Wireless controlled devices for a weapon and wireless control thereof

A system and method related to weapon mounted auxiliary devices that can be operated by wireless remote control, and a remote controller by which an operator can operate the auxiliary devices remotely by wireless control. This includes all means of remote control of the auxiliary devices to include but not be limited to radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) energy, all other wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, and acoustic, pressure, or sound waves. Control of the auxiliary devices can range from simple activation to wireless control of all auxiliary device controls and adjustments. This can also include a single remote control device that can operate one or more weapon mounted auxiliary devices.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to weapon mounted auxiliary devices, and more particularly to control of such auxiliary devices.

BACKGROUND

There has been a dramatic increase in the number and types of auxiliary weapon mounted devices in military, law enforcement and consumer applications. These include passive devices such as night vision image intensifier devices, thermal imaging systems, and day optics; and active devices such as visible laser aiming devices, infrared laser aiming devices, infrared illuminators, laser range finders, and visible illuminators (e.g., weapon-mounted flashlights). All of these devices can generally be referred to as auxiliary devices. To date these auxiliary devices have been operated by a combination of switches and controls mounted on the devices themselves and by cable switches. The cable switches enable the operator to operate the weapon mounted device, while holding the weapon in a normal firing position. The cable switches arrangement is typically more convenient than the device's integral switches. Cable switches, however, can have cables that are cumbersome. If not routed properly, the cables can interfere with operation of the weapon, snag on objects or can be melted or otherwise damaged if they come into contact with hot or mechanically moving parts of the weapon. This can be exacerbated by the fact that individual weapon mounted auxiliary devices are produced for use on multiple weapon systems and are normally supplied with just a single remote cable switch with a fixed cable length. As a result, if the length of the cable is appropriate for a large weapon it is usually so long as to require unique routing in order not to have excessive slack and become a snag hazard when mounted on a smaller weapon. If the cable length is suitable for use on a small weapon, it is normally too short for use on a large weapon necessitating the operator to obtain a new cable switch. Further complicating the situation is that different operators mount their auxiliary devices in different positions on the weapon and desire to have the activation switch in unique positions based on individual shooting style. This results in no one cable length being optimal in all or even most situations.

This situation can be further complicated with multiple auxiliary devices being mounted on a single weapon at one time. As the quantity of auxiliary devices on a weapon increases, the number of cable switches multiplies causing increased cable management problems and adding appreciable weight, reliability issues, and snag hazards.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a wireless control system includes an auxiliary device configured to be mounted on a weapon and a remote control device that wirelessly controls the auxiliary device. In another aspect, the wireless control system includes the weapon. In yet another aspect, the auxiliary device includes a light generating device. The light generating device includes an enclosure, a power source, a light source, a receiver, and a device function controller. The enclosure is configured to be mounted on a weapon. The receiver is in electrical communication with the power source, and the receiver is configured to receive a first wireless signal. The device function controller is in electrical communication with the power source, the receiver, and the light source. The device function controller is configured to control the light source based on the first wireless signal.

Other embodiments including any of the aspects above may also include one or more of the following features:

The wireless control system can include a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter communicate with each other using radio frequency, infrared waves, a sound wave, a pressure wave, or other wireless techniques. The receiver may also be sensitive to a unique wavelength, pulse pattern, or signal strength. The auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can include an encoder configured to encode the first wireless signal. The auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can include a decoder configured to decode the first wireless signal. There can also be a second wireless signal, for example, transmitted by a transmitter. The second wireless signal can include status information of the remote control device and/or the auxiliary device.

The remote control device can be matched to the auxiliary device. A first key module is associated with the auxiliary device and a second key module is associated with the remote control device and communicates with the first key module. In certain embodiments, the first key module is a key generation module and the second key module is a key decoder module or vice versa. In other embodiments, the first key module is a key decoder module and the second key module is a key generation module or vice versa. The auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can include a key receiver and a key module, where the key receiver and the key module are cooperating to authenticate wireless signals received from an authorized source. The auxiliary device can include a receiver module to enable the remote control device to control the auxiliary device

The remote control device includes a switch configured to control a function of the auxiliary device. Examples of the function include a state of the device (e.g., on/off), brightness level of light, level of sound, or level of power consumption. The remote control device switch can be configured to control a second function of the auxiliary device. The remote control device may be integral, permanently attached, or removably affixed to the weapon. The switch may also control a function of another auxiliary device. The remote control device may include more than one switch and include at least one of the following: a device selection switch, an activation switch, and a control switch. The switch can be a rotary or linear switch, a button, or a joystick.

