Bed Covering (e.g., Blanket) Patents (Class 219/212)
  • Patent number: 8872055
    Abstract: A track rail heating assembly that is adapted to position a heater element in spaced relation proximate to a surface of a track rail of a railroad. The assembly includes at least one heating element, and a housing that is operable to at least partially surround the heating element while positioning the heating element near to track rail. The hood positions the heating element relative to the rail section such that a gap exists between the heating element and the rail section. As the heating element does not contact the rail, the heating element cannot form an electrical by-pass for signals passing through the rail section. The assembly further incorporates a flexible barrier that at least partially isolates a side surface of the track rail from ambient conditions to reduce heat loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Fastrax Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Reichle
  • Publication number: 20140263265
    Abstract: An electric blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element, a shell comprising two flexible sheets covering the heating element, one or more welds coupling the sheet of the shell about the edges to hermetically seal the heating element there between; and a flexible insulating layer extending over the heating element and covered by the shell providing at least one of thermal insulation and electrical insulation, wherein the heating element is held in position between the two sheets of the shell without using connectors that pierce the two sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Augustine Temperature Management LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Ryan S. Augustine, Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entennman, Gordon D. Lawrence, Keith J. Leland, Thomas F. Neils
  • Patent number: 8816251
    Abstract: The invention concerns a heating or cooling mat (1) with a carrying sheet (2) having a top side (9) and a bottom side (11), and at least one heating and cooling unit (5) located on the carrying sheet (2), an adhesive being located on the bottom side (11) of the carrying sheet (2). It is endeavored to improve the handling properties of the heating or cooling mat. For this purpose, the adhesive is located on a double-sided adhesive tape (12), which is fixed on the bottom side (11) of the carrying sheet (2), the adhesive on the bottom side of the adhesive tape (12) being covered by the top side of the carrying sheet (2) and the adhesive tape (12) bonding with the top side of the carrying sheet (2) in the rolled up state of the heating or cooling mat (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Leif Olsen, Thomas Melballe, Taj Bernth, Verner Utoft
  • Publication number: 20140231402
    Abstract: The thermal cycle time for curing a thermoset composite part in an autoclave is reduced by placing a heating blanket in proximity to an area of the composite part that is slow-to-heat, and inductively heating the area of the composite part that is slow-to-heat using the heating blanket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20140217082
    Abstract: The present invention relates to temperature control field, and particularly to an electric blanket and a low voltage and constant temperature controlling device thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SHENZHEN XISHUO TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventor: Shaobang Hu
  • Publication number: 20140217081
    Abstract: An electrically-heated wearable blanket with auto shut-off switch that includes a blanket portion disposed between a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, the blanket portion having a front surface and a back surface, wherein a person wearing the electrically-heated wearable blanket with auto shut-off switch is in operational communication with a boustrophedonic heating element disposed within the blanket portion by means of a control pad disposed on a first cord in circuit with the heating element, and a second cord releasably interconnects the heating element alternately among at least three external power sources including a rechargeable battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Renee Dewitt
  • Patent number: 8772676
    Abstract: An electric heating blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element and a shell. The shell covers the heating blanket and includes two sheets of flexible material welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Augustine Temperature Management LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Ryan S. Augustine, Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entennman, Gordon D. Lawrence, Keith J. Leland, Thomas F. Neils
  • Patent number: 8742302
    Abstract: A heating device and its temperature control method, wherein an NTC element envelops a core member, a sensing wire is wound around an outside periphery of the NTC element for making parallel connection of the core member with the sensing wire; further, a capacitor, the sensing wire and an electric resistor are connected in series to form an RC circuit, the RC circuit is connected with a microprocessor and a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Shu Chiu Lee
  • Patent number: 8728959
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a textile digital band which is capable of providing a high-speed communication path with surrounding computing devices, through easy and convenient attachment thereof to a conventional garment, and a fabrication method thereof. For this purpose, disclosed herein is a textile digital band comprising a plurality of warps formed parallel to each other in the first direction, and a plurality of wefts formed parallel to each other in the second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the warp includes at least one digital yarn through which electrical currents can flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Industrial Technology
