70  on the inside back  68   d  of the battery compartment  68 . Located below the clip holder screw anchor holes  70  is a power switch wire groove  71  that intersects with the power switch wire hole  66  forming an access point  69   b  to the wire channel access hole  72 . The access point  69   b  is designed for connecting electronic components from the power switch compartment  64  and the battery compartment  68  to other electronic components located at the front sight unit  46 . 
       FIG. 11  is an enlarged front view  64   b  of the power switch compartment  64  recessed in the back end  63  of the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the beginning of the power switch wire hole  66  within the power switch compartment  64 . The power switch wire hole  66  terminates inside of the battery compartment  68  at the access point  69   b  to the wire channel access hole  72 . 
       FIG. 12  is a bottom cross sectional view  43   c  of the power source section  43  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the bottom  64   c  of the power switch compartment  64  and the bottom  68   b  of the battery compartment  68 . The power switch compartment  64  contains a power switch wire hole  66  beginning at the back of the power switch compartment  64  and terminating inside of the battery compartment  68  at the wire channel access hole  72 .  FIG. 12  also shows the battery compartment  68  comprising a battery compartment frame  69  with two cover screw anchor holes  69   a  on the outside ends  68   c  of the battery compartment  68  and two clip holder screw anchor holes  70  on the inside back  68   d  of the battery compartment  68 . Located below the clip holder screw anchor holes  70  is a power switch wire groove  71  that intersects with the power switch wire hole  66  forming an access point  69   b  to the wire channel access hole  72  that leads to the wire channel  72   a . The wire channel  72   a  is designed for connecting electronic components from the power switch compartment  64  and the battery compartment  68  to other electronic components located at the front sight unit  46 . 
       FIG. 13  is an enlarged side cross sectional view  43   b  of the power source section  43  as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , showing an enlarged side view  73   a  of the power switch installed  73  within power switch compartment  64  and an enlarged front view  76   a  of the battery installed  76  within battery compartment  68 . The enlarged side view  73   a  of the power switch installed  73  shows the power switch  37  comprising a power switch toggle  74 , a power switch leg wire  75  and a power switch supply wire  75   a . Power switch toggle  74  enables a user to manually turn on or cut off power to the electronic circuit  40   a  via the power switch  37 . 
     The power switch  37  is received into the power switch compartment  64  by inserting the power switch leg wire  75  and the power switch supply wire  75   a  into the power switch compartment  64 , thru the power switch wire hole  66  until stopping inside of the battery compartment  68  at the access point  69   c . The insertion of the power switch  37  into the power switch compartment  64  continues until the power switch toggle  74  is flush with the back end  63  of the sight rib housing unit  30 . 
     The enlarged front view  76   a  of the battery installed  76  shows a battery clip holder (positive)  77  and a battery clip holder (negative)  78 , each comprising a clip holder screw hole  79   a  that is aligned to a clip holder screw anchor hole  70  and secured to the inside back  68   d  of the battery compartment  68  with a clip holder screw  79 . 
     The power switch leg wire  75  coming out of the power switch wire hole  66  continues to travel thru the power switch wire groove  71  and connects to the battery positive lead wire  80  that is attached to the battery clip holder (positive)  77 , while the power switch supply wire  75   a  coming out of the power switch wire hole  66  becomes the continuation of the battery positive lead wire  80  and travels down thru the wire channel access hole  72  into the wire channel  72   a . The battery negative lead wire  81  that is attached to the battery clip holder (negative)  78  also travels down thru the wire channel access hole  72  into the wire channel  72   a.    
       FIG. 13A  is an enlarged front view  73   b  of the power switch installed  73  in the power switch compartment  64  recessed in the back end  63  of the sight rib housing unit  30 , showing the two different operation positions of the power switch toggle  74  on the power switch  37 , identified as the toggle position OFF  74   a  or as the toggle position ON  74   b . The toggle position OFF  74   a  deactivates the handgun automatic electronic sighting system  18  for when the gun is being stored or used for regular target shooting. The toggle position ON  74   b  activates the handgun automatic electronic sighting system  18  for using the automatic activation holster  20  and the electronic sighting apparatus  24  in conjunction for quick and accurate weapon sighting in both day and night conditions. 
