Abstract: A food delivery container is provided for pizza or other food items and includes a heating element having a phase change material such as a ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene which transforms from a solid to a semi-solid at approximately 248.degree.-275.degree. F. The heating element comprises a rigid envelope which is permeable to prevent gaseous build-up during heating. The heating element, when placed within a suitable insulated container, will maintain food warm for several hours during storage or delivery. In one embodiment of the heating element, an electric resistance grid is provided for supplying heat energy.

Abstract: A PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor heating apparatus includes two or more heating blocks, each heating block including a PTC thermistor and radiating elements disposed in contact with at least two surfaces of the PTC thermistor; an elastic element disposed between the heating blocks; and insulating elements for holding portions of the radiating elements at the ends of the heating blocks; wherein the heating blocks are biased from each other by an elastic force of the elastic element.

Abstract: An paperboard making apparatus includes at least one heating plate having opposing first and second surfaces; at least one electrically powered heater positioned adjacent the first surface of the heating plate; and a take-up for advancing a corrugated paperboard sheet along a path of travel adjacent the second surface of the heating plate so that heat is transferred to the advancing corrugated paperboard sheet. The electrically powered heater preferably includes a base, and an electrical heating element on the base. The base is preferably mounted so that the electrical heating element is positioned in closely spaced relation from the first surface of the heating plate so that the electrical heating element radiates heat to the heating plate. Accordingly, conventional steam heating chests are not used and their associated drawbacks are overcome. Method aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric baseboard heater includes a ceramic glass block within which a steel wire electric heating element is insert molded. The ceramic glass block is mounted in a heater housing which includes a lower draft opening below the ceramic glass block and an upper air outlet above the ceramic glass block. When a voltage is applied to the steel wire, heat is generated by the wire and is absorbed and radiated by the ceramic glass block. Cool air is drawn into the draft opening in the housing and up past the ceramic glass block whereupon it exits the air outlet heated by the ceramic glass block. The heater is efficient because the ceramic glass heats very quickly and continues to radiate heat for a period of time after the voltage is removed from the steel wire. It is safe because the hot electric heating element is contained within the ceramic glass where it cannot contact flammable items.

Abstract: An electric heating device includes a plurality of heating elements which are assembled to form a block. Such a heating element is formed from two metal plates, with the interposition of PTC elements. In order to increase the heat transfer, the metal plates are provided with corrugation ribs. Each heating element includes a pair of metal plates which are angled off essentially in the form of an L such that the angled-off sections are connected in a frictionally locking manner to each other. The angled-off sections are arranged at opposite ends of the heating elements and angled in opposite directions, the length of the angled-off sections of the metal plates being dimensioned such that angled-off sections of one pair of metal plates are in mutual abutment with angled-off sections of respectively adjacent pairs of metal plates.

Abstract: A roll charged with a heat transfer medium includes a heater which is easy to replace and measures by which the temperature in the axial direction of the roll can be kept uniform during operation. A hollow portion of the roll, which can be opened to the atmosphere, is located at a central axial portion of the roll. The heater is a rod-shaped heater and extends along the central longitudinal axis of the hollow portion. Metal having a low melting point is provided between the heater and an inner peripheral surface of the hollow portion. A heat transfer medium is charged in the hollow portion at the periphery thereof. The heat transfer medium may contact a circumferential part of the heater. In addition, a spiral groove or fin may be provided on an internal surface of the hollow of the portion of the roll body that is charged with the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: An electric baseboard heater includes a ceramic glass block within which a steel wire electric heating element is insert molded and which is provided with several through holes for convective movement of air through the block. The ceramic glass block is mounted in a heater housing which includes a lower draft opening below the ceramic glass block and an upper air outlet above the ceramic glass block. The glass block is preferably mounted so that one of its faces is exposed by the housing. When a voltage is applied to the steel wire, heat is generated by the wire and is absorbed and radiated by the ceramic glass block. Cool air is drawn into the draft opening in the housing and up through the through holes in the ceramic glass block whereupon it exits the air outlet heated by the ceramic glass block. The ceramic glass block is advantageously mounted at an angle in the housing to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance while at the same time increasing the convective movement of air through the heater.

