Patent Description:
Sights have been developed in many different forms and utilizing various features. For example, sights have been developed that present the operator with a hologram which may assist the operator with locating and focusing on an object. For example, <CIT> is directed to a lightweight holographic sighting device for use on firearms and bows wherein optical elements are mounted separately upon a base. The <CIT> is directed to internal aiming components of an holo-graphic sight comprising an optical lens assembly featuring a laser diode, a reflector, a collimating reflector, a holographic grating and an image hologram. Next, the <CIT> is directed to a holographic image apparatus for use with a weapon, wherein optical elements are arranged on a carrier. Additionally, the <CIT> is directed to components within a holographic sighting device preferably for use on firearms, wherein optical components comprise a laser diode, a mirror, a reflective collimator, a holographic integrated grating, a filter de-vice and a hologram.

Disclosed herein is a holographic sight having the features of independent claim <NUM>. The unitary optical component carrier may comprise a single body with a plurality of receptacles for receiving optical components configured to generate a hologram. For example, the unitary optical component carrier may comprise a first receptacle configured to receive a laser diode, a second receptacle configured to receive a mirror, a third receptacle configured to receive a collimating optic, a fourth receptacle configured to receive a grating, and a fifth receptacle configured to receive an image hologram. Each of the receptacles may comprise a plurality of surfaces against which the corresponding optical component may be positioned. Light may be communicated from the laser diode to the image hologram via the mirror, collimating optic, and the grating. The unitary optical component carrier provides mechanical stability and maintains the relative positioning of the optical components received in the plurality of receptacles.

The unitary optical component carrier may be integrally formed with a support member that extends upward from a base. According to the invention, the support member is flexible, and the unitary optical component carrier may be moveable in horizontal and vertical directions relative to the base. The support member may comprise a first portion extending upward relative to the base, a second portion extending away from the unitary optical component carrier, a third portion extending toward and integrally formed with the unitary optical component carrier, and a joint formed between the second and third portion. The first portion may
be flexible and the unitary optical component carrier angularly moveable, with the first portion serving as a fulcrum, in a horizontal direction relative to the base. When horizontal pressure is applied to the unitary optical component carrier, the unitary optical component carrier may be angularly displaced horizontally with the first portion of the support member serving as a fulcrum. The joint between the second and third portions may be flexible and the unitary optical component carrier angularly moveable, with the joint serving as a fulcrum, in a vertical direction relative to the base. When vertical pressure is applied to the unitary optical component carrier, the unitary optical component carrier may be angularly displaced vertically with the joint portion serving as a fulcrum. The mechanical stability of the unitary optical component carrier maintains the relative positioning of the optical components during displacement.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described herein in the Detailed Description. Other features are described herein.

The foregoing summary and the following additional description of the illustrative embodiments may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying exemplary drawings. It is understood that the potential embodiments of the disclosed systems and implementations are not limited to those depicted. Furthermore, like reference numerals in the figures indicate like elements,.

Holographic sights may employ a series of optical components to generate a hologram for presentation to the operator. For example, a holographic sight may employ a laser diode that generates a light beam, a mirror that deflects the light beam, a collimating optic that receives the deflected light beam and directs collimated light, a grating that receives the collimated light and reflects light toward an image hologram that has been recorded with an image and which displays the image to the operator of the sight. Operation of the holographic sight requires that the optical components be in the intended relative positions, including distance and orientation, relative to each other. Even small variances from the intended position of even one of the optical components may negatively impact the generation of a hologram for use by the operator of the sight.

Holographic sights may position optical components relative to each other by affixing them to structures in a holographic sight. For example, optical components such as, for example, the collimating optic and the hologram image may be affixed to an interior of a holographic sight housing. The mirror may be positioned on a podium extending from a base to which the sight housing is attached. The grating may be affixed to a moveable plate configured to rotate relative to the sight housing. Because the optical components are attached to different components which themselves may be moveable relative to each other, it may be difficult to place the optical components in their intended positions even in a controlled manufacturing environment. Furthermore, movement of any of the structures to which the optical components are attached may move the optical components from their intended positions causing degradation in the reconstruction of the hologram. For example, in a scenario the housing to which the collimating optic and hologram are attached receives an external blow, the housing and the optical components attached to it may be moved by the external blow from their intended positions which may degrade the quality of the hologram.

