Comprising Plural Separate And Distinct Resistive Elements Patents (Class 219/539)
  • Publication number: 20080135542
    Abstract: Heaters and methods of manufacturing ceramic heaters are provided. The heater includes a ceramic cylindrical-shaped body and an electrical connector connected at one end of the body. The electrical connector may be a screw-in connector. The heater also includes one or more resistance coils, filaments, wires or the like, that are embedded in the ceramic body and are electrically coupled to the electrical connector. The heater can include either one coil to provide radiated thermal output in a 180° range or two coils to provide radiated heat in a 360° range. The heater is connectable to a base coupled to an electrical source to energize the heater. The method of manufacturing enables the heater to be produced with either one coil or two coils, thereby providing a manufacturing process that can produce heaters having various capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Fermin Adames Sr.
  • Patent number: 7378614
    Abstract: A heat rod assembly for preheating internal air of a vehicle by using heat generated from a positive temperature coefficient (PCT) device and a pre-heater for vehicles including the same, in which components of the heat rod assembly and the pre-heater are grouped as module units so that a width and a volume of the heat rod assembly or the pre-heater can be variously formed so that the heat rod assembly or the pre-heater is adaptable for various kinds of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Woory Industrial Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Young Lee
  • Patent number: 7323664
    Abstract: A heating system includes a plurality of radiant heaters, a power source supplying electricity to the radiant heaters, and a transformer provided between the radiant heaters and the power source, wherein each of the radiant heaters includes a support plate substantially having a rectangular shape, a pair of connection terminals substantially perpendicularly extending, while having a space therebetween, from one surface of the support plate, and a strip-shaped heater element arranged between the pair of connection terminals and covering the one surface of the support plate, wherein voltage E between the pair of connection terminals is adjusted by the transformer so as to satisfy an inequality of 25 V?E?35 V, wherein a width W of the strip-shaped heater element is set so as to satisfy an inequality of 8.5 mm?W?11.7 mm, and a thickness t thereof is set so as to satisfy an inequality of 0.05 mm?t?0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Asano Laboratories Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takai, Yasuyoshi Ohashi, Kazushi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7288749
    Abstract: An electric heating device based on a ribbon of crystalline metal foil with high specific resistance, which is additionally treated to increase its plasticity and/or additionally coated with a mold release agent to enhance compatibility of the ribbon and insulating envelope. The ribbon combines high electrical resistance, high stability, sufficient mechanical strength and relative cheapness with very important properties including significant plasticity and compatibility with insulating polymers, including rubber and silicone. The above compatibility provides high reliability and life span. Different structures for flexible and rigid heaters on the basis of this ribbon are described, as are different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: Vladimir Kominar, Irina Loktev, Igor Papirov
  • Patent number: 7271369
    Abstract: An improved PTC device and method of manufacturing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device and method incorporates an improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material manufactured by: (a) heating a ceramic material to a sufficiently high temperature to induce the ceramic material's PTC properties; (b) grinding the ceramic PTC material into a powder; (c) mixing the ceramic PTC material powder with a metal material powder so as to produce a metal-ceramic composite material powder; and (d) sintering the composite material powder at a temperature between 600° and 950° C. In alternative embodiments, an improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacturing such a structure is disclosed. In various embodiments, a PTC device made in accordance with the improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacture may or may not incorporate the improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material disclosed herein, but may use conventional ceramic-based PTC materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: AEM, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang-Ming Li, Xiaopeng Yang, Liwu Wang, Daniel H. Chang
  • Patent number: 7230213
    Abstract: The modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection in an outdoor environment, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: David Naylor
  • Patent number: 7183524
    Abstract: The modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection in an outdoor environment, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit or on a single 240 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: David Naylor, Dan Alex Hillesheim
  • Patent number: 7120353