    Inventors: Gi Soo Chung, Dae Hoon Lee, Jae Sang An
  • Patent number: 8698044
    Abstract: The invention provides a laminate composite fabric which is robust, laundry-durable, and a method for forming such fabric. The laminate fabric is provided with at least one element that provides heat or warmth (heating element). Generally, the laminate fabric with heating element(s) is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments or warming textile structures (pads and blankets). The laminate fabric may include one or more stretch and recovery elements to cause the laminate to be more adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Textronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stacey B. Burr, Qaizar N. Hassonjee
  • Patent number: 8698045
    Abstract: A heating cable and associated heating blanket. The heating cable comprises conductors extending along the length of the cable separated by a separation layer. The conductors and separation layer may be coaxial. The conductors are connected at one end of the cable in series such that if the conductors are connected at the other end of the cable to respective poles of a power supply equal currents flow in opposite directions through adjacent portions of the conductors, substantially eliminating electromagnetic radiation from the cable. One conductor has a positive temperature characteristic and the separation layer has either a negative temperature characteristic or melts at a predetermined threshold temperature. Power may be modulated in response to variations in the resistance of the positive temperature co-efficient conductor. Power to the cable may be terminated in the event of current flowing through the separation layer exceeding a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Thermocable (Flexible Elements) Limited
    Inventors: Michael Daniels, Philip Wilkie
  • Publication number: 20140076877
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for electric blankets/carpets comprising: a heating element; an adhesive tape material integrally combined and wrapping the heating element; a metal conductor connected to two opposing ends of each of the heating element and the adhesive tape material in a series-parallel manner; and a lead connecting the metal conductor and a power source terminal, wherein a space is defined between the adjacent heating elements. The present invention provides a manufacturing method of a heating apparatus for electric blankets/carpets, comprising the steps of: (a) using a heating element; (b) causing an adhesive tape material to be integrally combined and to wrap the heating element therein; (c) causing a metal conductor to connect to two opposing ends of each of the heating element and the adhesive tape material in a series-parallel manner; and (d) causing a lead to connect the metal conductor and a power source terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: IP Investment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: CHEN SAN CHENG
  • Patent number: 8664572
    Abstract: A limited use or disposable nonwoven blanket including at least one spunlace layer having an inner surface and outer surface and at least one continuous filament layer having an inner surface and outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the continuous filament layer is metallized. The limited use or disposable nonwoven blanket further includes at least one heating element proximate to the metallized surface of the continuous filament layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: PGI Polymer, Inc.
    Inventor: Cliff Bridges
  • Patent number: 8648280
    Abstract: An electrically-heated wearable blanket with auto shut-off switch that includes a blanket portion disposed between a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge, the blanket portion having a front surface and a back surface, wherein a person wearing the electrically-heated wearable blanket with auto shut-off switch is in operational communication with a boustrophedonic heating element disposed within the blanket portion by means of a control pad disposed on a first cord in circuit with the heating element, and a second cord releasably interconnects the heating element alternately among at least three external power sources including a rechargeable battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Renee S. DeWitt
  • Publication number: 20140034628
    Abstract: A temperature control module for electric blankets includes a heating wire located within the electric blanket, and a control unit and a switch unit are fixed to the electric blanket. The control unit and the switch unit are separated from each other. The switch unit is located on the electric blanket so that the users can easily access and operate the switch unit to control the temperature of the electric blanket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: CHIEN-CHOU CHEN
  • Patent number: 8624164
    Abstract: A blanket for warming patients during surgery and other medical procedures. The blanket includes one or more temperature sensors and a shut-off timer to prevent prolonged exposure of excessive heat to a patient. Embodiments of the present invention provide a safety feature that cuts power to a heating blanket after a certain period of time has elapsed, irrespective of the feedback provided by a temperature sensor concerning the blanket temperature. That period of time is longer than it takes for the blanket to reach its threshold temperature but shorter than it takes to cause thermal burn injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Augustine Temperature Management LLC
