Chair, Bed, Or Other Body-supporting Means Patents (Class 219/217)
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Publication number: 20100219664Abstract: There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2010Publication date: September 2, 2010Inventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
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Patent number: 7781704Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventors: Lucas Fernandez, Konstantin Majarov
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Patent number: 7772528Abstract: A heated body mat realized by an assembly covered by a protective enclosure. The assembly has a major dimension (e.g., length) and includes a heat reflecting layer disposed between a top foam panel and a bottom foam panel. A resistive heater element is arranged in a single loop that provides coverage over a substantial part of the area of the mat. A plurality of thermostats (preferably 3 or more) are integrated as part of the loop and arranged in a series configuration being spaced apart along the major dimension of the assembly. Each one of said thermostats is normally closed and opens at one or more predetermined threshold temperatures to thereby open the current path loop realized by the resistive heater element. In use, electric power is supplied to the resistive heater element to generate heat that is emitted from the mat.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Inventors: Symone Lewin, Gordon B. Bart
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Publication number: 20100193498Abstract: A heating device comprises a heater having a first surface and a second surface, with the second surface being generally opposite of the first surface. The heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert it to heat. The heating device additionally includes at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater. In one embodiment, the heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that generally define a plurality of fin spaces through which fluids may pass. In some arrangements, the heating device comprises an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more of the heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. In addition, fluids passing through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: Amerigon IncorporatedInventor: Ryan Walsh
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Publication number: 20100187214Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventor: Michael Weiss
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Patent number: 7741582Abstract: There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
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Patent number: 7737384Abstract: Linear-type sheathed heaters are arranged substantially in parallel with each other in a case body. Regions near the ends of the outer peripheral surface of each of the sheathed heaters are held by elastic holding members so as to move in the axial direction. A cylindrical space is formed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the sheathed heater and the case body. A space is provided that communicates the cylindrical spaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Shigeru Shirai, Tomohide Matsumoto, Kazushige Nakamura, Mitsuyuki Furubayashi, Takemi Oketa
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Publication number: 20100126978Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved heating pad adapted for personal use to warm the owner's feet while seated at a desk. It has a bi layer ground insulation system to save energy and keep the temperature of contact materials far below the applicable fire regulations. It has an occupancy sensing capability linked to a shut off switch enhancing the safety margin. It's electrical power consumption is under 1500 W with most common usage in the 90-135 W range. These features make it ideal for use at the workplace.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2005Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventor: Phyllis Dawn Semmes
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Patent number: 7723646Abstract: A joint device for providing hinged movement between a first and second arm member and for providing independent delivery of electrical power to the arm members, wherein said device includes a central portion for receiving at least two sets of electrical conductors and for delivering said at least one set of electrical conductors to each of said arm members, characterised in that upon hinged movement of the arm members about the central portion, the central portion maintains the conductors in a spaced apart relationship in a manner such that the structural integrity of said conductors is maintained for a predetermined minimum number of hinged movement cycles of said arm members.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Sincere International Trading Co. Ltd.Inventor: Wing Yiu Lam
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Patent number: 7723651Abstract: A heating pad is disclosed. The heating pad has a heating line received in a bag, wherein a plurality of heat preservation elements are slipped over the heating line; when the heating pad is electrified, a controller controls the temperature of the heating line for heat applying on a human body; when a electric source is turned off, the heating line stops being heated up, the heat preservation elements keeps on scattering heat outwards to extend the time of heat applying. The heat preservation elements can be ceramic pipes able to emit far infrared ray, so that during heat applying, the ceramic pipes can emit far infrared ray to get an effect of health care.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Inventor: Shuh-Tsai Yang
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Patent number: 7714256Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventor: Michael Weiss