    Abstract: A portable compact sauna wherein a user's body is warmed to sweating primarily by direct absorption of infrared radiation. Broad infrared radiation emitters or sources are placed around the inside of a narrow cabinet so as to be in close proximity to various parts of a seated user. Fins spaced apart less than finger-width on the emitters protect the user from contact with elevated temperatures in the emitters. The emitters, which lend themselves to easy cleaning, are heated by electric infrared heaters having a unique design which eliminates extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (ELF) normally generated by AC energized electrical heater elements, to provide low extremely-low frequency EMF saunas able to utilize conventional-commercial electrical-energy sources. The emitters protect the heaters. Power wires for the heaters are arranged for low ELF EMF emission, too.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventors: Bernarr C. Schaeffer, James Schaeffer, Wayne Schaeffer
  • Patent number: 7087868
    Abstract: In order to create a heating device which can operate in different power stages, but only has to be contacted from one side, the invention provides a heating device with at least two plate-like ceramic heating elements, which are electrically contacted on opposite flat sides and on at least one side is provided at least one flat, electrical conductor, in which on one side of the elements there are at least two conductors electrically insulated from one another, each of the conductors being in contact with at least one heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignees: Eichenauer Heizelemente GmbH & Co. KG, Beru AG
    Inventors: Andreas Hamburger, Werner Fassbinder
  • Patent number: 7015425
    Abstract: A gas cylinder includes a cylindrically-shaped main wall having a liner, a facing and insulation located between the liner and the facing. First and second electric, self-regulating heating elements are positioned between the liner and the insulation. The liner is provided with first and second pockets and the first and second heating elements are located within the pockets. The first heating element has a higher wattage density than the second heating element and the first heating element is located below the second heating element. A sealed conduit enclosure contains a terminal block connecting a power input cable to the first and second heating elements. A planar top wall is located at the top of the main wall and has an opening for passage of a regulator of the gas cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: B H Thermal Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Neal, Doug Dietz, Daniel R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7003985
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the polymeric coating is removed from a coated optical fiber by disposing the fiber within a non-oxidizing environment and applying sufficient heat to volatilize at least a portion of the polymeric coating. The result is that the coating material bursts from the fiber, yielding a clean glass surface virtually free of surface flaws. In a preferred embodiment the non-oxidizing environment is inert gas and the heat is provided by resistive filament heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventors: Robert F. Swain, Andrew D. Yablon
  • Patent number: 6727468
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes an LCD panel providing a surface. A flexible heating system of the invention includes a substantially transparent flexible sheet substrate disposed adjacent the surface of the LCD panel and a substantially transparent resistive heating element formed on the flexible sheet substrate. One or more serpentine shaped thermal sensors are formed in the resistive heating element. Control circuitry coupled to the serpentine shaped thermal sensors and to the substantially transparent resistive heating element and other heaters controls the heating element and other heaters based resistances of the serpentine shaped thermal sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins
    Inventor: Paul R. Nemeth
  • Patent number: 6713725
    Abstract: In the head-fixing apparatus of the film heating system in an image forming apparatus, a heat capacity is controlled to be as small as possible because the quick-start property is recognized to be more importance. Thus, heat conductivity in the longitudinal direction is poor and, due to a relationship between the area where a recording material is conveyed and the heating area of the energizing heating resistance layer, a) heat is insufficient at the end portion in the initial period and b) unusual temperature rising occurs at the end portion at the time of continuous heat-fixing. In order to resolve those problem, an apparatus which can control adequately temperature at the area where a recording material is conveyed without rising temperature at the end portion of a heater as a non-sheet passing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Izawa, Yuko Tanaka, Shinji Hashiguchi
  • Patent number: 6660977
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electrical heating plate structure, including an insulating plate, and an electrically conducting plate mounted on the insulating plate. The electrically conducting plate includes multiple heat emitting sections. Each of the heat emitting sections has different radial widths, so that each of the heat emitting sections has radial cross-sectional areas different from each other, thereby capable of controlling a temperature distribution of each region of the electrical heating plate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Shu-Lien Chen
