Abstract: A construction box includes a power connector for connection to a power source and a heater constructed for generating heat within the construction box when connected to the power source. The construction box also functioning as a warmed seat.

Abstract: A system for recognizing the occupancy of a seat, containing elements made of electrically conducting synthetic material, especially strips made of electrically conductive polyurethane. A seat equipped with the system. A method for recognizing seat occupancy whereby an alteration in resistance of the electrically conductive material occurring in a change of weight is detected.

Abstract: 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.

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: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and/or a thermally responsive state-changing device.

Abstract: A flexible heating element for a vehicle seat or the like includes at least one flexible heating resistor element and at least two flexible supply electrodes arranged at a distance from each other and at least partly embedding the heating resistor element between them to form a layered structure. The flexible heating resistor is formed of a material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. The layered structure includes a plurality of recesses formed therein defining a plurality of webs, the webs and recesses resulting in a net-like structure.

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: A seat heating element and electronic temperature selector is provided for use in a motorcycle or other saddle-type vehicle, driven by an engine as a source of power. A vehicle seat is provided with first and second heating elements, and the temperature selector controls a supply of electric power to the heating elements, to warm up the vehicle seat. The control unit includes first and second electric relays for use in temporarily blocking power from the electric power source to the heating element, for a predetermined interval, upon detection of an accelerated state of the vehicle. The heating element and control system thereof improves acceleration performance of the vehicle, even when using an electric seat heating element, by temporarily interrupting electric power flow to the seat heating element during acceleration.

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 heated construction box includes a power connector for connection to a power source and a heater constructed for generating heat within the construction box when connected to the power source. The construction box may function as a warmed seat, heated office, heated workbench, for example, and may attach to a vehicle such as a bed of a pick-up truck. In one embodiment, the power source for the construction box may provide 12V and be removed for remote recharging.

Abstract: A device for warming a toilet seat includes a heatable section removably attachable to a toilet lid via an adhesive layer. The present invention further includes flexible heating elements formed from heat-absorbing material and a cover that protects a user from such elements. The device is activated when the toilet lid is in the closed position via a switch connected to the cover. The activating mechanism further includes a control panel that includes a temperature control lever. A power supply mechanism is electrically coupled to the activating mechanism.

Abstract: A heating element that can be incorporated into a molded foam article closely adjacent to the outer cover sheet without showing any evidence that a heating element is encapsulated within the foam portion of the article and provides essentially the same relatively softness and “feel” that would be obtained if the heating element was not part of the article.

Abstract: An air supply device is provided for a vehicle seat of an open-top motor vehicle having at least one air outflow opening which is provided in the upper region of the vehicle seat and via which an airstream can be applied to the head area, shoulder area and nape area of the sitting vehicle occupant in order to reduce undesired draft phenomenon. The airstream can be regulated by way of a control device. In order to provide improved comfort for the sitting vehicle occupant when driving with the top open, the airstream is adjusted, when the air supply device is switched on, by way of the control device as a function of an automatically sensed external parameter value or of a predefined value selectable by the sitting vehicle occupant, to an assigned basic value, starting from which the further adjustment of the airstream is carried out as a function of an automatically sensed further parameter value.

Abstract: A self-regulating flexible heater for automobiles and other vehicles which is comprised of a breathable substrate (10) to which is applied a coating (14) of a conductive material and a coating (12) of positive temperature coefficient material.

Abstract: Vehicle heating systems such as portable vehicle cushions, steering wheel covers, and other interior surfaces include a direct current heating circuit for producing heat when activated; a surface material covering the heating circuit to isolate the heating circuit from direct contact by a vehicle occupant or object resting against the surface material; and a pressure switch located below the surface material and connected to the heating circuit to activate the heating circuit during application of sufficient pressure on the pressure switch by a vehicle occupant resting against the surface material at a location proximate the pressure switch, insufficient pressure being applied to the pressure switch deactivating the heating circuit.

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: 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 changing pad cover having two generally parallel vinylized/fabric layers spaced-apart and four upright sides connecting each spaced-apart layer. One or both ends of the cover may have its raised sides contoured-shaped on its upper edge to allow for the upper layer of the cover to conform to the contoured upper surface shape of the pad. The cover is secured at one end with a closure device such as a hook and loop fastener. The vinylized layer comprises a clear liquid impermeable layer, which is superimposed in a face-to-face relationship with an underlying fabric material. The fabric material has decorative visual art indicia depicted on the fabric material. The cover may optionally include a heating pad and/or a vibrating pad in an underlying relationship to the fabric material of the upper portion of the cover or integral to the fabric material. An alternative embodiment includes the top and sides of the cover only.

Abstract: A heating element used for a heated seat assembly of the present invention comprises a base material made of hotmelt material, and a linear heater disposed at a predetermined pattern on the base material. The linear heater is fixed by adhesion or sewing onto the base material. In one example of the present invention, the linear heater is characterized in that a plurality of conductors and threads are braided into the linear heater. In another example, a number of threads comprising the linear heater is at least the same with a number of conductors. According to the heating element of the present invention and the method of manufacturing the heated seat assembly according to the present invention, a heated seat assembly with excellent seating comfort and even seat temperature can be obtained, and the heating element is durable.

Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a heating pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element and a patient support portion. The heating element can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features. The radiolucent features can include conductive paths supported by a flexible substrate. The conductive paths can include conductive yarns oriented in linear and/or non-linear patterns on the flexible substrate. In one aspect of this embodiment, the conductive yarns can include conductive strands having a metallic plating, such as silver plating.

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: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and/or a thermally responsive state-changing device.

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 self-heating, portable massage or therapy table is disclosed. The portable massage table comprises a cushioned pad that is comfortable for a user to sit or lie on. Preferably inside the cushioned pad is an electrical heat mechanism which heats the cushioned pad. The cushioned pad and the heat mechanisms are sectioned so that the surface can be folded. Finally, the table comprises foldable legs that support the table.

Abstract: The invention is a device for heating a seat (3) comprising a heating element (2) connected to a control unit (1) which is arranged to feed a current (I) through the heating element (2), a detector unit (6) in connection to the heating element (2) connected to the control unit (1) with current (I) being fed when the measured temperature value falls below a predetermined desired value (TB). The invention is characterized in that the detector unit (6) comprises at least one first temperature sensor (7) on or in the vicinity of the heating element (2) with at least one further temperature sensor (8) at a predetermined distance from the heating element (2). By means of the invention a more even heating of the seat is obtained with an increased comfort for a person sitting in the seat.

Abstract: A combined sensor arid heating element includes a sensor mat having several active regions interconnected by flexible connection strips. The flexible connection strips each include two carrier foils laminated together having contact arrangements arranged in the active regions at the inside of the carrier foils. Each flexible connection strips further include a heat conductor directly applied to an outer side of one of the carrier foils.

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 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: An air mattress device includes an air mattress member, and a temperature regulator coupled to the air mattress member with a hose, to supply the regulated air into the air mattress member via the hose. The temperature regulator includes a casing disposed in a housing, a heat exchanging member disposed in the casing, to exchange heat with the air flowing into the casing. A heat dissipating device is disposed in the housing, a heat exchanger includes two conductors disposed between the heat dissipating device and the casing, to transmit heat between the heat dissipating device and the casing.

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: Apparatus for heating a motor vehicle seat comprises a heater mat and a measurement mat having capacitive sensors. The heater mat is disconnected throughout the entire period of performing a measurement using the sensors. The invention also provides a method of implementing the above apparatus.

Abstract: A mammography imaging assembly is provided comprising an imaging frame assembly, a imaging signal generation assembly mounted to the imaging frame, and an imaging detector bucky mounted to the imaging frame assembly. The imaging detector bucky comprises a patient exposure surface facing the imaging signal generation assembly. A thermo sensor assembly is positioned to monitor temperature at the patient exposure surface. A thermo generating element is in thermal communication with the patient exposure surface. A logic is in communication with the at least one thermo sensor assembly and the thermo generating element such that it controls heat generated by the thermo generating element and the temperature of the patient exposure side is controlled. A compression paddle is movably positioned between the imaging signal generation assembly and the imaging detector bucky.

Abstract: A heated patient diagnostic table 10 is provided, including a tabletop 12 and a heater array 14 in communication with the tabletop 12. The heater array 14 includes a conductive polymer coating 16 compatible for use in medical diagnostic imaging systems. The conductive polymer coating 16 is utilized to produce thermal energy capable of heating the tabletop 12 and thereby increase patient comfort.

Abstract: Vehicle heating systems such as portable vehicle cushions, steering wheel covers, and other interior surfaces include a direct current heating circuit for producing heat when activated; a surface material covering the heating circuit to isolate the heating circuit from direct contact by a vehicle occupant or object resting against the surface material; and a pressure switch located below the surface material and connected to the heating circuit to activate the heating circuit during application of sufficient pressure on the pressure switch by a vehicle occupant resting against the surface material at a location proximate the pressure switch, insufficient pressure being applied to the pressure switch deactivating the heating circuit.

Abstract: Method for production and application of a heating element for heating in vehicles where the heating element consists of heating wire defining at least one electric heating loop extending in a predetermined pattern including positioning the heating wire onto one side of a carrier; applying adhesive over the carrier, at least over areas where the heating wire is lying and over the heating wire, so the heating wire adheres to the surface of the carrier; transporting the carrier with the heating wire to a substrate, wherein the heating wire is adjacent to the substrate; pressing the heating wire against the substrate; heating and melting the adhesive to separate the heating wire from the carrier leaving the heating wire adhered to the substrate; and, removing the carrier, so the heating wire is released from the carrier and adheres to the substrate, to form the heating element for heating in the vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible heating element for a vehicle seat or the like includes at least one flexible heating resistor element and at least two flexible supply electrodes arranged at a distance from each other and at least partly embedding the heating resistor element between them to form a layered structure. The flexible heating resistor is formed of a material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. The layered structure includes a plurality of recesses formed therein defining a plurality of webs, the webs and recesses resulting in a net-like structure.

Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a heating pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element and a patient support portion. The heating element can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features. The radiolucent features can include conductive paths supported by a flexible substrate. The conductive paths can include conductive yarns oriented in linear and/or non-linear patterns on the flexible substrate. In one aspect of this embodiment, the conductive yarns can include conductive strands having a metallic plating, such as silver plating.

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 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: This invention provides, e.g., temperature regulated clothing with a thermoelectric 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: 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: One or more current sensors are mounted externally of a heating member so as to simplify construction of the heating member. The sensors are particularly useful in safety control circuits for heating members using PTC wire as resistance heating elements.

Abstract: Electric heaters and blower units are disposed inside an occupant seat having exterior cover members, each of which has a plurality of outlet openings. Each electric heater heats the corresponding exterior cover member, and each blower unit blows air through the outlet openings of the corresponding cover member. Manipulation dials are provided to manipulate the corresponding electric heaters and blower units. A variable heating power command signal, which commands increasing or decreasing of a heating power of each corresponding electric heater, and a variable flow rate command signal, which commands increasing or decreasing of an air flow rate of each corresponding blower unit, are generated through adjustment manipulation of the manipulation dial in synchronism with movement of the manipulation dial.

Abstract: A heating element used for a heated seat assembly of the present invention comprises a base material made of hotmelt material, and a linear heater disposed at a predetermined pattern on the base material. The linear heater is fixed by adhesion or sewing onto the base material. In one example of the present invention, the linear heater is characterized in that a plurality of conductors and threads are braided into the linear heater. In another example, a number of threads comprising the linear heater is at least the same with a number of conductors. According to the heating element of the present invention and the method of manufacturing the heated seat assembly according to the present invention, a heated seat assembly with excellent seating comfort and even seat temperature can be obtained, and a durability of the heating element improves.

Abstract: A thermal protection device shaped and sized to substantially cover a child car seat is placed within an interior portion of the child car seat to form an air pocket and thereby thermally protect the child car seat. In one embodiment, the thermal protection device includes a thermal barrier, and a positioning strap. The thermal barrier includes a reflecting layer configured to reflect radiant energy, an insulating layer configured to provide thermal resistance, and in one embodiment, an absorbing layer configured to absorb radiant energy. In one embodiment, a pouch configured to detachably connect to the flexible washable thermal barrier contains a temperature moderation device. The pouch is preferably located within the air pocket at a location that facilitates temperature moderation of the interior portion of the child car seat particularly those components that may contact an occupant.

Abstract: An intermediate electrical connecting apparatus (14) for a seat-heating system (10) includes a first junction (48) and a second junction (50). The first junction (48) is electrically coupled to a first heating element segment (30) of a heating element (18). The second junction (50) is electrically coupled to a second heating element segment (32) of the heating element (18). A seam segment (52) is electrically coupled between the first junction (48) and the second junction (50) and includes a plurality of redundant electrically conductive connections (54), which have a spacing arrangement therebetween.

Abstract: A heating-element-embedded material has a lateral heating element (1) embedded in furniture material (2) which can be used for covering seats and other furniture and for making heating articles of furniture (3). The lateral heating element has series-parallel heating-resistor conveyance of current from an input terminal (4) to a return terminal (5). The lateral heating element can include a resistance-wire net (14), a thin sheet (20), a plurality of parallel thin strips (22), a plurality of parallel thin lines (23), a plurality of parallel expanded helical or zigzag lines (24), a plurality of parallel thin zigzag strips (25) or other generally series-parallel conveyance within or on either side of the furniture material. The furniture material can be rubberlike, leatherlike, vinyl-like, cloth-like, smooth, rough, moisture-proof, permeable, impermeable or made otherwise for heated-surface use.

Abstract: A heating element comprises a heating film having an electrically nonconductive support layer and a conductive layer. The conductive layer of the present invention comprises a metallic layer or material that is deposited onto the support layer. The heating element system is suitable for integration into the seating surface or backrest surface of an automotive vehicle which may also comprise additional components such as upholstered units and sensors to facilitate the comfort of the occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is a device for heating a seat (3) comprising a heating element (2) connected to a control unit (1) which is arranged to feed a current (I) through the heating element (2), a detector unit (6) in connection to the heating element (2) connected to the control unit (1) with current (I) being fed when the measured temperature value falls below a predetermined desired value (TB). The invention is characterized in that the detector unit (6) comprises at least one first temperature sensor (7) on or in the vicinity of the heating element (2) with at least one further temperature sensor (8) at a predetermined distance from the heating element (2). By means of the invention a more even heating of the seat is obtained with an increased comfort for a person sitting in the seat.

Abstract: A mechanism to support the head of a patient is provided for therapeutic beds, including prone positioning therapeutic beds. In one embodiment, a head restraint apparatus is provided comprising a casing having a closed bottom end, an open top end, and an open front end. The casing encloses a cavity for receiving a person's head resting in a supine position and substantially encompasses the back and sides of a person's head. A face piece removably attached to the open top end of the casing is configured to restrain at least a portion of the front of a person's head. In another embodiment, a head restraint is slidably mounted on a transversely oriented rail of the patient support platform. A manually operable clamp is provided to fix the position of the head restraint with respect to the rail.