9. Problems with Glass Windows: Broken or Fractured Window

if the window in non-occluded, ‘red-dot’ sight breaks or fractures, it may mean that the aimer/shooter is unable to use the back up iron sights as a backup to sight the aiming device.

10. Non-Occluded Red Dot Sights Limits Holster Options

When a non-occluded, red dot sights are installed on most firearms, it becomes impractical to fit a ‘pistol+sight’ combination into many holsters because many holsters are not equipped with a “optics cut” that allows for the insertion of a pistol with traditional (larger) pistol mounted optics.

In sum, It may be noticed that although non-occluded red-dot sights constitute improvements in the technology relative to occluded eye (OEG) aiming devices, non-occluded red dot sights also have meaningful technological and technical problems.

11. Learning Curve to Become Skilled and Adept Using Non-OEG ‘Red Dot’ Sights

There is almost always a learning curve with non-OEG ‘red dot’ sights of the current art, particularly with respect to sidearms such as handguns. The viewing angle between the eye, and the sight with most existing dot sights is such that the shooter must learn a new way to point the gun to view the sights. The subjective experience of aiming feels substantially different from using traditional iron sights.

One problem of shooting with pistol mounted optics has been recognized by instructors in the firearms training community. Some of the most prestigious shooting schools now offer courses for “pistol mounted optics”, or courses for instructors who want to teach classes of students with pistol mounted optics. Some instructor course examples include are offered by Gunsite, Sig Academy and Sage Dynamics offer courses for firearm instructor and Sig Academy, Sentinel Defense and The Complete Combatant offer courses for students specifically on pistol mounted optics. This problem is so large that it is recognized by manufacturers. To that end, newer sights are becoming available where the dot sight is mounted lower, closer to being in line with rear sights.

(see: https://holosun.com/index/product/detail/id/209.html)

While this reduces the learning curve, there are still some inherent disadvantages inherent to currently available pistol mounted dot sights.

12. Pistols Require Permanent Alteration to Mount and Deploy Red Dot Sights

Almost all current conventional red dot sights require a special cut-out section of the slide for proper mounting on handguns. There is no good solution for carry or concealment to mount current dot sights absent the machining away of the top portion of pistol slide—“an optics cut”. Unfortunately, a very small percentage of handguns in existence currently have this type of optics cut. A disadvantage of the current art is that it is costly and somewhat risky to have a gunsmith machine one. Machining this ‘optics cut’ also permanently disfigures the pistol slide. Furthermore, not all handguns are designed to be able to have an optics cut.

In at least one embodiment, miniaturization of a single focal plane aiming sight and/or variants constitute an improvement to aiming devices. In at least one embodiment aiming device is referred to as a sight. In at least one embodiment, features of a miniaturized aiming device (MAD) include an aiming sight's structure, methods of manufacture, use and kitting of said sight.

In at least one embodiment. miniaturizing an occluded eye type aiming sight, advantageous features of both non-occluded and occluded red dot sights are incorporated into a new sight while at the same time removing some of the disadvantages from both.

In at least one embodiment, pertains to aiming devices such as firearms, handguns, rifles, shotguns, machine guns, grenade launchers, bows, crossbows, pulsed or phased weapons, lasers and laser-type weapons, artillery, mortars and anti-aircraft weapons. In at least one embodiment, a miniaturized aiming device is employed as an aiming device used by an airman or by an autonomous agent in an airplane cockpit to aim a weapon, missile, bomb or other munition at a target.

In at least one embodiment pertains to aimed devices or equipment such as telescopes, levels, sextants, parabolic microphones, camera or any other apparatus which are manually aimed.

These inventions are directed toward a miniaturized, collimated light-based single focal plane aiming sight where the word ‘miniaturized’ should be construed to breathe life and meaning into any invention that uses this word in a claim preamble. Sometimes during this specification, the abbreviation ‘MAD’ is invoked shorthand to refer to the inventions: ‘M’ for miniaturized, ‘A’ for ‘aiming’ and ‘D’ for device being a synonym for ‘sight’. Two expressions for the MAD invention include occluded and a non-occluded versions. Two additional expressions of the MAD invention include using 1) a ‘red dot’ (aiming point of collimated light) as an aiming signal, and 2) a holographic projection as an aiming signal and 3) a prismatic scope type setup, with or without an etched reticle. Red dot’ is used generically and does not necessarily refer to either the color ‘red’ or the shape ‘dot’. ‘The MAD possess aspects of an apparatus as well as aspects of methods, as explained below. Various embodiments, variants, derivatives and applications of the inventive concept are contemplated with any permutation of these inventive expressions. Another aspect of inventive concept relates to a kit of components or elements as well as a method for producing a kit of components or elements of these aiming sights. Still another aspect of the inventive concept includes the use of aiming sight inventions on or with an ‘aimed device’.

