Patents Examined by Robin O. Evans
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Patent number: 7132630Abstract: The use of conductive polyaniline fibers for resistive heating applications is described. Unlike metal wires and conductive-polymer coated fibers, under certain conditions, electric voltages or currents used to generate heat in the fibers were found to produce irreversible changes to the polymer backbone that destroy its electrical conductivity but not its structural integrity. The temperature that these changes occur varies with dopant and fiber diameter, and can be tailored to specific applications. Since these changes occur at lower temperatures than the temperature at which dopant molecules within the conductive polymer are lost or decomposed, both of which lower the conductivity of the material, polyaniline fibers can be used for resistive heating applications where the heating element is in the vicinity of the skin of the wearer thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Sante Fe Science and Technology, LLCInventors: Baohua Qi, Benjamin R. Mattes
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Patent number: 7132627Abstract: Heating device having an electric heating body arranged within an accumulator block. The electric heating body includes an insulated flat resister. The accumulator block is structured and arranged to store calories. The heating device is adapted for use in a heating apparatus. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Inventor: Bernard Peyronny
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Patent number: 7132628Abstract: A layered heater is provided with a resistive layer having a resistive circuit pattern, the resistive circuit pattern defining a length and a thickness, wherein the thickness varies along the length of the resistive circuit pattern for a variable watt density. The present invention also provides layered heaters having a resistive circuit pattern with a variable thickness along with a variable width and/or spacing of the resistive circuit pattern in order to produce a variable watt density. Methods are also provided wherein the variable thickness is achieved by varying a dispensing rate of a conductive ink used to form the resistive circuit pattern, varying the feed rate of a target surface relative to the dispensing of the ink, and overwriting a volume of conductive ink on top of a previously formed trace of the resistive circuit pattern.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kevin Ptasienski, James McMillin, Thomas T. Nagl, Rolando O. Juliano
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Patent number: 7129444Abstract: The present invention provides a window assembly having a transparent panel and a conductive heater grid formed integrally with the transparent panel. The conductive heater grid has a first group of grid lines and a second group of grid lines, with opposing ends of each group being connected to first and second busbars. Grid lines of the second group are spaced between adjacent grid lines of the first group, with the width of the grid lines themselves in the second group being less than the width of the grid lines in the first group.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Exatec LLCInventor: Keith D. Weiss
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Patent number: 7126086Abstract: A soldering iron is configured to heat its tip and emit inert gas near the tip. This is accomplished by providing a heater cartridge having a heater pipe with a tip portion and a base portion. The heater pipe has a first hole in the tip portion and a second hole at the base portion. The heater pipe has a passage between the first and second holes so that gas can enter through the second hole and exit through the first hole. The heater cartridge has a grip handle between the tip and base portions of the heater pipe. The soldering iron has a handle base with a cavity adapted to receive the base portion of the heater pipe and at least a portion of the grip handle. The handle base is adapted to provide power and gas to the base portion of the heater pipe. The heater pipe transfers the power and gas from the base portion to the tip portion to heat the tip and emit gas near the tip.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Hakko CorporationInventors: Hirofumi Konishi, Toshikazu Mochizuki
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Patent number: 7122764Abstract: A sheathed-element glow plug for self-igniting internal combustion engines has an electrical heating element which projects into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, and a current feed-through for providing a heating current for the heating element through an opening in the combustion chamber. A switch is positioned in the region of the current feed-through, and the heating current may be controlled by the opening and closing of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Hans-Peter Bauer, Albrecht Geissinger, Johannes Locher, Werner Teschner, Jochen Neumeister
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Patent number: 7122763Abstract: The present invention provides a thermos bag, which includes a container bag and an built-in thermos device. The thermos device includes a frame, a conductive plate, a printed electrothermal plate, an automatic temperature control device, an insulating lining and a bottom plate as a cover unit. After placing it inside the container bag, with the fixation ring sleeve, foot mount and bolts, it is positioned between the thermos device and container bag. The thermos bag made of this structure provide provides the traveler with a thermos bag that is easy to assemble, easy to carry, energy saving and easy to take off for cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: J Sheng Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chih-Hsiang Liu, Shu-Fen Li