       FIG. 13B  is a bottom cross sectional view  43   c  of the power source section  43  illustrated in  FIG. 12 , showing an enlarged bottom cross sectional view  73   c  of the power switch installed  73  within the power switch compartment  64  and an enlarged bottom cross sectional view  76   b  of the battery installed  76  within the battery compartment  68 . The enlarged bottom cross sectional view  73   c  of the power switch installed  73  shows the power switch  37  comprising a power switch toggle  74 , a power switch leg wire  75  and a power switch supply wire  75   a.    
     The power switch  37  is received into the power switch compartment  64  by inserting the power switch leg wire  75  and the power switch supply wire  75   a  into the power switch compartment  64 , thru the power switch wire hole  66  until stopping inside of the battery compartment  68  at the access point  69   c . The insertion of the power switch  37  into the power switch compartment  64  continues until the power switch toggle  74  is flush with the back end  63  of the sight rib housing unit  30 . 
     The enlarged bottom cross sectional view  76   b  of the battery installed  76  shows a battery clip holder (positive)  77  and a battery clip holder (negative)  78 , each comprising a clip holder screw hole  79   a  aligned to a clip holder screw anchor hole  70  and secured to the inside back  68   d  of the battery compartment  68  with a clip holder screw  79 . The power switch leg wire  75  coming out of the power switch wire hole  66  continues to travel thru the power switch wire groove  71  and connects to the battery positive lead wire  80  that is attached to the battery clip holder (positive)  77 , while the power switch supply wire  75   a  coming out of the power switch wire hole  66  becomes the continuation of the battery positive lead wire  80  and travels down thru the wire channel access hole  72  into the wire channel  72   a . The battery negative lead wire  81  that is attached to the battery clip holder (negative)  78  also travels down thru the wire channel access hole  72  into the wire channel  72   a.    
       FIG. 14  is a right side view of the electronic sighting apparatus  24  showing a front view of a battery cover fastened  82   a  to the battery compartment frame  69  illustrated in  FIG. 10A . The battery cover  82  is designed to hold a  12   v  battery  36  securely in place within the battery compartment  68  as well as to provide the user easy access to the battery compartment  68  for the purpose of installing or replacing the 12v battery  36  when needed. A more detailed description on the battery cover  82  will follow below. 
       FIG. 15  is an enlarged front view  82   b  of the battery cover  82  illustrated in  FIG. 14 , showing the front  83  of the battery cover  82  comprising a beveled edge  83   a  with an adjacent battery cover support  83   b  designed to strengthen the battery compartment  68 . Also shown on the front  83  of the battery cover  82  are two cover screw holes  86  with a counter sink bore  86   a  designed to provide a means of fastening the battery cover  82  to the battery compartment  68 . 
       FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B  and  FIG. 15C  are all illustrations showing different views for a means of fastening the battery cover  82  to the battery compartment  68 .  FIG. 15A  is an enlarged side cross sectional view  82   c  of the battery cover  82  illustrated in  FIG. 15 , showing the right side  84  of the battery cover  82  comprising a beveled edge  83   a  with an adjacent battery cover support  83   b . Also shown is a cover screw hole  86  with a counter sink bore  86   a  designed to receive a battery cover screw  85  for the purpose of fastening the battery cover  82  to the battery compartment  68 . 
