Abstract: An electric heating system, in particular an auxiliary heating system in automobiles, in which the heating system has several heating rods (1), arranged side-by-side; the heating rods (1) are connected to each other by means of alike metal plates (4) that are slid onto the heating rods (1); the heating rods (1) have for this purpose a series of slotted holes (3) that extend in the longitudinal direction (10) of the metal plates (4); the slotted holes (3) have longitudinal edges, facing each other, that clamp the heating rods (1) between them; and at least one part of the slotted holes (3) in each metal plate (4) is longer by more than the manufacturing tolerance, than the width of the heating rods (1) measured in the longitudinal direction (10) of the metal plates (4).

Abstract: A flexible flat structure has a flexible, flat resistance heating element that is connected to electrodes that are spaced apart from one another for supplying electrical current that is pressed on to the resistance heating element by staples or clamps in a force-fit manner and/or a form-fit manner and provides a more flexible connection.

Abstract: What is presented is a thawing system for thermally heating an undercarriage of a machine, with the machine having an engine and a track frame. This thawing system comprises a heating element and thawing line. The heating element is powered independently from the engine, produces thermal energy for the thawing system, and can be activated and/or stay activated when the engine is not active. The thawing line is connected to the heating element, adapted to spread thermal energy from the heating element throughout the undercarriage of the machine, and is isolated from the engine. The thawing line extends from the heating element to the undercarriage of the machine via a channel, which is in the machine. Thermal energy is produced and delivered to the undercarriage of the machine when the heating element is activated.

Abstract: A transportable heating assembly for converting a fluid bearing structure on a vehicle into a heatable fluid bearing structure is provided with a relay system for receiving power and distributing electrical currents, a power system for supplying power to the relay system, and at least one heating cable for receiving electrical currents distributed from the relay system.

Abstract: An electrical heating device includes at least one heat generating element and at least one heat emitting element having opposed surfaces that abut the heat generating element. The heat generating element includes at least one PTC heating element having strip conductors on both sides of it for the electrical supply of the PTC heating element At least one of the strip conductor is provided with at least one contact projection which protrudes beyond a PTC heating element locating face formed on the strip conductor. Also disclosed is a heat generating element having at least one strip conductor provided with at least one contact projection.

Abstract: An HVAC system for a work vehicle having an operator compartment for a vehicle operator, the system including a heating system, a compartment pressurizer blower, a compartment recirculation blower, a temperature sensor, and an operating mode switch, each operably coupled to an electronic circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to reduce pressurizer blower output when the operator selects high output from the heating system under certain predetermined temperature and conditions and operating modes to improve HVAC system performance.

Abstract: A system and method for ice protection of a component, wherein the system is adapted to be adhesively bonded to a surface of the component. The system includes a heating element layer, at least one thermally conductive adhesive layer that adhesively bonds a first side of the heating element layer to the component, an insulation layer, at least one thermally insulating adhesive layer that adhesively bonds a second side of the heating element to the insulation layer, an electrical bus bar adapted to provide a connection between a power supply and the heating element layer, and at least one temperature sensor.

Abstract: A defogger system includes structure defining a window or a mirror, a heating element operatively connected to the structure to selectively apply heat to the structure, and a source of electrical energy. The defogger system also includes a switch and an electrically conductive path from the source of electrical energy to the heating element. The switch includes an active material member, and is configured such that the switch interrupts the electrically conductive path when the active material member is above a predetermined temperature. The switch is also configured such that the switch does not interrupt the electrically conductive path when the active material member is below the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A conventional vehicle lighting device has entailed a problem on swaging and fixing a power-feeding portion and a connector to each other insofar. In the present invention, a connector is made up of: a male terminal set at a power-feeding electrically conductive paste on one face of a power-feeding film of a power-feeding portion; a grommeted terminal board (primary swaging tool) on which the terminal and the power-feeding portion have been swaged; and a resin board (secondary swaging tool) on which the male terminal, the power-feeding portion, and the grommeted terminal board have been swaged. As a result, in the present invention, a swaging fixing strength between the power-feeding portion and the connector can be improved by means of the primary swaging fixing of the grommeted terminal board and the secondary swaging fixing of the resin board.

Abstract: A heater member for a chair, of which the dimension as measured in the width direction is not constant, includes a fabric of a weft knitting structure having a plurality of conductive threads woven into the fabric as a part of constituent yarn. Each of the conductive threads has substantially the same length.

Abstract: An electric heating device for a vehicle may comprise: a switch element configured to allow an electric current to flow through an electric heater; a switch element control unit generating a switch element control signal and a switch element drive signal; and a switch element drive unit driving the switch element with the switch element drive signal. The switch element control unit generates a new switch element control signal based on a switch element function diagnosis signal for diagnosing an abnormality in the switch element or in the switch element drive unit and on a switch element functional abnormality detection signal that includes an indication of a presence or an absence of the abnormality. The switch element control unit generates a new switch element drive signal based on the new switch element control signal and on the switch element function diagnosis signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an icing condition. The apparatus comprises a piezoelectric material and a vibration detector. The piezoelectric material has a surface proximate to a surface of a vehicle. The piezoelectric material is configured to vibrate. The vibration detector is configured to detect a change in vibrations in the piezoelectric material that indicates a presence of an icing condition on the surface of the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A vehicle window panel includes a panel body having a plate shape and made of a resin material. The panel body integrally includes a window portion permitting light to pass therethrough. A conductive layer strip is formed on an interior surface of the window portion by applying a paste containing silver powder, as a main component, and thermosetting resin, as a binder, onto the interior surface. The layer strip has a width ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.1 mm, both inclusive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic vehicle tank for an aqueous urea solution used for reducing the hydrogen oxide content in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. In the preferred embodiment, the inventive tank comprises a functional unit comprising at least one pump, at least one pressure control valve, at least one internal container provided with an internal electrical heating and at least one suction line. The functional unit is preferably mounted in the form of a lid on the container opening for closing it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for controlling a complementary electric radiator (R) installed in a ventilation system used in the automotive sector, said device including at least two electronic modules each including a computer, a control module (1) capable of sending operating commands to the radiator and a management module (2), which is implemented within the electric radiator (R) in order to manage the operation thereof on the basis of commands received from the control module (1). According to the invention, the control module (1) includes a unit for generating and transmitting a PWM signal representative of the operating commands being sent to the radiator (R) over a communication wire (3) connected to the management module (2) and a unit for reading the signal travelling over the communication wire (3); the management module (2) includes a unit for altering the PWM signal travelling over the communication wire on the basis of detected events in the operation of the radiator (R).

Abstract: An apparatus has a first structure, a second structure, and an activated seal. The second structure has a first position adjacent to the first structure such that the first structure is not in contact with the second structure. The activated seal is attached to at least one of the first structure and the second structure. The activated seal has a variable stiffness that may be changed in response to a stimuli such that the activated seal is capable of being deformed when at least one of the first structure and the second structure are moved relative to each other.

Abstract: A heater-integrated canister unit may include a canister, a temperature controller integrally coupled with the canister to indirectly heat a charcoal inside the canister by increasing a temperature of a space in the canister, and an electronic control unit controlling the current supplied to the temperature controller. The temperature controller may be disposed at the opposite side of the evaporation gas intake port in the canister and support the charcoal or may be coupled to the outside of the canister by a seating slot formed in the canister. The temperature controller may include a heater plate transmitting the current by forming a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a connector supplying the current to the heater plate and a heater generating heat on the heater plate.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor comprises a sensing antenna electrode (10) for capacitively coupling to a counterelectrode to form a capacitance (40, 42), this capacitance being responsive to an electric-field-influencing property of an object or person proximate to the antenna electrode. The counterelectrode may be or may not be part of the capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor further comprises a capacitive sensing network connected to the antenna electrode to apply an oscillating signal thereto and to and to determine the capacitance based upon characteristics of the oscillating signal. The capacitive sensing network includes at least one inductor (16) and a plurality of reactive components (36) arranged to form a resonant network together with the capacitance (40, 42), the plurality of reactive components being activatable and deactivatable in such a way as to modify a resonance frequency of the resonant network.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting fixture has monitoring and control circuits that sense when a freezing condition is present that could result in ice and/or snow accumulation on a lens of the LED lighting fixture, thereby reducing the light output therefrom. Heat may be supplied to the lens from a transparent resistive coating thereon, an internal space heater and/or increased power dissipate from the LEDs.