    Inventors: Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entenman, Keith J. Leland
  • Patent number: 8618451
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Kunisada
  • Patent number: 8604391
    Abstract: An electric heating blanket includes a flexible sheet-like heating element, a first unheated flap extending from a first edge of the heating element, and a second unheated flap extending from a second edge of the heating element. A flexible water-resistant shell may cover the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Augustine Temperature Management LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Scott A. Entenman, Keith J. Leland, Gordon D. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8525079
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 8476558
    Abstract: An ice buildup inhibitor is disclosed useful for preventing ice damming, in particular in conjunction with the use of a closed gutter. Heat escape through a roof made warm snow pack, causing it to melt and flow down toward the gutter. After moving away from the heated roof, the water may re-freeze and form an ice dam. In the ice buildup inhibitor may be configured to warm in the closed gutter, thereby preventing the formation of an ice dam. They ice buildup inhibitor may be configured to be easily installed onto an existing closed gutter, enabling responsive installation on only those homes experiencing ice damming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System
    Inventors: Yamen Leonard Aussi, Pamela Long, Micheal Nicolas, Daniel Vargas
  • Patent number: 8450662
    Abstract: A sheet heater structured so that heating wire is fixed to air-passing base material by sewing. This structure can provide a sheet heater that has improved durability of heating wire 2 against the load imposed on the seat during sitting, comfortable feeling of sitting in the seat, and high air-passing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Yoneyama, Naohito Asami, Akira Shiratake, Norio Abe, Kazumi Nagayama
  • Patent number: 8399814
    Abstract: A uniform heating assembly including at least one first insulative substrate, at least one first common terminal, at least one second common terminal and a multiplicity of conductive filaments at least partially embedded in the at one insulative substrate and extending at least mainly along both electrically parallel and geometrically parallel paths between the at least one first common terminal and the at least one second common terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: PCK Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Stella Stepanian
  • Patent number: 8383995
    Abstract: The invention provides a flexible hot plate and cooking unit, with a temperature differential of at least 40° C. between the two sides of the unit comprising a heating element sandwiched between an upper and a lower layer of flexible material wherein said upper layer provides a temperature along its upper surface of at least 80° C. for heating an object placed thereon, and said lower layer is provided with a plurality of insulating air passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Raphael Gabbay
    Inventor: Raphael Gabbay
  • Publication number: 20130020304
    Abstract: An article of clothing having an electrical assembly formed of conductive thread. The article includes a clothing article and an electrical assembly formed using conductive thread wherein the electrical assembly is adapted to form a part of the clothing article. A pliable connector may connect the electrical assembly to a power cord. The inventions may further include a power supply connected to the power cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Erich Zainzinger, Michael Benedict Corbett, Huang Chen-Hsiang, Chen Wei, Haibo Fan
  • Patent number: 8338759
    Abstract: A heating cable includes a bus wire structure that includes a plurality of bus wires. An insulation layer is provided to insulate the plurality of bus wires. A plurality of node areas exposes portions of the bus wires from the insulation. A heating element is wrapped around the bus wire structure in a helical manner. The heating element includes an insulating core and one or more resistance wires wrapped around the core in a helical manner. The heating element is electrically coupled to the nodes of the bus wire structure at the plurality of node areas. The insulating core may be made of a folded-over tape made of a cloth material, such as glass cloth. Pluralities of redundant paths in between two nodes are provided to allow for current to flow in a zone if one of the redundant paths is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Thermon Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wells Whitney, Umesh Sopory
  • Publication number: 20120312797
    Abstract: An electric heating blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element and a shell. The shell covers the heating blanket and includes two sheets of flexible material welded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: AUGUSTINE BIOMEDICAL & DESIGN, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Ryan S. Augustine, Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entenman, Gordon D. Lawrence, Keith J. Leland, Thomas F. Neils
  • Patent number: 8324533