1. Miniaturization

For thousands—perhaps tens of thousands of years, men and women have been debating a question that is still controversial in some quarters: “Does size matter?”

By way of analogy, the relative size of certain products is considered by illustration. Given the choice of, a) as a passenger on an extended airplane ride would you rather sit in coach or in first class? b) in combat, which is most preferable—to shoot your enemy with a .22 caliber bullet or with a .45 or .50 caliber bullet? c) If you had to tow some personal belongings in a trailer to move from one place to another, which is most preferable—to tow them using a Volkswagen Beetle or using a Ford model 150, 250 or 350?

Sometimes size alone is a critical marker for the function that is a result of a change in size. A change in size alone can constitute a de facto improvement in technology because size alone can impart a qualitative change in function.

In these exemplary illustrations, the extra room in first class makes flying a better experience, getting shot with a .45 or .50 caliber bullet inflicts greater stopping power and/or lethality and the increased power delivered by a Ford 150 in comparison with the Volkswagen is safer and more efficient for towing. Isn't it true that a pair of tongs that one uses to cook spare ribs or hamburgers on one's barbecue is essentially the same macro apparatus as a pair of miniaturized surgical (blunt tip) forceps used by vascular surgeons? In this domain of aiming devices—the ‘size’ alone of this product influences the functionality of the apparatus to such a degree that size itself constitutes a critical structural element. The structure is essentially the same and functional mechanics of grabbing an object using a fulcrum grasping motion is the same. Yet, these are two apparatuses, performing an identical function to generate significantly different new results even though they both grasp. Likewise, miniaturization bestows upon these MAD aiming sights distinctive technical effects not present in the macro version. Miniaturization of the existing structural elements of these aiming devices confers improves functionality of aiming devices as explained below:

5. Single Focal Plane Aiming

Effective aiming of a projectile weapon such as a firearm generally requires the use of a sighting device. For the past 200 years or so, almost all firearms sights have been based on one unchanged system. A front sight post that is aligned with a rear sight “notch” or aperture. (“Notch and post sights”, also “Fixed post”, also ‘Iron sights’) This method of aiming is simple, but not always easy. To aim, the front sight post is visually centered (both vertically and horizontally) within the rear sigh notch. This visual “sight picture” is then aligned with the target to ensure an accurate hit. This method of aiming is so pervasive that some form of it is on almost every firearm in existence. Despite it's near universal acceptance, this method has several serious shortcomings. Chief among them is the need to focus at more than one focal length to achieve a proper sight picture. The eye must change its focus from the target, to the front sight, to the rear sight. Accomplishing this is not very difficult on a static range. But in situations of self-defense, combat and sometimes competition, this can become impossible.

The inventor has grasped that the chief advantage of existing telescopic and “red dot” type sights is single focal plane aiming as the ideal way to aim because there is no need for the shooter to focus on anything except the target, at which time the dot, being collimated, will appear over the target, at the same focal length, allowing the shooter to see his sights and target in sharp focus simultaneously.

The inventor has understood that the shortcomings, limitations and deficiencies of the conventional single focal plane aiming sights are overcome by miniaturizing the sight and sight elements. One inventive concept is to shrink a collimated light or holographic sight so that it small enough that just one eye can simultaneously see a target and also the sight's reticle, and that it's outside shape can be used as a front or rear iron sight. As a result of miniaturization, new and improved functions and functionalities emerge and accrue that are absent in sights of the current or prior art. Miniaturizing the red dot/reticle can reduce the critical lag time associated with ‘finding the red dot’/reticle. A miniaturized dot permits the user to aim just like they were using traditional ‘notch and post’ type sights, the sights that nearly all shooters learn with and use from the moment nearly everyone first handles a gun. The practice, experience and muscle memory thus carries over from notch and post to red dot/reticle aiming when the ‘red dot’/reticle takes the physical form of notch and post sights. This results in the elimination of the lag time associated with ‘finding the ‘red dot’/reticle. Another expanded functionality resulting from shrinking the sight is that it removes obstruction of the window and its housing, permitting a greater field of view so that a user may focus their attention on a greater field of view of the environment which can save the user's life because he or she is better able to assess and react to threats.