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Patent number: 7120353Abstract: A portable compact sauna wherein a user's body is warmed to sweating primarily by direct absorption of infrared radiation. Broad infrared radiation emitters or sources are placed around the inside of a narrow cabinet so as to be in close proximity to various parts of a seated user. Fins spaced apart less than finger-width on the emitters protect the user from contact with elevated temperatures in the emitters. The emitters, which lend themselves to easy cleaning, are heated by electric infrared heaters having a unique design which eliminates extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (ELF) normally generated by AC energized electrical heater elements, to provide low extremely-low frequency EMF saunas able to utilize conventional-commercial electrical-energy sources. The emitters protect the heaters. Power wires for the heaters are arranged for low ELF EMF emission, too.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Inventors: Bernarr C. Schaeffer, James Schaeffer, Wayne Schaeffer
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Patent number: 7118584Abstract: The present invention relates to methodology of and apparatus for accurately positioning devices for performing endoscopic cannulation, papillotomy and sphincterotomy and similar procedures. The sphincterotome with a steerable or adjustable distal segment of the present invention allows the physician to control the position of the distal tip of the device independently of the endoscope and adjust for inconsistencies in the device and the anatomy. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a threaded portion of a cable assembly cooperates with a torque transmission element and a cog to enable the operator to rotate a cutting wire into a desired position relative to the catheter. Alternate embodiments allow the operator to fix the depth of a needle knife while allowing, if desired, accurate rotational positioning of the associated catheter. Threaded stabilizing elements, pivot elements and a steering wire may be used together or individually to accomplish these features.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: John A. Griego, Yem Chin
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Patent number: 7067779Abstract: A magnetron arrangement has a coaxial output terminating in a probe which launches energy from the magnetron along a rectangular waveguide. The coaxial output is arranged in an endfire configuration with respect to the waveguide, giving a compact arrangement compared to conventional output designs.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: E2V Technologies (UK) LimitedInventors: Bernard R Mulcahy, Rodney Wale
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Patent number: 7064299Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Karen M. Green, Alfred R DeAngelis, Earle Wolynes
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Patent number: 7053336Abstract: A heating element autobalance device includes a fixing mount, a balance device, a heating element, a top cover, a bottom cover and a base, wherein the fixing mount is disposed in the top cover, The balance device is configured atop the fixing mount, and is structured to include large rockers and small rockers, wherein the small rockers are separately configured on another side of each of the large rockers for disposing the heating element thereon, thereby achieving effectiveness and suitability for placing any body to be heated atop the heating element. The heating element penetrates the fixing mount and is fixedly configured atop insulation boards. Upon a body to be heated presses downwards and thereby comes in contact with the heating element, the balance device is thereby actuated, which effectuates clinging of the heating element to the body to be heated, and thus achieves effectiveness of even heating.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Inventor: Hsien-Kuan Cheng
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Patent number: 7049559Abstract: The flexible PTC heating element according to the invention has one of the following constitutions. A portion of an electrodes and a PTC resistor is impregnated into a flexible substrate. A flexible substrate is made of resin foam or rubber material having a concave/convex shape formed on the surface. The flexible PTC heating element has an elongation deformation portion disposed to at least one of an electrode and a PTC resistor. A flexible substrate has adhesiveness and either a flexible substrate or a flexible cover material has an elongation control portion. Therefore, the flexible PTC heating element is highly flexible and excellent in vibration durability.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahito Ishii, Keiko Yasui, Seishi Terakado, Kazuyuki Kohara, Mitsuru Yoneyama