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Patent number: 7705271Abstract: A flexible surface heating element, particularly for seat heaters, having a heating field of conductive fibers electrically connected to at least one contact strip. The contact strip contains a portion of conductors in the form of steel filaments and a portion of conductors in the form of filaments of a higher conductivity than that of the steel filaments. The two types of conductors are electrically interconnected and affixed by means of a yarn on a textile band, the conductors of higher conductivity extending above and/or under the steel filament conductors and being electrically connected to the steel filament conductors. A method for producing the flexible heating element is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: I.G. Bauerhin GmbHInventor: Josef Hilmer
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Publication number: 20100095443Abstract: A linear heater is formed of an enamel wire composed of a heating wire and an enamel layer. The heating wire is made of a copper alloy containing silver, for example. The enamel layer is made of polyester imide (PEI), polyimide (PI) or polyamide imide (PAI), for example. The enamel layer is coated with an insulating coating layer. The insulating coating layer is made of fluororesin such as perfluoroalkoxy mixture (PFA), polyimide (PI), or polyamide imide (PAI). The linear heater is bonded to the lower surface of an upper toilet seat casing such that it is sandwiched between a metal foil and a metal foil made of aluminum, for example.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Makoto Nishimura, Shigeru Shirai, Hideki Ohno, Yoshiharu Shimada, Tomoko Ishida, Yuji Yamamoto, Shinji Fujii, Yoshiko Kurimoto, Kazuya Kondoh, Masahiro Inoue, Toru Ueno
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Publication number: 20100096379Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Naohito Asami, Masanori Nishikawa
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Publication number: 20100089894Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a heating apparatus having a removable vehicle seat cover having a back portion and a seat portion with at least one electrical heating element affixed to the removable vehicle seat cover. A power cord is included having a vehicle coupler releasably connectable to a vehicle power supply and at least one controller connector for releasable electrical connection to the at least one electrical heating element. A bilaterally accessible power coupler is located along at least one side of the removable vehicle seat cover and is connected in circuit with the at least one heating element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Simon Nicholas Richmond
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Publication number: 20100072186Abstract: An electric heating module for heating up air streams, in particular for heating and ventilating seats, which at least one PTC heating element and at least one annular heat dissipation region which is adjacent to said PTC heating element, through which air can flow and which has thermally conductive lamellae which are arranged so as to run in a substantially radial manner and are operatively connected to the PTC heating element and are combined with said PTC heating element to form a module. The lamellae sit, by way of their radially inner portion, in a groove of a thermally conductive retaining ring, which groove is matched to the width of the radially inner portion of the lamellae.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: MICROHELLIX GMBHInventor: Ingo Schehr
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Publication number: 20100038351Abstract: A combined heating system and occupant sensing system for a vehicle seat includes first and second electrodes connected in series and a controller configured to direct a heating current to the first and second electrodes. The controller is configured to isolate the first and second electrodes from the heating current and, at the same time, provide a sensing current to only one of the first and second electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Michael TABACZYNSKI
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Patent number: 7663076Abstract: The invention relates to conductive materials particularly to serve as a heater. Heating means formed by or with electrically conductive materials are known and particularly effective for its flexibility is that sold under the British, Community and US Registered Trade Mark INDITHERM. Conductive rails are used to provide electrical connection to a source of power that need to have a commensurate flexibility, and the object of the invention is to ensure the maintenance of power to the full length of the conductive rail. This objective, is met by a construction comprising spaced first rails for the supply and return of electrical power, the said rails having a flexibility compatible with the semi-conductive material, and there being a supplementary rail attached to each first rail along the length thereof, the supplementary rails being flexible and having strength characteristics greater than those of the first rails.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Inditherm PLCInventor: Colin Roy Tarry
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Patent number: 7663378Abstract: A passenger seat device includes a detector electrode for detecting occupancy of the seat, a seat heater powered by an on-board electric power source, and a waterproof sheet for preventing water permeated into the seat from reaching the seat heater. Whether the seat is occupied or not is detected based on changes in an impedance coupled to the detector electrode. The impedance is affected by the water if it reaches the seat heater, and a sensitivity of the occupancy detection is adversely affected. A shielding electrode insulated from the detector electrode and disposed between the detector electrode and the seat heater may be provided to reduce an amount of parasitic capacitance formed between the detector electrode and the seat heater. An alternating voltage may be supplied to the detector electrode and the shielding electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Tsutomu Kamizono, Shoichi Yamanaka