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.

Abstract: In an electric radiator having a frame in which an arranged heat output elements, which include PTC resistors, and heating elements including fins, which abut on these heat output elements. The heating elements are supported by two oppositely disposed frame bars in such a way that they apply pressure to the heat output elements, said frame bars including rails having a U-shaped cross-section with flat legs extending from a central leg which is provided with longitudinally extending bulging portions separated from the central leg to impart spring properties to said bulging portions which is applied to the heating elements.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper blade construction includes the use of a pair of integrally attached electrical heating elements which are in parallel alignment and which extend substantially through the entire axial length of a flexible wiper blade. One of the core members is of a triangularly shaped cross-sectional area which lessens relative rotational movement between the core member and the associated wiper blade. The triangular core member further includes a plurality of outwardly extending, arched branch members which operate to provide a spring-like engagement between the wiper blade and an associated support arm, while at the same time completing the electrical heating circuit. The second core member is of a circular cross-sectional area and is of a heavier and thicker construction than the triangularly shaped core member so as to reduce the electrical resistance and the consequent heating within this core member.

Abstract: A heating block made from a heat conductive material has a passage through which a fluid heated by the heater can flow. A groove preferably having a looped configuration extends into the block from a peripheral surface in the block. A heater made from an electrically conductive and heat conductive material is disposed in the groove, preferably in a looped configuration corresponding to the looped configuration of the groove. A heat conductive member disposed in the groove is provided with a hole to receive the heater in an enveloping relationship. The member may be defined by a pair of separable portions. The member is preferably disposed in the looped relationship in the groove. Localized deformation of the heating block holds the member and the heater in a fixed relationship with the block. The heater may deteriorate or become defective with extended usage and may have to be replaced. To accomplish this, the heater and the member may be removed as a unit from the block after removing the deformation.

Abstract: A heater for heating fluid is shown having a plurality of self-regulating electrical resistance heater elements 22 placed in electrically and thermally conductive relationship with heat transfer members 20, 120. The heat transfer members are each configured to form a plurality of fluid receiving channels so that when placed in a fluid stream heat generated by the heater elements will be dissipated to the fluid through the heat transfer members. Additionally, thermally conductive grease is used between the heater elements 22 and heat transfer member 20, 120 to better transfer the heat. The heater elements are arranged in groups with at least two heater elements in a group electrically connected in series and the groups electrically connected in parallel.

Abstract: A ordinary electric heating-tube is sleeved with an aluminum tube to form a double-walled structure in which the aluminum tube is pressure reformed to a shape of upper flat and lower circular surface. A lower tray is made of steel and pressed with recessed grooves. The double-walled electric heating-tube is disposed in the grooves of the tray and covered with an aluminum evenly-heating-plate. The evenly-heating-plate, the electric heating tube, and the lower tray is pressed to form an integral body. The outer wall of the electric heating-tube has a large contacting area with the evenly-heating-plate.

Abstract: A heat distributing device which includes a concentrated heat source and a stack of metal foils wherein the heat source is encapsulated between two of the layers of metal foil. The heat source can be a resistance heated wire which extends linearly and has a free end spaced inwardly from an end of the stack. The outer edge of the stack can be open or sealed. The stack can include metal wool and/or insulating material between layers of the metal foil. The heat distributing device can be used to provide uniform heating across an outermost layer of the metal foil. For instance, the heat distributing device can be used to heat a side-view mirror of an automobile.

Abstract: A heater assembly for electrically heating fuel subsequent to its being sprayed from a fuel injector has a body that receives an end portion of the fuel injector and a heating structure. The heating structure includes a heat sink formed from an electrically and thermally conductive metal or metal alloy having an opening formed therein for receiving fuel sprayed from the nozzle of the fuel injector, one or more integrally formed flats on an exterior surface of the heat sink, and one or more substantially flat heating elements mounted in heat conducting relation to the flats. The substantially flat heating elements may be formed from Positive Temperature Coefficient material. An electric supply is provided for powering the one or more heating elements and a control device is provided for regulating the power supplied from the electric supply.