  • Publication number: 20030173354
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide an electrical heating plate structure, including an insulating plate, and an electrically conducting plate mounted on the insulating plate. The electrically conducting plate includes multiple heat emitting sections. Each of the heat emitting sections has different radial widths, so that each of the heat emitting sections has radial cross-sectional areas different from each other, thereby capable of controlling a temperature distribution of each region of the electrical heating plate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Shu-Lien Chen
  • Patent number: 6474492
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ceramic igniter devices, and more particularly, to such devices that contain two or more segregated hot zone regions that are electrically connected such as in series or in parallel. These devices are suitably incorporated in a variety of devices, including diesel fuel filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics and Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Willkens, Normand P. Arsenault, Sebastien R. Bardon
  • Patent number: 6476361
    Abstract: A heater unit mounted on a tray utilizes a PTC heater 100 having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), and a sheet heater 200 superposed thereto. The PTC heater 100 includes PTC members 150 buried within an insulating substrate 130, and on both sides of the PTC members are placed copper foils 120, 122 functioning as electrodes. When the PTC heater 100 is heated up to a preset temperature, the electric resistance of the heater is increased greatly, and the heating is stopped, maintaining the preset temperature. The sheet heater 200 contributes to reduce the time the heater needs to rise to the preset temperature during initial startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Kasai, Shuntaro Kuriyama
  • Publication number: 20020113051
    Abstract: The present invention relates to ceramic igniter devices, and more particularly, to such devices that contain two or more segregated hot zone regions that are electrically connected such as in series or in parallel. These devices are suitably incorporated in a variety of devices, including diesel fuel filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Craig A. Willkens, Normand P. Arsenault, Sebastien R. Bardon
  • Patent number: 6414281
    Abstract: A multicell heater is shown with typically round outer tubing, containing a plurality of resistive heating elements having a common inner sheath. The inner sheath has a preferably non-circular cross-section and is given a hairpin bend to form a “U” shape. The resulting configuration, which is much less expensive than conventional multicell heaters, provides efficient heating at the toe end—a usually unheated (“cold”) zone in conventional multicell heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dennis P. Long, Daniel A. Davis
  • Publication number: 20020066723
    Abstract: A heater unit mounted on a tray comprises a PTC heater 100 having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), and a sheet heater 200 superposed thereto. The PTC heater 100 includes PTC members 150 buried within an insulating substrate 130, and on both sides of the PTC members are placed copper foils 120, 122 functioning as electrodes. When the PTC heater 100 is heated up to a preset temperature, the electric resistance of the heater is increased greatly, and the heating is stopped, maintaining the preset temperature. The sheet heater 200 contributes to reduce the time the heater needs to rise to the preset temperature during initial startup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Toru Kasai, Shuntaro Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 6323460
    Abstract: An image heating apparatus includes (i) a heater having an elongated base member, first and second resistors extended on the base member in a longitudinal direction thereof, an electrical connecting portion, adjacent one end of the base member, for electrically connecting the first and second resistors, first and second electrodes provided only adjacent the other end of the base member and electrically connected with the first and second resistors, respectively, wherein the first and second resistors generate heat by electrical energy supplied between the first and second electrodes, (ii) a film slidable relative to the heater and (iii) a back-up member for forming a nip with the heater with the film therebetween, wherein a recording material is passed through the nip, and an image on the recording material is heated by the heat from the heater through the film, while the recording material is passed through the nip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasumasa Ohtsuka
  • Patent number: 6084219
    Abstract: A flat resistance heating device with a heating layer including of a material having a positive resistance/temperature coefficient to which current or voltage can be applied via electrodes. In order to reduce the current uptake in the switch-on phase and hence to reduce the risk of a burn-through effect, the individual heating elements of the resistance heating device have a meniscus shape, so that they heat more rapidly in the narrow region when switched on and hence reduce the current uptake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: Josef Winter
  • Patent number: 6041164
