Including Heating Means (i.e., Thermal Target) Patents (Class 273/348.1)
  • Patent number: 11549787
    Abstract: A thermal decoy system contains electro-resistive fabric which warms the air within a polymer envelope transmissive to infrared radiation. The thermal decoy system thereby produces a thermal signature comparable to that of a human, which will preemptively trigger passive-infrared sensors, thereby neutralizing such sensors' capability to detect nearby persons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: Alexandra Catherine McDougall, Daniel Desai, Zhiyu Xia
  • Patent number: 11232609
    Abstract: A method of displaying an image on a see-through display comprises: obtaining a first electro-magnetic radiation matrix of radiation intensity values of an object; dividing the first matrix into a second matrix representing a first subset of the radiation intensity values, and a third matrix representing a second subset of the radiation intensity values; generating a first grayscale image with an enhanced contrast representing the first subset of the radiation intensity values from the second matrix; colouring the first grayscale image with a first colourmap to obtain a first colour image; generating a second grayscale image representing the second subset of the radiation intensity values; colouring the second grayscale image with a second colourmap to obtain a second colour image; combining the first colour image and the second colour image; and displaying the combined colour image on the see-through display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Adrien Birbaumer, Martinus Bosch, Jason Racine, Sabine Süsstrunk
  • Patent number: 10984563
    Abstract: A method of displaying an image on a see-through display comprises: obtaining a first electro-magnetic radiation matrix of radiation intensity values of an object; dividing the first matrix into a second matrix representing a first subset of the radiation intensity values, and a third matrix representing a second subset of the radiation intensity values; generating a first histogram for the second matrix; equalizing the first histogram to obtain an equalised second histogram; generating a first grayscale image representing the first subset of the radiation intensity values; colouring the first grayscale image with a first colourmap to obtain a first colour image; generating a second grayscale image representing the second subset of the radiation intensity values; colouring the second grayscale image with a second colourmap to obtain a second colour image; combining the first colour image and the second colour image; and displaying the combined colour image on the see-through display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE (EPFL)
    Inventors: Adrien Birbaumer, Martinus Bosch, Jason Racine, Sabine Süsstrunk
  • Patent number: 9341444
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to thermal electric images which may form Informational Images such as landing zone markers, drop zone markers, vehicle markers, road markers, covert signs, notices, directions and the like, and may also be used to form thermal targets which may be used as training aides for weapons and other devices that are equipped with thermal imaging equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventors: Robert Levine, John A. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8985585
    Abstract: A thermal signal generating device, including at least two parallel buss bars operable for carrying a current and a heating element having at least a first region and a second region. The heating element includes a plurality of horizontal traces and a plurality of vertical traces. Widths of each of the plurality of horizontal and vertical traces may be greater in a first region of the heating element than in a second region of the heating element, allowing for a gradient heat differential to be emitted by the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Hodge
  • Patent number: 8947108
    Abstract: A method for determining and retrieving positional information includes forming a grid by locating a plurality of first conductive elements on a surface and a plurality of second conductive elements on the surface. A second grid is coupled to the surface and electrically isolated from the grid. The surface is penetrated with a projectile and a first location of a first penetration of the surface is electronically determined based on a first change in a first electrical measurement. A plurality of third and fourth electrical measurements are performed in a second plurality of locations of the second grid and the location impact is electronically determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Hodge
  • Patent number: 8424876
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heatable long range metal target capable of providing acoustic feedback to the user on impact and is durable to withstand the repeated vibration stress that occurs during repeated use. In a preferred embodiment, target includes a reactive target body for generating an audible feedback signal on impact by a firearm round (such as a metal gong), a heating element and a fastening structure connectable to the target body for mounting of the heating element to the target body. The target body has a front, impact surface and a rear surface and is constructed of hardened steel for withstanding repeated impact by high velocity rounds on the impact surface without penetration. The heating element heats a target region of the target and the fastening structure connects the heating element to the target body away from the impact surface. The fastening structure includes a vibration dampening portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: R.A.S.R. Thermal Target Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Hutchinson, Tim Beckwith, Jeff Rocque
  • Publication number: 20120218633
    Abstract: Targets, target systems, and related methods are provided. The targets can provide non-electric or low electric dynamic imagery and/or thermal signature capabilities that can be used in target systems. For example, a target can include a substrate forming a target body and having a front side. A combined image is disposed on the front side of the substrate with the combined image including a combination of at least two primary images of a potential target provided through lenticular printing. A lenticular lens can be disposed over the combined image so that the combined image and the lenticular lens generate an observed image of the potential target body when viewed by an observer. Additionally or alternatively, a target can be provided that includes a substrate forming a target body and at least one substance disposed on the substrate configured to create a thermal signature mimicking a potential target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: K. Dominic Cincotti, Fred Mark Tocci
  • Publication number: 20110175292
