Abstract: A device for connecting an external electrical power cord to an engine block heater in an automotive vehicle. The device is permanently mounted in the vehicle grille and includes a flanged electrical inlet whose terminals are hard-wired to the heater, and a housing which is pivotable upwardly to allow the female plug of the power cord to be connected to the inlet prongs. The original grille escutcheon is attached to the pivotable housing.

Abstract: A lubricating oil heater apparatus for an electric motorcar enabling an efficient running in viewpoint of electric power consumption. The electric motorcar is run by driving force of an electric motor transmitted to wheels through a power transmission and has a charge condition detecting device for detecting the charge condition of a battery when the battery can be charged, an oil temperature detecting device for detecting temperature of a lubricating oil in the power transmission, a heating device for heating the lubricating oil in the power transmission, and a heating control device for controlling operation of the heating device. The heating control device operates the heating device when the charge condition detecting device detects a predetermined charge condition and the oil temperature detecting device detects an oil temperature below a predetermined value.

Abstract: An electrically heatable honeycomb body includes a large number of passages which are defined by partition walls made of an electroconductive material and which are substantially parallel to the direction of a gas flowing through the honeycomb body, and two ends which are the gas inlet and outlet sides of honeycomb body. At least one slit is formed to control, upon electrification of honeycomb body, the flow of electricity therein and consequently the heat generation therein.

Abstract: A vehicle heater is provided including a heater coil assembly situated in a ventilation system of a vehicle and adapted to generate heat only during the receipt of a voltage. A temperature control dial is mounted on a control panel of the vehicle for selecting a temperature. Finally, a control mechanism is adapted to transmit a predetermined voltage amount to the heater coil, wherein the predetermined voltage is proportional to the temperature selected by way of the temperature control dial.

Abstract: A control system controls an alternator driven by an internal combustion engine, for generating electric power. A changeover switch selectively switches the destination of electric power generated by the alternator to a plurality of electric load groups having respective different load voltage values, each electric load group having at least one electric load. An ECU controls switching operation of the changeover switch and changes output voltage from the alternator between a plurality of different predetermined voltage values corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of electric load groups, according to a direction in which the changeover switch has been switched.

Abstract: An electrically heatable honeycomb body includes a plurality of passages which are each defined by partition walls made of an electroconductive material and which are substantially parallel to the direction of a gas flowing through the honeycomb body, and two ends which are the gas inlet and outlet sides of honeycomb body, wherein the heat generation of the honeycomb body by electrification is controlled by adjusting the flow of electricity therein and wherein those cells each constituted by a passage and partition walls, present in the vicinity of each current-concentrating portion are formed in such a structure that the stress caused by current concentration can be reduced. This honeycomb body can reduce the stress caused by current concentration and thereby can prevent the rupture of its cells.

Abstract: The modular multizone heater system is for controllably heating areas of a structure, for example for bonded doubler reparation. The system comprises a number of heater cells to be placed in thermal contact with the areas to be heated of the structure. Each heater cell has a heating element and a temperature sensor. The heating elements of the heater cells are connected to a heater power supply to receive electric power. The heater power supply is controlled by a control unit receiving control data from a computer. The temperature sensors of the heater cells are connected to the control unit that relays the temperature data produced by the temperature sensors to the computer for monitoring, processing and control purposes.

Abstract: A process and a device for controlling a heating element, in particular a glow plug of a self-igniting internal combustion engine, in which the current is allowed to flow through the heating element when a door contact is actuated and another condition is met.

Abstract: This diesel particulate filter comprises of a composite filter plate composed of thin filter plates formed out of ceramic fiber, and a latticed heating wire, and metal nets. The composite filter plate is bent into a bellows-like structure so as to increase a cross-sectional area of an exhaust gas passage. The latticed heating wire is formed to a current self-controlling type heating wire out of a material containing Ni as a main component the resistance value of which increases as the temperature rises. The particulates collected by the thin filter plates are burnt by supplying an electric current to the latticed heating wire. When a high-temperature region occurs on the thin filter plates, the level of an electric current flowing to the portion of the latticed heating wire which corresponds to the same region is reduced. Consequently, all the regions of the thin filter plates are heated at a uniform temperature, and the melting and breakage of the thin filter plates do not occur.