    Abstract: Infrared wire element configurations allow for expansion during use in a thermoplastic welding environment. A mounting apparatus for the infrared wire expansion configuration provides support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventors: David V. Hofius, Sr., Mark W. Hofius
  • Patent number: 6028296
    Abstract: A meshed plate-like heater is disposed between multi-layer cylindrical filters without contacting with the filters to constitute a DPF. The heater has a form in which strip-like electric conduction paths are arranged and developed side by side horizontally, and then made cylindrical such that the different electric resistances are set for the inlet portion, the outlet portion and the center portion so as to constitute a DPF for regenerating particulates. The regenerative heater realizes a uniform temperature distribution all over the regenerative heater within a range of from about 600.degree. C. which is the self-burning temperature of the particulates to 1,000.degree. C. which is the heat-resistance temperature of the filters, in 10 minutes after the start of regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Yoro, Tutomu Ooka, Masataka Oji
  • Patent number: 5954979
    Abstract: A novel electrical smoking system and method of establishing resistance to draw upon a cigarette while smoking a cigarette in an electrical smoking system comprising the step of operatively interposing a frit between a source of ambient air and the cigarette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Mary Ellen Counts, William J. Crowe, John L. Felter, Grier S. Fleischhauer, Mohammad R. Hajaligol, Patrick H. Hayes, Willie G. Houck, H. Neal Nunnally
  • Patent number: 5932128
    Abstract: A heating panel has a substrate with a resistive heating material disposed thereon. The substrate can be metal with an insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the heating layer. Alternatively, the substrate can be glass ceramic. The heating layer has electrodes on opposite edges connected to different phases of a multiphase power source. Another electrode on the heating layer can be connected to a neutral of the power source. Capacitive currents caused in the substrate or a metal object on the substrate by the different phases cancel each other. Thus, leakage current through a conductor connected between the substrate and ground is minimized. The heating panel can be adapted for two phase or three phase systems. Power to the panels is controlled by solid state switches or relays. Zero crossing drivers sense supply voltages and operate the switches to balance currents in the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Dishop
  • Patent number: 5920366
    Abstract: A multi-contact LCD heater system which include several contacts disposed around the periphery of a resistive film deposited on a substrate in which each contact is dynamically controlled in response to input from various temperature sensors. The control allows for each contact to be connected to a high potential or a low potential source or remain isolated. Spatial, temporal and amplitude modulation of the heat applied to the LCD is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
    Inventors: Brian P. Dehmlow, Scott A. Bottorf, Gary D. Bishop, Martin J. Steffensmeier, James D. Sampica, Mark C. Skarohlid, William S. Ebeltoft
  • Patent number: 5882416
    Abstract: A liquid delivery system for delivery of an initially liquid reagent in vaporized form to a chemical vapor deposition reactor arranged in vapor-receiving relationship to the liquid delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Van Buskirk, Steven M. Bilodeau, Ralph J. Carl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5880439
    Abstract: An electrically powered functionally graded ceramic composite heater and a functionally stepped ceramic composite heater useful for cigarette lighters. The electrical resistance heater includes discrete heating zones wherein each zone of the heater can be activated using an electric control module, and is capable of heating to a temperature in the range of 600.degree. C. to 900.degree. C. using portable energy devices. The ceramic heater can be made by pressing together layers of differing amounts of constituents of the ceramic precursor material followed by secondary processing steps to obtain discrete heating elements. The heater design can include a hub on one end to provide structural integrity, and function as a common for the heating zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Seetharama C. Deevi, A. Clifton Lilly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5831251
    Abstract: A heater unit 1 has a plurality of flat heaters 11 adjacently arranged side by side and having common upper and lower surfaces. The thickness T of the heaters 11 is substantially uniform. Each heater 11 has an adjacent end surface 111 which faces toward an adjacent end surface 111 of the adjacent heater 11. The heater unit 1 also has upper and lower electrodes 21 holding the heaters 11 and respectively attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the heaters 11. The adjacent end surfaces 111 of the heaters 11 adjoining each other, and the upper and lower electrodes 21 form an air gap 12 therebetween. The creepage distance L along each adjacent end surface 111 is larger than the thickness T of the heaters 11. The dielectric strength of the heater unit 1 depends on the creepage distance L. The thickness T of the heaters 11 can be decreased without decreasing the dielectric strength of the heater unit 1. The output of the heater unit 1 increases when the thickness T is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Oya, Keiichi Yamada, Yosinori Akiyama, Yasuaki Tsujimura
