Cloth Or Other Fabric Patents (Class 219/529)
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Publication number: 20090242548Abstract: The present invention relates to a tape heater including: at least one flexible fabric base formed from a heat-resistant thread, the at least one flexible fabric base including a first fabric base part and a second fabric base part; and a heater member, in which the heater member is interposed between the first fabric base part and the second fabric base pan. Since the heater member is interposed between the fabric base(s), the tape heater of the present invention exhibits superior flexibility and stretchability and is superior in easily being wrapped around a pipe, as well as reliably protecting the heater member. Further, tape heaters can be continually manufactured, so long as weaving or knitting of the fabric base(s) is caused to proceed while the heater member is interposed between the fabric base(s), to thus join the fabric base(s). Hence, enhancement of production efficiency and prevention of an increase in production cost can be attained.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicants: NICHIAS CORPORATION, THERMOS CORPORATION, HOKURIKU FIBER GLASS COMPANY, LIMITEDInventors: Kenji Iida, Keiichi Fukuda, Akira Sasaki, Daisaku Seki, Emico Taguchi, Masayuki Kitamura
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Publication number: 20090223946Abstract: A flexible thermal radiator made by using two comb powering conductors to power the electrical heating element. The electrical current passes from one powering conductor to the other through the electrical heating element. The comb powering conductors provide an even distribution of currents throughout the structure and hence maintain a uniform current density that results in uniform temperature distribution of the structure avoiding hot-spots.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventor: Ravindra Wijesiriwardana
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Patent number: 7566849Abstract: A series resistance heating cable comprises a heating element extending longitudinally along the cable. The element comprises a material having a positive temperature coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Heatsafe Cable Systems LimitedInventor: Jason Daniel Harold O'Connor
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Publication number: 20090179080Abstract: An HVAC system to be installed in a vehicle may comprise at least one power source; a plurality of heating devices; and a component controller. The component controller may be configured to operate a selected portion of the plurality of heating devices based on user preferences stored in the component controller, available power from the at least one power source, and a desired set point temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Inventor: Gerald Allen Alston
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Patent number: 7560664Abstract: A thermal garment that utilizes an electrically-conductive, all metal mesh fabric for the uniform distribution of heat throughout the surface area of the garment, thus permitting freedom of movement without sacrifice to the structural integrity of the fabric, a seemingly prevalent prior art disadvantage recognized in thermal garments incorporating electrical heating wires and/or metalized textile fabrics.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Inventors: Ancil Ford, Burnette Ford
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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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Patent number: 7554063Abstract: A heating apparatus including a housing defining a volume of air therein having an inlet and an outlet aperture. The heating apparatus also includes a heat generator having an elongate tubular metal sheath extending between an inner end and an outer end, a resistive wire within the sheath, and a substantially nonconducting material for electrically isolating the sheath relative to the resistive wire. The heat generator includes a terminal portion at the inner end and a heating portion extending between the terminal portion and the outer end of the sheath. The terminal portion is adapted for connection to a source of electrical power. Also, the heating portion of the heat generator is positioned in the housing to heat the volume of air. The heating apparatus also includes one or more insulators for electrically isolating the sheath relative to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Dimplex North America LimitedInventors: Kristoffer Hess, Jeffery J. Kube
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Publication number: 20090127250Abstract: A portable human body joint electric heating pad, used to apply heat on the local sore joint of human body continuously to contribute blood circulation thereof, characterized in (1) a stainless synthetic fiber which is provided with rapid electric conduction and heat conduction capabilities and converts electric energy into thermal energy. It is also provided with Velcro® fabric fastener for the convenience of covering body parts; (2) a finger cover hole which have said stainless synthetic fiber fit the finger of the user to cover on the hand more stably; (3) an USB power supply line which connects on said carbon fiber electric conduction fabric and inserts into an USB slot, i.e., supplying the required electric energy; (4) an extension band which is a kind of elastic fabric band to stick on said stainless synthetic fiber via the Velcro® fabric at one end to achieve the goal of length extension.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventor: Pang-Hua Chang
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Publication number: 20090057296Abstract: The invention relates to a flat heater, which is used for applications in the range of heating voltages of up to 1000 V, produces attainable powers of up to 2 kW/m2 and is characterized by the fact that the electrical resistance required for the heating is formed by an electrically conductive cellulose nonwoven. Metallic contacts which are incorporated ensure the connection of the conductive cellulose nonwoven to a voltage source. Polymer films applied on both sides provide mechanical and electrical protection and prevent the ingress of moisture into the cellulose nonwoven.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Frank-Gunter Niemz, Bernd Riedel, Carmen Knobelsdorf