The invention of the miniaturized collimated aiming sight, in effect, constitutes the “Holy Grail” of aiming. Until the advent of these inventions, persons aiming devices such as handguns have had to choose between the 1) simplicity and ease of use of notch and post type sights which are simple to use and omnipresent, but do not deliver the same speed and accuracy potential as ‘red dot’/reticle sights, 2) Optical telescope or similarly tubed devices which are bulky and are not readily useful on a sidearm or 4) conventional ‘red dot’ reticle-based, reflex-type, non-occluded window sights, which provide great accuracy but generally suffer from the need for additional training and practice to gain proficiency in ‘finding the red dot/reticle’ quickly and reliably, as well as obstruction and lowered awareness of a battle space. A miniaturized reticle-based, windowed, non-occluded sight provides all of the advantages of these other sights and none of their disadvantages.

The inventor has had insight that the prevailing trend and conventional wisdom in the art has been to improve sights and in particular reflex and red dot sights by enlarging the sight window. The design theory underlying this conventional approach is that enlarging the reticle increased space to reflect at an angle where it will be caught the by the shooter's eye even before the shooter can align it properly with the target. Therefore, the sooner the shooter detects the reticle, the sooner the shooter can align the sight with the target. This is true, but there is a limit to how much the viewing angle can be improved, partly because there is practical limit to how much the viewing window can be enlarged. With current designs on the market, detecting the reticle quickly with smaller viewing windows is typically more difficult. So is tracking the dot during such activities as while the gun is in recoil or rapidly transitioning targets. This trend teaches away from the unconventional approach in sighting and aiming technology central to the MAD aiming device whose essential idea is to reduce the size of the housing and sight itself. For a user, it's comparatively easy to find the front sight post and know how to orient it to align with the rear notch. Instead of finding the dot in a window, the MAD aiming device (in one embodiment of the invention) operates when the shooter/aimer finds the dot inside the front “iron” sight, which is counterintuitive for how PHOSITAS and users have been thinking about dot sight design. By shrinking and miniaturizing the aiming device, the shooter/aimer receives the benefit of an illuminated dot combined with the comfort, concealability, full environmental awareness, and muscle memory that traditional fixed sights provide.

6. Mad Aiming Device as a Front Sight: Structural Concepts of Shape and Form

In at least one embodiment a combination of shrinking the MAD aiming sight, the shape of the housing and the corresponding arrangement of the internal technology components such as the power supply, light source and collimation element, as well as the wiring between these elements to mimic and emulate a front sight of a firearm. By doing so, in the event of a technology failure or damage that renders the illumination features of the sight to become inoperative, the sight can still function as a fixed post iron sight. Without the need to peer through dim, cracked or obstructed glass. This is achieved by either of two techniques: a) designing the housing itself of the MAD aiming device as a front or rear sight or b) designing the housing of MAD aiming device so that it can be positioned just proximal to standard iron sights. Although only three designs are shown for the MAD aiming device as ‘front sight’ are portrayed, any front sight shape is contemplated to be equivalent, and likewise for the MAD aiming device configuration that is designed to be installed proximal to an existing, standard iron sight. The inventor contemplates the use of occluded eye and/or reflex and/or holographic and/or prismatic technologies to be deployed in this manner. In at least one embodiment, miniaturization allows for single focal plane aiming. These designs and structures are further contemplated for any or all of the aimed devices cited in. At this moment in time, the occluded version is presently considered to be the preferred embodiment when deployed as a front sight.

7. Definitions

The word ‘miniaturized’ only has meaning when used in comparing and contrasting one object with another. ‘Miniature’ means ‘of a much smaller size than normal; very small’. When used with reference to these inventions, ‘miniaturized’ is compared and contrasted to ‘red dot’ aiming sights in the prior art with particular reference to both occluded and non-occluded aiming sights. Fixed post iron sights are not included in the comparison-contrast reference. “Miniaturization” of the instant inventions occurs when the following conditions are fulfilled:

- a) The sight is small enough so that when used, it is possible to see the dot and the desired impact area on the target simultaneously with one eye.
- b) The sight is held at an angle substantially like what one would use with standard iron sights.
- c) The sight body does not obscure so much of the target as to become a tactical or practical disadvantage, allowing for increased situational awareness.
- d) All components are small enough that they may be housed so that nothing hangs over any edges of the aiming device.

