Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.

Textron Innovations Inc.

Robert A Shepherd

David R Schlichte

Catherine Ferrie

Kendall F Goodman

Robert Michael Laramee

Brian P Corbett

Richard A Shepherd

Bryan A Riley

Kendall E Goodman

Robert M Laramee

One example of a method includes heating a ground steel part that has been chemical-etched. The method also includes detecting defects caused by grinding and watermarks caused by chemical etching by imaging the steel part with an infrared camera to capture infrared radiation from regions of the steel part that include defects and watermarks. Imaging the steel part can include imaging regions of the steel part at long-wavelengths of infrared radiation to detect defects on the regions of the steel part and generating a first image wherein the defects are visible in the image and the watermarks are not visible in the image.

Infrared radiometric imaging inspection of steel parts

A method for mapping a two-dimensional image data onto a three-dimensional graphic model of an object includes taking a plurality of two-dimensional images of the object. Each two-dimensional image has data, such as temperature data, which is desired to be represented on the three-dimensional graphic model. The three-dimensional model of the object is viewed on a graphic user interface. The three-dimensional model has a plurality of facets, each facet being configured for selectively receiving the data from the two-dimensional images, so that the two-dimensional images are mapped onto the facets of the three-dimensional model. The three-dimensional model can then be analyzed.

System and method for mapping two-dimensional image data to a three-dimensional faceted model

A method for measuring an infrared signature of a moving target includes: tracking the moving target with a tracking system along a path from a start position to an end position, measuring infrared radiation data of the moving target along the path, repositioning the tracking system to the start position, retracing the path to measure the infrared radiation data of the background, and determining the infrared signature of the moving target by comparing the infrared radiation data of the moving object with the infrared radiation data of the background without the moving object.

Method and apparatus for acquiring accurate background infrared signature data on moving targets

The present invention provides a lightweight structure for simultaneously providing a reduced infrared and radar signature, while adding little or no weight to a vehicle. As such, the present invention allows for substantial improvements over prior systems. An example of the type of vehicle able to make use of the present invention is a military helicopter, but there is nothing within the spirit and scope of the present invention limiting it to any particular vehicle. The teachings of the present invention are useful with any vehicle for which a reduction in infrared emissions and microwave reflections is desired.

Method and apparatus for reducing the infrared and radar signature of a vehicle

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Fort Worth, TX, United States of America

Robert A Shepherd