Abstract: An internal heater for a fuel injector includes an array of plates of a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material arranged about the valve element in a square tube shape, and surrounded by a heat insulating polytetrafluorethylene sleeve. The plates are preferably coated with polyimide to be protected from the fuel which flows over both surfaces of the plates. Electrical connections are established by inner and outer bands attached to the plates, with a conductive disc having tabs extending to the bands. Spring-loaded contact pins located radially outward from a seal on the disc have wires extending to the connector body contacts of the injector.

Abstract: A heater control system for an air-fuel ratio sensor is shown to prevent the sensor from being cooled during an extended idling operation after high-load running. An oxygen concentration detecting element of an air-fuel ratio sensor is heated by a heater installed in the sensor, and its temperature is controlled to about 650.degree. C. When a radiator cooling fan functions during idling or low-speed running after high-load running, a controller detects the functioning of the fan and increases an electric power supplied to the heater. A heater resistance detector detects a resistance of the heater. A storage device stores the detected heater resistance when it is determined that a temperature of the heater is stable based on an engine operating condition. Electric power supplied to the heater is increased in accordance with the difference between the detected resistance of the heater and the stored resistance.

Abstract: A secondary air supplying apparatus for an internal combustion engine and a gas heating apparatus are provided to enable high-performance exhaust gas purification in a catalytic apparatus of the internal combustion engine, in particular, even at a low-temperature starting time. A secondary air supplying apparatus supplies secondary air to the catalytic apparatus through a secondary air introducing path for communicating the intake side of the internal combustion engine with an exhaust manifold. In the apparatus, a gas heating apparatus having an exothermic body is provided for the secondary air introducing path.

Abstract: In an engine exhaust system including a DC power source, an apparatus and method for electrically heating a catalyst, the apparatus comprising a multi-phase AC alternator in electrically operable relation to the DC power source, the AC alternator rectifying the AC to DC by a diode rectifier bridge. A device for switching power supplied from the multi-phase AC alternator to the battery to the electrically heated catalyst, the relay device in electrically operable relation with the multi-phase AC alternator. An electrically heated catalyst in electrically operable relation with the switching device is also provided, the catalytic converter including a catalyst for purifying exhaust gases of the engine and a heating element for bringing the catalytic converter expediently within peak operating temperature. The invention further includes a device for energizing and de-energizing the switching device, the energizing and de-energizing device in electrically operable relation with the switching device.

Abstract: Assembly and method of installing an electrode of a predetermined size and configuration in an electric heater envelope having an electrode opening at a preselected position. The assembly and associated method consist of affixing a hollow compression fitting about or within the electrode opening and providing a sleeve of a refractory deformable dielectric material within the fitting through which the electrode passes into the envelope. Dielectric spacing means are positioned between the electrode and electrically conductive portions of the fitting or envelope to prevent electrical conduction therebetween. Compression fastening means are then provided, securable to the fitting, to impart sufficient compressive force to the assembly to deform the sleeve about the electrode, thereby effectively sealing and securing the electrode within the fitting without the electrode grounding against the fitting or the envelope.

Abstract: A block heater for the cooling fluid of an engine block has a main body with a surrounding flange at the front face for engaging into an aperture in the block. A clamping element attached to the rear face can be actuated by a screw which is rotated from the front face to pull the clamping element into engagement with the inside surface of the block to cooperate with the flange in a clamping action. The clamping member cooperates with the screw to be pulled forwardly. The rear face of the clamping member has a countersink around the threaded bore therethrough and the screw has a bore in the end face thereof so that a portion of the screw material can be worked into a flange surrounding the end of the screw to engage into the countersink portion. This arrangement prevents reverse rotation of the screw from releasing the clamping member for discharge into the engine compartment.

Abstract: A control for electrically heated catalysts in a motor vehicle catalytic converter governs a switch for alternatively coupling an alternator output to the motor vehicle battery and a heating element of the catalytic converter. The control monitors electrical power delivered to the catalytic converter, preferably as a function of engine speed, field current and alternator output voltage, to infer actual temperature and compare it with the desired temperature at which the electrically heated catalyst is intended to operate. The control also preferably includes a field current adjuster to improve the power output to the catalytic converter when the switch couples the alternator output to the electrically heated catalyst. A switch actuator responsive to detection of the power delivered to the catalytic converter at a predetermined threshold actuates a switch to return the alternator to a charging connection with the vehicle battery.