    Abstract: A dual-person electric heating blanket having a receiving bag and a remote controller, the receiving bag has therein a first and a juxtaposed second heating wire which are connected with a controller box; the remote controller includes a circuit board being electrically connected, a pattern interface, a switchable switch and a signal emitting end; the pattern interface has thereat a first and a second position juxtaposed with each other, the first position has thereat a first pattern, and the second position has thereat a second pattern, the first and second patterns are respectively connected with a first and a second circuit on the circuit board; thereby, when a user faces to a front or a rear end of the receiving bag, by switching between the first and second circuits with the switchable switch, the first pattern corresponds to the first heating wire and the second pattern corresponds to the second heating wire, and by emitting control signal from the signal emitting end, heating temperatures of the two se
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Shu Chiu Lee
  • Patent number: 8302533
    Abstract: A protection device comprises a covering including at least a layer of ballistics material, and a layer of an electromagnetic screening material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Kirintec Limited
    Inventor: Roy Peers-Smith
  • Patent number: 8283602
    Abstract: An electric heating blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element and a shell. The shell covers the heating blanket an includes two sheets of flexible material welded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Augustine Temperature Management LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Ryan S. Augustine, Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entenman, Gordon D. Lawrence, Keith J. Leland, Thomas F. Neils
  • Patent number: 8278607
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heating apparatus. The heating apparatus includes a plurality of heating bars, electric wires, and connection members. Each of the heating bars has a conductive carbon heating element and an insulating outer coat surrounding the carbon heating element. The electric wires are connected to respective ends of each of the heating bars to enable electricity to flow to the carbon heating elements. Each of the connection members includes insertion portions and at least one seating portion. The insertion portions have respective tip portions which are configured to pass through any of the electric wires and to be inserted into any of the carbon heating elements of the heating bars. The seating portion is provided at the upper ends of the insertion portions to be seated on the electric wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GTouch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong Deok Choh
  • Publication number: 20120228279
    Abstract: A portable controllable thermal warming device including a thermal ink heating element having a conductive ink pattern comprised of interconnected lines in a definite pattern fixedly disposed on a substrate, a controller operatively coupled to a power source and the conductive ink pattern, the power source adapted to deliver a voltage to the conductive ink pattern causing the conductive ink pattern to radiate heat, the controller adapted by way of a sensor to control the voltage delivered to the conductive ink pattern and adjust the voltage in response to the operating characteristic and the means for controlling the voltage by a wire link or a wireless remote signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: William S. Haas, William J. Haas
  • Patent number: 8258443
    Abstract: A heating unit for use in heating buckets or barrels. The heating unit includes a first pliable cover layer and a second pliable cover layer. A pliable electrical heating element is disposed between the first and the second cover layers and configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy and to distribute the heat energy. The pliable electrical heating element includes a heat generating element for converting electrical current to heat energy and a heat spreading element comprising carbon thermally coupled to the heat generating element. The heating unit further includes a thermal insulation layer. The heating unit includes a receiving power connector electrically connected to the heat generating element. The heating unit further includes one or more fasteners allowing the heating unit to be wrapped around a bucket or barrel and secured by the one or more fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: 417 and 7/8, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Caterina, David Naylor
  • Patent number: 8253071
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flat heating element (20), in particular for heating surfaces in contact with the user in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical conductor (25). According to the invention, the electrical conductivity of at least one of these electrical conductors (25) is at least temporarily reduced if the temperature thereof at least locally exceeds a permissible maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 8217308
    Abstract: A more comfortable seat is provided by detecting whether or not a person is in a seat. A seat has a heating element 1, a seat surface temperature detector 5 that is situated below a seat surface cover and that detects the temperature of the seat surface, and a seating determination unit 6 for determining whether or not a seat is occupied. A determination is made as to whether or not a seat is occupied according to an amount of temperature change detected by the seat surface temperature detector 5 for a predetermined period of time, whereby a determination can be readily made as to whether or not a person is seated. When no one is seated, application of power to the heating element 1 is stopped, and the like, which in turn contributes to energy saving and enhancement of fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naohito Asami, Masanori Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8153940