       FIG. 15B  is a front exploded view  82   d  illustrating the components utilized as a means of fastening the battery cover  82  to the battery compartment  68 .  FIG. 15B  shows the battery compartment  68  comprising the battery compartment frame  69  with two cover screw anchor holes  69   a  and a thumbnail slot  69   b . The cover screw anchor holes  69   a  are aligned with the cover screw holes  86  on the front  83  of the battery cover  82 ; battery cover screws  85  are inserted thru the cover screw holes  86  into the cover screw anchor holes  69   a  and tightened to hold the battery cover  82  securely in place on the battery compartment  68 . The thumbnail slot  69   b  is designed to be used in the removal process of the battery cover  82 ; after the battery cover screws  85  are removed from the cover screw anchor holes  69   a  and the cover screw holes  86 , the user inserts their thumbnail into the thumbnail slot  69   b  to easily separate the battery cover  82  away from the battery compartment frame  69 . 
       FIG. 15C  is a top cross sectional view  82   e  of the components utilized as a means of fastening the battery cover  82  to the battery compartment  68 .  FIG. 15C  shows the placement of the battery cover  82  flush against the battery compartment frame  69  comprising two cover screw anchor holes  69   a  and a thumbnail slot  69   b . The cover screw anchor holes  69   a  are aligned with the cover screw holes  86  on the front  83  of the battery cover  82 ; battery cover screws  85  are inserted thru the cover screw holes  86  into the cover screw anchor holes  69   a  and tightened to hold the battery cover  82  securely in place on the battery compartment frame  69 . 
       FIG. 16  is a bottom view  44   a  of the driving circuit section  44  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the bottom  88   a  of the ECU compartment  88  and the bottom  90   a  of the photocell compartment  90  comprising a photocell compartment rim  91 . The ECU compartment  88  is designed to house the ECU  92 — FIG. 17  and the photocell compartment  90  is designed to house the photocell  39 — FIG. 17 . 
     The ECU  92  is the primary electronic component that connects with the secondary electronic components consisting of a front sight unit  46  in the front sight section  41 , a  12   v  battery power source  36  with a power switch  37  in the power source section  43  and a photocell  39  in the driving circuit section  44 . Referring again to  FIG. 16 , there is shown the front sight section  41  comprised of the front sight unit  46  with a LED positive lead wire  50   a  and LED negative lead wire  50   b , a LED positive wire channel  56  and a LED negative wire channel  58 . Also shown is the battery positive lead wire  80  and the battery negative lead wire  81  coming thru the wire channel access hole  72  from inside of the power source section  43  where they are connected to the 12v battery power source  36  and the power switch  37 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13B ; the battery positive lead wire  80  and the battery negative lead wire  81  continue to travel in the wire channel  72   a  to the driving circuit section  44 . 
       FIG. 16A  is a top cross sectional view  44   b  of the driving circuit section  44  on the sight rib housing unit  30  showing the top  88   b  of the ECU compartment  88  and the top  90   b  of the photocell compartment  90  comprising a photocell compartment rim  91 . 
       FIG. 17  is an enlarged bottom view  92   a  of the ECU  92  showing the photocell  39  and the printed circuit board  94 . The ECU  92  is shown comprising a printed circuit board  94  with a battery positive solder pad  95 , a current limiting resistor R 1  (680-ohms)  96 , a parallel bypass resistor R 2  (270 k-ohms)  98 , a reed switch RS  99  and a LED positive solder pad  102 . The photocell  39  is shown comprising a photocell top lead wire  108  and a photocell bottom lead wire  108   a  that are connected to the printed circuit board  94 . 
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged top view  92   b  of the ECU  92  showing the top  106   d  of the photocell  39  and printed circuit board  94 . The ECU  92  comprises a printed circuit board  94  with a current limiting resistor R 1  (680-ohms)  96 , a parallel bypass resistor R 2  (270 k-ohms)  98  and a reed switch RS  99 . 