Abstract: A metal honeycomb heater is protectively mounted in an axially assembled enclosure comprising opposing tubular enclosure sections incorporating internal bore stops and a resilient mounting material to support the heater. An axial force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the sections during assembly, preloading the resilient mounting material and generating a selected spring tension and preloading force on the honeycomb. The sections are fastened together under this force so that the preloading force and spring tension are retained during subsequent use of the assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine for operating the vehicle. The vehicle is further provided with a duct for discharging air into a cabin of the vehicle for controlling the temperature of the air as discharged. A heater core is arranged in the duct for heating the air passing through the duct. A sensor 9 is provided for detection of the temperature of the cooling water of the engine. When the vehicle is operated by the electric motor, the heat taken from the engine cooling water is supplied to the heat exchanger for heating the air passing through the duct when the temperature of the engine cooling water is higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A multi-stage honeycomb heater includes: at least two honeycomb heaters electrically connected with each other and disposed along a stream of fluid; the two honeycomb heaters including furthest upstream honeycomb heater and a an adjacent honeycomb heater which is adjacent to and downstream of the furthest upstream honeycomb heater; each of the two honeycomb heaters having an electrically conductive honeycomb structure the honeycomb structure of the upstream honeycomb heater having slits for adjusting its electrical resistance and/or element for adjusting heat capacity of the honeycomb structure so that the ratio of applied power to heat capacity of the furthest upstream honeycomb heater is larger than the ratio of applied power to heat capacity of the adjacent honeycomb heater. Thus the upstream heater and the downstream heater can give similar temperature increases without a temperature distribution along a flow direction during the engine warm-up.

Abstract: A honeycomb heater has an integrated honeycomb structure obtained by connecting in series, via conductive plates, a plurality of honeycomb structure elements each having a large number of passages and each generating heat when electrified. At least two electrodes are provided on the integrated honeycomb structure for enabling the electrical heating thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for vaporizing liquids to be burned in an internal combustion engine or furnace for the purpose of increasing fuel efficiency, improving cold weather starting and reducing pollution. The device may also be used in non combustion processes such as heating coating or disbursing. A three dimensionally porous electric heating element constructed of a PTC ceramic is utilized in combination with a liquid injection apparatus for the purpose of vaporizing liquid injected into it. The PTC ceramic is resistantly heated by electrical power leads a temperature at which the injected liquid vaporizes and diffuses through its pores. The porous PTC ceramic is designed to auto-stabilize its temperature at a point for the optimum vaporization of the desired liquid.

Abstract: A pliable high wattage electrical resistance contact heater which is operable at two wattage densities and which includes a first heating element which is thermostatically controlled so as to activate at predetermined ambient and/or surface temperatures and a second overlapping heating element which is continuously activated when the heater is connected to a source of electrical power supply.

Abstract: There is provided a terminal especially adapted for use with an electrically heatable catalytic converter having a stud, a portion of said stud being coated with a thin layer of refractory metal oxide, and a sleeve having an interference fit with said coated portion of said stud, said stud adapted to be welded at its proximal end to one side of a resistance circuit. There is also provided an electrically heatable catalytic converter including such terminal.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a controller for electric heaters for preheating temperature sensitive components of internal combustion engines operating in very cold climates. The controller reduces energy consumption by turning on the engine component heater no sooner than necessary for the object to achieve the desired temperature. The device monitors ambient air temperature and when it is cold enough, projects the rate of the change of temperature forward to predict the temperature at the time the engine must next be started. Using manufacturers' heater specifications, the air temperature ambient to the engine components and an heating function derived from heat conduction theory, the device calculates the amount of time required for heating the engine components and turns on the heater when the appropriate time arrives.

