Abstract: An infrared ray lamp having a structure wherein a groove is formed in the vicinity of each of both end portions of a substantially plate heating element formed of a carbon-based substance, a carbon-based adhesive is applied to a region including the groove, and the end portion of the heating element is inserted into a slit formed at the end portion of a heat-emitting block having high conductivity so as to be sandwiched; by forming a reflection film on the glass tube of the infrared ray lamp, an infrared ray lamp having a desired emission intensity distribution is provided; a heating apparatus using this infrared ray lamp and method of producing the infrared ray lamp are also provided.

Abstract: A thermal apparatus includes a wrap adapted to be secured to the body surface of a user. At least one temperature sensor is mounted to the wrap to measure an actual temperature of the body surface, and at least one thermoelectric device is mounted to the wrap to selectively deliver heat to and remove heat from the body surface. The thermal apparatus further includes a control unit mountable to the wrap. The control unit receives the actual temperature of the body surface from the temperature sensor and communicates with the thermoelectric device to operate the thermoelectric device as one of a heater and a cooler, thereby achieving a desired temperature of the body surface.

Abstract: Body Drier with a plurality of cylindrical housings, each housing retaining a heating coil, a fan blade, an electric fan motor, a fan bracket and a fan grill. Each cylindrical fan housing assembly is attached to the one above it by means of standard electrical connectors. The cylindrical housings each have a cut out portion to allow warm air to flow out from the fan. Each cut out portion is covered by a grill. The cylindrical housings each have a standard bayonet type attachment so that the housings can be attached one on top of the other creating a tower. The tower secured in an upright position by a base plate. A single power cord exits from the base plate so that the attached plug can be inserted into a standard wall socket. The body drier includes a standard oscillating mechanism that causes the tower to oscillate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator comprising a) an elongated chamber (3) having an opening for a glue stick and a nozzle (6) for distributing melted glue, b) means for gradually pushing the stick into the chamber (3) and c) two heating elements (131, 132), each of which comprises a channel (151, 152) made from an electrically resistant material and which can be connected to an electrical power source. Said channel (151, 152) is formed on an electrically insulated surface of a substrate (141, 142) which is arranged so as to be in thermal contact with a mass of glue contained in the chamber (3). The heating element (131, 132) is applied against an external conformal surface (21, 22) of a heating body (2), one surface of which defines said chamber (3). The heating body (2) is made from a heat-conducting material.

Abstract: A method and system for fusing an optical fiber lens is compatible with automation. Specifically, the fusing of the fiber lens is controlled in response to a diffraction pattern of light exiting from the fiber lens. This diffraction pattern is indicative of the lens shape and characteristics. Specifically, light is injected into an optical fiber and a diffraction pattern of the light exiting from a fiber lens is detected. The fiber lens is then fused in response to this diffraction pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature adjusting device for adjusting or setting temperature of a soldering iron, with the adjustment or setting being allowed to a particular authorized operator. The device comprises a temperature control section having a moveable member which is moveable to change an electric parameter, such as a resistance, as a function of the movement of the moveable member, the temperature control section controlling the temperature of the soldering iron in accordance with the electric parameter; a manipulation member detachably coupled to the moveable member to move the moveable member to change the electric parameter; and an indicator interrelated with the moveable member to indicate an adjusted temperature, the indicator being capable of making the indication even when the manipulation member has been detached from moveable member.

Abstract: An aircraft floor panel (10) comprising a plurality of layers (18) cured together to form a lower support level (20) and an upper heater level (22), and a metal face sheet (16) for protecting the underlying layers (18) from floor-traffic related damage. A pressure sensitive adhesive (32) (or other adhesive which retains elasticity after bonding) is used to bond the metal face sheet (16) to the underlying support/heater layers (18) so that the different rates of thermal expansion can be accommodated during curing and cooling steps of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A glow plug in which a ceramic heater is fixedly disposed in a metallic, cylindrical member such that a front end thereof projects from a front end of the cylindrical member, and the resultant cylindrical member is fixedly disposed in a plug body such that the front end of the cylindrical member projects from a front end of the body, and which readily provides a mounting structure such that, even when loosening arises at a joint between the body and the cylindrical member after the glow plug is mounted onto a cylinder head, the cylindrical member is prevented from dropping into the interior of an engine.

Abstract: A cooking controller assembly includes a heating element, a push-to-turn rotary switch, and an electric controller. The heating element is coupled to the push-to-turn rotary switch and the electric controller. The push-to-turn rotary switch is manually pushed and turned to selectively connect power to the heating element. The electric controller is coupled to the push-to-turn rotary switch and the heating element, and electrically controls the power to the heating element in relation to the manual rotation of the push-to-turn rotary switch.