In at least one embodiment, a miniaturized aiming device is miniature with respect to both occluded and non-occluded red dot sights in at least four ways. 1) The MAD is smaller when each of the 3D dimensions of height, width and depth are summed. 2) The MAD is smaller when evaluated as the largest 2D cross section versus prior art when the cross section is taken normal to the longitudinal axis of the aimed device. 3) The MAD has a smaller mass in comparison and contrast to the prior art. 4) The MAD consumes less power in comparison and contrast to the prior art in it's occluded embodiment. The term miniature as used refers to these metrics taken as a whole. One may appreciate that there is a causal nexus between the miniaturization of the sight's structural elements and the features and characteristics that bestow advantage upon the MAD invention. The term ‘miniature’ should also be understood to refer to like embodiments of the MAD invention in comparison and in contrast to like prior art. For example, an embodiment for a MAD rifle sight is miniature with respect to prior art for a rifle sight. Likewise an embodiment for a MAD pistol sight is miniature as compared and contrasted to prior art pistol sights.

OEG means ‘occluded eye gunsight’ and refers to any occluded eye sight whether or not it is used on firearm. ‘Occluded’ is used in its usual and customary manner when directed to aiming sight technology which is consonant with the definition given by Merriam-Webster's definition #1 “to close or block off”, that is to ‘obstruct’. This means that one may peer into the proximal end of an OEG tube housing and be unable to see the environment through the other end of the tube/housing because the light is obstructed from entering the distal side of the tube by an obstructing element such as a lens cover or a light source structure. Collimated means to make the light rays substantially parallel. Collimated light refers to the usual and customary definition in physics and technology of optics whereby light is processed to make the collimated beam of light or other electromagnetic radiation have parallel rays. As a result of collimation in an aiming device, the light visible to the shooter—the reticle—can be caused to travel in a path substantially parallel to the path of the projectile. Collimation is a technique used in aiming device technology. The light that passes through a collimator is called collimated light and a sighting device that uses this collimated light to produce a dot or a red dot is called a ‘collimated light-based’ sight. “Dot” refers to the visual marker produced by the collimated aiming sight and is a term of art used colloquially in the shooting community, however the visual marker is not necessarily a dot and is not necessarily ‘red’. A so-called red dot sight could be in the shape of any recognized symbol such as a triangle, rectangle, crosshairs or other symbol or symbols and could be any of a variety colors. Often times, aimers/shooters refer to a ‘red dot’ and mean ‘the combination of the luminous ‘dot’ together the markings that appear in the sight also, though technically the optical markings are the reticle. Red dot is the most common visual marker and so, these sights have come to be known as ‘red dot’. Red dot sights encompass all sights that use a ‘red dot’ (or other visual marker, regardless of color or shape) as an illuminated image projected onto a visual field and includes prism sights, holographic sights and reflex sights. A ‘reflex sight’ or ‘reflector sight’ an optical sight that allows the user to look through a partially reflecting glass element and see an illuminated projection of an aiming point or some other image superimposed on the field of view. A reflex sight ‘uses a refractive or reflective optical system to generate a collimated beam of light that is projected toward the user to create an illuminated reticle. The resulting light (plane wave) seen by the user appears as a small, approximately circular disc of light that is focused at infinity. In a standard open reflex sight this illuminated reticle is projected such that it is superimposed over the field of view observed through the sight. This allows the user to see the target field through the sight as well as the illuminated reticle (e.g. an illuminated red dot) in one eye simultaneously. This gives the user a theoretically parallax-free image of the reticle, superimposed over the field of view through the sight’. In at least one embodiment, non-occluded refers to an aiming device or sight where when one peers through one end of the sight, one can see the environment through the sight at the other end. In other words, the vision of the one looking through the sight is not obstructed. To ‘aim’ or ‘aiming’ means point or direct an apparatus (an ‘aimed device’) at a target. An ‘aimed device’ means the apparatus that one is aiming—any apparatus and including the exemplary apparatus cited, but not limited to, those cited above. In at least one embodiment, ‘Aiming Sight’ means a sight for aiming. ‘Aiming device’ is used generically to refer to an ‘aiming sight’. ‘Aiming device’ and ‘Aiming sight’ are used synonymously. A ‘Single focal plane sight’ means that a shooter or aimer need only view one single focal plane which includes the sight and the target. This is advantageous and beneficial to a shooter who and become distracted by or pre-occupied with doing the mental and physical work required to align object in different focal planes. Occluded eye red dot sights (OEG) are single focal plane as are non-occluded sights. In contrast, fixed-post ‘iron’ sights require a shooter/aimer to focus on a target (plane ‘a’), a front sight (plane ‘b’) and a rear sight (plane ‘c’) or 3 planes—a multi or multiple focal plane aiming device. A ‘holographic aiming’ sight is an aiming sight that projects a hologram onto and superimposed with a target. ‘Power Supply’ for these inventions means a) non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries, b) fuels cells, c) light gathering fiber optics or other light gathering technology, d) any combination of these or e) future technologies. ‘Light Source’ for these inventions means: a) radio-luminescent sources such as tritium, b) fiber optics or other light-gathering technology, c) all type of LEDs including standard LEDs, mini-LEDs, and micro-LEDs d) bioluminescence e) ambient light, and f) any combination of those or f) future technologies. An ‘aimed device's central axis’ is the axis of a barrel of a firearm such a rifle, pistol, or shotgun. The aimed device central axis is the axis of main lens(es) a telescope, camera lens or other optical instruments. A ‘reticle’ is a pattern of fine lines or markings built into the eyepiece of an optical device, in this case, an aiming device or sight to provide measurement references during the aiming process. This may be as simple as a “dot” or a more complex series of indicator marks and symbols. ‘Refractive’ Is a phenomenon of light, (or other waves) being deflected when passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density. ‘Reflection’ occurs when light returns to a surface. In at least one embodiment, a collimation element includes an element that projects a visual cue to the aimer that correspond substantially with where the aimed device is pointed.