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Publication number: 20100025388Abstract: [Subject] To provide a rechargeable battery type chair warming method, a rechargeable battery type chair warming device and a rechargeable battery type heatable chair that enables warming of chairs and wheelchairs used at schools, arenas, or camping sites by attaching a rechargeable battery by individuals who use the chairs, respectively. [Resolution Means] A heat generating unit is placed in a seat and/or back seat rest of a chair, and if an individual who uses the chair attaches a rechargeable battery to a power supply unit, power is supplied from the rechargeable battery, and the heat generating unit can be warmed up. The heat generating unit is structured by covering a heating element with a thermal conduction material, and the heat generating unit is attached to an existing chair or is originally incorporated into a seat or a back seat rest of a chair. The power supply can include a power switch and a volume control for temperature control in addition to a socket for attaching a rechargeable battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2006Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventor: Taduko Ono
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Publication number: 20100000981Abstract: A heating device having a layer containing electrically conductive plastic. The layer exhibits adhesive characteristics at least in some sections on at least one side. A heatable object equipped with a heating device of this type. The layer containing electrically conductive plastic is connected to at least one component of an object. A. radiant heating system including a support and a heating layer containing electrically conductive plastic, whereby the heating layer is formed by a flexible film and the support is also flexible. Methods to produce such products and apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2004Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: BRAINCOM AGInventors: Michael Diemer, Stephan Diemer
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Patent number: 7621594Abstract: The present invention discloses an air supply mechanism for a vehicle seat (12), and a method for the operation thereof. The air supply mechanism comprises a control device (24), for driving a fan (38) and a heating element (39) connected downstream of the fan (38). When the air supply mechanism is switched on, the control device (24) switches on a heating element (39) and at the same time carries out a starting control of a fan (38) in such a manner that the fan (38) starts and is operated at minimum blower speed for a predetermined period of time before the blower speed is raised to a predetermined working point and subsequently the blower speed is regulated as a function of the driving speed. In this manner, a seat occupant does not experience an initial sensation of draft due to a powerful discharge of relatively cold air but rather experiences a pleasant warmth even directly after the mechanism is switched on.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Dietmar Hartmann, Karl Pfahler, Lothar Renner
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Patent number: 7617592Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing thin film heaters includes an automated process for applying at least one layer of ink to a conductive substrate, and forming at least one electrically conductive electrode in electrical communication with the substrate by curing the ink. When an electrical current is applied to the thin film heater, current flowing through the substrate generates heat in the substrate. In alternate embodiments, a flexographic printing process is used to overlay two similar layers of ink on a carbon impregnated substrate and cure the ink to form at least one electrode conductor.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Total Electronics, LLCInventors: Kraig Rayl, Alan Study
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Publication number: 20090218854Abstract: A planar heating element for a motor vehicle seat includes a plurality of heating conductors connected to at least one electrical contact conductor strip, which is to be joined to a power source. The contact conductor strip itself comprises an electrically conductive, nonwoven textile fabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Applicant: Daimler AGInventors: Karl Pfahler, Ina Von Szczepanski
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Patent number: 7560670Abstract: A heating element (1) featuring at least two electrodes (5, 5?) for supplying the heating element (1) with current, containing a multitude of heating sections (11, 11?, 11?) that, coating at least one part of a base surface to be heated (4), are arranged between the electrodes (5, 5?) and are connected with them by electrical conduction. The heating element (1) has at least two bundles (9, 9?, 9?, 9?) of heating sections (11, 11?, 11?), with the bundles (9, 9?, 9?) being arranged at a distance from one another to avoid electrical contact between the bundles.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventors: Guenter Lorenzen, Michael Weiss
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Patent number: 7560671Abstract: The invention provides a laminate construction for heating or warming with one or more electrically conductive patterns of conductive ink or paste formed on a first confronting surface of an insulating sheet, where each pattern is connected by one or more conductive elements (bus wires), and where each pattern and the conductive elements are between the confronting surfaces of insulating sheets. The laminate may include one or more stretch and recovery elements to cause the laminate to be more adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body. The laminate with heating elements therein may be incorporated into garments or other wearables or into warming textile structures (pads and blankets).Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Textronics, Inc.Inventors: Brian Wheeler, Joseph Gormley, Thomas A. Micka
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Publication number: 20090134676Abstract: A motor vehicle seat with a seat heater comprises at least one heating element with metallic heating and/or contact conductors which are uninsulated or insulated with thin paint layers and which are applied to a carrier material. A textile layer with a liquid-repellent impregnation formed by an impregnating agent is arranged between the surface of the seat in contact with the user and the heating and/or contact conductors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventors: Joshi Raghvendra Trimbakrao, Jochen Michelmann