The structures to which the optical components are attached may be made from different materials and may react differently to changes in temperature. For example, the holographic sight housing to which a collimating optic and hologram image may be attached may be made of steel and the podium to which the mirror component may be attached may be made from aluminum. Steel and aluminum may expand and contract in response to temperatures changes at different rates. The optical components attached to the structures, due to the different rates of thermal expansion and contraction, may be displaced from their intended positions which may degrade the quality of the hologram.

Applicant discloses herein a holographic sight that employs a unitary optical component carrier. The unitary optical component carrier may comprise a body with a plurality of receptacles that are configured to receive optical components therein and to maintain the relative position of the optical components. The unitary optical component carrier may comprise a first receptacle configured to receive a laser diode, a second receptacle configured to receive a mirror, a third receptacle configured to receive a collimating optic, a fourth receptacle configured to receive a grating, and a fifth receptacle configured to receive an image hologram. The unitary optical component carrier may be mechanically stable, and the optical components received therein may be maintained in their intended relative positions. Displacement of the optical components due to displacement of separate receiving structures is eliminated. The unitary optical component carrier may be made of a material that has a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and may, therefore, be resistant to displacement of the optical components due to changes in temperature.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict front and rear views, respectively, of an example holographic sight <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> depict side views of the example holographic sight <NUM>. The holographic sight <NUM> may be adapted to be removably attached to a suitable device such as, for example, a firearm. The holographic sight <NUM> may comprise a base <NUM> that is configured to releasably engage with corresponding components on a firearm in order to secure the holographic sight <NUM> to the firearm.

The holographic sight <NUM> comprises a front end <NUM> and a rear end <NUM>. An operator of the holographic sight <NUM> may look through a back window <NUM> situated at the rear end <NUM> and an aligned front window <NUM> situated at the front end <NUM>. The area visible to the operator through the back window <NUM> and the aligned front window <NUM> may be referred to as a viewing area. The holographic sight <NUM> is adapted to impose a holographic image in the viewing area defined by the back window <NUM> and the front window <NUM>.

An elevation adjustment control <NUM> may be accessible via an opening formed in a housing <NUM> of the holographic sight <NUM>. An azimuth adjustment control <NUM> may be accessible via an opening formed in the base <NUM>. An operator may turn the elevation adjustment control <NUM> to adjust the vertical location of the hologram as viewed from the back window <NUM>. An operator may turn the azimuth adjustment control <NUM> to adjust the horizontal location of the hologram as viewed from the back window <NUM>. A battery cap <NUM> may be removed to provide access to an opening configured to receive a battery which may provide electrical power to the holographic sight <NUM>.

A night vision button <NUM> and up-down buttons <NUM> may extend through apertures formed in the base <NUM>. An operator of the holographic sight may depress the night vision button <NUM> and/or the up/down buttons <NUM> to change the operating characteristics of the holographic sight <NUM>. For example, depressing a particular button or combination of buttons may cause the holographic sight <NUM> to change its on/off state, change the brightness of the hologram, and/or toggle between normal and night vision modes.

The holographic sight <NUM> may further comprise a hood <NUM>. The hood <NUM> may be positioned over and around a portion of the housing <NUM> and may be mechanically attached to the base <NUM>. The hood <NUM> may be configured to protect the housing <NUM> from impacts.