       FIG. 18A  is an enlarged bottom view  104   a  of the ECU installed  104  within the ECU compartment  88  and an enlarged bottom view  106   a  of the photocell installed  106  within the photocell compartment  90 . The enlarged bottom view  104   a  of the ECU installed  104  shows the ECU  92  received into the bottom  88   a  of the ECU compartment  88  by inserting the ECU  92  into the ECU compartment  88  with the bottom  92   c  of the ECU  92  facing upward, displaying the printed circuit board  94  with a battery positive solder pad  95  and a LED positive solder pad  102 . The battery positive solder pad  95  is connected to the battery positive lead wire  80  coming out of the wire channel  72   a  from the wire channel access hole  72  shown in  FIG. 16 . The battery negative lead wire  81  coming out of the wire channel  72   a  from the wire channel access hole  72 , also shown in  FIG. 16 , travels thru the LED negative wire channel  58  and connects to the LED negative lead wire  50   b  coming out of the front sight unit  46 . The LED positive lead wire  50   a  coming out of the front sight unit  46  travels thru the LED positive wire channel  56  and connects to the LED positive solder pad  102 . 
     The enlarged bottom view  106   a  of the photocell installed  106  shows the photocell  39  received into the bottom  90   a  of the photocell compartment  90  by inserting the photocell  39  into the photocell compartment  90  with the bottom  106   c  of the photocell  39  facing upward, displaying the photocell top lead wire  108  and the photocell bottom lead wire  108   a  connecting the photocell  39  to the printed circuit board  94  of the ECU  92 . The photocell  39  is inserted into the photocell compartment  90  until it stops flush against the photocell compartment rim  91  shown in  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 19  is an enlarged top cross sectional view  104   b  of the ECU installed  104  within the ECU compartment  88  and an enlarged top view  106   b  of the photocell installed  106  within the photocell compartment  90 . The enlarged top cross sectional view  104   b  of the ECU installed  104  shows the top  92   d  of the ECU  92  that has been received into the ECU compartment  88  and the enlarged top view  106   b  of the photocell installed  106  shows the top  106   d  of the photocell  39  that has been received into the photocell compartment  90 . Also shown in  FIG. 19 , is a photocell ½ shutter  107  and a photocell ¼ shutter  107   a  that are designed to be placed on the top  106   d  of the photocell  39  to decrease the amount of ambient light coming into the photocell  39 , which in turn causes the LED  35  light output intensity to decrease. 
       FIG. 20  and  FIG. 20A  are both illustrations showing different views of the components utilized as a means of mounting  45  the electronic sighting apparatus  24  to the top of the gun slide  28  on a conventional 45 caliber handgun  26 .  FIG. 20  is a right side cutaway view  45   a  of a means of mounting  45  showing the electronic sighting apparatus  24  comprising four bolt holes  110  with a counter bore  112  that are aligned with four ⅜″ drill holes  116  on the top of the gun slide  28 ; ⅜″ anchor bolts  114  are inserted thru the bolt holes  110  into the ⅜″ drill holes  116  and tightened to hold the electronic sighting apparatus  24  securely in place to the top of the gun slide  28  on the conventional 45 caliber handgun  26 .  FIG. 20A  is a top view  45   b  of a means of mounting  45  showing the electronic sighting apparatus  24  having received four ⅜″ anchor bolts  114  into the bolt holes  110  with a counter bore  112 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , there is shown an illustration of the primary electronic components  118  utilized by the electronic circuit  40   a  consisting of a power switch  37 , a  12   v  battery power source  36 , a ECU (electronic control unit)  92 , a photocell  39  and a LED (light emitting diode)  35 . The power switch  37  comprises a power switch leg wire  75  and a power switch supply wire  75   a . The 12v battery power source  36  comprises a battery clip holder (positive)  77  with an attached battery positive lead wire  80  and a battery clip holder (negative)  78  with an attached battery negative lead wire  81 . The ECU  92  comprises a printed circuit board  94  with a battery positive solder pad  95  and a LED positive solder pad  102 . The photocell  39  comprises an attached photocell top lead wire  108  and photocell bottom lead wire  108   a  connecting the photocell  39  to the printed circuit board  94  of the ECU  92 . The LED  35  comprises an attached LED positive lead wire  50   a  and LED negative lead wire  50   b.    