In at least on embodiment, FIG. 1 shows environment 100, a miniaturized aiming device (MAD) configured on a pistol. This figure shows a top view, a front view, a side view and a trimetric view. The top view shows a cross section A-A. In at least one embodiment, a configuration for the MAD is when it is mounted on a pistol 105. In at least one embodiment, the MAD is mounted on an aimed device as a front sight 110. In at least one embodiment, a MAD aiming assist rear notch iron sight 115 is mounted as a rear sight.

In at least one embodiment, a MAD front sight is further illustrated in FIG. 2 which shows environment 200, a MAD configured on a sidearm. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 2A shows a trimetric view of a MAD front sight and side arm. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 2A corresponds to FIG. 1 trimetric view. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 2B corresponds to FIG. 2A view A-A and shows a MAD 210 configured on a sidearm 205. In at least one embodiment, rear iron sight 215 corresponds with rear iron sight 115. In at least one embodiment, side arm 205 corresponds with side arm 105. In at least one embodiment, MAD front sight 210 corresponds with MAD front sight 110.

In at least on embodiment, FIG. 3 shows a miniaturized aiming device (MAD) configured on a pistol. This figure shows a top view, a front view, a side view and a trimetric view. In at least one embodiment, a configuration for the MAD is when it is mounted on a pistol 305. In at least one embodiment, the MAD is mounted on an aimed device as a rear sight 315. In at least one embodiment, a MAD aiming assist ‘ghost ring’ iron sight 310 is mounted as a front sight.

In at least one embodiment, a MAD front sight is further illustrated, as shown in FIG. 4. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 4 shows 400 a MAD configured on a sidearm. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 4A is a trimetric view of a MAD front rear and a sidearm. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 4A corresponds to FIG. 3 trimetric view. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 4B corresponds to FIG. 4A view A-A and shows a MAD 415 configured on a sidearm 405. In at least one embodiment, front iron sight 410 corresponds with front iron sight 310. In at least one embodiment, side arm 405 corresponds with side arm 305. In at least one embodiment, MAD rear sight 415 corresponds with MAD rear sight 315.

In at least one embodiment, it is noted that a MAD may be configured on an aimed device in the front, rear or elsewhere on an aimed device and the place where a MAD is mounted is not limited by an specific embodiment portrayed herein.