<FIG> provides an exploded view of the holographic sight <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the base <NUM> and may have a seal <NUM> positioned therebetween. The housing <NUM> envelopes components of the holographic sight <NUM>. For example, the housing <NUM> may envelop an optical chassis <NUM> which may also be mechanically coupled to the base <NUM>. The optical chassis <NUM> may comprise a rigid body with a plurality of receptacles for receiving optical components employed to create a holographic image. For example, the optical chassis <NUM> may comprise a body with receptacles for receiving each of a laser diode <NUM>, a mirror <NUM>, a collimating optic <NUM>, a grating <NUM>, and an image hologram <NUM>. The laser diode <NUM> may be configured to generate visible light which is directed toward and received at the mirror <NUM>. The mirror <NUM> may be configured to reflect light received from the laser diode <NUM> toward the collimating optic <NUM>. The collimating optic <NUM> may be configured to receive reflected light from the mirror <NUM> and to direct collimated light to the grating <NUM>. The collimating optic <NUM> may be, for example, transmissive or reflective. The grating <NUM>, which may be, for example, a diffraction grating, may be configured to receive the collimated light from the collimating optic <NUM> and to reflect diffracted light toward the image hologram <NUM>. The image hologram <NUM> may be configured to receive light from the grating <NUM> and project a hologram image which may be viewed in the viewing area of the holographic sight <NUM>. The holographic sight <NUM> displays the hologram to the operator who looks through the viewing area presented by the rear window <NUM>. The hologram image may be configured to assist an operator in locating and targeting an object. For example, the hologram may be a reticle, although other images may be employed.

A collar <NUM>, which may be referred to as a laser diode shoe, may be formed in a cylindrical shape with an interior surface having an associated interior diameter and an exterior surface having an associated exterior diameter. The laser diode <NUM> may be positioned within the collar <NUM> and form a frictional fit with the interior surface of the collar <NUM>. A ring <NUM> may be positioned around the exterior surface of the collar <NUM> and form a frictional fit with the exterior surface of the collar <NUM>. The ring <NUM> is received within a corresponding receptacle of the optical chassis <NUM>. The ring <NUM> may form a frictional fit with opposing walls comprised in the corresponding receptacle of the optical chassis <NUM>. A laser diode hold press may be used to apply pressure to the collar <NUM> during insertion of the laser diode <NUM>, the collar <NUM>, and the ring <NUM> into the corresponding receptacle of the optical chassis <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> further envelopes a bridge <NUM> which may be mechanically coupled to the base <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may form an opening <NUM> into which at least a portion of the first receptacle of the optical chassis <NUM> extends. An elevation adjuster assembly <NUM> and an azimuth adjuster assembly <NUM> may extend through openings <NUM> formed in the bridge <NUM> to engage portions of the first receptacle of the optical chassis <NUM>. The elevation adjustment control <NUM> may engage with the elevation adjuster assembly <NUM> via an opening or aperture <NUM> formed in the housing <NUM>. The opening or aperture <NUM> in the housing <NUM> may be formed to allow the elevation adjustment control <NUM> to engage with elevation adjuster assembly <NUM> without interference by the housing <NUM>. An operator of the holographic sight <NUM> may turn the elevation adjustment control <NUM>, which causes the elevation adjuster assembly <NUM> to increase or decrease the length of the assembly extending into the opening <NUM> formed by the bridge <NUM> and thereby increase or decrease a force applied to the first receptacle of the optical chassis <NUM>.

The azimuth adjustment control <NUM> engages with the azimuth adjuster assembly <NUM> via an opening <NUM> formed in the base <NUM>. The opening <NUM> in the base <NUM> may be formed to allow the azimuth adjustment control <NUM> to engage with azimuth adjuster assembly <NUM> without interference by the base <NUM>. An operator of the holographic sight <NUM> may turn the azimuth adjustment control <NUM>, which causes the azimuth adjuster assembly <NUM> to increase or decrease the length of the assembly extending into the opening <NUM> formed by the bridge <NUM> and thereby increase or decrease a force applied to the first receptacle of the optical chassis <NUM>,.