     The primary electronic components  118  listed above are connected together, starting with the 12v battery power source  36  comprising a battery clip holder (negative)  78  with an attached battery negative lead wire  81  that connects to the LED negative lead wire  50   a  attached to the LED  35  and the LED positive lead wire  50   b  attached to the LED  35  connects to the LED positive solder pad  102  on the printed circuit board  94  of the ECU  92 . The 12v battery power source  36  also comprises a battery clip holder (positive)  77  with an attached battery positive lead wire  80  that connects to the power switch leg wire  75  attached to the power switch  37  and the power switch supply wire  75   a  that is attached to the power switch  37  connects to the battery positive lead wire  80  connected to the battery positive solder pad  95  on the printed circuit board  94  of the ECU  92 , making a complete circuit for current to flow. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 21A , there is shown a block diagram illustration  119  of the primary components for the electronic operation circuit  40   a  illustrated in  FIG. 21  above. The block diagram illustration  119  is used to understand how the electronic operation circuit  40   a  works by breaking it down into smaller sections or blocks, showing each block having a specific function and how they are connected together to form a complete circuit so that current can flow. The blocks include: 
     POWER SUPPLY (block)  120 —supplies electrical energy. 
     POWER SWITCH (block)  122 —starts/stops current flow through the circuit. 
     ECU (block)  124 —automatic activation/deactivation of the electronic operation circuit  40   a , regulate amount of current to LED  35  to prevent damage to the LED  35 , provide minimum current flow to operate the LED  35  in total darkness. 
     PHOTOCELL (block)  126 —regulates the LED  35  light output intensity. 
     LED LIGHT (block)  128 —converts electrical energy to light. 
       FIG. 22  is an illustration of the electronic circuit schematic  119   a  showing the primary components utilized in the electronic operation circuit  40   a  shown in  FIG. 21 . The primary components of the electronic circuit schematic  119   a  include a power supply circuit schematic  120   a , a power switch circuit schematic  122   a , an ECU circuit schematic  124   a , a photocell circuit schematic  126   a  and an LED light circuit schematic  128   a . The power supply circuit schematic  120   a  comprises a  12   v  cell  120   b  with a cell positive side  120   c  and a cell negative side  120   d . The power switch circuit schematic  122   a  comprises a SPST (single pole single throw) power switch SW  122   b  with a ON-OFF pole  122   c  and a power pole  122   d . The ECU circuit schematic  124   a  comprises a solder pad BATTERY+  124   b , a current limiting resistor R 1  (680 ohms)  124   c , a parallel bypass resistor R 2  ( 220   k  ohms)  124   d , a reed switch RS  124   e  and a solder pad LED+  124   f . The photocell circuit schematic  126   a  comprises a photocell sensor PS  126   b  with a top connection  126   c  and a bottom connection  126   d . The LED light circuit schematic  128   a  comprises a light emitting diode LED  128   b  with an anode+  128   c  and a cathode−  128   d.    
     The primary components of the electronic circuit listed above are connected together, starting with the 12v cell  120   b  comprising a cell positive side  120   c  that connects to the SPST (single pole single throw) power switch SW  122   b  at the power pole  122   d  and the ON-OFF pole  122   c  of the SPST power switch SW  122   b  connects to the solder pad BATTERY+  124   b , which connects to one side of the photocell sensor PS  126   b  and to one side of the parallel bypass resistor R 2   124   d . The other side of the photocell sensor PS  126   b  and the parallel bypass resistor R 2   124   d  are both connected to the current limiting resistor R 1   124   c , which connects to the reed switch RS  124   e  that is connected to the solder pad LED+  124   f . The solder pad LED+  124   f  connects to the anode+  128   c  of the light emitting diode LED  128   b  and the cathode−  128   a  of the light emitting diode LED  128   b  connects to the cell negative side  120   d  of the 12v cell  120   b  to form a complete circuit for current to flow. 