In at least one embodiment, it is noted that a MAD shape is not limited to any of the particular shapes portrayed by a specific embodiment portrayed herein. It is contemplated that a MAD shape may be designed, manufactured or deployed such that it is configured in different shapes. FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 illustrate some, but not every, shapes that a MAD may take.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 5 shows 500 a MAD configured on a sidearm. FIG. 5A shows a MAD 510 configured on a side arm 505 as a front sight. In at least one embodiment, rear iron sight 515 is mounted on said sidearm 505. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 5B illustrates an enlarged view of view A-A. In at least one embodiment, MAD front sight 510 is shown with a rectangular housing cross section.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 6 shows environment 600, and MAD configured on a sidearm. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 6A shows a MAD 610 configured on a side arm 605 as a front sight. In at least one embodiment, rear iron sight 615 is mounted on said sidearm 605. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 6B illustrates an enlarged view of view A-A. In at least one embodiment, MAD front sight 610 is shown with a pentagonal housing cross section.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 7 shows environment 700, and MAD configured on a long gun. In at least one embodiment a long gun can be rifle. In at least one embodiment, a long gun can be a shotgun. In at least one embodiment a long gun can be an artillery munition that is typically carried, held and/or aimed with two or more arms. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 7A shows a MAD 715 configured on a long gun 705 as a front sight. In at least one embodiment, rear iron sight 710 is mounted on said long gun 705. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 7B illustrates an enlarged view of view A-A.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 8 shows environment 800, a MAD configured on a long gun. In at least one embodiment a long gun can be rifle. In at least one embodiment, a long gun can be a shotgun. In at least one embodiment a long gun can be an artillery munition that is typically carried, held and/or aimed with two or more arms. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 8A shows a MAD 815 configured on a long gun 805 as a rear sight. In at least one embodiment, front iron sight 810 is mounted on said long gun 805. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 8B illustrates an enlarged view of view A-A.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 9 shows environment 900, and MAD configured on a bow and arrow. In at least one embodiment a bow 910+915 and arrow and be a long bow (and arrow). In at least one embodiment, a bow can be a cross bow. In at least one embodiment, the MAD can be mounted on a different kind of armament or other aimed device. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 9 shows a MAD 925 configured on the bow 910. In at least one embodiment, a MAD 925 is mounted on a box 910 using a mounting apparatus 920.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 10 shows environment 1000, a cross section of a MAD configured on an aiming device where the cross section is taken from A-A from FIG. 1 and rotated clockwise for a 90 degrees view. In at least one embodiment, 1000 shows a holographic-type miniaturized aiming device. In at least one embodiment a MAD is configured in or on a aimed device 1002. In at least one embodiment the means for configuring the MAD to an aimed device is through 1005 a dovetail with a male and female. In at least one embodiment, a MAD housing 1027 provides a structure to house the MAD aiming device elements. In at least one embodiment, a light source 1007 provides light, said light shown in FIG. 10 as light rays 1008. In at least one embodiment, these light rays emanate from the light source. In at least one embodiment, the light source 1007 is a laser diode. In at least one embodiment, the light rays shine on a mirror 1010 and are transmitted to collimating reflector 1020. In at least one embodiment, said light rays are transmitted to holographic grating 1015. In at least one embodiment, said light rays form a holographic image at reticle 1025. In at least one embodiment, said holographic image is transmitted as 1030 in the direction of a viewer/aimer 1035, represented in one embodiment as an eye where said viewer/aimer sees said hologram. In at least on embodiment, protective viewing window 1028 is planar.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 11 shows environment 1100, a cross section of a MAD configured on an aiming device where the cross section is taken from A-A from FIG. 1 and rotated clockwise for a 90 degrees view. In at least one embodiment, 1100 shows an occluded-type miniaturized aiming device. In at least one embodiment a miniaturized occluded aiming sight (MAD) operates similarly to a macro occluded aiming sight such as the Singlepoint/Armson sights. In at least one embodiment, a MAD refractive occluded (occluded), is directed to a much smaller volume, cross section and mass. In at least one embodiment, a MAD occluded sight is scaled and sized so that it can be installed proximally, on the top of a firearm such as a handgun. (From the perspective of a shooter/aimer, proximal and distal are used in their customary usages: proximal—‘toward the shooter/aimer’, distal—‘away from the shooter/aimer’.)

In at least one embodiment a MAD is configured in or on a aimed device 1102. In at least one embodiment the means for configuring the MAD to an aimed device is through 1105 a dovetail with a male and female. In at least one embodiment, a MAD housing 1140 provides a structure to house the MAD aiming device elements. In at least one embodiment, a miniaturized aiming device power cavity contains the power supply elements for the MAD. In at least one embodiment, this occluded MAD uses batteries 1125 to furnish power to said MAD. In at least one embodiment, said battery is held snugly by battery contacts 1110. In at least one embodiment battery cover 1115 encloses said battery. In at least one embodiment said battery cover 1115 is attached by means of threads that screw into power cavity 1120. In at least one embodiment, a light source assembly 1130 receives power from battery 1125. In at least one embodiment, a light source 1135 generates light. In at least one embodiment light source 1135 is a light emitting diode (LED). In at least one embodiment, light rays 1142 are emitted from the light source 1135 in the direction of a viewer/aimer 1155. In at least one embodiment, said light rays 1142 pass through a collimating lens 1145 and traverse as collimated light 1150 toward a viewer/aimer 1155 who sees an image.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 12 shows environment 1200, a cross section of a MAD configured on an aiming device where the cross section is taken from A-A from FIG. 1 and rotated 90 degrees clockwise. In at least one embodiment, 1100 shows a reflex-type miniaturized aiming device. In at least on embodiment, a MAD sight is characterized by miniaturizing non-occluded reflex sights. The structural elements for this sight include red dot sights. In at least one embodiment, structural elements and assembly in miniaturized inventions function similarly to their larger, macro cousins In at least one embodiment, this sight is non-occluded, meaning that the shooter/aimer can see through the sight.

