Patent US4253670A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4253670A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Simulated thermal target
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
•
Filing: 1979-08-07
•
Granted: 1981-03-03
•
Expires: 1999-08-07
Abstract
Abstract A low cost, easily assembled simulated thermal target for use as either a aining device or as a target decoy against an enemy. Various simulated thermal targets may be constructed to appear as enemy tactical vehicles when viewed by thermal images.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph R. Moulton
- 👤 George R. Barr, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:16
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41J; F41J2/00; F41J2/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A simulated field effect thermal target for providing thermal and optical images of selective tactical thermal patterns used in training of friendly personnel and decoy of an enemy when an observer views said images through thermal night viewing sights, said simulated field effect thermal target comprising: multidimensional target frame constructed of plywood connected to frame struts forming a lower support base and an upper frame that rests on said lower support base, said multidimensional target frame having a selective paint scheme on the outer surface thereof and having internal cavities forming a flue draft feeding to outside vents in which said internal cavities are formed by sheet metal baffles enclosed by wood framing; and heat generating means positioned in the bottom of said lower support base within said internal cavities to cause heat to emanate from the paint of said selective paint color scheme to simulate said selective tactical thermal patterns.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A simulated field effect thermal target for providing thermal and optical images of selective tactical thermal patterns used in training of friendly personnel and decoy of an enemy when an observer views said images through thermal night viewing sights, said simulated field effect thermal target comprising: multidimensional target frame constructed of plywood connected to frame struts forming a lower support base and an upper frame that rests on said lower support base, said multidimensional target frame having a selective paint scheme on the outer surface thereof and having internal cavities forming a flue draft feeding to outside vents in which said internal cavities are formed by sheet metal baffles enclosed by wood framing; and heat generating means positioned in the bottom of said lower support base within said internal cavities to cause heat to emanate from the paint of said selective paint color scheme to simulate said selective tactical thermal patterns.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
85 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 1 wherein said plywood is from 1/4" to 1/2" and said frame struts are from 2"×2" to 2"×4" wherein said lower support base has a sheet metal enclosed area in the lower portion thereof having a heat shield side cover door to the outside where said heat generating means is placed and further having a top plate with a plurality of holes therein to provide a flue draft to support combustion of said heat generating means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 2 wherein the structure of said sheet metal enclosed area is made of 1/32" thick galvanized steel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 3 wherein said heat generating means is a closed metal canister of combustible liquid with a wick extending from said combustible liquid to the outside through an airtight opening in said canister.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 4 wherein said combustible liquid is kerosene and said wick is made of 3/8" cotton braided rope.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 4 wherein combustible liquid is diesel fuel and said wick is made of 3/8" cotton braided rope.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 3 wherein said heat generating means is lighted charcoals in a metal can of at least 12 ounces in size.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
122 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 7 wherein said selective paint scheme is of entirely black color on a front side of a two dimensional target frame in which said front side is made of one layer of 1/4" plywood covering both upper frame and lower support base and said back side is open other than where said frame struts hold said sheet metal enclosed area on the outer lower extremities of said lower support base and which hold 1/4" plywood on the back side to form two symmetrical internal cavities that narrow at the top portion of said upper frame whereupon two top swing doors provide said outside vents for the flue draft formed by said internal cavities.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 8 wherein said frame struts are 2"×2" with length as appropriate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 9 wherein said multidimensional target frame is three dimensional defining at least two sides of a tactical target.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
145 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 7 wherein both of said front and back sides have a layer of 1/2" plywood thereon separated 4 inches by 2"×4" frame struts and wherein said selective paint scheme is a rectangular shaped black color pattern on both the lower outer portions of said front side following around each side to said back side and a black paint circular area in the lower central portion of said front side of said upper frame with a dirt brown painted area in the lower part between the lower outer portion black color and the remainder of said front side and following around each end being painted olive drab color to simulate the front of an enemy tank wherein said layers of 1/2" plywood on both front and back sides form a continuous internal cavity to said outside vents.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
A simulated thermal target as set forth in claim 11 wherein said outside vents are on the backside of said lower support base.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-03-02 | 1984-09-01 | 1985-03-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-03-02 | 1988-09-01 | 1989-03-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-03-02 | 1992-09-01 | 1993-03-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |