Abstract: In a thick film water track, irrespective of track thickness or the material of which the track is constructed, the optimum track width is found to be in the range of from 1.2 mm to 2.1 mm. Further, for a given resistance, the track is longer and may be conformed to a pattern to give improved temperature distribution. Additionally disclosed is a heating element having a number of thick film electrically resistive tracks applied to the surface of an electrically insulative substrate and a switch for selectively connecting one or more of the tracks to a power supply. The resistance and hence the operating temperature of the heating element may be varied by changing the track or tracks connected to the switch.

Abstract: A heating element comprises an electrically resistive track intended to be formed on an electrically insulative substrate. A heating unit comprises a heating element and a temperature sensor on a substrate, the sensor comprising an electrically resistive track. The track consists of a thick film having in the temperature range of from 0.degree. C. to 550.degree. C. a temperature coefficient of resistance in excess of 0.006 per degree C. The thick film includes a metal and a glass in such proportions as to provide a suitable resistivity and a thermal expansion coefficient to match that of an electrically insulative substrate to which the track is to be applied and to permit adhesion of the track to the substrate.The considerable variation of the resistance of the track with temperature provides advantages in both of the aforementioned applications.

Abstract: A substrate for supporting electrical components, such as thick film resistive heating elements, comprises a plate member, such as a metallic plate member, coated on one or both of its flat surfaces with a glass ceramic material.It has been found that the problems of (a) electrical breakdown between the metallic plate member and the thick film resistive heating element and (b) lack of adhesion between the thick film and the glass ceramic material can be substantially reduced or eliminated by reducing the porosity of the glass ceramic material. Methods of producing a glass ceramic layer having a low porosity, involving a two-stage heating process, are described.