     Operation 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a handgun automatic electronic sighting system  18  featuring three primary components that include an automatic activation holster  20  containing an electronic sighting apparatus  24  that is mounted on a conventional 45 caliber handgun  26 . 
     The handgun automatic electronic sighting system  18  provides means for fast deployment of the conventional handgun  26  from the automatic activation holster  20  that automatically activates an illuminated front sight  31 - FIG. 2A  on the electronic sighting apparatus  24 , providing the user a means for faster front sight  47 - FIG. 7  acquisition and alignment to the target in both day and night conditions. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , activation magnet  21  functions to break current flow in electronic operation circuit  40   a  ( FIG. 21 ) and power off the LED when correctly aligned with electronic sighting apparatus  24  within the automatic activation holster  20 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 2A , the electronic sighting apparatus  24  consists of a sight rib housing unit  30  with an electronic operation circuit  40   a - FIG. 21 . Electronic sighting apparatus features  25   a  include an illuminating front sight  31 , an interchangeable rear sight  33 , a  12   v  battery power source  36 , a power switch  37  and a driving circuit  38  with a photocell  39 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the front sight section  41  on the sight rib housing unit  30  contains components of the illuminating front sight  31  that include a front sight compartment  51  with a front sight unit installed  54 .  FIG. 5  is an enlarged right side cross sectional view  49   a  of the LED light installed  49  in the front sight unit  46 ; comprising a front sight  47  containing a LED compartment  47   a  that houses the red LED  35  flush against an aperture  47   d.    
     The illuminating front sight  31  is designed to provide the user a means for faster front sight  47  acquisition and alignment to the target point of aim for a proper sight picture necessary to attain point of impact accuracy of a fired round in both day and night conditions. The illuminating front sight  31  preferably incorporates the use of a red LED  35  as the light source as red light is best suited for supplemental lighting in a night vision environment to reduce the recovery time of the eyes back to night vision. Red light does not negatively affect a viewer&#39;s vision as much as do other colors of light. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , the power source section  43  on the sight rib housing unit  30  contains components of the 12v battery power source  36 ; including a battery compartment  68  with a battery installed  76  and a power switch compartment  64  with a power switch installed  73 .  FIG. 13  shows an enlarged front view  76   a  of the battery installed  76  and an enlarged side cross sectional view  73   a  of the power switch installed  73 . 
     The enlarged front view  76   a  shows the battery installed  76  consisting of a battery clip holder (positive)  77  and a battery clip holder (negative)  78 , each comprising a clip holder screw hole  79   a  that is aligned to a clip holder screw anchor hole  70 — FIG. 10A  and secured to the inside back  68   d — FIG. 10A  of the battery compartment  68  with a clip holder screw  79 . 
       FIG. 13A  is an enlarged front view  73   b  of the power switch installed  73  in the power switch compartment  64  recessed in the back end  63  of the sight rib housing unit  30 , showing the two different operation positions of the power switch toggle  74  on the power switch  37 , identified as the toggle position OFF  74   a  or as the toggle position ON  74   b.    
       FIG. 14  is a right side view of the electronic sighting apparatus  24  showing a front view of a battery cover fastened  82   a  to the battery compartment frame  69 — FIG. 15B  of the battery compartment  68 . The battery cover  82  is designed to hold the battery installed  76 — FIG. 14  securely in place within the battery compartment  68  and to provide the user easy access to the battery compartment  68  for the purpose of initially installing or replacing the battery installed  76  as needed. 