Abstract: A heated bridge deck (20) uses electrodes (24, 26) embedded within conductive concrete and connected to a power source to remove snow and ice accumulation. A cement-based mixture containing optimal amounts of conductive materials is molded into pre-formed slabs (22) placed atop the paved surface of a bridge deck. Alternatively, the conductive concrete may be cast in place on top of an existing bridge deck. A control unit with temperature and moisture sensors may be coupled to the heated bridge deck.

Abstract: Control system and apparatus for controlling current input to an electrical resistance element such as a seal wire. The system and apparatus of the present invention is a closed loop feedback modification to conventional systems, and takes advantage of the inherent expansion of the seal wire as it is heated. When the seal wire expands to a predetermined length, a switch is triggered which interrupts at least a portion of the power supplied to the wire for heating. The interruption continues until the wire contracts to a length less than the predetermined length, whereupon the interruption ceases and heating of the wire resumes normal operation.

Abstract: A paint scraper is provided, with the blade being heated by electrical heating elements within the blade, or in other embodiments, by heated air being discharge from the handle onto the blade. A variety of different blade designs are described. The scraper consists of a hand held unit into which the blade is plugged. A dial is provided on the unit to set the temperature of the blade.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric heat sealing apparatus which comprises an upper support board, a lower support board and a lateral board which define a moving space therebetween. A sealing plate is placed in the moving space and can be driven by a set of drivers to move vertically in the space. A sealing portion and a cutting portion extent downwardly from a rim of the sealing plate and a narrow groove is formed therebetween. On the course of packing, plastic films can be sealed and cut simultaneously owing to a vertical movement of the cutting and the sealing portions. Further, a neat and airtight sealing effect can be achieved due to the design of the narrow groove.

Abstract: A method of making a heated steering wheel comprises depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.

Abstract: A radiant electric space heater is provided with a halogen light source which provides light to the same general area to which radiant electric energy is transmitted by the heating elements. The halogen light source includes a halogen light bulb located behind a grill that covers a window located at the front of the heater. A translucent lens is mounted on the rear of the grill in front of the halogen bulb.

Abstract: An electrical air heating apparatus, especially for a motor vehicle, with electrical heating elements (3) for heating air and a housing (1) which has a ground connection (1a), an electrical supply connection and an electronic circuit (7) to control the supplying of electrical power to the heating elements (3). In the housing (1), the heating elements (3) are arranged in electrical contact with the ground connection and the electrical supply connection. The housing (1) is made of an electrically conducting material, for example, aluminum and is constructed in one piece with a molded-on ground connection (1a). The heating elements (3) and the electronic circuit (7) are arranged in direct electrical contact with the housing (1).

Abstract: In a temperature adjusting system, a first temperature measuring unit measures the temperature at a blowing outlet port supplying a temperature control space with a medium and a first temperature controller provides compensation responsive to the first measured temperature. A second temperature measuring unit measures the temperature of the temperature control space downstream of the blowing outlet port and a second temperature controller provides compensation responsive to second measured temperature. A temperature converting unit controls heat generation on the basis of the first temperature controller output to control the medium at the constant temperature supplied from the blowing outlet port. A set predetermined temperature corresponding to a desired value for the temperature in the temperature control space is input to the second temperature controller and the second temperature controller output is input as a temperature value to the first temperature controller.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying heat to a platen of a biometric image capturing device are described that remove and prevent the formation of excess moisture on the platen. These devices and methods prevent undesirable interruptions of total internal reflection of a prism that result in biometric images having a halo effect. In embodiments of the invention, an electrically conductive transparent material is used to apply heat to the platen. In other embodiments, resistive heating elements attached to non-optical areas of the platen (e.g., the ends) are used to apply heat to the platen. Heater assemblies according to the invention can be used to heat an area where a biometric object is placed, or an area adjacent to where the biometric object is placed, to remove and prevent the formation of excess moisture on the platen.

Abstract: A power management system comprises a microprocessor and a current flow sensor in electrical communication therewith. The current flow sensor measures the amount of electrical current available to the building as well as the actual current flowing through the building. A load sensor is in electrical communication with the microprocessor and measures the load requirements of the appliance. One or more switches are electrical communication with the microprocessor and control the power flowing to the appliance. The microprocessor maintains a record of the information from the load sensor and the current sensor and further has a electrical maximum limit and a continuous load limit for the building. The microprocessor uses the one or more switches to average a continuous load over a preset period of time which is less than the continuous load limit for said building while never exceeding the electrical maximum limit for said building.

Abstract: An electrically heating smoking system wherein tobacco smoke is generated by heating a portion of a cigarette with an electrical resistance heating element powered by lithium ion battery cells. The lithium ion battery cells supply current to the electrical resistance heating element with current up to 20 times greater than the recommended discharge rate. To prevent damage to the lithium ion battery cells under such high discharge conditions, the smoking system includes a controller which provides modulated pulses of electrical power from the battery cells to the resistance heating element during smoking of the cigarette.