Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible sheet heater includes the steps of (i) bonding an electrically conductive fabric and an support member formed of a PET film and a layer of acrylic together, ii) stamp-cutting the electrically conductive fabric to form a heating element having a predetermined loop, iii) attaching two electrical terminals to two distal ends of the heating element respectively, iv) bonding a first flexible protective sheet member to one side of the heating element opposite to the PET film, v) removing the PET film from the heating element; and vi) bonding a second flexible protective sheet member to the other side of the heating element opposite to the first flexible protective sheet member so that the heating element is sandwiched between the first and second flexible protective sheet members.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a blanket having at least one snap stick inserted into or onto the blanket to maximize the surface area of the blanket that contacts the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-electromagnetic wave temperature controller for a heating cable and a method therefor, which can perform heating and temperature detection in a non-electromagnetic fashion without short-circuiting one end of the heating cable that is used in warmers, such as electric floors, electric mats and electric fomentation devices. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a temperature detection non-electromagnetic heating cable and a temperature controller, which can reduce the amount of heat and control temperature without using a separate temperature sensor when the temperature of the heating cable is controlled or an arbitrary portion of the heating cable is overheated, and can prevent a magnetic field from being generated in the heating cable without short-circuiting one end of electrical heating wires and intercept the generation of a leakage electric field.

Abstract: A battery operated heated jacket, with removable body and sleeves and hood, the jacket with a removable liner, the liner further detachable from itself at the attachment of the sleeves and the hood, the attachment comprised of quick connects, the jacket comprised of a pocket containing a control box, the box containing a microprocessor, power source, heating controls, and media player, the hood comprised of earphones communicating with the media player, a detachable wire connecting the media player to the headphones.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A heating device includes a conductive layer on an electrically insulated substrate. The substrate and conductive layer have a plurality of cross-like apertures therethrough. The conductive layer includes busses and traces extending from the busses, the traces surrounding the apertures. A resistive or thermistor layer is provided over the conductive layer.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element, formed, e.g., of die cut, metallized textile or plastic sheeting or metal foil, affixed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion.

Abstract: A heater system is provided with a layered heater in communication with a two-wire controller, wherein a resistive layer of the layered heater is both a heater element and a temperature sensor. The two-wire controller thus determines temperature of the layered heater using the resistance of the resistive layer and controls heater temperature through a power source. Furthermore, a heater system using a layered heater in communication with a two-wire controller for a specific application of a hot runner nozzle in an injection molding system is provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A channeled under floor heating element incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive channeled under floor heating element includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern.

Abstract: An under floor heating element incorporating a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.

Abstract: A warming mattress and mattress pad incorporating an insert layer or sheet with a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.

Abstract: Temperature regulated clothing with a thermo-electric module that can be configured to transfer heat to or from the inside of the clothing. The clothing can include, e.g., a control system to maintain a desired internal clothing temperature. The clothing can have, e.g., a circulating coolant system to enhance the rate and/or efficiency of heat transfer.

Abstract: An air mattress assembly is provided herein, which mainly contains an air mattress, a blanket member, and a mattress cover. The blanket member is laid flatly on top of the air mattress, which contains a heating wire, a cotton blanket, and an insulating cover. The heating wire is layout on and embedded inside the cotton blanket which is in turn wrapped air-tightly inside the insulating cover. A plurality of snap-on devices are configured on a side and along the perimeter of the insulating cover. The mattress cover covers the blanket member and the air mattress, and has a same number of snap-on devices corresponding to those on the blanket member. These snap-on devices join to those on the blanket member so as to position and attach the blanket member to the mattress cover.

Abstract: An improved control device and method is usable with flexible heating wire having a conductive core with a Negative Temperature Coefficient (NTC) layer and a helically wound heater conductor within an insulative outer sheath. The conductive core is coupled to a control circuit, a phase shift relative to the AC power supply being indicative of the temperature of the wire. The nonlinear nature of the NTC layer enhances the detection of local hot spots anywhere along the length of the wire. Precise temperature measurement is achieved by measuring the time differences between two zero crossings and the power to the heater compensates for abnormal use such as bunching of the heater wire. The control of the heater wire is particularly suitable for use with appliances such as heating pads and electric blankets.

Abstract: A warming mattress and mattress pad incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive mattress and mattress pad includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern within the mattress or mattress pad interior.