Abstract: A heated vehicle window includes at least one ply of a glazing material, provided with an antenna and an array of electrical conductors forming a heating circuit. The heating circuit comprises a plurality of electrical conductors and at least two busbars for supplying direct electrical current to which the electrical conductors are connected. A discrete electrically conductive layer is provided to cover at least a portion of at least two of the busbars in direct current electrical isolation therefrom. The busbars and the discrete electrically conductive layer act as a capacitor in the presence of alternating electrical current.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle, which includes: a battery (3) capable of being charged from an external power source (EPS); a power generation unit (PGU) capable of charging the battery (3); an electric heater (12) configured to produce heat with electric power from an electric power source; a heater core (11) configured to heat air by using any one of waste heat from the power generation unit (PGU) and the electric heater (12); and a controller (19) configured to perform control for selectively using the waste heat from the power generation unit (PGU) and the electric heater (12) as a heat source of the heater core (11) when the vehicle is parked.

Abstract: Heated hand grips for motorcycles or other applications, such as snowmobiles, are disclosed. The hand grips enable better control and comfort for the user. The hand grips described herein have a better design for mounting on the handle bars, allowing for a better seal against ingress of moisture and for sturdier mounting of the control circuitry. The control circuitry itself is simplified, and the control knob has built-in detents for more tactile feedback to the user. The heated elements themselves include a temperature sensor for simplified wiring and immediate feedback.

Abstract: A variable reflectance mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior mirror assembly includes a heater pad disposed at the fourth surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes a first connector that electrically connects with the transparent electrically conductive coating disposed at the second surface of the front substrate, and a second connector that electrically connects with the metallic electrically conductive coating disposed at the third surface of the rear substrate. The heater pad includes third and fourth connectors that provide, at least in part, electrical conductive connection with a heating element. The connectors are part of a unitary multi-pin connector that is configured to connect with a corresponding wire harness connector to provide electrical power to the heating element and to the transparent electrically conductive coating and the metallic electrically conductive coating of the reflective element when the exterior minor assembly is mounted at the vehicle.

Abstract: A glow plug may include: i) a hollow plug housing that is mounted on a plug mount in an insulation status; ii) a center shaft that is fixed to one end of the plug housing in an insulation status and receives power from the outside; iii) a heating unit that is connected to the center shaft and the other end of the plug housing, and generates heat using a potential difference; and iv) a connecting unit that insulates the plug mount and the center shaft, is coupled to the plug mount, and electrically connects with center shaft with the plug housing.

Abstract: An electronic circuit is provided for electrically isolating a heater in a motor vehicle upon detection of a crash event. The circuit includes a high voltage convection heater mounted in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, a controller mounted in an under hood compartment of the vehicle, a battery, and a collision sensor configured to apply a crash signal to the controller upon detection of a crash event. The controller is configured to selectively electrically isolate the heater from the battery in response to the crash signal. The vehicle also includes a fresh air plenum on which the controller is mounted.

Abstract: A windshield washer fluid heater having a housing which defines a housing chamber. A subhousing is disposed in the housing chamber. This subhousing is constructed of a thermally conductive material and divides the housing chamber into an outer housing chamber between the housing and the subhousing, and an inner housing chamber inside the subchamber. The outer housing chamber and inner housing chambers are fluidly isolated from each other. A core is disposed in the inner housing chamber thus forming an annular fluid chamber between the core and the subhousing. A washer fluid inlet on the housing is open to one end of the annular chamber while a washer fluid outlet at the other end is open to the other end of the annular chamber. An engine coolant inlet is open to the outer chamber while an engine coolant outlet is also open to the outer chamber at a position spaced from the inlet so that fluid flow into the coolant inlet flows through the outer housing chamber and to the coolant outlet.