The wireless control system may also include a display. The display may be configured to display a menu to select the weapon mounted auxiliary device or set a mode of operation. The display can be included on the remote control device

The auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can include an indicator configured to indicate a status of a power source associated with a transmitter device transmitting a wireless signal to the remote control device and/or the auxiliary device (e.g. light generating device). The wireless signal can include a portion indicating a status of a power source associated with a transmitter device transmitting the wireless signal to/from the auxiliary device (e.g., the light generating device).

In another example, a second transmitter is associated with the auxiliary device, and a second receiver is associated with remote control device. In this example, the auxiliary device can transmit information to the remote control device. The information can include status information and commands. The information may include ready status, operational status, existing operational modes, target, range, azimuth, elevation data, self-diagnostics results, or battery life. The second receiver and second transmitter can communicate with each other using radio frequency, infrared waves, a sound wave, a pressure wave, or other wireless techniques.

In another example, the wireless control system includes a cable that is removably coupled to the remote control device or the auxiliary device. The transmitter can be disabled when the cable is engaged, for example, when the cable is coupled to both the remote control device and the auxiliary device. In another example, the wireless control system includes a mode of operation to limit detection. In order to limit detection, low RF power, spread spectrum technology, frequency hopping signals, or burst transmissions are used. The auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can include a watertight enclosure, which in some examples is watertight at depths greater than 50 feet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a wireless control system100for wireless control of an auxiliary device, for example an illuminator102, mounted on a weapon106. Wireless control system100includes illuminator102and remote control device104. Illuminator102is shown mounted on a weapon106and includes a receiver108, which in operation receives signals wirelessly from remote control device104. Remote control device104includes a transmitter110and a switch112. Switch112can be, for example, any device capable of making or breaking an electric contact. For example, by depressing switch112, an operator turns transmitter110on and off, thereby controlling illuminator102.

The weapon106comprises a weapon frame with rails or grooves130, located in and extending along at least a portion of the weapon frame, preferably parallel with an axis134of the barrel of weapon106. The weapon frame also includes a slot (or other recess), for example, an elongated transverse slot (not shown), aligned substantially perpendicular to the rails130. The slot is located between a trigger guard and the forward most portion of the frame. The illuminator102, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, also comprises a housing and structural members extending therefrom, e.g., rigid elongated projections138, extending along at least a portion of the illuminator102. In one example, the rigid elongated projections138comprise tongues configured to be compatible with grooves130of weapon106. For example, the longitudinal tongues of projections138may be spaced and sized such that they fit snugly within the grooves130, but are capable of being slid therealong. Together, the rails130and projections138cooperate to function as a first positioning mechanism.

The illuminator102also includes a projection, e.g., spring-loaded elongated bar142(FIG. 4). The spring-loaded bar142is illustrated as being oriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal tongues of projections138, but other orientations are possible. Preferably, spring-loaded bar142has a geometry that is complimentary to elongated transverse slot described above. Spring-loaded bar142has one or more ends146protruding through an opening formed in a portion of illuminator102(e.g., an upright extension projecting from the housing). A spring or other biasing mechanism preferably biases bar142upwardly. In operation, when the illuminator102is being slid relative to the weapon106, a portion of the weapon106may overcome the bias force of the spring, until the illuminator102is at a predetermined position with respect to the weapon, for example when the spring-loaded bar142is positioned in alignment with the slot, whereupon, the spring causes the bar142to project into slot to fix the illuminator102in the predetermined position relative to the weapon106. The engagement of bar142and the slot forms a second positioning mechanism and secures illuminator102onto weapon106to prevent inadvertent removal or misalignment of illuminator102due to external influences such as recoil. The first and second positioning mechanisms, and other alternatives, are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,901, titled “Auxiliary Device for a Weapon and Attachment Thereof,” issued on Feb. 13, 2001, and incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2illustrates system100depicting illuminator102and remote control device104in more detail. In addition to switch112and transmitter110, remote control device104includes an encoder202and a power source822. As illustrated, in addition to receiver108, illuminator102also includes a decoder204, a device function controller206, a power source822, and a light source820. Further, the illuminator102may have a manual switch to control the illuminator without the remote control device104. When an operator presses or actuates switch112, encoder202encodes the signal and sends the encoded signal to transmitter110, for example a radio frequency (RF) transmitter (e.g., 10 MHz-1 GHz). Remote control device104communicates with illuminator102by sending signals210from transmitter110to receiver108. Receiver108receives signal210and sends the signal to decoder204, which decodes the signal. Decoder204sends a decoded signal to device function controller206allowing wireless control of illuminator102. For example, device function controller206can be a relay causing light source820to turn off and on depending on the state of the relay. While system100may use an RF signal for wireless communication, infrared waves, sound waves, pressure waves, and the like can also be used to transmit a signal. Due to the possibility of adverse environmental conditions in which system100may be used, the remote control device and the illuminator102may be housed in a watertight enclosure.