The housing <NUM> may further envelop a printed circuit board assembly <NUM> comprising electronics configured to power and control the holographic sight <NUM>. A night vision button <NUM> and up-down buttons <NUM> may extend through a spacer <NUM> to engage the printed circuit board assembly <NUM>. The night vision button <NUM> and the up-down buttons <NUM> may extend through corresponding openings in the base <NUM>. When an operator of the holographic <NUM> sight depresses the night vision button <NUM> and/or the up/down buttons <NUM>, the buttons may interface with the printed circuit board assembly <NUM> to change the operating characteristics of the holographic sight <NUM>. For example, depressing a particular button or combination of buttons may cause the printed circuit board assembly <NUM> to change the on/off state, change the brightness of the hologram, and/or toggle between normal and night vision modes.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of the example holographic sight <NUM> partially assembled with the housing <NUM>, hood <NUM>, and other elements removed. The optical chassis <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the base <NUM> using a suitable fastening technique such as, for example, using screws. The optical components comprising the laser diode <NUM>, the mirror <NUM>, the collimating optic <NUM>, the grating <NUM>, and the image hologram <NUM> may be received in receptacles of the optical chassis <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the base <NUM> using a suitable fastening technique such as, for example, using screws. A portion of the optical chassis <NUM> may extend into an opening <NUM> defined by the bridge and the base <NUM>. The elevation adjustment control <NUM> may interface with the elevation adjuster assembly <NUM> to apply force to a portion of the optical chassis <NUM> and thereby adjust the elevation of the optical chassis <NUM>. The azimuth adjustment control <NUM> may interface with the azimuth adjuster assembly <NUM> to apply force to a portion of the optical chassis <NUM> and thereby adjust the angular horizontal orientation of the optical chassis <NUM> relative to the base <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an isolated perspective view of an example optical chassis <NUM> attached to the base <NUM> and with the optical components removed. <FIG> depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the example optical chassis <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a reverse perspective view of the optical chassis <NUM> attached to the base <NUM>. The optical chassis <NUM> may comprise an attachment flange <NUM>, a support member <NUM> integrally formed with the attachment flange <NUM> and extending upward from the attachment flange <NUM>, and a unitary optical component carrier <NUM> integrally formed with the support member <NUM>. The attachment flange <NUM> may be secured to the base <NUM> using a suitable manner which may comprise, for example, screws that extend through openings in the attachment flange <NUM> and into corresponding receptacles in the base <NUM>. The support member <NUM> and the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> may be suspended relative to the base <NUM> by the attachment flange <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> of the optical chassis <NUM> may comprise one or more portions that are flexible such that the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> may be angularly moveable in horizontal and/or vertical directions relative to the attachment flange <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may be compliant so as to allow for adjustment of the position of the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> relative to the attachment flange <NUM> and base <NUM> and thereby allow for adjusting the location of the hologram created in the operator's field of view.

The support member <NUM> may comprise a first wall <NUM> extending upward relative to the attachment flange <NUM> and integrally formed with the attachment flange <NUM>. The support member <NUM> may further comprise a second wall <NUM> and a flexible member <NUM> coupled between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>. The second wall <NUM> and the flexible member <NUM> may be supported by the first wall <NUM>. The second wall <NUM> may be free to angularly move horizontally, with the flexible member <NUM> as a fulcrum, relative to the attachment flange <NUM> and base <NUM>. The flexible member <NUM> may be coupled to the first wall <NUM> near the center of the first wall <NUM> and may be coupled to the second wall <NUM> near the center of the second wall <NUM>. When a horizontal force is applied to the second wall <NUM>, the flexible member <NUM> may be flexed or twisted allowing the second wall <NUM> to move or be angularly displaced horizontally relative to the first wall <NUM> with the flexible member <NUM> being a fulcrum of the movement. Horizontal force applied to the optical component carrier <NUM> may be communicated to the second horizontal wall <NUM> and may result in angular horizontal movement around or about the flexible member <NUM> of second wall <NUM> and the optical component carrier <NUM> relative to the first wall <NUM> and the attachment flange <NUM>.