Abstract: A heated seat (302) comprising: a cushion with one or more trench (30) areas; a heater (300) comprising: a carrier (2) with a periphery, the carrier (2) further including: a first electrically functional layer (4) that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier (2); and a second electrically functional layer (8) that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors {12} attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer (40) that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion, and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge (18) and a second side edge (20), and each side edge includes a cutout (26), and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other—forming a neck portion (28); wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device (32) over the neck portion (28) of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment, device (32) to the cushion so that the neck portion (2

Abstract: A heatable side window assembly for an automobile, wherein the automobile includes a sideview mirror mounted generally adjacent the heatable side window assembly. The heatable side window assembly includes a glass sheet having an interior surface and an exterior surface and one or more continuous, electrical conductor strips mounted to the interior surface of the glass sheet. The conductor strip outputs radiant heat in response to an electrical current flow therethrough. The conductor strip is positioned such that it generally bounds, but does not enter, an area defined by an operator's line of sight to the sideview mirror of the vehicle. A pair of conductor pads are electrically coupled to the ends of the conductor strip. A switch is provided for selectively outputting a control signal and a controller is electrically coupled between a power supply and the pair of conductor pads.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flat heating element in particular for heating surfaces in contact with the user in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical conductor. According to the invention, the electrical conductivity of at least one of these electrical conductors is at least temporarily reduced if the temperature thereof at least locally exceeds a permissible maximum temperature.

Abstract: Provided are a layered heat exchanger that can prevent deterioration of sealing property due to deformation of sealing portions of inlet and outlet header sections when a PTC heater is sandwiched between flat heat exchanger tubes, and is pressed to be brought into close contact with the flat heat exchanger tubes, and a heat medium heating apparatus and a vehicle air-conditioning apparatus using the layered heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heated wiper blade for motor vehicles includes an elongated flexible beam and a heating element extending along the beam. The heating element may be configured to provide increased heat at the central portion of the blade and at the opposite ends of the blade. The heating element is comprised of an electrical conductor material that varies the amperage drawn between hot and cold ambient temperature operation. The flexible beam may include curved end portions and a flat or reduced curvature central portion. The heating element is preferably covered and sealed off to prevent loss of heat energy.

Abstract: A heating device for a seat exhibiting excellent durability, reliability, safety and enhanced workability in fixing work to a seat while reducing the cost and weight and ensuring comfortable feeling at seating without causing a strange feeling. The heating device for a seat comprises a heating matter (4) including a base substance (2) and a heating wire (3) arranged on the base substance, a temperature detection element (5) for detecting temperature of the heating matter, and a temperature control circuit (1) for controlling temperature of the heating matter based on the output from the temperature detection element, characterized in that the temperature detection element and the temperature control circuit are arranged at predetermined positions on the base substance. The temperature control circuit is insulation-covered together with a part of lead wires connected to the temperature control circuit.

Abstract: An adaptive heating apparatus for heating a recreational vehicle, including a first heat unit configured to be powered by a first energy type, a second heat unit configured to be powered by a second energy type that is different than the first energy type, and a forced-air circulation unit. The adaptive heating apparatus is operable to employ the first heat unit during a first heating operation, or alternatively to employ the second heat unit during a second heating operation. The forced-air circulation unit is configured to circulate air through the both heat units during the first heating operation and to circulate air through both heating units during the second heating operation.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.

Abstract: A heater for heating air passing through a conduit to an aircraft cabin includes a first support ring in the conduit, defining an air passage there through. A plurality of serpentine heating elements is provided, with each heating element extending across the air passage and being supported at both sides of the air passage by the support ring. The serpentine heating elements are generally parallel to each other and evenly spaced in the air passage. A power supply supplies electrical current to the heating elements such that air passing through the air passage is heated by the heating elements. The heating elements may are non-planar, wavy, corrugated in shape, permitting them to be supported only at their side edges.