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Patent number: 7534978Abstract: A process chamber of an installation for the thermal treatment of printed circuit boards is described. The process chamber may include a fan wheel supported on a shaft parallel to the printed circuit boards, the fan wheel being disposed between two walls of the process chamber. The fan wheel is open at its two end faces and the two end faces are at such a distance from the walls of the process chamber that gas flows in unimpeded in two substreams between the end faces of the fan wheel and the walls and flows out from the cylindrical surface of the fan wheel over the length thereof and in the extent of the process chamber in the form of a ribbon-shaped gas stream, the gas stream being directed essentially in the cross section through a channel onto the printed circuit boards.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: SEHO Systemtechnik GmbHInventors: Rolf Ludwig Diehm, Rudolf Ullrich
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Publication number: 20090095725Abstract: A heating device for a seat exhibiting excellent durability, reliability, safety and enhanced workability in fixing work to a seat while reducing the cost and weight and ensuring comfortable feeling at seating without causing a strange feeling. The heating device for a seat comprises a heating matter (4) including a base substance (2) and a heating wire (3) arranged on the base substance, a temperature detection element (5) for detecting temperature of the heating matter, and a temperature control circuit (1) for controlling temperature of the heating matter based on the output from the temperature detection element, characterized in that the temperature detection element and the temperature control circuit are arranged at predetermined positions on the base substance. The temperature control circuit is insulation-covered together with a part of lead wires connected to the temperature control circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2006Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Tadahiko Ohashi, Yasuhiro Ohashi
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Publication number: 20090078690Abstract: Disclosed herein are a fiber-reinforced heating unit (100) and a mattress comprising the fiber-reinforced heating unit (100) installed therein. The heating unit (100) comprises flexible filaments (11) woven vertically and horizontally in a net, a stiff synthetic resin filament (12) alternately woven with the flexible filament (11) in either a vertical direction or a horizontal direction, and copper wires (32) woven together with the flexible filaments (11) on the longitudinal edges at both sides and the center and the woven material is dipped in liquid carbon, followed by drying. The copper wires (32) on the both longitudinal edges are connected to positive (+) terminal (31, 51) and the copper wires at the center are connected to a negative (?) terminal (41). The carbon-coated woven material has coating layers (90) formed by compression or impregnation with a gel type flexible synthetic resin at the top and the bottom.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2005Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventors: Mi-Ae Lee, Sang-Do Yeom
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Patent number: 7500536Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination heater and occupant sensor device that may be used in an automobile seat. The device will heat a seat and sense the mass of an occupant in the seat. The device provides the ability to combine occupant sensors with a seat heater without damaging the sensors or obtaining incorrect sensor readings. The sensor results may be processed and used to control air bag deployment, for example, or to indicate if the seat belt of an occupied seat is not being employed. To provide flexibility of the device during use, the device may be formed on a polymer substrate and configured to include apertures throughout. In addition, in the heating portion of the device, conductive material may be blended in a polymer and the device may be configured to limit conductor cracking after repeated flexing of the device thus extending the life of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Edward F. Bulgajewski, Michael M. Cubon
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Publication number: 20090020518Abstract: A ceramic heater, a heat exchange unit, and a warm water washing toilet seat are provided which have excellent temperature rise characteristics and can reduce the time required to reach a predetermined water temperature. A ceramic heater (5) has a pattern watt density of 50 W/cm2 and above, and a surface watt density of 25 W/cm2 and above. Accordingly, the ceramic heater (5) has a short start-up time and excellent temperature rise characteristics. Further, the thickness of a core is reduced to between 0.5 mm and 1.9 mm (accordingly, circular tube thickness is between 1 mm and 2.4 mm), and this enables heat from the ceramic heater (5) can be efficiently transmitted to water that flows in the circular tube, making the ceramic heater (5) excellent in temperature rise characteristics. Accordingly, a gap between a heat exchanger (3) and the ceramic heater (5) is not necessary to be excessively narrowed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2005Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.Inventors: Etsuya Ikeda, Katsuhiko Horii
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Patent number: 7479618Abstract: Device (1) for the heat treatment of scalp hair (2) of a person (3), consisting of one first and one second heat radiator (11, 12), which are formed and arranged facing each other as a left side radiator (4) and as a right side radiator (5) to provide heat (6) to the side scalp hair (7), wherein the left side radiator (4) has one first ring-shaped infrared radiator (21) with one first shell ring reflector (22) and the right side radiator (5) has one second ring-shaped infrared radiator (21.1) with one second shell ring reflector (22.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Martin Liebeck, Stefan Uhl
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Patent number: 7477969Abstract: There is disclosed a temperature conditioned assembly for use in a component (e.g., a seat or steering wheel) of a transportation vehicle (e.g., an automotive vehicle, a plane, a train or the like). The assembly typically includes one or more conditions such as a heater and/or a ventilation or cooling system. A controller and a temperature sensor are also included in the assembly. Preferably, the controller is programmed to effect an energy output sequence that is based upon the ambient temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventor: Zoran Panic
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Publication number: 20090008377Abstract: A seat heating and occupant sensing assembly including a mat having a plurality of heat sources disposed therein. A power supply supplies power to the heat sources. The assembly further includes a controller in communication with a signal generator. The signal generator provides electric signals to the heat sources to form an electric field. The controller monitors one of the signals and electric field for recognizable characteristics for determining the presence of an occupant on the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: John F. Nathan, Karl Kennedy, H. Winston Maue, Santosh Karumathil
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Publication number: 20080283513Abstract: A heating pad for use with animals, or pet heating pad. The pet heating pad provides a pad with a cushioned exterior and a flexible but resilient interior that prevents overheating by maintaining or returning the pet heating pad to a flat profile. The pet heating pad heating system includes a heating element with temperature limitation controls for safe operation surrounded by layers of material selected for temperature control properties. The result is a pet heating pad that substantially reduces or eliminates the problems normally associated with heating pads such as hotspots, overheating, bunching, and folding while providing a pet with a physically and thermally comfortable surface upon which to rest.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: Radio Systems CorporationInventors: Ben T. Ferguson, III, Marc E. Brush, Terry G. Carpenter, Nianhong Zhou
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Patent number: 7439474Abstract: A climate control pad includes a pad body having a climate treating surface and an air circulating circuit formed thereon for preserving a volume of air within the air circulating circuit in a circulating manner, and a heat generating element, which is a fiber heating wire, disposed in the air circulating circuit for generating heat to increase the temperature of the air within the air circulating circuit so as to evenly distribute the heat from the heat generating element on the climate treating surface of the pad body. In addition, the pad body is adapted to incorporate with a cooling source to provide a cooling air towards the climate treating surface of the pad body.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Charlie Huang
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Publication number: 20080247508Abstract: A device used to warm a mammography machine comprises a warmer and a holder for the warmer. The holder includes an enclosed heating element and non-insulating filler material adjacent the heating element. The heating element is precisely regulated to ensure that the sensitive imaging elements are not damaged by an overtemperature condition, while at the same time permitting a rapid heating of the warmer for high cycle use. The warmer warms surfaces of the mammography machine that contacts human skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Ann Harrington, Mark Dexter, William Pedersen
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Publication number: 20080142494Abstract: A thermally regulating heater and a heated seat made using these heaters wherein the resulting heated seat provides enhanced temperature control without the need of any temperature control system. The heaters include the use of a polymeric positive temperature coefficient composition that operates at lower trip temperatures than previous polymeric positive temperature coefficient compositions. The polymeric positive temperature coefficient composition have a trip temperature below the heat deflection temperature of the composition such that the polymeric positive temperature coefficient composition heats the heated seat to a temperature closer to the comfort level of an individual using the heated seat. Since the polymeric positive temperature coefficient composition uses plastic materials, the polymeric positive temperature coefficient composition can be formed into different shapes as needed using a molding process, such as injection molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Barre Blake, Thomas M. Goral, Eric Kowal, Frans Mercx, Arthur Vermolen
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Publication number: 20080116190Abstract: A heated body mat realized by an assembly covered by a protective enclosure. The assembly has a major dimension (e.g., length) and includes a heat reflecting layer disposed between a top foam panel and a bottom foam panel. A resistive heater element is arranged in a single loop that provides coverage over a substantial part of the area of the mat. A plurality of thermostats (preferably 3 or more) are integrated as part of the loop and arranged in a series configuration being spaced apart along the major dimension of the assembly. Each one of said thermostats is normally closed and opens at one or more predetermined threshold temperatures to thereby open the current path loop realized by the resistive heater element. In use, electric power is supplied to the resistive heater element to generate heat that is emitted from the mat.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: May 22, 2008Inventors: Symone Lewin, Gordon B. Bart
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Publication number: 20080099458Abstract: A flexible surface heating element, particularly for seat heaters, comprises a heating field of conductive fibers electrically connected to at least one contact strip. The contact strip contains a portion of conductors in the form of steel filaments and a portion of conductors in the form of filaments of a higher conductivity than that of the steel filaments. The two types of conductors are electrically interconnected and held by means of textile and/or metallic yarns on a textile band, the conductors of higher conductivity extending above and/or under the steel conductors and being electrically connected to said conductors. A method for producing the flexible heating element is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventor: Josef Hilmer
