Michael K Kinsella

US Patent:

6338292, Jan 15, 2002

Filed:

Sep 30, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/409482

Inventors:

Robert Fisher Reynolds - Houston TX 77056
Michael Joseph Kinsella - Blue Bell PA 19422

International Classification:

F41H 500

US Classification:

89 3602, 89 3601, 89 3607, 89 3608, 89 111

Abstract:

The invention provides camouflage in both the visual spectrum and the infrared spectrum by emulating the infrared radiation of an objects background and the visible radiation of an objects background, effectively cloaking the object from detection. Initially, the temperature and color of the background against which an object appears is determined. The external surface of the object, or alternatively a shield around the object, is then heated or cooled using thermoelectric modules that convert electrical energy into a temperature gradient. The ability of the modules to be either cooled or heated permits the output of the modules to be altered to match the temperature of an objects background. In combination with these thermocouples, the invention utilizes choleric liquid crystals to alter the visible color of an object. Since the visible color of choleric liquid crystals can be changed with temperature, the heating and cooling ability of the thermocouples can be used to adjust the color of the liquid crystals to match the objects background color.