Thermal target apparatus

Abstract

A thermal target apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides at least one target body constructed out of a thermally conductive material, and at least one heating element positioned in contact with the at least one target body for selectively heating the at least one target body via thermal conduction. At least one controller is in electrical communication with the at least one heating element for selectively adjusting a temperature produced by the at least one heating element. At least one power source is in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller and heating element for selectively providing power thereto. During use, the entire at least one target body is capable of substantially matching a temperature produced by the at least one heating element, such that the at least one target body is visible to thermal optics.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A thermal target apparatus comprising:
 an at least one target body constructed out of a thermally conductive material;   an at least one heating element positioned in contact with the at least one target body for selectively heating the at least one target body via thermal conduction;   an at least one controller in electrical communication with the at least one heating element for selectively adjusting a temperature produced by the at least one heating element; and   an at least one power source in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller and heating element for selectively providing power thereto;   whereby, the entire at least one target body is capable of substantially matching a temperature produced by the at least one heating element, such that the at least one target body is visible to thermal optics.   
     
     
         2 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one target body is constructed out of AR500 steel or higher. 
     
     
         3 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one target body is shaped and configured as a two-dimensional target. 
     
     
         4 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one target body is shaped and configured as a three-dimensional target. 
     
     
         5 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one heating element comprises:
 a silicone heating pad;   an aluminum perimeter frame extending about a perimeter of the heating pad; and   a heating coil embedded within the heating pad.   
     
     
         6 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one heating element is capable of reaching a temperature of about 200 degrees Fahrenheit. 
     
     
         7 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one heating element is positioned in abutting contact with a rear surface of the at least one target body. 
     
     
         8 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one heating element is secured to the rear surface of the at least one target body using an adhesive. 
     
     
         9 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one heating element is positioned substantially at a center of mass of the at least one target body. 
     
     
         10 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one heating element is sized so as to have an area that is approximately fifty percent (50%) of an area of the at least one target body. 
     
     
         11 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one heating element has a shape that is substantially the same as a shape of the at least one target body. 
     
     
         12 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one heating element has a shape that is different than the shape of the at least one target body. 
     
     
         13 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one power source is an at least one battery. 
     
     
         14 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a support assembly on which one or more of the at least one target body, controller and power source are supported. 
     
     
         15 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one controller and power source are engaged with the support assembly in a position substantially behind the at least one target body. 
     
     
         16 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the support assembly provides an at least one mounting post on which the at least one target body is engaged. 
     
     
         17 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the mounting post provides an at least one mounting hook configured for being removably engaged with an at least one corresponding target aperture provided by the at least one target body. 
     
     
         18 . The thermal target apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the support assembly provides a support mount positioned and configured for allowing the support assembly to be engaged with a structure. 
     
     
         19 . A thermal target apparatus comprising:
 an at least one target body constructed out of a thermally conductive AR500 steel or higher;   an at least one heating element positioned in abutting contact with a rear surface of the at least one target body for selectively heating the at least one target body via thermal conduction;   an at least one controller in electrical communication with the at least one heating element for selectively adjusting a temperature produced by the at least one heating element; and   an at least one power source in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller and heating element for selectively providing power thereto;   whereby, the entire at least one target body is capable of substantially matching a temperature produced by the at least one heating element, such that the at least one target body is visible to thermal optics.   
     
     
         20 . A thermal target apparatus comprising:
 an at least one target body constructed out of a thermally conductive AR500 steel or higher;   an at least one heating element positioned in abutting contact with a rear surface of the at least one target body for selectively heating the at least one target body via thermal conduction, the at least one heating element comprising:
 a silicone heating pad; 
 an aluminum perimeter frame extending about a perimeter of the heating pad; and 
 a heating coil embedded within the heating pad; 
   an at least one controller in electrical communication with the at least one heating element for selectively adjusting a temperature produced by the at least one heating element; and   an at least one power source in electrical communication with each of the at least one controller and heating element for selectively providing power thereto;   whereby, the entire at least one target body is capable of substantially matching a temperature produced by the at least one heating element, such that the at least one target body is visible to thermal optics.