In at least one embodiment, an illuminated dot is created by gathering light from a fiber optic, by tritium luminescence or by an LED or laser diode. In at least one embodiment, In this example, a dot is imagined and created by an LED. In at least one embodiment, said sight operates by means of reflective optical system to generate a collimated beam of light that is projected toward the user to create an illuminated reticle. In at least one embodiment, a resulting reticle seen by a user appears as a small, approximately circular disc of light that is focused at infinity. In at least one embodiment, a standard open reflex sight this illuminated reticle is projected such that it is superimposed over the field of view observed through the sight. In at least one embodiment, this allows a user to see the target field through the sight as well as the illuminated reticle (e.g. an illuminated red dot) in one eye simultaneously. In at least one embodiment, this gives the user a theoretically parallax-free image of the reticle, superimposed over the field of view through the sight.

In at least one embodiment a MAD is configured in or on a aimed device 1202. In at least one embodiment the means for configuring the MAD to an aimed device is through 1205 a dovetail with a male and female. In at least one embodiment, a MAD housing 1225 provides a structure to house the MAD aiming device elements. In at least one embodiment a miniaturized aiming device light source 1210 emits light. In at least one embodiment said light source 1210 produces light rays 1216 which shine onto a collimating mirror 1220. In at least one embodiment said collimating mirror 1220 is curved. In at least one embodiment, said collimating mirror 1220 is semi-transparent. In at least one embodiment, a semi-transparent collimated mirror is implemented for a non-occluded type miniature aiming device. In at least one embodiment, a collimated mirror 1220 is opaque. In at least one embodiment, an opaque collimated mirror 1220 is implemented for an occluded-type miniature aiming device. In at least one embodiment, said light rays 1216 are projected from said collimating mirror in the direction of a viewer/aimer 1240. In at least one embodiment, said light rays 1235 pass through a protective window 1230 and pass toward a viewer/aimer 1155 who sees an image.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 13 shows environment 1300, a concept illustration showing how a brain interprets visual signals received from a user of a non-occluded miniaturized aiming device. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 13A shows 1305A a standard United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) target. In at least one embodiment, said target is shown as 1305B in FIG. 13B and as 1305C in FIG. 13C. In at least on embodiment, an aimer or viewer looking through a non-occluded miniaturized aiming device will see an aiming or targeting image such as a red dot 1310 along with the sight housing with one eye. In at least one embodiment said one eye is the left eye. In at least one embodiment, said aimer or viewer will see a target in the other eye. In at least one embodiment the other eye is the right eye. In at least one embodiment, an aimer/viewer's brain will merge image 13A and 13B together so that said aimer/viewer will see the composite image shown as 13C with a red dot 1320 on a target 1305C.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 14 shows environment 1400, a concept illustration showing how a brain interprets visual signals received from a user of an occluded miniaturized aiming device. In at least one embodiment, FIG. 14A shows 1305A a standard United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) target. In at least one embodiment, said target is shown as 1305B in FIG. 14B and as 1405C in FIG. 14C. In at least on embodiment, an aimer or viewer looking through a occluded miniaturized aiming device will see an aiming or targeting image such as a red dot 1410 along with occluded sight housing with one eye. In at least one embodiment said one eye is the left eye. In at least one embodiment, said aimer or viewer will see a target in the other eye. In at least one embodiment the other eye is the right eye. In at least one embodiment, an aimer/viewer's brain will merge image 14A and 14B together so that said aimer/viewer will see the composite image shown as 14C with a red dot 1420 on a target 1405C. The reader may notice that said occluded MAD 1410 is shown with a darker area inside the circle to illustrate that said sight is occluded.