In one example, communication between remote control device104and the illuminator102is sufficiently unique so that signals from unintended remote control devices104do not affect other unintended auxiliary devices on an individual operator's weapon or a nearby operator's weapon. For example, if two soldiers are near each other, the first soldier does not want his illuminator102to activate in response to a signal from the second soldier's remote control device104. In some examples, the techniques described herein to make an auxiliary device unique to a remote control device104can be used for a system with a master remote control device that individually controls a plurality of auxiliary devices.

The uniqueness between remote control device104and illuminator102can be accomplished in several ways. One such way is to provide a matched set including a remote control device104and an illuminator102. For example, a manufacturer can produce a remote control device104and an illuminator device102as a matched set to operate at a unique frequency or with a unique device code that prefaces the code directing a particular operation of illuminator102.

FIG. 3illustrates another way to obtain uniqueness between the remote control device104and illuminator102. Remote control device104includes a key module302, a key transmitter304, a synchronization counter306, and a unique device code308. Similarly, illuminator102includes a key module310, a key receiver312, a synchronization counter314, and a memory316. In this example, key module302is a key generation module and key module310is a key decoding module. Upon entering a keying mode, a key transmitter304in remote control device104transmits a signal320to establish the unique frequency or unique device code308with illuminator102. Illuminator102receives the key and key module310decodes the key. Illuminator102stores the decoded device code in memory316. After the initial keying, remote control device104transmits the code for the auxiliary device and a key from the synchronization counter306on the next transmission. In this fashion, the keying code is different for each use because after each use synchronization counter306and synchronization counter314each update the key. In this example, illuminator102only responds to a signal with the correct key. While in this example, key module302in remote control device104is a key generation module and key module310in illuminator102is a key decoding module, the modules can be switched such that key module302is a key decoding module and key module310is a key generating module. Such an implementation can be advantageous for example, when illuminator102transmits signals to remote control device104, as described in more detail below.

Keying allows an operator to match illuminator102to remote control device104. In a case where remote control device104has not been used with illuminator102, remote control device104initially transmits a unique code to illuminator102. For example, the code may consist of the binary pattern 11001. Illuminator102receives this unique code (11001) and stores the code in memory316. Illuminator102responds to a signal if the signal includes this unique code. Remote control device104also sends a number from synchronization counter306. For example, synchronization counter306sends the number284to illuminator102and updates synchronization counter306to285(i.e., increments by one). Illuminator102stores the received number (284) in memory316and updates the synchronization counter to285. On subsequent transmissions, remote control device104sends a signal to illuminator102that includes the unique code (11001) and the updated synchronization count (285). Key-module310in illuminator102confirms the unique code and the correct synchronization count. Upon confirmation of the correct code and count, illuminator102responds to control signal320from remote control device104. Although this example follows a simple algorithm of incrementing the counters306and314by one, more sophisticated algorithms can be used.

Using a unique keying and rolling encryption algorithm eliminates unwanted activation of illuminator102by a different or other operator's remote control device104. Also, by incorporating a provision for keying unique frequency or unique pulse, a particular remote control device104can be used to control different devices at different times. This is advantageous because new auxiliary devices can be issued to an operator without concern for the unique remote control device104the operator may have, and if a remote control device104is lost or becomes unserviceable, a replacement can be issued with out concern for the specific auxiliary devices the operator possesses. The operator only needs to key the illuminator102with the remote control device104.