The support member <NUM> may further comprise a first horizontal member <NUM> integrally formed with the second wall <NUM> and extending away from the unitary optical component carrier <NUM>, a second horizontal member <NUM> extending toward the unitary optical component carrier <NUM>, and a joint member <NUM> integrally formed with the first horizontal member <NUM> and the second horizontal member <NUM>. The first horizontal member <NUM>, the joint member <NUM>, and the second horizontal member <NUM> may be integrally formed and together provide vertical flexibility to the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> relative to the attachment flange <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The second horizontal member <NUM> may be flexible in a vertical direction relative to the first horizontal member <NUM>. The joint member <NUM> may be flexible and allow for vertical movement of the second horizontal member <NUM> relative to the first horizontal member <NUM>. When vertical pressure is applied to the second horizontal member <NUM>, it may move or be displaced in a vertical direction relative to the first horizontal member <NUM>, the attachment flange <NUM>, and the base <NUM>. The movement may be angular with the joint member <NUM> serving as a fulcrum. Vertical force applied to the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> may be communicated to the second horizontal member <NUM> and result in vertical angular movement or displacement around or about the joint member <NUM> of the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> and the second horizontal member <NUM> relative to the first horizontal member <NUM> and the attachment flange <NUM>. As illustrated in the FIGs, multiple instances of the first horizontal member <NUM> and the second horizontal member <NUM> may be comprised in the support member <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts a perspective view of the example unitary optical component carrier <NUM> attached to the base <NUM> and with the optical components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> attached. <FIG> depicts the example unitary optical component carrier <NUM> with optical components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> exploded. <FIG> depicts a perspective view of the example unitary optical component carrier with optical components attached and without the base <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the example optical component carrier without the base <NUM> and with the optical components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> exploded. The unitary optical component carrier <NUM> comprises a body that may serve as a bench or rack to which the optical components are attached. The unitary optical component carrier <NUM> may be integrally formed with the support member <NUM> which may be integrally formed with the attachment flange <NUM>. According to the invention, the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> comprises a rigid body and may be substantially resistant to changes in relative distances between the optical components. For example, in a scenario wherein forces are applied to the first receptacle <NUM> by elevation adjuster assembly <NUM> and/or by the azimuth adjuster assembly <NUM>, the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> may be resistant to distortion and may move substantially in unison with the relative distances between the optical components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> remaining substantially unchanged. The unitary optical component carrier <NUM> may be made from a material that has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion. As a result, the relative distance between the optical components may remain substantially the same over a wide spectrum of temperature environments. In an example, unitary optical component carrier <NUM> may be manufactured from titanium.

The unitary optical component carrier <NUM> may comprise a plurality of receptacles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> configured to receive optical components. Each of the receptacles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> comprises one or more surfaces configured to receive corresponding surfaces of the appropriate optical components. The surface to surface mounting results in precise locating of the optical components relative to the unitary optical component carrier <NUM> and to each other. The receptacles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are configured to allow the corresponding optical components to be applied from the exterior of the unitary optical component carrier <NUM>. Mounting of the optical components from the exterior may be performed by an automated means such as, for example, by robotic handling. The optical components may be secured in the receptacles <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> via friction between the optical components and the corresponding receptacle and/or by application of an adhesive. <FIG> depicts an isolated view of an example first receptacle <NUM> of an example unitary optical component carrier <NUM> with the laser diode <NUM>, the collar <NUM>, and the ring <NUM> aligned for insertion into the first receptacle. The first receptacle <NUM> may comprise a first set of opposing side walls 250A and 250B and a second set of opposing side walls 252A and 252B. The first set of opposing side walls 250A and 250B and the second set of opposing side walls 252A and 252B form a receptacle for receiving the laser diode <NUM>. Openings <NUM> may be formed between adjacent sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> which may allow opposing side walls 250A and B to be flexed apart from each other. The external surfaces of the sidewalls 250A, B and the sidewalls 252A, B may be substantially flat or planar and configured to receive forces. For example, the sidewall 250A may comprise a substantially flat or planar external surface and may be abutted by a projection from elevation adjustment assembly <NUM>. The projection of the elevation adjustment assembly <NUM> may apply a force in a vertical direction relative to the attachment flange <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The sidewall 252A may comprise a substantially flat or planar external surface and may be abutted by a projection from the azimuth adjuster assembly <NUM>. The projection of the azimuth adjuster assembly <NUM> may apply a force in a horizontal direction relative to the attachment flange <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