Abstract: A device for heating a substantially solid glue stick or the like includes a heating chamber housing having a heating chamber formed therein and a separate elongated passage including a first open end for receiving a substantially solid glue stick, and a second opposed open end defining an exit opening for melted glue. The heating chamber has an open side and a positive temperature coefficient resistant cartridge positioned in the chamber for heating the housing adjacent to the passage to a temperature sufficient to soften a glue stick therein. A cam structure is located in the chamber engaged with the cartridge adjacent the open side of the chamber and a spring is mounted on the housing in engagement with the cam structure for urging the cam into engagement with the cartridge thereby to accommodate expansion and contraction of the cartridge during operation of the device.

Abstract: A positive-temperature-coefficient thermistor heating device including of a PTC element, a first electrode formed on its surface, a heat radiating means having heat radiating fins and a second electrode, and conductive particles contained in the first electrode and electrically conductive with the second electrode, and, also, a process for production of a positive-temperature-coefficient thermistor heating device including the steps of printing an electrode material paste containing conductive particles on the surface of a PTC element, heating this to bake it on and form a first electrode having a rough surface, and bringing the first electrode and the second electrode of the heat radiating means into contact by the conductive particles.

Abstract: A system for electrically heating a volume of windshield cleaning fluid in a motor vehicle includes a metallic vessel connected between a windshield fluid reservoir and a nozzle for spraying the windshield with the fluid. The vessel has a metal heater wall heated by PTC thermistors thereon and provided with a plurality of metal heat exchange pins extending into an internal chamber in the vessel through which the fluid flows to be heated. A control circuit is provided and includes an electronic timer circuit for controlling the length of time the thermistors are energized to heat the fluid in accordance with the prevailing ambient temperature, an engine speed sensor including a pulse stretching circuit for preventing energization of the thermistors if the engine of the vehicle is not running, and a differential input circuit for simplifying the attachment of the system to a standard windshield cleaning fluid pump.

Abstract: An oil radiator, particularly for heating rooms, includes a main body defined by a plurality of mutually associated radiating elements in which a diathermic oil heated by an electric resistor circulates. Each radiating element includes a pair of mating shaped plate-like elements joined together by welding to form an oil receiving space therebetween and each having lateral surfaces provided with a series of folds which mate with the corresponding folds of the other plate-like element to define a channel-shaped air flow compartment capable of lowering the surface temperature of the oil radiator below that of the oil contained in the radiator, thus reducing burn injuries caused by inadvertent contact with the radiator. The folds also cooperate to provide the radiator with planar lateral outer surfaces to minimize impact injuries caused by collision with the radiator.

Abstract: A new type of heater support structure for YIG sphere support rods used in high frequency YIG oscillators and filters. The heater structure employs a rubber O-ring stretched around the perimeter or one or more rubber rods threaded through holes perpendicular to the rod support holes in the heater block and positioned such that the rods deform the rubber and are thereby pressed against a surface of the rod support hole. In alternative embodiments, V-grooves are formed in the heater block to support the rods. The heater block is brass in some embodiments and barium titanate in others. For brass blocks, the rods are beryllium oxide For barium titanate heater blocks, the rods can be either beryllium oxide or barium titanate.

Abstract: A device for heating flowing liquid or gaseous media has a heating element including a PTC resistor arranged between a pair of perforated metallic bodies serving as power supply terminals for the resistor. The heating element is positioned inside a tubular housing defining a flow path for the medium to be heated and made of two mating housing parts, with the heating element extending across the flow path for flow of the medium through the perforations of the metallic bodies to transfer heat to the medium. A bracket on each metallic body fastens the heating element to the housing and is electrically connected to a contact on one end of a power supply cable molded as an integral part of one of the housing parts and terminating at its other end in an electrical plug outlet on the housing part connectable to a battery or electrical network.

Abstract: An electric immersion heater (10) is provided for heating fluids, such as water in a livestock watering tank. The electric heater includes a heater subassembly (26), a protective cover (39), and a power cord (21) having a power plug (24). The heater subassembly (26) includes a heating element (14) having first and second ends (16A and 16B) and a molded metallic case (12 or 12A) enclosing the heating element (14). The protective cover (39) encloses and hermetically seals the operative connection of a thermostatic switch (18), the first and second ends (16A and 16B) of the heating element (14), and first, second, and third conductors (22A-22C) of the power cord (21). The thermostatic switch (18) is bonded in heat-receiving proximity to the molded case (12 or 12A). Potting compound (38) disposed intermediate of the thermostatic switch (18) and the fluid to be heated is provided as a thermal barrier for restricting the heat flow from the fluid to the thermostatic switch (18).