    Abstract: A target with a thermal signature includes two or more bulletproof plates and a heater thermally coupled to at least one of the plates for heating the plate to produce the thermal signature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Anthony R. Carni, David L. Stokes
  • Publication number: 20110042900
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heatable long range metal target capable of providing acoustic feedback to the user on impact and is durable to withstand the repeated vibration stress that occurs during repeated use. In a preferred embodiment, target includes a reactive target body for generating an audible feedback signal on impact by a firearm round (such as a metal gong), a heating element and a fastening structure connectable to the target body for mounting of the heating element to the target body. The target body has a front, impact surface and a rear surface and is constructed of hardened steel for withstanding repeated impact by high velocity rounds on the impact surface without penetration. The heating element heats a target region of the target and the fastening structure connects the heating element to the target body away from the impact surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: R.A.S.R. THERMAL TARGET SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Anna Hutchinson, Tim Beckwith, Jeff Rocque
  • Patent number: 7820969
    Abstract: A target with a thermal imaging system comprising a layer of corrugated plastic, a layer of bifurcated metallic foil, a layer of clear plastic, a wire grid, two strips of carbon tape, a front cover sheet, and a power lead. The layer of bifurcated metallic foil is situated on top of the layer of corrugated plastic. The layer of clear plastic is situated on top of the layer of bifurcated metallic foil. The wire grid is situated on top of the layer of clear plastic. One strip of carbon tape is adhered to the right side of the wire grid, and the other strip of carbon tape is adhered to the left side of the wire grid. The power lead is connected to the carbon tape. The front cover sheet is adhered to the target so that it covers the wire grid and carbon tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventors: Charlie Grady Guinn, Edward Donald Schoppman
  • Publication number: 20090194942
    Abstract: A thermal signal generating device, including at least two parallel buss bars operable for carrying a current and a heating element having at least a first region and a second region. The heating element includes a plurality of horizontal traces and a plurality of vertical traces. Widths of each of the plurality of horizontal and vertical traces may be greater in a first region of the heating element than in a second region of the heating element, allowing for a gradient heat differential to be emitted by the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce Hodge
  • Publication number: 20080296842
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a multi-spectral target apparatus, includes a target having at least one thermal emitting portion, a controller module in communication with a remote user, at least one brightness controller including an input electrically connected to the controller module and at least one output electrically connected to at least one thermal emitting portion of the target. The brightness controller is operable to vary a thermal emitting property of the at least one thermal emitting portion, wherein the at least one thermal emitting portion includes a thermal emitter layer further comprising a resistive layer having a front side and a back side, the resistive layer sandwiched between an electrode layer deposited on the front side and the back side of the resistive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Harvey M. Novak, Russell Dominique
  • Publication number: 20080169609
    Abstract: A three-dimensional molded thermal signature target form comprising a conductive polymer material suitable for conducting infrared radiation such that a thermal signature is created and viewable by any number of suitable IR imaging or viewing systems. The thermal signature target form includes embedded busbars attached to a power source. The thermal signature target form can provide a realistic, inexpensive and safe live-fire target for training in thermal image recognition and shooting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan Mark Hetland
  • Patent number: 7377517
    Abstract: A target device for firing practice. At least one thermal target surface is heated by an electrically current passing through same. The thermal target surface includes a number of current coils arranged so as to conduct the current from a first area of the target surface to a second area. Each current coil includes current conductors disposed essentially in parallel with one another at a first distance from one another. The current conductors are connected to one another at their ends so that they form the current coil from the first area to the second area. Proximate current coils are mutually connected via bridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: SAAB AB
    Inventors: Robert Andrén, Ronnie Larsson
  • Patent number: 6767015
    Abstract: An expendable thermal target for weapon fire, which includes a cloth housing and a plurality of independently contained thermal emitting cells disposed within the cloth housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Adam Parsley
  • Patent number: 6414332
    Abstract: A new class of media for control of emission of thermal radiation from an object or part thereof is disclosed. These materials can be used for a wide variety of thermal control applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Shawn-Yu Lin, James G. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6337475
    Abstract: A thermal silhouette target including a high emissivity surface, a conductive layer, a heating coil, an insulative layer and a direct voltage source. A thermal zeroing silhouette target device further includes a mask with a zeroing grid and a pair of contacts for electrical connection to a direct voltage current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Robert L. Migliorini
  • Patent number: 6315294
    Abstract: A heat target for producing, in particular, a thermal image composed of several bands and having at least one layer of electrically conducting material connected to two electrodes that are connected to means able to generate a potential difference between them, the target further comprising at least one module resting on a support and forming all or part of a band the at least one module having at least two longitudinal faces and a supporting structure on all or part of which rests a layer made of the electrically conducting material connected to two electrodes connected to means able to generate a potential difference between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Etat Francais represente par le Delegue General pour l'Armement
    Inventor: Denis Belleville