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Patent number: 7050708Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering solid precursors. In certain embodiments of the present application, a flow monitor is used to measure and regulate the flow of vaporized solid precursor material from a vaporization chamber to a deposition chamber. The flow monitor chokes the supply of vapor into the deposition chamber to regulate vapor flow. To avoid condensation of the solid precursor material in the delivery lines or flow monitor, a controller is placed in a feed back loop to monitor the flow rate and make adjustments to the amount of vapor available at the inlet of the flow monitor. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Gurtej S. Sandhu
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Patent number: 7049555Abstract: A sleeve heater has an electrical and generally cylindrical heater coil centered on an axis and shaped to fit over a part to be heated, a radially compressible and generally cylindrical inner sleeve snugly coaxially surrounding the heater coil, and a radially generally inextensible and generally cylindrical outer sleeve fitted coaxially over the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has an inner surface bearing tightly radially inward on the inner sleeve and radially compressing the inner sleeve and the coil inward. The inner sleeve is formed with two or more axially extending and axially oppositely open slots that are angularly equispaced, with alternate slots open axially in opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Hotset Heizpatronen U. Zubehor GmbHInventor: Andre Sadowski
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Patent number: 7049557Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Alfred R. DeAngelis, David Bruce Wilson
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Patent number: 7049554Abstract: An adjustable heater for aquaria, comprising a substantially tubular container (2) within which are housed an electrical heating element (3), a switch (6) comprising s fixed contacts (7, 8) and moving contacts (9, 10) and capable of electrically connecting the heating element (3) with an external source (R) of electrical power, a temperature sensor (12) with a bi-metal strip (13) capable of detecting the temperature of the liquid and interacting with the switch (6) to move it from a closed position to an open position when a predetermined temperature (T) is to reached. The moving contacts (9, 10) of the switch (6) are secured to a free end (13?) of the bi-metal strip (13) while the other end (13?) of the bi-metal strip (13) is electrically insulated. This yields the advantage that electrical current does not pass through the bi-metal strip (13) and therefore does not create a Joule effect within it which affects the sensitivity and proper behavior of the temperature Is sensor (12).Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Eden SRLInventor: Samuele Lolato
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Patent number: 7045743Abstract: Vehicle heating systems such as portable vehicle cushions, steering wheel covers, and other interior surfaces include a direct current heating circuit for producing heat when activated; a surface material covering the heating circuit to isolate the heating circuit from direct contact by a vehicle occupant or object resting against the surface material; and a pressure switch located below the surface material and connected to the heating circuit to activate the heating circuit during application of sufficient pressure on the pressure switch by a vehicle occupant resting against the surface material at a location proximate the pressure switch, insufficient pressure being applied to the pressure switch deactivating the heating circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Ki-Woong Park
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Patent number: 7041943Abstract: An electrical heating element for heating units of seats and steering wheels is provided. The heating element comprises at least one conductor having at least one core-coated wire that serves as a heat conductor and/or as a contact conductor and/or as a lead for temperature probes. The coating comprises steel and the core comprises copper or a copper alloy, or the coating comprises copper or a copper alloy and the core comprises steel.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: I G Bauerhin GmbHInventor: Jochen Michelmann
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Patent number: RE39204Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a device for perfuming ambient air or closed spaces. An active volatile substance, like a perfume, an insect repellent or a deodorizing or sanitizing agent, is evaporated from a device. The said device comprises water or an appropriate hydrophilic solvent containing said volatile the active ingredient and an absorbing material chosen from superabsorbents, starch based systems, chemically modified cellulose and natural gum and volatile substance and a superabsorbent substance which are is capable of forming a gel with water or said the hydrophilic solvent, both components being adapted to be mixed with each other in order to achieve the diffusion of said the active volatile ingredient substance from the said gel. The components are mixed with each other to form said the gel from which the perfume or a deodorizing or sanitizing agent, or an insect repellent, active volatile substance diffuses uniformly and over a prolonged period of time into the surrounding air.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Firmenich SAInventors: Simon Hurry, Jonathan L. Williams