Abstract: An electric blanket or pad arrangement has a flexible pad (10) upon which a heating element (12) is mounted, the heating element (12) being connected, by a two core cable (16), to a control circuit (18), the heating element (12) including a dual element region (20) having a first, inner conductor (26), a second outer conductor (30), an inner insulating material layer (28) provided between the first and second conductors (26, 30), and an outer insulating material layer (32) encasing the second conductor (30), the inner insulating material layer (28) having a lower melting point than the outer insulating material layer (30), and a connecting element (22) having at least a third conductor (36) providing a series electrical connection between the first and second conductors (26, 30) at one end (12a) of the dual element region (20) of the heating element (12).

Abstract: A heating pad system useable in one embodiment for warming a person on a support structure. In this embodiment, the heating pad system comprises an upper foam pad, a lower foam pad, and a thermal-electric heating element sandwiched between the upper and lower foam pads. A form-fitting waterproof cover encloses at least a portion of the upper and lower foam pads and the thermal-electric heating element. In one aspect of this embodiment, the heating pad system includes a power unit for providing electrical power to the thermal-electric heating element, the power unit including a control panel having at least one temperature selector, the temperature selector for selecting at least one heating pad temperature.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a heating pad controller incorporating a discrete ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) is provided which varies the duty cycle characteristics of a periodic signal during which power is applied to a heating pad heating element during a portion of the signal (“on” time). An oscillator circuit is used to produce a controlled duty cycle control signal for controlling the power applied to the heating pad by varying the on-time of the duty cycle. User control of the length of the on-time of the duty cycle is provided by way of a user controlled switch, thereby providing for a plurality of controller operating modes (e.g., WARM, LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, etc.). To configure the duty cycle for each heat setting the heating pad controller utilizes switchable electrical components of varying impedance connected to the ASIC.

Abstract: A heating structure and its temperature control method having therein a heat generating line and a controller. The heat generating line includes a PTC element and a short circuit line serially connected having an insulating fusible layer separating them. When a user sets a heating temperature, electric current is conducted to heat the PTC element, alternative string wave signals input into an AC phase shaping circuit and an AC phase delay shaping circuit are converted into square wave signals; and by measuring with a microprocessor at a given time the phase shift between the two phase shaping circuits to control the switch of a trigger circuit, the PTC element can keep on heating or reduce its temperature to therefore keep the heat generating line at a predetermined working temperature. The structure is applicable to heat generating devices such as electric ovens and heating blankets etc.

Abstract: Electric blankets and methods and systems for making electric blankets are provided. Certain electric blanket embodiments include a laminated scrim blanket with a heating element embedded therein. Other embodiments provide an electric blanket formed from conductive fibers. Another embodiment includes a central circuit that controls the position of electricity to an electric blanket responsively to temperature rate of change. A further embodiment includes a machine for inserting a heating element within passageways of a blanket shell.

Abstract: An electric load control device of a heating unit of a heating blanket comprises an actuating unit; a power supply for supplying power to the device; a microprocessor as a control center of the device for generating at least one pulse signal; the microprocessor being actuated by the actuating unit; and a driving unit; the driving unit receiving the at least one pulse signal from the microprocessor for actuating the heating unit to generate heat to heat the heating blanket; the driving unit serving to actuate the heating unit. An actuation time period of the heating unit is controlled by the pulses from the driving unit. In the driving unit, the negative parts of the pulses from the microprocessor are converted into positive pulses so that all the pulses become positive pulses; after the pulses pass through the driving unit, only selective positive pulses are passed.

Abstract: The invention provides a linear and/or plane heating element, and a thawing mat, and a hot mat comprising the linear and/or plane heating element that provides necessary heat quantity at low electric power without burning fossil fuel and the like. A heating element is provided produced by coating laminated polyester on a plane painted by paint that adds nickel-indium compound oxide to the upper surface of polyester film to solderlessly connect electrodes to both ends to connect a power supply to the electrodes. The present invention provides a thawing mat and hot mat that entirely and uniformly coat the heating element having high conductivity and heating efficiency by adding nickel-indium compound oxide having high conductivity and heating efficiency to thermally deposit. Thus, maintenance cost and electricity expense can be saved, and both high quality and social cost can be achieved.

Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.

Abstract: A warming blanket incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive blanket includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern within the blanket interior.

Abstract: A warming blanket incorporating an insert layer or sheet with a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.

Abstract: A heating article including a covering and a thermal warming device for generating heat in the heating article. The covering may be in the form of a blanket or an article of clothing. The covering and the thermal warming device may be separable from each other. The covering may be disposable or reusable. The thermal warming device may be reusable.