Abstract: A control device for a catalyst having an electric heater: provided at an exhaust pipe of an engine, having a catalyst for purifying exhaust gas and an electric heater for heating the catalyst before and after starting the engine comprises a battery charged by a generator driven by the engine for supplying power to the electric heater and for driving a starter; a current sensor for detecting charged and discharged current of the battery; summing means for summing a value of the charged and discharged current since a current to the electric heater has started flowing until the engine starts operating and until the engine stops operating; and means for comparing the summed value with a predetermined value and for prohibiting the current flowing to the electric heater during a period at least before the engine starts operating when the summed value is equal to or less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is disclosed for a metallic honeycomb resistance heater structure wherein a pair of complementary ceramic honeycomb structures are utilized on opposite sides of the metallic honeycomb structure to not only mechanically support the same within an enclosing housing, but also to electrically insulate the resistance heater from such housing.

Abstract: There is provided a terminal especially adapted for use with an electrically heatable catalytic converter having a stud, a portion of said stud being coated with a thin layer of a ceramic, and a sleeve having an interference fit with said coated portion, said stud adapted to be welded at its inner end to one side of a resistance circuit. There is also provided an electrically heatable catalytic converter including such a terminal.

Abstract: An engine block heater is for an engine block having passage walls which define a fluid passage. The engine block has a heater socket which extends from the outer surface of the engine block toward its interior. The heater socket is separated from the fluid passage by the passage walls. The engine block heater comprises a heater housing having an exterior heating surface. The exterior surface has substantially the same shape as the heater socket enabling insertion of the heater housing into the heater socket and substantial heat transfer contact between a substantial portion of the exterior heating surface and the heater socket. A connector mounting is attached to the heater housing. The connector mounting is adapted for connection to an electrical power source. The heater housing has a heating element therein which can be heated by electrical connection of the electrical power source to the connector mounting enabling the heater housing to transfer heat to the engine block.

Abstract: A resistance adjusting type heater including a honeycomb structure, electrodes provided on the honeycomb structure, and slits as a resistance adjusting device provided between the electrodes, a sealing device for sealing a heat-non-generating portion of the honeycomb structure, wherein a gas is introduced into the passages of the heat-generating portion of the honeycomb structure and is heated. With this heater, the entirety of the exhaust gas introduced into the heater can be heated rapidly thereby ensuring excellent purification efficiency.

Abstract: A resistance adjusting type heater has a honeycomb structure having a large number of passages, at least two electrodes to enable electrical heating of the honeycomb structure provided on the honeycomb structure, and a resistance adjusting means, a slit, provided between the electrodes. The thicknesses of passage walls at the portions of the honeycomb structure at which electricity flows at a very high density are increased with a conductive material to prevent the abnormal heat generation at the portions of the honeycomb structure.

Abstract: A preheat device for preheating an internal combustion aircraft engine having an air intake pipe connected to a cylinder head by threaded mounting bolts is configured as a replacement bolt with a zinc - plated body having a bolt head and threaded shank. The body is made of steel heat treated to grade 8 hardness and tempered at apprximately 1,050 degrees F. and had an axial bore open at the head and extending toward and into the shank. An electric heating element surrounded by a stainless steel sheath is positioned in the bore. The shank has a thread with a flat root to provide a wall thickness approximately 0.060 inch. Each cylinder of the engine is provided with a preheat device in place of a mounting bolt and the preheat devices are connected to each other by a wiring harness connectable to an external power source. When energized the heating element of each preheat device generates heat that in transferred through the screw threads to the cylinder head of the engine cylinder.

Abstract: A compressor crankcase heater bracket and method of assembly is shown in which a bracket fastened to the compressor accommodates a metal spring clip holding the heater. The method of assembly results in a quick and easy assembly process without compromising the integrity of the transfer of heat to the housing. Thermal transfer is further aided by conduction through the clip and bracket.

Abstract: Novel method and structure is disclosed for strengthening and mounting sloted metallic honeycomb structures by positioning rod members within the slots to prevent the slots from closing or deforming, and by utilizing the rod members to precisely engage positionable restraining inserts of an enclosing housing, so as to accurately mount the honeycomb structure within the housing.

Abstract: A controller 3a for a Diesel engine, supplied with source voltage from a DC voltage source (battery) 1 and controlling the current supply to the glow plug 4a via a glow relay 6, includes, in addition to a microcomputer 13 and a reset circuit 14, etc., a source voltage step-up circuit 2. The source voltage step-up circuit 2 includes a source voltage detection circuit, and when the source voltage drops below a predetermined normal level, the circuit steps it up (i.e., raises it) to above the normal level. Thus, even when the engine is started at a low temperature and the source voltage falls below the normal level during the cranking of the engine, the glow plug 4a can be heated to a temperature at which the engine can be started.

Abstract: A heater systen for a diesel fuel tank to minimize jelling of the fuel during operation at low wintertime temperatures includes an immersion heater that is selectively controlled by two temperature sensors (thermistors) positioned at different levels in the fuel tank. A liquid level responsive means operates a selector switch to alternately connect the two sensors to the heater as a response to changes in liquid level.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for reducing particulates from exhaust gases from a diesel engine having a housing containing a ceramic filter unit with an array of spirally mounted resistance rods electrically connected in parallel. A ceramic foam element is located behind the array, and is used to reflect heat back to the ceramic filter. A 12 or 24 volt battery is used as the power source.

Abstract: A glow plug for an air compressing internal combustion engine of the type having a tube which is closed at one end and connected to a plug housing on an opposite end with a wire filemant-like resistance element disposed in an insulating material within the tube and formed two series-connected resistance filaments, of which the rear resistance filament, serves as a regulating filament, having a higher positive temperature resistance coefficient than the front resistance filament, which serves as a heating filament, is improved so as to enable the heating up time to be reduced without adversely impacting upon the effective life of the glow plug. In accordance with various embodiments, this result is achieved through the use of, for example, special alloys for the material of the regulating filament which have a resitance at 1000.degree. C. that is greater than their resistance at 20.degree. C. by a resistance ratio over about 7.5:1, and preferably greater than 12:1, and in particular, about 14:1.

Abstract: A control unit for operating an auxiliary vehicle heater at cold temperature. The unit can be preprogrammed or manually actuated and includes a plurality of sensors and control outputs for operating the auxiliary heater. The time of operation is based upon sensed ambient temperature. A compartment fan is operated automatically by the control unit to warm the passenger compartment.

Abstract: A flat array of a plurality of spiral wound resistance rods backed by a ceramic foam disc for use with filter apparatus for reducing particulates from exhaust gases of an engine. The array of resistance rods is electrically connected in parallel and can be energized by a 12 or 24 volt vehicle battery.

Abstract: Conductive polymer compositions based on polyvinylidene fluoride have improved properties when the polyvinylidene fluoride has a very regular structure which can be characterized by a low head-to-head content in the repeating units. The improved properties include electrical stability when contacted by organic fluids and/or when maintained at elevated temperatures in air. Such compositions which exhibit PTC behavior are particularly useful in the form of self-limiting heaters which are immersed in organic fluids, especially flexible strip heaters for heating diesel fuel before it passes through a fuel filter.

Abstract: A selected quantity of lubricating oil in the reservoir of an oil system exposed to low ambient temperatures is maintained at a temperature above 170 degrees F. but below the oil breakdown temperature of 300 degrees F. by a non-thermostatically controlled flexible planar electric heating element adhesively secured to the exterior surface of the reservoir. The heating element has a uniform power density of at least about 15 watts per square inch and a constant power output of about 20 to 40 watts per quart of oil in the reservoir. The thermal balance formed between the continuous heat generation by the heating element and the continual heat dissipation from the oil system maintains the oil temperature between the desired limits.

Abstract: In a starter protective device, a sensor detects the operating conditions of the engine, a decision unit having a detecting section for detecting starting conditions and a controlling section for changing, according to the starting conditions provided by the detecting section, reference values for determining whether or not the engine has been started provides a start completion decision output when it is determined from the reference values that the engine is in operation, and in response to the start completion decision output the starter is deenergized, whereby the starter is lengthened in service life.