FIG. 4illustrates a wired communication mode of operation including a remote control device104with a control switch112and transmitter110, and an illuminator102, including receiver108and a port402. Some situations do not allow the use of wireless communication, for example in combat when an enemy might detect wireless transmissions, thus, compromising the location of the operator. For such instances where an operator desires wired communication, illuminator102includes communication port402. A cable404connects illuminator102and remote control device104. When communication port402is engaged (i.e. cable404is inserted) system100disables wireless transmitter110and illuminator102receives control signals through cable404. When a user desires wireless control of illuminator102, cable404can be removed.

FIG. 5illustrates a control system800for remote control of an illuminator102and an auxiliary device120, for example a laser, mounted on a weapon106A. The control system800may include a remote control device104, the illuminator102, and the auxiliary device120. In one embodiment, the remote control device104communicates to the illuminator102and the auxiliary device120without a cable and in another embodiment the remote control device104communicates to the illuminator102and the auxiliary device120with a cable (not shown). The illuminator102may be mounted on the weapon106A and includes a receiver108, which in operation receives signals wirelessly from remote control device104allowing control of illuminator102by the remote control device104. Remote control device104includes a transmitter110, a first switch112A, and a second switch112B. For example, by depressing switch112A, an operator may cause the transmitter110to send a signal210A (seeFIG. 8) to the receiver108in the illuminator102, causing light source820to turn on or off. By depressing switch112B, the operator may cause the transmitter110to send a signal210B to the receiver122in the auxiliary device120to controllable device824. Controllable device824may be a visible laser aiming devices, infrared laser aiming devices, infrared illuminators, laser range finders, visible illuminators, range finder or camera, for example a CCD or a thermal imager. One or more auxiliary devices, for example a visible illuminator and a visible laser aiming device, may be housed in a common enclosure. The illuminator102, auxiliary device120, and the remote control device104may each be powered by a power source822, for example a battery. The operator can secure the remote control device104to the weapon in a convenient location with mechanical fasteners, for example hook and loop type fasteners, adhesive, or both.

A continuous actuation of switch112A may cause transmitter110to transmit a signal210A to the receiver108in the illuminator102causing the light source820to turn on and stay on as long as the switch112A is actuated and release of the switch112A may cause the light source820to turn off. In one embodiment, the transmitter110transmits continuously while the switch is actuated and in another embodiment, the transmitter110transmits a first signal when the switch is actuated and a second signal when the switch is released. The first signal and the second signal may be the same. A controller in the illuminator102may latch the light source on when it receives the first signal and unlatch the light source when it receive the second signal. Likewise, a continuous actuation of switches112B may cause transmitter110to transmit a signal210B to the receiver122in the auxiliary device120causing it to respond appropriately. For example, if auxiliary device120is a laser, continuous actuation of switch112B can cause the laser to turn on and stay on as long as the switch112B is actuated and release of the switch112B may cause the laser to turn off. Alternatively, a single actuation of switch112A may cause the light source820to latch on and a subsequent actuation of switch112A may cause the light source820to turn off. Likewise, a single actuation of switch112B may cause device824to latch on and a subsequent actuation of switch112A may cause device824to turn off.

Alternatively, one or more actuations of switch112A or112B within a defined time period, for example two actuations within 50 msec, may cause the light source820or device824to latch on and a subsequent actuation of switch112A or112B may cause the light source820or device824to turn off.

FIGS. 6,7A, and7B illustrate examples where multiple switches on remote control device104control multiple functions of illuminator102, as well as multiple functions of multiple other auxiliary devices. In the case of controlling multiple functions of a particular illuminator102, illuminator102has a receiver108capable of detecting and differentiating signals having, for example, different wavelengths, different pulse codes, or other uniquely coded signals. While inFIGS. 1-4, remote control device104includes a single switch112and transmitter110, remote control device104may include more than one switch112, as shown inFIGS. 5,6and7. In such a case, activation of each switch results in transmission of a unique signal. The signals can be unique in terms of wavelength, pulse pattern or other means of signal coding.