Abstract: In a heating apparatus including a plate-shaped positive temperature coefficient thermistor having a pair of electrode films, a pair of terminal plates of an elastic metal material are provided on the pair of electrode films of the thermistor, and there is further provided a spacer including a mounting through-hole which passes through the spacer in a thickness direction thereof. The spacer receives the thermistor in the mounting through-hole so as to position the thermistor therein between the pair of terminal plates. Each terminal plate comprises at least one extending portion extending in a longitudinal direction thereof from one portion of one end thereof, and the extending portion comprises a stopper piece which is folded toward the spacer, the stopper piece including a hook-shaped engaging stopper at an end of the stopper piece.

Abstract: A device for heating flowing media in a handpiece, particularly air or water for use in dentistry procedures, includes a structural unit for controllably heating a flowing medium disposed in a housing in a sealed manner such that an annular flow passage is formed between an interior wall of the housing and the structural unit. The structural unit includes a PTC resistor having end faces disposed between and in thermal and electrical contact with a pair of porous sintered metal heat exchanger elements at a non-zero angle to the direction of medium flow. Connectors on the opposing ends of the unit contact the sintered heat exchanger elements to flow connect the structural unit in a medium flow line and to electrically connect the PTC resistor to a heating control circuit.

Abstract: A heater particularly adapted for use in automotive applications as a passenger compartment heater or the like has a housing with an opening and has a plurality of heat-exchanging fin members and self-regulating electrical resistance heater discs of positive temperature coefficient resistivity (PTC) disposed in the housing to heat air or other fluid which is passed through the housing opening in heat-transfer relation to the fin members. A thermally conductive grease is positioned between the PTC heater discs and fin members to enhance heat transfer. Springs resiliently position the fin members, grease and heater discs in thermally and electrically conductive relation to each other between terminals accessible from the housing exterior to retain the fin members, grease and heater discs engaged during thermal expansion and vibration for reliably energizing the heater discs to heat the fin members over a long service life.

Abstract: A hair dryer includes a plurality of elongated positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) semiconductor heating units disposed in transverse side-by-side spaced relation in a linear array in a central air flow passage of an elongated tubular duct connected to a discharge port of a casing having an air fan rotatably mounted in the casing for blowing air through the air flow passage of the duct, each PTC heating unit defining a longitudinal axis disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the air flow passage of the duct and a plurality of elongated spaced fins longitudinally juxtapositionally mounted on the PTC semiconductor heating unit transversely of the longitudinal axis of the PTC heating unit, whereby upon a powering of the PTC heating unit and the fan to heat air as blown by the fan, the heated air will be guided in the tubular duct by the plurality of elongaed spaced fins to produce laminar air streamflow helpful for smoothly setting and drying hair or the like.

Abstract: An electric heater for air supplied to the passenger compartment of an automobile has a plurality of extruded tubular metal members in side-by-side spaced parallel relationship within an open electrically insulative frame. Each tubular member has a pair of spaced heat sinks with a plurality of spaced lamenallae extending therebetween to form air flow passages. A plurality of PTC heating tablets are positioned in the space between the opposed outer surfaces of the heat sinks of adjacent tubular members, with one face of each PTC tablet fixed to one heat sink by a rigid electrically conductive adhesive and the other face thereof is fixed to the adjacent heat sink by a flexible electrically conductive adhesive. The heat sinks have integral platforms on which the PTC tablets are positioned with the edges of the tablets projecting beyond the edges of the respective platforms.