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flat heater, which is used for applications in the range of heating voltages of up to 1000 V, produces attainable powers of up to 2 kW/m2 and is characterized by the fact that the electrical resistance required for the heating is formed by an electrically conductive cellulose nonwoven. Metallic contacts which are incorporated ensure the connection of the conductive cellulose nonwoven to a voltage source. Polymer films applied on both sides provide mechanical and electrical protection and prevent the ingress of moisture into the cellulose nonwoven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Thüringisches Institut für Textil-und Kunststoff-Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Frank-Günter Niemz, Bernd Riedel, Carmen Knobelsdorf
  • Patent number: 8143559
    Abstract: A heating pad is provided. The heating pad includes a heating element and a control circuit operatively connected to the heating element for providing a predetermined level of power thereto. An isolation device interconnects a power source to the control circuit. The isolation device has a first open configuration preventing transmission of electrical power therethrough and a second closed configuration allowing transmission of electrical power therethrough. The control circuit terminates power to the heating element in response to the heating element exceeding a first temperature limit. The isolation device moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to the heating element exceeding a second temperature limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Advance Thermo Control, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwok Wai Chow
  • Patent number: 8143554
    Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Patent number: 8138457
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-type heater designed to allow uniform generation of heat across the entire surface of the heater, comprising an upper component composed of a first outer covering and a first intermediate layer joined together and a lower component composed of a second outer covering and a second intermediate layer joined together, with a heating element being placed between said upper component and lower component and wires laminated onto the two end surfaces of said heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Carbonic Heat Corporation
    Inventor: Tae Suk Seo
  • Patent number: 8106338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element for heating at least one surface contacted at times by a user, with a plurality of heating conductors or heating conductor sections that are directly or indirectly connected electrically to one another, at least in part by mutual contact, with at least one heating conductor or heating conductor section which, upon exceeding a permissible maximum temperature, at least temporarily loses its electrical conductivity at least in part. It is provided that the electrical resistance of at least two heating conductors or heating conductor sections is dependent at least in part on its mechanical strain, that these heating conductors or heating conductor sections are electrically connected to one another in parallel, and that they are separated from one another at least in sections by a spacing zone in order to prevent electrical connection between them in spacing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Publication number: 20120004788
    Abstract: A safety wire for use in a heating blanket has a core, a heating wire wrapped around the core, and a guard wire spaced apart from the heating wire. In a normal mode of operation, the guard wire is not physically or electrically coupled to the heating wire, but in a breakdown mode of operation, the guard wire is electrically coupled to the heating wire. A TRIAC may be operatively coupled to the heating wire so that when the guard wire is electrically coupled to the heating wire, the TRAIC is turned on so that current flows from the heating wire to a fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Barry P. Keane
  • Patent number: 8076613
    Abstract: The invention depicts and describes a panel heating device (1) for placing in the area of floors, walls or ceilings, comprising an electrically conductive layer (2), another first layer (3), and electrical supply lines (5, 6). The invention provides that the first layer (3) is made of an electrically insulating and liquid-tight material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ewald Dörken AG
    Inventors: Heinz Peter Raidt, Jörn Schröer
  • Patent number: 8035064
    Abstract: The product is basically a heating blanket that is adapted in size to fit around a canister of refrigerant used to recharge heat pumps, air conditioners and refrigerators in a commercial or home setting. The blanket has a heating element within it which heats the canister when placed around the canister. From one corner of the blanket is an electrical cord which runs to a small control unit and then to a plug that fits a common 110 voltage household outlet. The control unit consists of a fitting that is designed to be attached to the valve on the top of the refrigerant canister. This fitting is attached to a pressure sensitive valve that sense the pressure of the refrigerant that passes through the valve. This pressure sensitive valve turns off the flow of electric to the blanket when the gas hits a certain pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Craig Fish