Abstract: A Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) rod assembly and a preheater incorporating the same. The PTC rod assembly includes a negative terminal and a positive terminal coupled with opposite surfaces of a PTC rod, the negative and positive terminals being spaced apart from and parallel to each other; a PTC element interposed between and being in electrical contact with the negative and positive terminals, an insulating film adhered to exposed portions of the negative and positive terminals, which are coupled with the PTC rod, and a PTC rod housing. The PTC rod housing stores the PTC rod therein, the negative and positive terminals and the PTC element coupled with the PTC rod, and the insulating film adhered to the PTC rod. The PTC rod assembly is used stably even when a high voltage is applied thereto. A short circuit is prevented from occurring between the two terminals due to contact.

Abstract: A heat generating element for an electrical heating device of a motor vehicle includes a positional frame which forms a receptacle in which a PTC element is accommodated, and two contact plates abutting on oppositely situated sides of the PTC element. A heat generating element has a sheet metal cover that is connected to the positional frame. Also provided are a frame, which has oppositely situated side openings for the passage of a medium to be heated, and a layer structure, which is arranged in the frame and which comprises layers of corrugated-rib and heat generating elements, such that the heat generating element has at least one PTC element arranged between two parallel contact plates. The electrical heating device is protected against EMC via sheet metal covers that are arranged on both sides of the heat generating element and between the corrugated-rib elements and the contact plates.

Abstract: An electrical heating device for a motor vehicle includes a frame that has openings formed on oppositely situated sides for the passage of a medium to be heated, a layer structure, arranged in the frame, and a connecting housing. The layer structure comprises layers of corrugated-rib elements and heat generating elements, and each heat generating element has at least one PTC element arranged between parallel contact plates. At least one power dissipation generating power switch is provided in the connecting housing. A heat sink lies exposed on the outside of the connecting housing. Improved and adequate cooling of the electrical heating device having the power switch is created as a result of the insertion of the heat sink into the connecting housing in a sealing manner.

Abstract: An electrical heating device for a motor vehicle includes a frame in which is accommodated a layer structure with corrugated-rib elements and heat generating elements. Each heat generating element includes a positional frame which forms a receptacle in which a PTC element is accommodated, and which includes contact plates abutting on two oppositely situated sides of the PTC element. The heat generating element is formed such that the receptacle is sealed and is accessible through at least one inspection channel that is accessible from the outside. The electrical heating device has a sleeve receptacle which is adapted for the sealing accommodation of a connection piece that protrudes from the heat generating element. Also disclosed is a method for the manufacture of an electrical heating device in which the sealing of the heat generating elements is checked.

Abstract: A sensor or camera assembly for a vehicle comprises a housing that is mountable to a vehicle component. The sensor or camera is located within the housing and has an exterior facing surface. A defrost element is located proximate to the sensor or camera and is electrically connectable to a defrost system. The defrost element is arranged to defrost the surface of the sensor or camera. A nozzle is located proximate to the sensor or camera and is fluidly connectable to a washer system for the vehicle. The nozzle is arranged to direct a fluid from the washer system over the surface of the sensor or camera. Therefore, the camera or sensor cleaning system minimizes any reduction in effectiveness and efficiency of the sensor by use of the clean or defrost feature. Maintaining effectiveness and efficiency of the sensor provides a key improvement in safety for the vehicle.

Abstract: A heater control unit controls electric power supplied to a heater provided in a seat. The heater control unit includes an outside air temperature measuring portion that measures an outside air temperature, a seat surface temperature measuring portion that measures a surface temperature of the seat, and a control portion. The control portion controls a time for which an initial electric power larger than an electric power in a steady state after the initial state is output to the heater, according to the measured outside air temperature and the measured seat surface temperature in an initial state immediately after the heater is activated.