       FIG. 15B  is a front exploded view  82   d  illustrating the components utilized as a means of fastening the battery cover  82  to the battery compartment  68 .  FIG. 15B  shows the battery compartment  68  comprising the battery compartment frame  69  with two cover screw anchor holes  69   a  and a thumbnail slot  69   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 18A , the driving circuit section  44  of the sight rib housing unit  30  contains components of the driving circuit  38 , including an ECU compartment  88  with a ECU installed  104  and a photocell compartment  90  with a photocell installed  106 .  FIG. 18A  is an enlarged bottom view  104   a  of the ECU installed  104  within the ECU compartment  88  and an enlarged bottom view  106   a  of the photocell installed  106  within the photocell compartment  90 . The enlarged bottom view  104   a  of the ECU installed  104  shows the bottom  92   c  of the ECU  92  facing outward from the ECU compartment  88 , displaying the printed circuit board  94  with a battery positive solder pad  95  and a LED positive solder pad  102 . 
       FIG. 18  is an enlarged top view  92   b  of the ECU  92 , showing the ECU electronic components  93  comprising a printed circuit board  94  with a current limiting resistor R 1  (680-ohms)  96 , a parallel bypass resistor R 2  (270 k-ohms)  98 , and a reed switch RS  99 . The printed circuit board  94  (top  92   d —FIG.  19 )—mechanically supports and electrically connects the ECU electronic components  93 . The current Limiting Resistor R 1  (680-ohms)  96 —restricts the flow of current to limit the current passing through the LED  35 . The parallel Bypass Resistor R 2  (220 k-ohms)  98 —provide minimum current flow to operate the LED  35  in total darkness. Reed Switch RS  99 —operated by an applied magnetic field for automatic activation/deactivation of the electronic operation circuit  40   a . The contacts are normally closed and opened by bringing a magnet close to the switch. Once the magnet is pulled away, the reed switch RS  99  returns to closed position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18A , the enlarged bottom view  106   a  of the photocell installed  106  shows the photocell  39  received into the bottom  90   a  of the photocell compartment  90  with the bottom  106   c  of the photocell  39  facing upward, displaying the photocell top lead wire  108  and the photocell bottom lead wire  108   a  connecting the photocell  39  to the printed circuit board  94  of the ECU  92 . The electronic sighting apparatus  24  incorporates the use of the photocell  39  to provide a way for automatically adjusting the intensity of light output from the LED  35  in correlation to the amount of ambient light available. The photocell  39  functions as a variable resistor in the electronic operation circuit  40   a — FIG. 21 . When the amount of ambient light received by the photocell  39  increases, the photocell  39  responds by reducing the level of resistance, which in turn, increases the level of current flow in the electronic operation circuit  40   a , causing the LED  35  light output intensity to increase. When the amount of ambient light received by the photocell  39  decreases, the photocell  39  responds by increasing the level of resistance, which in turn, reduces the level of current flow in the electronic operation circuit  40   a , causing the LED  35  light output intensity to decrease. When there is no ambient light available (total darkness), the electronic sighting apparatus  24  is designed to produce a minimum amount of light output from the LED  35 . 
       FIG. 19  is an enlarged top view  106   b  of the photocell installed  106  showing the top  106   d  of the photocell  39  that has been received into the photocell compartment  90 . Also shown in  FIG. 19 , is a photocell ½ shutter  107  and a photocell ¼ shutter  107   a  that are designed with an adhesive side to be placed on the top  106   d  of the photocell  39  to decrease the amount of ambient light coming into the photocell  39 , which in turn causes the LED  35  light output intensity to decrease. 
       FIG. 20  and  FIG. 20A  are both illustrations showing different views of the components utilized as a means of mounting  45  the electronic sighting apparatus  24  to the top of the gun slide  28  on a conventional 45 caliber handgun  26 .  FIG. 20  is a right side cutaway view  45   a  of a means of mounting  45  showing the electronic sighting apparatus  24  comprising four bolt holes  110  with a counter bore  112  that are aligned with four ⅜″ drill holes  116  on the top of the gun slide  28 ; ⅜″ anchor bolts  114  are inserted thru the bolt holes  110  into the ⅜″ drill holes  116  and tightened to hold the electronic sighting apparatus  24  securely in place to the top of the gun slide  28  on the conventional 45 caliber handgun  26 .  FIG. 20A  is a top view  45   b  of a means of mounting  45  showing the electronic sighting apparatus  24  having received four ⅜″ anchor bolts  114  into the bolt holes  110  with a counter bore  112 . 