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Patent number: 7491912Abstract: A portable food delivery container includes a food storage compartment, a control compartment, and a temperature control source. A control compartment lies adjacent to and in thermal conductivity with the food storage compartment. A modular removable temperature control source is disposed within the control compartment, where the temperature control source effects transfer of thermal energy between the food storage compartment and the control compartment to maintain the food storage compartment at a temperature other than the ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Check CorporationInventor: Robert Check
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Publication number: 20090032520Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a ribbon element, a power source and related components. The heating apparatus can be designed, retrofitted or manufactured into articles of clothing or equipment such as gloves, vests, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, insoles, mitts, handwarmers, seats and other common articles. A ribbon element comprises one or more conductive wires woven into a carrier strip. Various wiring configurations can desirably adjust the resistance of the ribbon element thereof. Methods of manufacture and use are disclosed in conjunction with the heating apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Charles E. Cronn
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Publication number: 20090032524Abstract: A three-dimensional electric heating apparatus includes a pouch-like electric heating knitted fabric, a protective layer, and a thermal insulating device. The electric heating knitted fabric is utilized to accommodate and heat a container while the electric heating knitted fabric elastically fits around the container. The protective layer is located on a surface of the electric heating knitted fabric facing the container. The thermal insulating device is located on another surface of the electric heating knitted fabric so as to insulate the heat generated by the electric heating knitted fabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Chen-Liang Li, Han-Hsing Hsiung
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Publication number: 20090032516Abstract: The technical nature of this invention is the development of a flexible bag, which has a flexible-reflective interior foil that is protected from being damaged by the objects to be placed inside the bag for warming such as fabric items, gloves, pajamas, baby clothes, or construction materials that need to be kept warm. Items are kept warm by a heating pad which is plugged into a standard 120 volt outlet or into a 12 volt DC converter. The bag is portable or can be left in a location where the warmed items need to be used. In industrial or construction applications, the addition of a strap to the bag allows it to be easily carried or hung over a railing for easy dispensing of the items that are being kept warm in the bag. The bag retains heat for an extended period of time when unplugged.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventor: Lance George Reasor
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Publication number: 20090020521Abstract: A heating pad system comprises a pad formed of layers of flexible material, a heating element applied to or embedded within a layer of the pad and including conductive yarn, a temperature sensor associated with the pad to generate a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the pad, and a battery-powered control module removably connected to the heating element and the temperature sensor. The control module is operable to supply current to the heating element to generate heat, wherein the current supplied to the heating element is regulated in response to the temperature signal from the temperature sensor to maintain the pad at a substantially constant temperature. The pad layers, heating element, and temperature sensor are machine-washable as a unit. The pad may be worn under an orthopedic or athletic brace.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: Thomas Blaszczykiewicz, Tamer Elsamahy, Hari Venkataraman, Prasanna Chandrasekaran, Naresh Tondare
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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: 20080245786Abstract: A system and method for providing a woven fabric system is provided. Generally, regarding the structure of the system, the system contains a top fabric layer, a heating element, and a bottom fabric layer. The heating element further contains at least two electrically conductive buses, wherein the electrically conductive buses are parallel to each other, a series of electrical resistive wires located between the at least two electrically conductive buses, and a horizontal electrically conductive bus connecting the at least two electrically conductive buses to each other. The top fabric layer, the heating element, and the bottom fabric layer are connected to prevent the heating element from moving within the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: CoZPets LLCInventor: Vikram Sharma
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Publication number: 20080230530Abstract: An electric heating blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element and a shell. The shell covers the heating blanket an includes two sheets of flexible material welded together.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: AUGUSTINE BIOMEDICAL AND DESIGN, LLCInventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Ryan S. Augustine, Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entenman, Gordon D. Lawrence, Keith J. Leland, Thomas F. Neils
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Patent number: 7405378Abstract: A warming blanket for use by individuals is provided. The warming blanket has an integrated heat coil which can be heated up by a pair of attached battery packs. Each of the battery packs is removably attached and includes at least one battery. The warming blanket is ideally used as an extra safety feature for vehicles in case the vehicle is stranded during very cold or very bad weather, such as a snowstorm, in which warmth may play a crucial role in the survival of individuals within the vehicle. In addition, the warming blanket will assist in saving lives.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Inventor: Ernestine Marie Whitlow