Abstract: A plurality of positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) semiconductors are longitudinally positioned in an elongated, finned, thermally and electrically conductive hollow casing having a socket at each end. A first plug connector of a power source seals one of the sockets and is electrically connected to the lower conducting surface of each PTC semiconductor through an electrically conductive plate electrically insulated from the casing by an electrically insulative plate. A second plug connector of the source electrically seals the other socket and is electrically the connected to the upper conducting surface of each PTC semiconductor through an upper portion of the electrically conductive casing, thereby providing an electric heater with the PTC semiconductors and plates fully clad by the casing for enhanced safety, increased efficiency, and more stable construction.

Abstract: A heating set having a plurality of positive temperature coefficient thermistor heating elements (PTCR pieces) sandwiched between two heat radiating devices made of metal with each of the PTCR pieces provided with sprayed-on electrodes having their exposed surfaces making close contact with long metal battens on the outer surfaces of the heat radiating devices through conducting thin metal pieces having predetermined surface areas. The PCTR pieces and the heat radiating devices making electrical contact through the thin metal pieces are bonded together by an electrically nonconductive adhesive spread on the border of the battens around the thin metal plate and on opposite parallel edges on the border of the sprayed-on electrodes of the PTCR pieces.

Abstract: A device for holding and controlling the temperature of a corrosive chemical processing bath. The device has a tank having a bottom intimately covering thermally conductive fins, a heat sink thermally connected to the fins and heaters, connected to the heat sink, for changing the temperature of the fins. Preferably the device is produced by rotationally molding the tank about the fins coated with a polymeric material thereby covering the fins and forming an integral seamless tank.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for maintaining a particular temperature differential and/or adjustable temperature gradient between two, possibly variant domains on a first glass, ceramic or synthetic plate, includes a first active thermal element (heater or cooling element) in contact with that plate for adjusting the temperature of a first domain; a ferrofluid, liquid metal, solder etc. droplet and made of a material that has a thermal conductivity higher than the thermal conductivity of the plate, rests on a second plate and in thermal contact therewith; a second active temperature means (heater or cooling element) on the second plate determines the temperature of the droplet; and the droplet is flattened to different degrees to thereby vary the area of contact between the top part of the droplet and the first plate.

Abstract: A substrate heater for the production of superconducting films utilizing a nickel alloy block uniformly heated with a resistance heating element fully immersed in a brazing material that fills a recess in the block. Massive electric power connectors surround the heating element leads outside the braze material so as to provide a protective heat sink therefor and also to mechanically strengthen the block against warpage.

Abstract: A PTC heater for securely positioning resistors is disclosed. The PTC heater has two insulating plates having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes, a conductive position plate having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes facing toward those in the insulating plates and a resistor cavity defined by four angular-shaped fixing chips fixed on each of the four inside faces for positioning a PTC resistor therein, and a conductive elastic plate having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes facing toward those in the insulating plates. The elastic plate has an elastic projection on each of the four inside faces of a through hole for pressing a lateral surface of a PTC resistor positioned in a through hole of the position plate after the elastic plate and the position plate have been sandwiched between the two insulating plates.

Abstract: An improved radiator suitable for use with internal combustion engines in motor vehicles is provided. The invention converts conventional radiators, which ordinarilly provide heat to passenger compartments through exchange of heat built up in the coolant, into electrically operable radiators with electric resistance heating elements, commonly PTC resistors. The PTC resistors have self, temperature-regulating properties which prevent over heating. Additionally, sheet metal strips in heat-transmitting contact with the PTC resistors and spring elements acting on the sheet metal strips provide an efficient heat transfer mechanism whereby heat from the resistors is transferred without the self-regulating resistors constantly shutting off.

Abstract: A deicing apparatus includes a heat source for producing deicing heat at one location on the body of an object and a heat distributing arrangement for distributing the deicing heat to one or more surface areas to be deiced. The heat distributing arrangement comprises thin strips or channels of heat distributing material having a heat conductivity greater than that of the material from which the remainder of the object is formed. One end or a portion of each strip or channel of the heat distributing material is in contact with the heat source itself or in contact with a highly heat conductive potting material in which the heat source is set. Another portion of each strip or channel of heat distributing material preferably forms a portion of one of the surface areas to be deicd.