  • Patent number: 5818010
    Abstract: A transparent LCD back-lit display has a transparent indium-tin oxide heater layer extending across the display and a resistive metal strip heater, supported in a frame of low thermal conductivity, extending around its edge. One temperature sensor is mounted at the center of the display and another is mounted at the edge. The sensors are connected to a heater control unit, which controls power supplied to the heater layer and the edge strip heater to maintain the temperatures at the center and edge of the display equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Smiths Industries PLC
    Inventor: Michael Owen McCann
  • Patent number: 5811767
    Abstract: An electrical three-phase heating cable and system that produces a reduced magnetic field and which uses a cable containing three insulated copper wires, or equivalents, as heating elements. The wires are equidistantly spaced from each other, in triangular configuration, the geometric center of the triangle coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the cable. The wires are twisted in a uniform fashion along the longitudinal axis of the cable. Its low operating temperature, robustness and safety enable the system to be installed, for example, in floors and walls for the general heating of buildings, and in outdoor pavements, for snow-melting purposes, etc. The feeder conductors are also twisted to reduce the magnetic field around the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Sperika Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Theodore Wildi
  • Patent number: 5692291
    Abstract: A smoking system is provided in which a replaceable cigarette containing tobacco flavor material is electrically heated by a set of electrical heater elements contained within a lighter to evolve tobacco flavors or other components in vapor or aerosol form for delivery to a smoker. The cigarette and lighter are adapted to provide air flow patterns through the smoking system such that air flows transversely into the cigarette. Such patterns improve aerosol and flavor delivery to the smoker and reduce the condensation of residual heater-region vapor/aerosol in the smoking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Seetharama C. Deevi, Patrick H. Hayes, Bernard C. Laroy, Donald E. Miser, William H. Stevens
  • Patent number: 5597502
    Abstract: A single phase and three phase heater element circuit for a ceramic fiber heater wherein a plurality of blocks each of which is formed by a plurality of heater elements arranged side by side on a base of insulation material and connected to one another to form a series circuit, said series circuit being connected across an electric power source, and adjacent ends of the series circuits in adjacent blocks being connected to the same terminal of said electric power source. By connecting adjacent ends of adjacent blocks of ceramic fiber heater element circuits together, the ends of the series circuit connected to separate terminals of the power source are spaced sufficiently far apart from each other such that current flow through the insulation material between ends adjacent the blocks is minimized and preferably substantially prevented for preventing short circuiting and failure of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Sakaguchi Dennetsu Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toru Watanabe, Shigetoshi Nagano
  • Patent number: 5591368
    Abstract: A provided heater comprises a supporting hub and a plurality of electrically resistive heater blades defining a receptacle to receive an inserted cigarette. Each blade comprises a first heater blade leg having a first end and a second end and extending at the first end from the supporting hub, a second heater blade leg having a first end and a second end, and a connecting section connecting the second end of the first leg and the first end of the second leg. The second end of the second leg extends toward the supporting hub and is electrically insulated therefrom. A resistive heating circuit is formed to heat the electrically resistive heater blade which in turn heats the inserted cigarette. The first and second legs are separated by a gap to permit entrainment of flavor substances into the heated cigarette upon drawing by a smoker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Grier S. Fleischhauer, Patrick H. Hayes, Constance H. Morgan, Mohammad R. Hajaligol, Michael L. Watkins, Walter A. Nichols, David E. Sharpe, Mary E. Counts
  • Patent number: 5572848
    Abstract: A header heat plate for a large paper roll wrapping machine comprising a plurality of separate face plate sections that are mounted on a common backing plate to form a complete header plate for applying a roll header to an end of a paper roll. A roll header is temporarily held to the face plate sections through the application of a vacuum suction to openings in the face plate sections. Each face plate section includes heating elements integrally molded therein. These are heated to activate a heat sensitive adhesive contained on the roll side of the roll header. A wrapping paper is applied to the roll and crimped over interior roll headers inserted at the ends of the rolls. Grooves are cut along the side edges of the wrapping paper to reduce the amount of wrapping paper overlap and indentations in the ends of the paper rolls caused thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Benjamin Wall