Abstract: The invention is related to a fuel purifying apparatus, especially diesel fuel, which consists in a hollow cylindrical body that has a fuel intake orifice and an exit orifice through which the fuel, respectively, enters the apparatus to be purified, and leaves in the direction of the vehicle engine with increased purity properties; a fuel flow conduit in fluid communication with the intake orifice, solidly arranged on the inner wall of the cylindrical body and whose fuel discharge orifice is next to a metal deflector plate that extends diametrally and also substantially in a longitudinal manner, in the interior of the cylindrical body; and an electric heating element that partially penetrates the cylindrical body through an insertion orifice made in said body, the inner end of the heating element being near the deflector plate to heat it. In addition, the apparatus incorporates drainage elements for withdrawing from the apparatus the impurities separated out of the fuel.

Abstract: A modular electrical power cord system that finds particular utility for use in truck engines having at least two engine block heaters. A primary cord is used with one of a plurality of different jumper cords whose length most closely matches the distance between the heaters.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating fuel, especially Diesel fuel and heating oil, that is to be supplied, for example, to a motor or oil burner. Disposed upstream of a fuel filter is a heat exchanger that heats the fuel line. To continuously heat fuel without supplemental energy consumption, the heat exchanger has warm coolant or liquid, for example from the engine, flow through it to heat it up. Disposed on the fuel filter is an electrical heating element that can directly heat the filter space or fuel contained in the filter housing. The heating element can be activated and deactivated in a controlled manner, for example manually, only when needed.

Abstract: An energization control apparatus for a glow plug includes a battery, a glow plug, a power control unit, and an energization controller. The glow plug has a low rated voltage which allows rapid heating at a low battery voltage during cranking of a diesel engine in a severe wintertime condition. The power control unit is arranged between the battery and the glow plug to control a power supplied to the glow plug. The energization controller controls the power control unit so as to equalize a root-mean-square value of a voltage applied to the glow plug to be the low rated voltage when a voltage applied to the glow plug at the start of the diesel engine is detected to be higher than the low battery voltage.

Abstract: A fuel heater adapted to mount in series with a diesel engine fuel line comprises a metal pipe having a resistance heater wound around a first straight portion of the pipe containing a fluid deflector dividing the first portion into a plurality of fluid passages. A U-shaped bend is formed in a second portion of the pipe upstream from the heater. The pipe is flattened to less than half the normal diameter of the pipe in the bight of the U-shaped portion and a bimetal disk thermostatic switch is mounted on the flattened wall of the pipe. When the ambient temperature of the fuel is below a predetermined temperature and is flowing through the flattened pipe, the switch activates the heater, but if the fuel stops flowing or increases in ambient temperature, the switch cuts off the heater.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a fuel delivery conduit to the discharge opening of a diesel fuel tank includes a hollow fitting body defining a flow passage in which is located an electric heating rod for heating the fuel as it flow through the passage from the tank to the conduit to prevent waxing of the fuel at low temperatures. A passive heat transfer member, which may be a solid metal rod or an elongated cylindrical heat pipe, is thermally and mechanically coupled at one end to the heating rod and is of sufficient length and is so arranged that its other end extends into the tank through the discharge opening for directing a portion of the heat to the fuel near the discharge opening.

Abstract: A preheater for liquids, particularly fuel, includes a bowl-shaped housing provided with a bowl cover to form a closed chamber. A superficial heating chamber extends along the side wall of the housing to form at least a portion of a flow path for liquid to be preheated extending from an inlet on the cover through the heating chamber and the interior of the housing to an outlet on the cover. An electric heating foil directly contacts the exterior of the superficial heating chamber for heating the liquid flowing through the flow path and has its outer surface covered by a reflective foil and thermal insulation. A filter may be accommodated in the bowl-shaped housing to filter the liquid flowing through the flow path. Helical guide ribs in the superficial heating chamber significantly lengthen the flow path.

Abstract: Diesel fuel is heated prior to filtration by passing it in thermal contact with a laminar heater immersed in the fuel. The heater has a resistance at room temperature of 0.30 to 0.75 ohm and comprises a PTC conductive polymer resistive heating element sandwiched between equispaced imperforate metal foil electrodes, particularly electrodeposited foil electrodes, coextensive with resistive heating element. The conductive polymer has a resistivity at room temperature of 20 to 2000 ohm - cm. The resistive element has a cross-sectional area in a plane parallel to the electrodes of 3 to 10 square inches and the electrodes have a microrough surface in direct physical contact with the conductive polymer.