In the case of a remote control device104controlling multiple auxiliary devices, the auxiliary devices are equipped with receivers108receptive to unique wavelengths, unique pulse patterns, or other unique signal coding. In such case, activation of a particular switch on the remote control unit results in activation of a unique auxiliary device.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 6remote control device104includes a rotary switch602. A user selects a particular auxiliary device using a rotary switch602. In this example, the user has selected “B” as indicated by the position of rotary switch602. Remote control device104also includes switches604,606, and608. These switches control the particular functions of the selected auxiliary device. These functions may include for example the state of the device, brightness of light, level of sound, and level of power consumption.

For an illustrative example, device “B” is an auxiliary light with three levels: off; low; and high. The user selects the particular auxiliary light by turning rotary switch602to position B. Each button604,606, and608controls a level of the selected device. Button604turns the light off, button606turns the light on low, and button608turns the light on high. If the user wants to turn the light on low, the user sets rotary switch602to position B and presses button604. These actions cause only auxiliary device “B” to turn on to a low level.

In another example, as shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B, remote control104includes a menu based selection system that appears on a display702and responds to user input. InFIG. 7A, the user selects a desired auxiliary device by pressing button704,706, or708. For example, if the user desires to control a light-generating unit, the user selects choice A by pressing button704. A second menu, as shown inFIG. 7B, allows the user to select the desired operation of the auxiliary device. For example, if the user desires to turn the light on low, the user selects choice A by pressing button704.

The examples above show switch112to be either a button or a rotary switch, but switch112can also be a joystick type control switch used to select and then scroll through a series of menus on a display to enable the operator to preset controls and performance parameters as well as a device or devices to be activated. Pressing one of a limited number of buttons on the remote control device activates each particular auxiliary device in a prescribed fashion, or pressing a single button can cause a series of events to occur by one or a multitude of auxiliary devices. Alternatively, the display702may be touch sensitive and allow the operator to make selections directly on the display.

In the preceding examples, the remote control device104transmits a signal210to the illuminator102to control the operation of illuminator102.FIG. 8illustrates a two-way communication wireless control system800including a remote control device104, an illuminator102, and an auxiliary device120that may be mounted to a weapon. The remote control device104transmits and receives signals or information to the illuminator102and the auxiliary device120. Illuminator102includes both a receiver108and a transmitter810, auxiliary device120includes both a receiver122and a transmitter810, and remote control device104includes a transmitter110and a receiver802. Alternatively, the receiver and transmitter of any of the devices (e.g., illuminator102, remote control device104, and/or auxiliary device120) may be combined into a transceiver or a microcontroller, for example a model CC1010 microcontroller from Chipcon of Norway. Illuminator102may also include a decoder204, a device function controller206, a device status module814, an encoder812, a power source822, for example a battery, an indicator828(e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or an audible sound generator), and a light source820capable of generating visible or invisible light. An LED may be capable of communicating a visual signal to an operator in one or more colors. Auxiliary device120may also include a decoder204, a device function controller206, a device status module814, an encoder812, a power source822, an indicator828, and a controllable device824. Remote control device104may also include a first switch112A, a second switch112B, an encoder202, a decoder804, a status display806, and a power source822.

Remote control device104, illuminator102, and auxiliary device120may utilize key modules in order to assign a switch on the remote control device104to the illuminator102or the auxiliary device120. For example, illuminator102may be assigned to respond to switch112A and auxiliary device120may be assigned to respond to switch112B, or vice versa.

The signal210may include a family or customer identifier, a serial number, and one or more commands. The family or customer identifier and the serial number may be hard coded at the factory. The family or customer identifier allows illuminators and auxiliary devices to only respond to a particular family or customer remote control. The signal210may utilize rolling codes and encryption to prevent unauthorized control of illuminators and auxiliary devices. Communication between the remote control device104, the illuminator102, and the auxiliary device120may utilize a lower bandwidth to transmit ready status, operational status, and operational mode and utilize a higher bandwidth to transmit range, azimuth, and elevational data, self-diagnostic results, and video. The data, including the video, may be transmitted to an eyepiece that is part of a day optics and/or night vision optics.

Receiver802in remote control device104receives information816from illuminator102and auxiliary device120. Such information may include, for example, ready status, operational status, existing operational modes, target range-azimuth-elevation data, results of self-diagnostics, remaining battery life or other information that is beneficial for an operator to have at the remote control device. Such information can also advise remote control device104of a particular situation or condition such that remote control device104can direct illuminator102to operate in a particular mode.