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Patent number: 7388176Abstract: A heating device includes a case having a plurality of openings and a plurality of slits are defined in bars of the case so that a plurality of heating boards are engaged with the slits of the case at an equal distance. A power control device is connected to the case and includes a power line having a plurality of male connectors. Each heating board includes a heating layer sandwiched between two isolation plates. Two wires are connected to the heating layer and each wire has female connectors, which are connected with the male connectors of the power line. The heating layers of the heating boards dispense heat evenly from the openings of the case.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Inventor: Ching-Song Chen
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Patent number: 7378621Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical resistance element of the molybdenum silicide type that includes two terminals (1, 2) for the supply of electric current and at least one leg (3) which extends between the terminals and which includes a glow zone. The invention is characterized in that the glow zone has different diameters along different sections (6-11, 14-17) of the leg (3; 4, 5).Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property ABInventor: Lars Göran Johansson
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Patent number: 7351934Abstract: A low voltage warming blanket adapted for use in vehicles powered by the vehicles DC power source is provided with a control selectively actuatable to activate the blanket for one of a plurality of preset time periods at at least one pre-set temperature, the control having a reset button to reinitiate activation upon expiration of the time period, the blanket being provided with thermal sensors preventing overheating.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Inventor: Gary Devroy
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Patent number: 7319207Abstract: A heating assembly, is disclosed which includes a blanket portion and a control apparatus for electrically heating the blanket portion. The control apparatus generates direct current power of desired wave form to enable the assembly to be used for warming patients without interference of medical equipment as may be used in the process of a surgery. Alternate power sources include battery power and alternating current power transformed by a transformer into direct current power.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: ThermoGear, Inc.Inventors: Melvin F. Campf, Jim Thorne, Habib Homoyoun, R. Wayne Fields
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Publication number: 20070284356Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical warming blanket. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention include a layer of medically rated fabric, a mixture of materials configured to produce heat upon activation, the mixture of materials contained adjacent the layer of medically rated fabric, and an activation mechanism configured to initiate heat production from the mixture of materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventor: Carol Findlay
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Patent number: 7306283Abstract: 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: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
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Patent number: 7307242Abstract: A heating device includes a warming member, a battery set, and a control mechanism; the warming member consists of a sheaf of highly resistant filaments, and several spaced-apart conductive wires, which are positioned among, wrapped in, and connected in series to the sheaf of highly resistant filaments; front and rearmost ones of the conductive wires are connected to a battery set, and a control mechanism is connected to the battery set for controlling electric current provided by the battery set; the highly resistant filaments will serve as warming portions of the warming member; the warming portions of the warming member are arranged on inner lateral sides of front portions of finger portions of a glove such that when one wears the glove, the warming portions will be on two lateral sides of first and second sections of the wearer's fingers.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: MEC Addheat CompanyInventor: Chien-Chou Chen
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Patent number: 7291815Abstract: The invention includes a composite ice protection heater for an aircraft. The composite heater includes at least one electrically insulating layer, and at least one electric heater element comprising an electrically conductive layer bonded to the insulating layer. The conductive layer may include a pre-impregnated woven fabric that includes a plurality of threads that include an electrically conductive material, such as carbon or graphite fibers. The composite heater can be incorporated into a composite surface structure of an aircraft. The conductive layer and insulating layer may include a plurality of spaced openings through the layers that cooperate with an underlying open-cell matrix to attenuate noise at the associated surface of an aircraft. A desired electrical resistance of the conductive layer may be obtained by introducing a plurality of discontinuities in the layer, such as spaced holes or slits.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignees: Goodrich Corporation, Rohr Inc.Inventors: Claude M. Hubert, Daniel P. Christy
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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: 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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Publication number: 20070145037Abstract: An electro-heating device is provided. The electro-heating device comprises a conductive material and an electro-heating resin. The electro-heating resin is coated on the surface of the conductive material. The material of the electro-heating resin is preferably a conductive resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: TAIWAN TEXTILE RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Han-Hsing Hsiung, Chi-Shu Wei