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Publication number: 20080018143Abstract: A passenger seat device includes a detector electrode for detecting occupancy of the seat, a seat heater powered by an on-board electric power source, and a waterproof sheet for preventing water permeated into the seat from reaching the seat heater. Whether the seat is occupied or not is detected based on changes in an impedance coupled to the detector electrode. The impedance is affected by the water if it reaches the seat heater, and a sensitivity of the occupancy detection is adversely affected. A shielding electrode insulated from the detector electrode and disposed between the detector electrode and the seat heater may be provided to reduce an amount of parasitic capacitance formed between the detector electrode and the seat heater. An alternating voltage may be supplied to the detector electrode and the shielding electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: DENSO CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Tsutomu Kamizono, Shoichi Yamanaka
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Publication number: 20080011732Abstract: An electrode unit for detecting whether a seat is occupied or not (occupancy conditions) is embedded in a seat of an automotive vehicle together with an electrically powered seat heater. Both of the electrode unit and the seat heater are flat, and the electrode unit is laminated on the heat heater. The electrode unit is composed of an upper electrode, a lower electrode and an insulating film disposed between both electrodes. The occupancy conditions are detected based on changes in a capacitance between the upper electrode and a member grounded to a vehicle body. To reduce a capacitance between the upper electrode and seat heater and to thereby improve sensitivity of the detection of the occupancy conditions, an alternating voltage that alternates in accordance with an alternating voltage supplied to the upper electrode is supplied to the lower electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2007Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: DENSO CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Tsutomu Kamizono, Shoichi Yamanaka
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Patent number: 7285748Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James P. Nelson, Tilak R. Varma, Michael Starozhitsky, Paul J. Storiz, Edward Bulgajewski
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Patent number: 7274007Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd.Inventors: Lucas Fernandez, Konstantin Majarov
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Patent number: 7268325Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Linkwin Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kuo-Chang Chuang
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Patent number: 7250586Abstract: A surface heating system consists of a support and a heating layer that contains an electrically conductive plastic. The heating layer is formed by a flexible film. A heatable object made as such a surface heating system. A method for producing a surface heating system, where a heating layer containing an electrically conductive plastic bonded to a support, and where the heating layer is formed by initially applying an electrically conductive, especially a foam plastic material onto the support and then hardening the plastic material on the support. Alternatively, the method produces a surface heating system with a heating layer of an electrically conductive plastic is bonded to a support. The heating layer is produced from an electrically conductive, especially a foam plastic material, and then arranged on the support. Another alternative of the method consists of bonding a heating layer with an electrically conductive plastic to a support. A fabric is produced as the support.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Braincom AGInventors: Stephan Diemer, Michael Diemer
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Patent number: 7244914Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Yoneyama, Naohito Asami, Akira Shiratake, Norio Abe, Kazumi Nagayama
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Patent number: 7232976Abstract: A mouse pad includes a body with planar top and bottom surfaces and a cavity intercalated therebetween that extends between opposed body ends. A rotatable flange has a dome shape for fitting within a user's palm. The flange is offset from a center of the body, has a bottom section conjoined to the body top surface, and is seated adjacent to a proximal body edge. The flange has a top section rotatably conjoined to the bottom section. The bottom section has a greater diameter than the top section for effectively. A mechanism is included for heating the flange that is connected to the flange top section and includes a controller conjoined to the body. A mechanism is included for oscillating the flange so that the flange tilts side-to-side and against a bottom surface of an operator wrist. The heating mechanism and the oscillating mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Inventor: Dino A. Catalano
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Patent number: 7223941Abstract: A heating system has been incorporated into the commercial space fixture of a plastic chair mat to provide a space-saving heating system. The material for the plastic mat is chosen based on its thermal and electrical properties to provide necessary safety and support convenience for occupied rolling office chairs. Materials include vinyl, acrylic, and polyethylene. The heating elements are placed into the body of the plastic material, which is connected to conventional electrical elements, such as power source, GFIs, thermostats, and safety shut offs, outside the plastic mat. Other more complicated electronics, such as an anti-static mechanism, may be included as needed by the environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Walker IP and Business Enterprises, LLCInventors: David Walker, Gail Sherman