For example, illuminator102can be a battery-operated light. An operator activates the light by pressing the switch112A on remote control device104. When the operator presses switch112A, encoder202encodes the signal and transmitter110sends a signal210A to illuminator102. Receiver108receives signal210A, decoder204decodes the signal210A, and the device function controller206turns on the light source820. After using the light for an extended period, the battery may begin to run low. At this point, using device status module814, illuminator102senses the low battery and encodes a signal using encoder812. Transmitter810sends a signal816to receiver802. Decoder804decodes signal816and displays the status on the status display806of the remote control device104. This feedback allows the user to know the battery is low and adjust the usage of illuminator102accordingly. Data from the illuminator102and the auxiliary device120may be displayed in the status display806in the remote control device104or an eyepiece that is part of a day optics and/or night vision optics.

When the output voltage of the power source822in the remote control device104drops below a predetermined value, the transmitter110can send a “low battery” signal to the illuminator102and/or the auxiliary device120. The “low battery” condition may be sensed by a suitable circuit. The “low battery” signal can be communicated, visually or audibly, to the operator through the indicator828. The indicator828may be caused to stay on continuously, blink, or change color, or make an audible tone to communicate the “low battery” condition to the operator. Alternatively, the “low battery” condition can be communicated to the operator through indicator828on the remote control device104. The indicator828advantageously enables the wireless control system800to notify the operator that due to a low power source, the wireless system800may not be or may become less than fully functional (e.g., actuating a button on the remote device104may no longer cause a change to the state of the auxiliary device120). This allows the operator to recharge/replace the power source822or to switch to manual (e.g., non-wireless) portions of the system800to perform the desired operations.

In one embodiment, the auxiliary device is a remotely controllable camera. The camera may be mounted on a weapon to allow the operator to survey an area without placing his head in harms way. A remote control device allows the camera to pan, tilt, and zoom. Data from the auxiliary device may be transmitted to a display on the remote control device or an eyepiece that is part of a day optics and/or night vision optics.

Remote control device104can communicate with a global positioning system (GPS) mounted on an operator/soldier. Remote control device104can be wired or wireless to the GPS and can be mounted on the operator or on the weapon. The operator can point the laser on a target and transmit distance and angular position (as determined from a compass) from operator's position to assist in determining target's global position. The information can be displayed in day optics and/or night vision optics. Likewise, the GPS unit can communicate target angular position to the operator for ease in target acquisition.

In other examples, it may be desired that personnel, other than the operator, not detect the wireless signal or other communication between the remote control device104and the auxiliary device. For this reason, system100includes the capability to operate at low RF power levels, use spread spectrum technology, use frequency hopping signals, or use burst transmissions, all of which may reduce the possibility of unwanted detection.

While the preceding examples have shown remote control device104to be separate from weapon106to which illuminator102is attached, the remote control device104can be integrated, for example, directly into the rear pistol grip, forward pistol grip, trigger grip and/or upper receiver and lower receiver of the weapon. Remote control device104can essentially be integrated into any area that is convenient for the operator to access switch112to remotely control illuminator102. Weapons106can include both lightweight pistols, rifles, and machine guns, heavier portable weapons, and fixed installation weapons.

WhileFIGS. 1-8are described using an illuminator102, the wireless control system can be used with other auxiliary devices. For example, passive devices such as night vision image intensifier devices and thermal imaging systems, and active devices such as visible laser aiming devices, infrared laser aiming device, and infrared illuminators can be used.

FIGS. 9 and 10show some of the many alternative mounting mechanisms to mount an auxiliary device to a weapon.FIG. 9shows a mechanism that clamps onto the rails of the weapon. This mechanism is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,967, titled, Aiming Assistance Device for a Weapon, issued on Jul. 11, 1995, and is incorporated herein by reference.FIG. 10shows a mechanism that inserts into slots of the weapon. This mechanism is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,038, titled, Mounting Assembly for a Weapon, issued on Mar. 16, 2004, and is incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, the auxiliary device may utilize a mounting mechanism disclosed in military specification (e.g., MIL-STD-1913), a “rail grabber” mounting mechanism, screws, bolts, and/or the like.