Abstract: A pair of plates of good heat and electric conductivity have a plurality of openings and a plurality of foraminous areas. The plates are secured to one another with the openings and foraminous areas of the two plates aligned with one another. The plates are connected to terminals of opposite electrical polarity and are insulated from one another. A plurality of perforated PTC thermistor elements are clamped between the plates and in electrical contact therewith. Each element is aligned with openings in the plates. The openings and foraminous areas are so disposed that the openings associated with the elements are surrounded on at least two sides by foraminous areas.

Abstract: A surface coating with heater cable, for the heating of surface structures such as ships' decks, or floors. The coating consists of a foundation layer of a plastic material which forms a base for the heater cable (2), a conducting layer (4) of a plastic material where particles of metal or similar thermically-conducting particles (5) are sealed inside, and a covering layer (6) of a material with significantly lower thermic conductivity, than the conducting layer.

Abstract: A device for heating a flow of substantially pure gas flowing in a flow direction to temperatures above about 600.degree. C. is disclosed. The device includes a heat exchanger having a heat exchanger surface extending transversely to the flow direction whereby the substantially pure gas flows across the heat exchanger surface. The heat exchanger is made of a ceramic material for heating the pure gas without contaminating the gas flow. An infrared radiation source arranged outside of the flow of pure gas irradiates the heat exchanger surface.

Abstract: A heat transmission apparatus is formed between a thermal source (12) and an object (21) in a vacuum enclosure (1) by placing in a cavity defined by a heat emission wall (20) and the object (21), a granular material (30) which adapts to the thermal expansions, while permitting heating by conductivity under very good conditions.Possible application to the manufacture of semiconductors and the crystallization of thin films.

Abstract: An air heater mounted in an elongated ventilation slot located beneath a window of a land, sea or air vehicle has a plurality of self-regulating ceramic heater tablets having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) positioned between two metal strips and fastened thereto in thermally and electrically conductive relation.Heat exchangers comprising sheet metal fins with baffles are secured in electrically and thermally conductive relation to the opposite sides of the strips so that the baffles introduce turbulence into the air flowing over the strips. Other metal strips having electrical terminals are thermally and electrically connected to the fins opposite the first named strips for energizing the heater tablets. The PTC tablets are spaced to define flow passages therebetween so that the air flowing through the ventilation slot passes over the heat exchangers, plates and tablets for rapidly withdrawing heat from the tablets.

Abstract: An electrically heated soft toy for transmitting warmth to a person hugging the toy includes an outer casing filled with a soft stuffing material enclosing a battery powered electrically heated heat storage mass disposed in a cavity in the stuffing material and surrounded by a resiliently flexible mass of fibrous heat transfer material, such as a mass of tangled copper wires, having a greater thermal conductivity than the stuffing material. The stuffing material surrounds the fibrous heat transfer material except for a portion of the fibrous material which is in direct engagement with a selected portion of the outer casing so that heat is concentrated at a specific region on the exterior surface of the soft toy, which region may be reinforced by a flexible panel of durable wear resistant material, thereby making the transfer of heat to the person using the toy more effective.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate heater process and apparatus are disclosed for uniformly heating semiconductor substrates. A device for supporting the back side of an IC wafer in a reaction chamber and for conduction heating therein and auxiliary heat directed to the front side of the substrate by reflection from the inside surface of the reaction chamber and/or by an auxiliary heating source within the reaction chamber are disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible electric heating pad has a plurality of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) ceramic thermistor chip heating elements arranged in a two dimensional array between first and second flexible planar sheets of electrically conductive material, preferably woven of copper wire or other electrically conductive fibers. The PTC thermistor chips are disposed in spaced openings in a flexible dielectric separator disposed between the sheets and each chip has opposed planar surfaces soldered, welded or brazed to the sheets to establish electrical and thermal contact therewith. An outer flexible dielectric material covers the external surfaces of the sheets to prevent grounding or shock. A metallic enclosure, for example of stainless steel, can be formed over the outer dielectric material to add corrosion or abrasion resistance to the flexible heating pad.