In at least one embodiment, FIG. 15 shows environment 1500, a miniaturized aiming device shown in a trimetric view. In at least one embodiment said MAD is visualized with a housing 1507, as see-through. In at least one embodiment, 1505 shows a cover. In at least one embodiment, cover 1505 is a battery cover. In at least one embodiment, a power housing 1510 is shown. In at least one embodiment said power housing 1510 is a housing for a battery. In at least one embodiment, a light source is shown as 1520. In at least one embodiment, said light source is an LED. In at least one embodiment, said light source 1520 is part of said light source assembly 1515. In at least one embodiment, light is generated from a light source 1520 and light rays (not shown) pass through a collimating lens 1525. In at least one embodiment, the MAD is supported on a base 1530. In at least one embodiment, said base is a structural portion of an aimed device. In at least one embodiment, the base may contain the ability to “zero” the sight left and right and/or up and down. In at least one other embodiment, these adjustments may be located inside the sight itself.

Miniaturization can only be understood when one a first object is compared or contrasted with a second object. A water molecule is miniature compared to a raindrop, yet quite large compared to a hydrogen atom.

Three features that define miniaturization in this this MAD are: function, context, and physical dimensions. Miniaturization of an aiming device is defined with respect to any combination of these.

Miniaturization Function

In at least one embodiment, functional capabilities may change with miniaturization, as is the case with the MAD. In at least one embodiment, said function of a MAD may be characterized by the ability for the device to be used as a complete front sight or rear sight on a handgun, rifle, or shotgun. In at least one embodiment, even absent the single focal plane aiming functionality of the device, it is still small enough to function in the iron sight method when aligned with its counterpart sight. (i.e., a front sight MAD is small enough that it may be aimed via the single focal plane method, OR via aligning with a compatible rear sight such that, when both aligned, one may aim accurately.)

In at least one embodiment, the entire visual area that the aimer views to aim the MAD is small enough to be effectively used as either a rear or front sight, in conjunction with its counterpart.

In at least one embodiment, a front sight handgun mounted MAD is fit inside a holster.

Miniaturization Function

In at least one embodiment, miniaturization is context dependent: a miniaturized rifle aiming device may reasonably need to be larger than a miniaturized handgun aiming device. In at least one embodiment, a rifle mounted MAD might naturally be physically larger than a handgun mounted MAD. In at least one embodiment, a full size handgun mounted MAD may be larger than a compact handgun mounted MAD. In at least one embodiment, context dictates both the need and the limits of miniaturization.

Miniaturization—Physical Dimensions

In at least one embodiment and with the context in mind, approximate upper size limit guidelines for miniaturization for handguns and long guns are presented. In at least one embodiment, one dimension is the face of the sight that the aimer looks to for aiming. In at least one embodiment, length is dictated by the available real estate offered by the aiming device mounting point. In at least one embodiment, miniaturization is defined by adding height and width together to come up with a single number that may be used in comparing the MAD against other aiming devices. In at least one embodiment, the following metrics define ‘miniature’ with respect to a miniaturized aiming device:

- Handgun Front Sight: Maximum Height: 0.650″. Maximum Width: 0.650″.
- Handgun Rear Sight: Maximum Height: 0.750″. Maximum Width: 0.750″.
- Long Gun Front Sight: Maximum Height: 0.750″. Maximum Width: 0.750″
- Long Gun Rear Sight: Maximum Height: 0.850″. Maximum Width: 0.850″

Evaluation of the size and weight of commercially available rear sight aiming devices for rifles and pistols compared with the MAD aiming devices is considered.

Rear Sight Rifle Optic—Miniaturized Aiming Device Comparison & Contrast

The average length of the Aimpoint H-2 Micro, T-2 Micro, Duty RDS, Trijicon MRO, Vortex Crossfire 2, Sparc AR, Holosun HE50C, HS403B, Sig Romeo 5, EoTech HWS EXPS3 is 2.81″, the average width for these same models is 1.55″, the average height, 1.568″ and the average weight, 5.49 ounces. In contrast, the instant invention—MAD sight is substantially smaller. Early designs are approximately 1.3″ in length, 0.7″ in width, 0.7″ in height, and 0.6 ounces. In sum, the instant invention—MAD sight is about 45% the average dimension of 10 aiming sights currently on the market, and 11% of the weight of those same sights. In at least on embodiment, the MAD is, on average, 55% smaller and 89% lighter than the current sights.

FIG. 16 shows TABLE 1A—Pistol Optic Metrics.

FIG. 17 shows TABLE 1B—Pistol Optic Metrics. Table 1B corresponds to Table 1A and also includes references to some of the aiming devices shown in Table 1A. 1705 shows an indicator to the aiming devices of table 1A. 1710 shows the references.

FIG. 18 shows TABLE 2A—Rifle Optic Metrics.

FIG. 19 shows TABLE 2B—Rifle Optic Metrics. Table 2B corresponds to Table 2A and also includes references to some of the aiming devices shown in Table 2A.