Abstract: An electric blanket includes a substrate made of cotton cloth, a heating member mounted on the substrate, a plurality of digital temperature sensors mounted to the heating member at a plurality of positions for detecting temperature of the heating member at the positions and sending signals relating to the temperature of the heating member at the positions and indicating the positions, a temperature protection switch, an electromagnetic radiation interference filter electrically connected to an AC power source, a DC power supply circuit, a display for displaying at least temperature of the electric blanket, a zero-cross detector, a triac electrically connected to the heating member, and a central processing unit. The central processing unit receives and processes the signals from the digital temperature sensors and a feedback signal from the temperature protection switch to control temperature of the electric blanket.

Abstract: The far-infrared heating device has a far-infrared element and two pieces of cloth. The far-infrared element has a wire grid and two membranes. The wire grid is connected to a power supply. When electricity is fed to the wire grid, the wire grid generates heat that passes through the membranes, and the heat becomes far-infrared rays.

Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.

Abstract: A substrate for a heating pad, blanket or throw includes one or more heating elements and one or more securing loops disposed at a securing end of the substrate. Each of the securing loops is of sufficient diameter to encircle and secure the substrate in a scrolled configuration.

Abstract: Electric resistance heating/warming composite fabric articles have a fabric layer having a first surface and an opposite, second surface, and an electric resistance heating/warming element in the form of a conductive yarn mounted upon first surface of the fabric layer, e.g. in embroidery stitching, and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, at least adjacent to the first or second surface of the fabric layer. Methods of forming electric resistance heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: A cut-to-length heating system including a heating cable having a first conductor with a first resistivity and a second conductor with a second resistivity. The heating cable having a first end and a second end with the first conductor being electrically connected to the second conductor at the first end. The first resistivity substantially higher than the second resistivity. An average power limiting device electrically connecting the first conductor and the second conductor at the second end.

Abstract: A heating pad system useable in one embodiment for warming a person on a support structure. In this embodiment, the heating pad system comprises an upper foam pad, a lower foam pad, and a thermal-electric heating element sandwiched between the upper and lower foam pads. A form-fitting waterproof cover encloses at least a portion of the upper and lower foam pads and the thermal-electric heating element. In one aspect of this embodiment, the heating pad system includes a power unit for providing electrical power to the thermal-electric heating element, the power unit including a control panel having at least one temperature selector, the temperature selector for selecting at least one heating pad temperature.

Abstract: A digital control wet heating type of electric blanket for heating air, comprised of a mattress containing a tenacious, air permeable cotton cloth consistently paved with hearing wires, cotton strip on the heating wires, a compression strip passing through the cotton fabric to compress the cotton strip on the heating wires, multiple temperature sensors provided between cotton fabric and cotton strip, a temperature protection circuit disposed to the heating wires, signals from sensor and protection circuit being externally connected to a digital control box; and the mattress being sealed and placed into a surface fluffed flannelette cover.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an electrically conductive and heating wire containing fabric. The fabric is made of metal yarn and natural fiber. After a yarn covering process (covering metal yarn with short staple yarn), a circular loom is used to weave circular hollow heating wire containing fabric in the desired dimensions (0.1 cm˜5 cm). After that, the heating wire containing fabric is pressed into flat shape. Then, the fabric is covered with natural long fiber or short staple, such as wool and rabbit fur. The wire containing fabric will be made into different types of products according to user demand (like rehabilitation equipment or insulating clothes). Thus, convenience is provided for use of the product and wide range of applications can be found for the present invention.

Abstract: A woven fibrous article that generates heat upon application of electrical power has a woven fibrous body consisting of a set of non-conductive warp yarns and a set of non-conductive filling or weft yarns. One of the set of non-conductive warp yarns and the set of non-conductive filling or weft yarns, in one or more first regions, consists of relatively more coarse yarns and in one or more second regions consists of relatively more fine yarns with electrical conductor elements extending generally along the second regions of the woven fibrous body to connect the plurality of spaced apart electrical conductance heating elements in a parallel electrical circuit to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A control circuit for a heating pad. The control circuit includes a two-pole, four-position slide switch. The four positions of the two-pole, four-position slide switch include off and three different heat settings of the heating pad. The control circuit also includes three heat setting indicators that are alternatively illuminated when the switch is in the three different heat settings. Diodes are used to direct electrical currents through the indicators as appropriate. The diodes and the two-pole, four-position slide switch are arranged so that current may be appropriately flow through, or may be blocked from flowing through, the indicators when the two-pole, four-position slide switch is in each of the three heating settings.

Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.