  • Patent number: 5571368
    Abstract: An improved laminating machine having a supply of laminating material guided into the machine so a pair of webs respectively are fed through heating stations and then extend parallel to one another along a workpiece path in a direction towards a drive station. A supply of sheet material is delivered between the webs of laminating material. A pair of pressing rolls supported for rotation engage and bond together opposite sides of the heated laminating material and the sheet material to form a composite workpiece. Each heating station directs laminating material to the pressing rolls. Each heating station is formed in an arcuate configuration and includes a plurality of rollers and a plurality of heaters. Each heater is operatively connected with a respective roller. A pair of rotatable cooling rollers are supported along the path between the pressing rolls and the drive station. Each cooling roller has at least one coolant passage extending longitudinally therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Graphic Laminating, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric W. Barge
  • Patent number: 5447190
    Abstract: A longitudinal stream of cooling air is caused to flow around the cylinder (10) and over the length of each of one or more heating-and-cooling zones. This longitudinal flow is facilitated by specially designed cooling fins (22; 25). The performance of the extruder is improved in that the temperature over the cross-section of the cylinder is more uniform. Moreover, wear and tear on the extrusion screw and on the cylinder are greatly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Nokia-Maillefer SA
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Denisart, Eric Thevoz, Eric Affolter
  • Patent number: 5421896
    Abstract: A graphite filament for generating carbon molecular beam which is heated through application of a current thereto integrally comprises a plurality of portions of which current directions match the c-axis of the graphite and a plurality of portions of which current directions are perpendicular to the c-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Takeshi Igarashi
  • Patent number: 5392585
    Abstract: A header heat plate for a large paper roll wrapping machine comprising a plurality of separate face plate sections that are mounted on a common backing plate to form a complete header plate for applying a roll header to an end of a paper roll. A roll header is temporarily held to the face plate sections through the application of a vacuum suction to openings in the face plate sections. Each face plate section includes heating elements integrally molded therein. These are heated to activate a heat sensitive adhesive contained on the roll side of the roll header. A wrapping paper is applied to the roll and crimped over interior roll headers inserted at the ends of the rolls. Grooves are cut along the side edges of the wrapping paper to reduce the amount of wrapping paper overlap and indentations in the ends of the paper rolls caused thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Benjamin Wall
  • Patent number: 5338919
    Abstract: A heater for a sheet material comprises an insulating substrate, and a plurality of heating resistor strips formed on the substrate to extend in parallel to each other between first and second common electrodes. At least one of the resistor strips is electrically connected to both of the first and second common electrodes while at least another of the resistor strips is electrically separated from the first common electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumiaki Tagashira, Shigeo Ota, Shinya Yukawa, Shingo Ooyama
  • Patent number: 5334818
    Abstract: A heating element for an air flow comprises a channel shaped bracket including a base and side walls at right angles thereto within which is mounted a pair of mica sheets arranged parallel to the base and at right angles to the sides and connected to the sides by ribs longitudinally of the sides with transverse slots within which the sheets slide. Each sheet is wrapped with a heating wire formed into helical coils so that each side of the sheet carries a plurality of parallel helical coil portions with connecting portions wrapped over the edges of the sheet. The sheets are symmetrical and one is inverted relative to the other. Each sheet carries at ends thereof a male and a female connector of the blade and receptacle type so that the blade of one sheet engages into the receptacle of the other sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Temro Division, Budd Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Edwards, Ronald H. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 5303325
    Abstract: An air heater is used to supply sterile air to an aseptic system for packaging food products. The air heater has an electrical heating element disposed within a tube, and the rate of air flow through the tube is adjustable. The air heater eliminates sources of contamination which are present in prior art air heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Timothy J. Pasternak, Wilson G. Zeitler
  • Patent number: 5291000
    Abstract: A snow mat series is positioned in surrounding relationship relative to an associated automotive vehicle to effect melting of snow surrounding the vehicle to accommodate access thereto. The apparatus is positioned along a portion of the vehicle as required. The mats may be formed of a rigid housing construction or of a cellular construction that permits the melting snow to be directed through the cellular matrix of each mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Inventor: Ralph E. Hornberger