Abstract: A PTC thermistor device includes a heat generator containing a PTC thermistor unit, and heat radiators thermally coupled thereto. Each of heat radiators includes a plate, one main surface of which is adhered onto the heat generator, and a number of fins integrally formed on the other main surface of the plate. Since the plates of the heat radiators are thermally coupled to the heat generator, respectively, heat generated by the PTC thermistor unit is radiated from the fins through the plates. Free ends of respective sets of fins form opening portions, and guide plates are disposed above and below the respective opening portions so as to prevent air from escaping through the opening portions. If the guide plates are movable guide plates and are moved, an opening degree of each opening portion covered by each of the movable guide plates is changed such that temperature of warm air blown-out from an air outlet side can be adjusted or controlled.

Abstract: A heating element for heating a flowing medium includes a heat exchanger made of a plurality of metallic bodies. The metallic bodies have a plurality of passageways extending therethrough and widened on an inlet side in a conical fashion. Positive temperature coefficient (PTC) ceramic resistor are located between adjacent metallic bodies and are encased in a synthetic resin material. The same synthetic resin material is used to form bridges extending through some of the passageways which mechanically fix adjacent metallic bodies to each other. When the heating element is combined with a pipeline system, an annular ring of the same synthetic resin material surrounds the heating element to thermally and electrically insulate the heating element from the pipeline. The PTC heating elements are electrically coupled and mechanically fixed to the metallic bodies by an adhesive, and the metallic bodies thus serving as current supply conduits.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a fuel delivery conduit to the discharge opening of a diesel fuel tank includes a hollow fitting body defining a flow passage in which is located an electric heating rod for heating the fuel as it flow through the passage from the tank to the conduit to prevent waxing of the fuel at low temperatures. A passive heat transfer member, which may be a solid metal rod or an elongated cylindrical heat pipe, is thermally and mechanically coupled at one end to the heating rod and is of sufficient length and is so arranged that its other end extends into the tank through the discharge opening for directing a portion of the heat to the fuel near the discharge opening.

Abstract: A heat transfer pad molded over elongated projections, such as bolts, to conduct heat to the pad interior, and securely maintain the pad on a support. A heater assembly slideably retains the pad and support, and includes replaceable heating elements, which are insulated from a mounting assembly.

Abstract: A hair styler for winding hair thereon for curling, comprising a hollow sealed tubular member made of a metallic material having good thermal conductivity and defining a heat pipe having a heat dissipating hair winding portion. The tubular member contains a charge of a working fluid vaporizable at an operating temperature of 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. The outer surface of the heat dissipating portion of the heat pipe is covered with an elastic hair engagement member for preventing hair slippage. The heat receiving end portion of the heat pipe is exposed so as to be adapted to receive heat from a separate external heat source having a temperature range of 50.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. Thereby hair wound around the outer surface of the heat dissipating portion of the heat pipe forming the bobbin is heated by the condensation of the vaporized working fluid within the heat pipe.

Abstract: A heating device adapted to be disposed in an opening in the side wall of a compressor that is used with an air conditioner or refrigerator so that fluids in the casing of the compressor can be vaporized. The heating device includes a PTC thermistor disposed in a housing and a generally cylindrical receptacle disposed about the housing. The housing includes at least one outwardly extending, resilient, heat dissipating, arcuate fin overlying the outer surface of the housing in spaced relaton thereto. The fin is biased outwardly to engage the inner walls of a receptacle. The receptacle is welded into the opening in the sidewall of the casing of the compressor. The fins form a snug fit with the housing and provide a good heat transfer contact with the receptacle. Lead-in wires extend from the PTC thermistor to the outside of the housing so that the PTC thermistor can be connected to a power supply.

Abstract: A heater adapted to be disposed in a vessel whereby to heat liquids contained therein. The heater includes a sealed heat-transmitting cannister that is adapted to be immersed in a vessel containing a liquid media. A foraminous PTC thermistor is disposed in the cannister and electrically insulated therefrom. The thermistor is supported in the cannister by a pair of braces resting upon the inside wall surface of the cannister and each brace includes a pair of facing channels engaging the edges of the thermistor. Electrical connections are provided to convey current to opposite sides of said PTC thermistor. A quantity of electrically inert vaporizable fluid of a predetermined boiling point partially fills the cannister to a level covering the thermistor whereby when current is passed to opposite sides of said PTC thermistor, the fluid will boil and then condense upon the walls of the cannister and give up its latent heat of vaporization and radiate heat into said vessel.