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Patent number: 7230206Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Inventor: Josphlynn Randall
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Patent number: 7223948Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
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Patent number: 7204015Abstract: A method for producing a uniformly heated electric heating cloth comprising the steps of forming heating threads by dissolving a thermoplastic polymer in an organic solvent, adding an industrial carbon which is produced from acetylene to form a first mixture, grinding the mixture of industrial carbon and thermoplastic polymer, adding a colloidal graphite to form a second mixture, grinding the second mixture, coating threads with the second mixture in a spinneret, heating the coated threads to remove the organic solvent; and interweaving the coated heating threads with non-conducting threads in a perpendicular direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: David Kleshchik
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Patent number: 7205510Abstract: 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: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd.Inventor: Shaun Howick
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Patent number: 7202443Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
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Patent number: 7202444Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Edward F. Bulgajewski
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Patent number: 7196289Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: American HealthCare Products, Inc.Inventors: Kent D. Ellis, Kenneth S. Siegner, Charles C. Wyatt, Jack Wilkerson
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Patent number: 7193179Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Joshua D. Horvath, Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Shawn Davis, Keith M. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7193191Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Joshua D. Horvath, Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. Deangelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
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Patent number: 7189944Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. Deangelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
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Patent number: 7186957Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Phoenix Consultants, Ltd.Inventor: Richard Martin
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Patent number: 7180032Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Shawn Davis, Keith M. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7173223Abstract: The invention provides a flexible electro-heating apparatus and fabrication thereof. The electro-heating apparatus, according to the invention, includes a fabric-type heating device, at least one pair of terminals, and a power supply. The heating device is formed by at least M first yarns which each first yarn substantially consists of first textile fibers and metal fibers or metallic fibers. N first yarns of the M first yarns are woven through the heating device from a first side of the heating device to a second side of the beating device. Each pair of terminals is respectively and oppositely disposed on the first side and the second side of the heating device.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Tex-Ray Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chun-Jung Kuo, Yang Shun-Tung, Lu Fan-De
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Patent number: 7138612Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Karen M. Green, Alfred R DeAngelis, Earle Wolynes
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Patent number: 7132630Abstract: The use of conductive polyaniline fibers for resistive heating applications is described. Unlike metal wires and conductive-polymer coated fibers, under certain conditions, electric voltages or currents used to generate heat in the fibers were found to produce irreversible changes to the polymer backbone that destroy its electrical conductivity but not its structural integrity. The temperature that these changes occur varies with dopant and fiber diameter, and can be tailored to specific applications. Since these changes occur at lower temperatures than the temperature at which dopant molecules within the conductive polymer are lost or decomposed, both of which lower the conductivity of the material, polyaniline fibers can be used for resistive heating applications where the heating element is in the vicinity of the skin of the wearer thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Sante Fe Science and Technology, LLCInventors: Baohua Qi, Benjamin R. Mattes
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Patent number: 7105782Abstract: An electrothermal article including a fabric member defining an inner space. A connector is disposed outwardly of the inner space in the fabric member and has conductive first and second terminals. A plurality of elongated flat heating elements is disposed in the inner space in the fabric member. Each of the elongated flat heating elements has first and second end portions. The first end portions of the elongated flat heating elements are grouped into a first bundle and are connected electrically to the first terminal of the connector. The second end portions of the elongated flat heating elements are grouped into a second bundle and are connected electrically to the second terminal of the connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Steven Yue
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Patent number: 7078658Abstract: A heater mat for using the Joule effect to heat an aerodynamic surface. The heater mat is provided with a resistor element including at least two substantially parallel segments of electrically-conductive fibers disposed on the aerodynamic surface. The segments come from a single strip of electrically-conductive fibers, with two adjacent segments being obtained by folding a portion of the single strip at least twice.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: EurocopterInventors: Daniel Brunner, André Amari
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Patent number: 7064294Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Inventor: Shu Chih Wu