Bow-mounted apparatus for detection and quantification of deviations in dynamic arrow position

• US 6,191,574 B1
• Filed: 01/20/1998
• Issued: 02/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 01/20/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John Patrick Dilger
• Original Assignee: John Patrick Dilger
• Inventors: Dilger, John Patrick
• Primary Examiner(s): PATIDAR, JAY M
• Application Number:
  US09/008,988
• Time in Patent Office: 1,127 Days
• Field of Search: 324/178, 324/179, 324/244.1, 702/142, 702/150, 124/35.2, 124/87, 250/215, 332/65
• US Class Current: 324/178
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 5/14 Details of bows; Accessories for arc shooting sighting devices for bows F41G1/467
• CPC Class Codes: F41B 5/1484 Bows with special adaptations or devices for special purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G01P 3/66 using electric or magnetic means G01P3/80 takes precedence; measuring short time intervals G04F8/00, G04F10/00

Abstract

An apparatus for quantifying the position of a released arrow as it passes across the bow riser. A low power, electronics measurement unit attached onto or mounted internal to a bow in communication with a sensor detects a signal from an arrow shaft for the purposes of collecting data pertaining to arrow position. The electronics measurement unit provides a user configurable gain to control the variation and sensitivity of the collected data. The optical trigger mechanism used to stimulate the sensor does not require arrow shaft modification. Statistical parameters of the collected data are displayed on the bow and are used to determine and improve archery tackle performance.

Claims

1. An apparatus directly coupled to a bow for dynamically quantifying arrow position, said apparatus comprising:

a) a sensor comprising an optical emitter and a detector for detecting and communicating data pertaining to arrow position, and

b) an optical trigger mechanism integral to an arrow shaft, and

c) an electronics assembly for receiving, processing, and displaying said data, and

d) a wire assembly to place said sensor in communication with said electronics assembly, and

e) a mounting bracket for holding said sensor to a bow, and

f) a housing for holding said electrons assembly to said bow, whereby said optical trigger mechanism interrupts a signal transmitted between said optical emitter and detector to generate data used to detect or improve archery tackle performance.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic assembly is mounted in an internal cavity in said bow.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronics assembly uses an external counter circuit to collect said data.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus utilizes an arrow feather or vane as a optical trigger mechanism.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said apparatus can be mounted on a right-handed or left handed bow.

6. An apparatus directly coupled to a bow for dynamically quantifying arrow positions, said apparatus comprising:

a) a sensing means comprising an optical emitter and detector for detecting and communicating data pertaining to arrow position, and

b) means for receiving, processing, and displaying said data, and

c) means to place said sensing means in communication with said processing means, and

d) means for holding said apparatus to a bow, and

e) an optical trigger mechanism integral to an arrow shaft, and whereby said optical trigger mechanism interrupts a signal transmitted between said detecting means to generate data used to detect or improve archery tackle performance.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said apparatus is mounted in an internal cavity in said bow.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said apparatus can be mounted on a right-handed or left handed bow.