The laser diode <NUM>, which may comprise a plurality of component parts, may be positioned within the collar <NUM>. The collar <NUM> may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with an interior surface and an external surface. The interior surface of the collar <NUM> may be sized to receive and form a frictional interference fit with the laser diode <NUM>. The ring <NUM> may also be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with an interior surface and an external surface. The interior surface of the ring <NUM> may be sized and shaped to form a frictional interference fit with the external surface of the collar <NUM>. The assembled combination of the diode <NUM>, the collar <NUM>, and the ring <NUM> may be inserted into the receptacle <NUM>. The assembled diode <NUM>, collar <NUM>, and ring <NUM> may be inserted by applying a force to the collar <NUM> using a tool such as insertion tool that may be configured to apply a force to the collar <NUM> without applying a force to the laser diode <NUM>.

The external surface of the ring <NUM> may form a frictional interference fit with internal sides of opposing side walls 250A, B and 252A, B. The external diameter of the ring <NUM> may be larger than the opening formed by the opposing side walls 250A,B and 252A, B. Accordingly, the opposing side walls 250A, B and 252A, B may flex outward to accommodate ring <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an isolated view of an example second receptacle <NUM> of an example unitary optical component carrier <NUM> with the mirror <NUM> aligned for insertion into the second receptacle <NUM>. The second receptacle <NUM> may comprise a plurality of surfaces, which may be referred to as datums, that are configured to abut corresponding surfaces of the mirror <NUM>. For example, the second receptacle <NUM> may comprise a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, and a third surface <NUM> against which corresponding surfaces of the mirror may abut. The first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> may be positioned relative to each other so as to limit the movement of the mirror <NUM> in two or more dimensions and thereby provide relatively precise location of the mirror <NUM> relative to the unitary optical component carrier <NUM>. An adhesive such as, for example, a glue or cement substance, may be applied to the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the second receptacle <NUM> and/or the corresponding surfaces of the mirror <NUM> that abut the surfaces of the second receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an isolated view of an example third receptacle <NUM> of an example unitary optical component carrier <NUM> with a collimating optic <NUM> aligned for insertion into the third receptacle <NUM>. The third receptacle <NUM> may comprise a plurality of surfaces or datums that are configured to abut corresponding surfaces of the collimating optic <NUM>. For example, the third receptacle <NUM> may comprise a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, and a third surface <NUM> against which corresponding surfaces of the collimating optic <NUM> may abut. The first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> may be positioned relative to each other so as to limit the movement of the collimating optic <NUM> in two or more dimensions and thereby provide relatively precise location of the collimating optic <NUM> relative to the unitary optical component carrier <NUM>. An adhesive such as, for example, a glue or cement substance, may be applied to the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the third receptacle <NUM> and/or the corresponding surfaces of the collimating optic <NUM> that abut the surfaces of the third receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an isolated view of an example fourth receptacle <NUM> of an example unitary optical component carrier <NUM> with a grating <NUM> aligned for insertion into the fourth receptacle <NUM>. The grating <NUM> may be, for example, a diffraction grating such as, for example, a holographic grating. The fourth receptacle <NUM> may comprise a plurality of surfaces or datums that are configured to abut corresponding surfaces of the grating <NUM>. For example, the fourth receptacle <NUM> may comprise a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, and a third surface <NUM> against which corresponding surfaces of the mirror may abut. The first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> may be positioned relative to each other so as to limit the movement of the grating <NUM> in two or more dimensions and thereby provide relatively precise location of the grating <NUM> relative to the unitary optical component carrier <NUM>. An adhesive such as, for example, a glue or cement substance, may be applied to the surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the fourth receptacle <NUM> and/or the corresponding surfaces of the grating <NUM> that abut the surfaces of the fourth receptacle <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an isolated view of an example fifth receptacle <NUM> of an example unitary optical component carrier <NUM> with an image hologram <NUM> aligned for insertion into the fifth receptacle <NUM>. The fifth receptacle <NUM> may comprise a plurality of surfaces or datums that are configured to abut corresponding surfaces of the image hologram <NUM>. For example, the fifth receptacle <NUM> may comprise a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, and a third surface <NUM> against which corresponding surfaces of the image hologram <NUM> may abut. The first surface <NUM>, the second surface <NUM>, and the third surface <NUM> may be positioned relative to each other so as to limit the movement of the image hologram <NUM> in two or more dimensions and thereby provide relatively precise location of the image hologram <NUM> relative to the unitary optical component carrier <NUM>. An adhesive such as, for example, a glue or cement substance, may be applied to surfaces <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the fifth receptacle <NUM> and/or the corresponding surfaces of the image hologram <NUM> that abut the surfaces of the fifth receptacle <NUM>.