     Once both the SPST power switch SW  122   b  and reed switch RS  124   e  are activated, current is allowed to flow through the completed circuit. Following conventional current flow; starting at the 12v cell  120   b : Current flows from the cell positive side  120   c  through the SPST power switch SW  122   b  and through the solder pad BATTERY+  124   b  to one side (bottom connection  126   d ) of the photocell sensor PS  126   b  and to one side of the parallel bypass resistor R 2   124   d . With ambient light available, current flow continues through both, the photocell sensor PS  126   b  and parallel bypass resistor R 2   124   d , then through a common parallel point (top connection  126   c ) to one side of the current limiting resistor R 1   124   c . Without ambient light available, current flow continues only through the parallel bypass resistor R 2   124   d , then through the common parallel point (top connection  126   c ) to one side of the current limiting resistor R 1   124   c . The current then flows through the current limiting resistor R 1   124   c  through the reed switch RS  124   e  and through the solder pad LED+  124   f . Current flow continues through the anode+  128   c  and the cathode−  128   d  of the light emitting diode LED  128   b  to the cell negative side  120   d  of the 12v cell  120   b , which completes the circuit. 
     The photocell sensor PS  126   b  functions as a variable resistor automatically adjusting the intensity of light output from the light emitting diode LED  128   b  in correlation to the amount of ambient light available. Increased ambient light decreases resistance the photocell sensor PS  126   b  imposes, causing more current flow through the light emitting diode LED  128   b , increasing the brightness. Decreased ambient light increases resistance, causing less current to flow, decreasing the brightness. 
     When there is no ambient light available, as in total darkness, the photocell sensor PS  126   b  resistance reaches 6.7 megohms and shuts off all current flow through the photocell sensor PS  126   b  to the light emitting diode LED  128   b . This causes the current to flow through the parallel bypass resistor R 2   124   d  to a common parallel point (top connection  126   c ) to one side of the current limiting resistor R 1   124   c . The purpose of the parallel bypass resistor R 2   124   d  is to maintain a minimum amount of current flow to the light emitting diode LED  128   b  when the photocell sensor PS  126   b  shuts down. The purpose of the current limiting resistor R 1   124   c  is to protect the light emitting diode LED  128   b  from overcurrent. 
     The handgun automatic electronic sighting system  18  provides a method for faster front sight  47 — FIG. 24  acquisition and sight alignment to the target in both day and night conditions. The handgun automatic electronic sighting system  18  can be used as a non-electronic device for standard sight shooting by leaving the power switch  37  off. Using  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24  as a reference, the operation steps to use the Handgun Automatic Electronic Sighting System  18  are as follows:
         1. Attach the automatic activation holster  20  to your belt, using the provided belt mount  22 .   2. Slide the power switch toggle  74  to toggle position ON  74   b.      3. Grip the handgun  26 ; pull straight up until clear of the automatic activation holster  20 . NOTE: Once the electronic sighting apparatus  24  is drawn from the automatic activation holster  20 , a luminous red dot  35   a  in the front sight  47  is activated.   4. Raise the electronic sighting apparatus  24  to your line of sight (eye level) with the target  62   d.      5. Acquire the luminous red dot  35   a  in the front sight  47  and align to the target  62   d.      6. Squeeze the trigger.   7. When the electronic sighting apparatus  24  is returned to the automatic activation holster  20  the luminous red dot  35   a  is deactivated.       

     Although the description above contains many specific descriptions, materials, and dimensions, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.