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  Target and method of making sameUSPTO Application #: 20070205560Title: Target and method of making same Abstract: A visually and thermally realistic target for firearms shooting practice. (end of abstract)
Agent: Ramon D. Foltz - Kirtland, OH, US Inventor: David T. Hebble USPTO Applicaton #: 20070205560 - Class: 273348100 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Amusement Devices: Games, Aerial Projectile Game; Game Element (e.g., Target, Etc.) Or Accessory Therefor Other Than Projector Or Projectile, Per Se, Target, Including Heating Means (i.e., Thermal Target) The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070205560. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to visually and thermally realistic targets for firearms and missiles. Specifically, this invention relates to visually and thermally realistic targets for shooting practice and a method of making such targets. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0002] Various law enforcement and military groups practice the handling of potentially dangerous and problematic situations and have a need for targets that are visually and thermally realistic. Realistic targets are useful for practicing activities necessary to resolve potential conflicts and threats such as attacks conducted from civilian and military vehicles. Similarly, hunters and sportsmen practice shooting using realistic game animal targets such as deer, moose, elk and the like. [0003] Technologies have been developed that include infrared detectors that collect thermal data in an effort to distinguish between decoys and real targets and to identify the true nature of the target. For example, if the threat or target is a human being or a vehicle, thermal sensors can detect and identify the source of heat by matching a thermal pattern emanating from the target with heat patterns emitted by known objects. The use of thermal and visual sensing allows not only differentiation and identification of real and decoy targets but also better classification of the object observed. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0004] This invention relates to a decoy or target that has both the visual and thermal characteristics of a real world object to make practice and training effective and realistic. More specifically, this invention relates to a visually and thermally realistic target for shooting practice and a method of creating such target. [0005] In detail, the invention comprises a visually realistic object having heat generating devices that emit thermal radiation having defined patterns. [0006] The method of creating the target comprises the steps of: [0007] creating a mold defining a cavity representative of an object; [0008] covering at least a part of the mold with a heater; [0009] controlling the location of the heater within the mold; [0010] charging the mold with a measured amount of powdered polymeric material; [0011] rotating and heating the mold to melt the polymeric powder and coat the surface of the mold to create a target having a visually realistic shape and incorporate the heater therein; [0012] cooling the mold to fix the molded target; and [0013] removing the target from the mold. [0014] This invention further comprises the step of providing energy to the heater for causing emission of thermal radiation therefrom creating a thermal image of a real world object. [0015] Still further, this invention comprises coloring the heater to achieve a realistic visual appearance in the molded target. [0016] A primary object of this invention is to produce an object for use as a target that is visually and thermally realistic. [0017] Another object of the invention is to create a visually and thermally realistic target wherein the heater is a thermosetting polymer comprising nickel and polyethelyne powder. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING [0018] FIG. 1 is a front view a two dimensional target. [0019] FIG. 2 is a front view of the target of FIG. 1 including a representation of molded in place heaters and electrical circuit for actuating the heaters in the target of FIG. 1. [0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of a three dimensional target. [0021] FIG. 4 is a side view of the three dimensional target of FIG. 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0022] A polymeric object for use as a firearms shooting target having realistic visual and thermal characteristics is made by a rotational molding process. During the molding process, an electrically actuated heater comprising a mixture of nickel and thermosetting polymer powders and conductive strips or ribbons of similar materials is molded in place in the object to generate an electrically actuated thermal image that is representative of the object being molded. The heat pattern may be representative of any animal, article or machine that radiates heat. For example, the pattern may represent heat from an internal combustion engine, transmission, exhaust, or tracks of a vehicle or the body of an animal such as a human being. [0023] Rotational molding is a manufacturing process that allows for design and production of two and three-dimensional objects. [0024] The rotational molding process starts with a mold that is placed in a molding machine that has loading, heating, and cooling areas. Within reason, the mold may represent the physical appearance of any desired animal or inanimate object such as a vehicle or weapon. [0025] Rotational molding uses a polymeric powder, preferably polyethylene powder. The process is a low pressure process and relies on an oven to heat the mold and melt the powder inside. [0026] A measured quantity of polyethylene resin powder is loaded into the mold, and the mold is moved into an oven where it is heated and rotated about two perpendicular axes, usually vertical and horizontal, concurrently. The molds are located in the oven and slowly rotate about the perpendicular axes. The oven heats the mold and melts the polyethylene powder or resin. The rotational speed, temperature, heating and cooling times are controlled to produce the uniform thickness and other desired features in the finished part. The rotation of the mold about perpendicular axes serves to allow gravity to move the powder and molten polyethylene to achieve full coverage and a uniform thickness of coverage of molten polyethylene over the complete inner surface of the mold. Continue reading... Full patent description for Target and method of making same Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Target and method of making same patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Target and method of making same or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Poker game variation with option card Next Patent Application: Sealing structure for sliding part Industry Class: Amusement devices: games ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Target and method of making same patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 6.93523 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Tyco , Unilever , Warner-lambert , 3m |
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