Accordingly, Applicant has disclosed a holographic sight comprising a unitary optical component carrier. The unitary optical component carrier may comprise a first receptacle configured to receive a laser diode, a second receptacle configured to receive a mirror, a third receptacle configured to receive a collimating optic, a fourth receptacle configured to receive a grating, and a fifth receptacle configured to receive an image hologram. The unitary optical component carrier provides mechanical stability and maintains the relative positioning of the optical components applied to it.

Accordingly, Applicant has disclosed a holographic sight comprising a unitary optical component carrier. The unitary optical component carrier may comprise a plurality of receptacles that are configured to receive optical components therein. The unitary optical component carrier may be mechanically rigid, and the optical components received therein may be maintained in their intended relative positions. Displacement of the optical components due to movement of separate receiving structures is eliminated. To the extent the unitary optical component carrier may be displaced, the rigidity of the unitary optical component carrier causes all the components to be displaced and the relative position of the optical components to be maintained. The unitary optical component carrier may be made of a material that has a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and may, therefore, be resistant to displacement of the optical components due to changes in temperature. A holographic sight comprising the unitary optical component carrier offers improved ease of assembly and greater operational accuracy across a wide spectrum of operating environments.

It will be appreciated that while illustrative embodiments have been disclosed, the scope of potential embodiments is not limited to those explicitly described and is only defined by the appended claims. For example, while an example holographic sight is described with a particular number of optical components, different numbers of optical components may be comprised in a holographic sight consistent with the disclosure. Embodiments may have optical components arranged in formations other than as in the examples described herein. Likewise, embodiments may employ support members that provide similar functionality, but which are configured differently than as explicitly described herein.

Claim 1:
A holographic sight (<NUM>) comprising a chassis (<NUM>) having
a base (<NUM>);
a support member (<NUM>) integrally formed with the base (<NUM>) and extending upward from the base (<NUM>);
a plurality of optical components including a laser diode (<NUM>), a mirror (<NUM>), a collimating optic (<NUM>), a diffraction grating (<NUM>), and an image hologram (<NUM>), and
a unitary optical component carrier (<NUM>) integrally formed with the support member (<NUM>), the unitary optical component carrier (<NUM>) comprising a first receptacle (<NUM>) configured to receive the laser diode (<NUM>), a second receptacle (<NUM>) configured to receive the mirror (<NUM>), a third receptacle (<NUM>) configured to receive the collimating optic (<NUM>), a fourth receptacle (<NUM>) configured to receive the diffraction grating (<NUM>), and a fifth receptacle (<NUM>) configured to receive the image hologram (<NUM>),
wherein the support member (<NUM>) is flexible and the unitary optical component carrier (<NUM>) angularly movable, and
wherein the unitary optical component carrier (<NUM>) comprises a rigid body and is substantially resistant to changes in relative distances between the optical components (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>).