  • Publication number: 20110233185
    Abstract: An electric heating blanket includes a flexible sheet-like heating element, a first unheated flap extending from a first edge of the heating element, and a second unheated flap extending from a second edge of the heating element. A flexible water-resistant shell may cover the heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: AUGUSTINE TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Scott A. Entenman, Keith J. Leland, Gordon D. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8006633
    Abstract: An embroidered electrode (10) consists of embroidered elements (12, 13, 14) of electrically conductive thread sewn on a backing material (11). Within a given element the orientation of stitching is selected to be parallel to the direction in which the element extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Genevieve Bennett, Philip A. H. Clarke, Warren B. Valentine
  • Patent number: 8008607
    Abstract: Methods of forming a layered heater are provided that comprise at least one resistive layer comprising a resistive circuit pattern, the resistive circuit pattern defining a length, a thickness, and a spacing, wherein the thickness varies along the length of the trace of the resistive circuit pattern for a variable watt density. The methods include achieving the variable thickness 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin Ptasienski, James McMillin, Thomas T. Nagl, Rolando O. Juliano
  • Patent number: 8008606
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composite heating element suitable for heating an article when activated by a power source. The composite heating element comprises a first backing layer and a discontinuous circuit formed of a conductive material disposed on the first backing layer. The discontinuous circuit has terminal ends for electrical connection with the power source and defines at least one gap between the terminal ends. The composite article further comprises a second backing layer spaced from the first backing layer. A trace formed of a conductive material is disposed on the second backing layer. The trace is aligned with the at least one gap for forming a complete circuit when the first and second backing layers at least partially abut each other with the trace extending across the gap and contacting the discontinuous circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: T-Ink, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrance Kaiserman, John Gentile, Anthony Gentile
  • Patent number: 7989740
    Abstract: A heating cable includes a bus wire structure that includes a plurality of bus wires. An insulation layer is provided to insulate the plurality of bus wires. A plurality of node areas exposes portions of the bus wires from the insulation. A heating element is wrapped around the bus wire structure in a helical manner. The heating element includes an insulating core and one or more resistance wires wrapped around the core in a helical manner. The heating element is electrically coupled to the nodes of the bus wire structure at the plurality of node areas. The insulating core may be made of a folded-over tape made of a cloth material, such as glass cloth. Pluralities of redundant paths in between two nodes are provided to allow for current to flow in a zone if one of the redundant paths is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Thermon Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wells Whitney, Umesh Sopory
  • Patent number: 7968826
    Abstract: The warming article contains a heating element and a sensing system. The sensing system has a first sensor element being a temperature dependent variable resistor and a second sensor element having at least two resistors in series and corresponding jumpers for one or more resistors in the second sensor element. The first sensor element is linear and flexible and the second sensor element is used to adjust the total sensor resistance to a fixed value at a particular temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Alfred R. DeAngelis, Joshua D. Horvath, Andrew D. Child, Scott Craig Thielman
  • Patent number: 7964827
    Abstract: There is provided a laminated sheet heater whose mounting space is small, a lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater that requires only a small mounting space and provides high reliability of electrical connection between a heater element and a lead wire, a heater-equipped battery structure provided with the laminated sheet heater or the lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater, and a heater unit. In a first lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater, a foil heater element includes a heater terminal portion protruding into a film void part in a planar direction of a laminated sheet heater. A lead core wire of a lead wire includes a lead terminal portion crimp-connected to a heater terminal portion by a crimping member so that the lead core wire is placed in contact with the surface of the heater terminal portion within a film void part in the planar direction of the laminated sheet heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Suzuki, Naoki Fukusako, Shuhei Marukawa, Yukie Uemura, Kunio Kanamaru
  • Publication number: 20110139769
    Abstract: A heating blanket comprises a conductor for receiving current and generating a magnetic field in response to the current. The heating blanket may include a susceptor sleeve formed of magnetic material having a Curie temperature. The susceptor sleeve may extend along the conductor and may be inductively heated in response to the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert J. Miller, David F. Taylor, Marc R. Matsen