Abstract: A system for effectively defrosting a plastic window includes a transparent plastic panel, a heater grid having a plurality of grid lines that are integrally formed with the plastic panel, and equalizing means for equalizing the electrical current traveling through each of the grid lines.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle cabin heating system includes setting a target temperature for a vehicle cabin interior space. The method also includes measuring current temperature within the vehicle cabin interior space at a location spaced apart from a first infrared heater and spaced apart from a target surface within the vehicle cabin interior space, the first infrared heater being aimed to heat the target surface. A surface temperature of the target surface is estimated based the current temperature. The first infrared heater is controlled such that the heater is turned on in response to the estimated surface temperature of the target surface falling below the target temperature by a predetermined amount, and the heater is turned off in response to the estimated surface temperature rising above the target temperature by the predetermined amount.

Abstract: A heating element for use with a mirror element is provided that includes a heating-element substrate, electrical terminals on the substrate configured to receive electrical power from a power source, and at least one heating zone defined by an electrically-conductive trace disposed on the spatially-continuous heating-element substrate in electrical connection with the electrical terminals, wherein an indicia portion of at least one heating zone includes a diagram represented by the electrically-conductive trace.

Abstract: A thermally regulated electrical deicing apparatus with a flexible cover portion is mounted to an exterior surface of a vehicular windshield; the flexible cover portion includes an electrical deicing element with either a resistance element heat tape or a serpentine woven heating element directed therethrough in electrical communication with an alternating current power supply. A thermistor effects selective heating in the heating element. The electrical deicing element further includes a male alternating current electrical plug conducting current to the heating element through an electrical power supply line, wherein the thermistor is interposed between the male alternating current plug and the heating element, and controls the current conducted to the heating element; and a female alternating current electrical plug attached to the power supply line, which provides a connection means for a second thermally regulated electrical deicing apparatus.

Abstract: A heat pad assembly for installation and/or removal of a bracket from a structure comprises a heating element. The heat pad assembly may have at least one and, more preferably, a plurality of perforations formed therein. The heating element may be configured to generate heat upon the application of electrical current passing therethrough. The heat pad assembly may be used for temporary installation of a bracket to a mounting surface through the use of an adhesive which is installable between the bracket and the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a wiper blade with heating elements embedded therein and coupled to a wiper arm of a vehicle to wipe a glass surface while moving together with the wiper arm. The method includes: detecting the operation or not of an engine of a vehicle; detecting the external temperature outside of the vehicle; and automatically supplying power to the heating elements based on the detected information on the operation of the engine and the temperature information. A wiper blade with heating elements capable of optimally maintaining a condition of the wiper blade even when the external temperature is low is also provided.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for a heating element comprises a capacitive detector connectable to the heating element and a common mode choke for connecting the heating element with a heating current supply. The detector drives an alternating current into the heating element and produces an output depending on the capacitive load, which the alternating current is subject to. Depending on the object sensed, the load varies in a range between a minimum and a maximum value. The choke represents an inductive load in parallel of the capacitive load. The capacitive load and the inductive load contribute to a complex impedance dominated by the inductive load. A compensation capacitor arranged parallel to the choke represents an additional capacitive load also contributing to the complex impedance. The compensation capacitor is dimensioned such that the sum of additional capacitive load and maximum value amounts to at least 50% of the inductive load.

Abstract: A transportable heating assembly for converting a fluid bearing structure on a vehicle into a heatable fluid bearing structure is provided with a relay system for receiving power and distributing electrical currents, a power system for supplying power to the relay system, and at least one heating cable for receiving electrical currents distributed from the relay system.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for being connected to a heating element comprises a capacitive detector connectable to the heating element and a common mode choke for essentially preventing alternating current from flowing from the heating element to the heating current supply. The capacitive detector is configured for driving an alternating current into the heating element and for producing an output indicative of capacitance based upon the alternating current. The choke has a first and a second winding for connecting the heating element with the heating current supply. The choke comprises a third winding connected in parallel of the first and/or second winding. The capacitive detector is configured for measuring a portion of the alternating current flowing across the third winding and for taking into account the measured portion of alternating current when producing the output.