  • Patent number: 5254838
    Abstract: An igniter for electric ignition systems is made up of intergrally formed terminals and heating elements of metal thin film. Therefore, it maintains its stable ignition performance, high safety, and high reliability over a long period of time even in a severe environment. The heating element is covered with a protective coating film made of an inorganic material to ensure good heat conduction and to maintain the initial performance over a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignees: Nippon Koki Co., Ltd., Susumu Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Hasegawa, Hirokazu Kobari, Junichi Kishimoto, Nakaba Nakamura, Akihito Tamura
  • Patent number: 5233165
    Abstract: The resistive elements are made up of strips of carbon/carbon composite material that are interconnected by connection pieces that are likewise made of carbon/carbon composite material and that serve both for making electrical connections and for making mechanical connections between the strips. The strips and the connection pieces are assembled together at least in part by means of their shapes. The resistive elements may be coated in a layer of pyrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Societe Europeenne de Propulsion
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Maumus, Henri Giret
  • Patent number: 5206483
    Abstract: A sheath heater is formed by connecting first and second helical resistive elements having different positive resistance temperature coefficients in series, and incorporating the first and second resistive elements in a sheath such that the two resistive elements are embedded in a heat resistance electric insulating powder. The sheath diameter of a sheath portion in which the first resistive element is embedded is set to be smaller than that of a sheath portion in which the second resistive element is embedded. In addition, the first and second resistive elements are connected to each other, through connecting ends extending to be located within the outer diameter of the first resistive element, within a gap larger than the sheath diameter of the sheath portion in which the first resistive element is embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Aota
  • Patent number: 5194718
    Abstract: A method for providing uniform thermal output from a glow plug for use in an auxiliary heater of a motor vehicle having either a 12 volt or 24 volt power supply without the use of multiplier resistors utilizes a glow plug having two heating rods having the same electrical resistance and three electrical terminals. One end of the first and second rods are permanently electrically connected respectively to the first and third terminals and the other end of the first and second rods are permanently electrically connected to the second terminal. The vehicle voltage is determined and if the 12 volt supply is present the first and second terminals are connected to the power supply and the first and third terminals are electrically connected to each other to place the heating rods in parallel. If a 24 volt supply is present, the first and third terminals are connected to the power supply with the second terminal left in connected thereby placing the heating rods in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: J. Eberspacher
    Inventors: Peter Reiser, Herbert Langen, Peter Steiner
  • Patent number: 5157242
    Abstract: Six curved hanging electrical heater panels made of tungsten or molybdenum are arranged to form a hollow cylinder, and are supported at their upper ends by electrical connectors. The hanging panels are electrically interconnected at adjacent lower corners by removable links. Six phase electrical current is applied to the hanging panels through the respective upper connectors, with phases of opposite polarities being applied to diametrically opposed panels. The net current flow through the removable links is zero, enabling the links to be designed to fail electrically and/or mechanically before the panels, thereby protecting the panels from electrical burnout and mechanical damage. Each removable link includes a unique arrangement of a link member, two pins, and a wedge which tightly interlocks the pins, link member and panel corners together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Hetherington, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Hetherington, Mark D. Mahone
  • Patent number: RE39660
    Abstract: An electrical resistor has a surface mounted four terminal current sensor of a very low resistance value and capable of handling short pulses of high power. It comprises a flat metal late, 1 to 50 mils thick, of an alloy of high electrical resistivity, to which are welded, on two opposite sides, two flat metal plates of very high electrical conductivity which serve as terminations for electrical interconnection. A slot is cut, from the outside edge toward the center, into each of the two termination plates which divides them into a wide pad for connection of current carrying wires and a narrow one for voltage sensing. The depth of the slots is optimized to get the best stability of resistance readings with changing ambient temperature and under influence of the self-heating effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Vishay Dale Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Szwarc, Joel J. Smejkal