Abstract: A hidden heat strip for providing heat at the edge of a roof to prevent formation of ice. Each heat strip comprises a plurality of triangular-shaped assemblies having a heat cable inserted from under the assemblies and positioned adjacent to a notched front panel. Support clips extend from a bottom portion and a vented top panel is disposed above the heat cable. Spaced-apart reinforcement ribs are located between side panels of the assemblies to support shingles and prevent sagging. The heat strip is placed between rows of shingles and is not easily observed from the ground level.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element in the form of a flexible, preferably stretchable, electricity-conducting film disposed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warning when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion. Methods of forming electric heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: A top vinyl layer, a bottom vinyl later and side vinyl layer are all heat welded together along peripheral edges. A heated blanket has a vinyl strip attached to its peripheral edges and such vinyl strip is heat welded to the top vinyl layer.

Abstract: A surface-heating element for a curved surface and method of producing a heating element is provided. The heating element includes a continuous, planar conductor arranged along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of turns connected by regions being generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The conductor including end portions each having a terminal for receiving electrical current. The heating element also includes a film applied to one side of the conductor and configured to substantially follow an outer contour of the conductor. The film and the conductor form a continuous web generally centered about the longitudinal axis, and at least one turn connecting two generally transverse regions extends beyond the continuous web. The heating element may also include an adhesive layer on the other side of the heating element sealingly engaging the film.

Abstract: A method for controlling a heating plant as well as a control system for such a plant. More specifically the invention relates to the control of a heating plant adapted for local heating of surfaces to avoid ice and snow on such surfaces, and in particular controlling street heating plant or point heating plants (for rails), provided with one or several heating elements; so that a low power consumption is obtained. The control system is provided with at least one remotely operated unit (4) adapted to be controlled in such a manner that consumed energy is controlled in dependence of meteorological data representing present and anticipated temperatures and amounts of precipitation.

Abstract: A heating blanket reduces the possibility of electrical arcing by providing a series of individual heating elements each carrying a low current.

Abstract: Electric blankets and methods and systems for making electric blankets are provided. Certain electric blanket embodiments include a laminated scrim blanket with a heating element embedded therein. Other embodiments provide an electric blanket formed from conductive fibers. Another embodiment includes a central circuit that controls the position of electricity to an electric blanket responsively to temperature rate of change. A further embodiment includes a machine for inserting a heating element within passageways of a blanket shell.

Abstract: A temperature control device comprising a heater element and a power source. The heater element having a conductive ink affixed to a substrate. The power source connected to the conductive ink to supply power to said conductive ink, thereby heating the heater element.

Abstract: A PWM-based controller for controlling a voltage applied to a DC-powered electric heating blanket from a power source includes a square wave producing circuit for connection in the circuit with the battery and the blanket. The square wave producing circuit produces a variable duty cycle square wave for controlling application of power to the blanket in accordance with the duty cycle of the square wave. The square wave producing circuit has a control input for varying the duty cycle of the square wave in response to a voltage at the control input. The voltage at the control input may be set manually using a voltage varying circuit connected to the power source. A low voltage detection circuit may also be connected to the power source and coupled to the control input of the square wave producing circuit for automatically producing a voltage that decreases the duty cycle of the square wave when the battery voltage decreases to or below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A warming blanket having a temperature sensing element for sensing the temperature of the warming blanket. The temperature sensor may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element that is threaded throughout the blanket. In one embodiment, the temperature sensing element runs perpendicular or transverse to the heating wires in the warming blanket, permitting the temperature sensing element to measure an average blanket temperature. In another embodiment, the heating element is supplied as a pair of buss wires extending along opposite sides of the warming blanket and having a number of heating wires extending therebetween. In this embodiment, the temperature sensing elements may run either parallel to or transverse to the heating elements. Temperature changes/signals in the temperature sensing element are sent to a microprocessor, which in turn changes the wattage of the heating elements to prevent overheating of the warming blanket.

Abstract: A thermo-sensitive heater and heater driving circuit are disclosed. The thermo-sensitive heater comprises a cord-shaped nylon thermistor that surrounds a heating element, such that the thermistor detects the temperature of the heating element and controls the driving current for a heating coil. Also, the present invention includes electromagnetic shielding material, which is formed by winding an electric conductor around the outer surface of the nylon thermistor, or formed as a wire mesh. This shielding material is advantageous for discharging the electric field radiated from inside of the heater to an external electric field, thus safely eliminating harmful electric fields. Also, the present invention further provides a driving circuit for safely driving the heater, which includes a temperature controller or an overheating prevention circuit.