With Heat Storage Or Transfer Means (e.g., Fins Or Plate) Patents (Class 219/540)
  • Patent number: 4792661
    Abstract: Apparatus for adjusting the temperature of a plurality of liquids which includes temperature adjusting means having a corresponding plurality of separate flow paths, a pump arrangement for circulating the liquids through said separate paths and means for maintaining predetermined temperature differences between the liquids, wherein the temperature adjusting means includes a single temperature controlling member and a number of pipes which correspond in number to the number of separate flow paths for the liquids of which the temperatures are to be adjusted. The temperature controlling member and the pipes are interconnected in heat conducting so that the total thermal impedance between the first of said pipes and the temperature controlling member integrated from the inlet end to the outlet end of said first pipe differs from the corresponding total thermal impedance of at least a second of said pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Durr Dental GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Schmidtchen, Mathias Muller
  • Patent number: 4791272
    Abstract: A heat generating curling implement includes a generally cylindrical body member about which hair may be wound and containing two heat radiating U-shaped plates with interlinking base portions with a positive temperature coefficient heating element sandwiched between the inside surfaces of the interlinked base portions. Each plate has two heat radiating legs. All legs extend substantially in the same direction. The legs of both plates partially co-extend. The interlinking base portions do not contact one another. An electrode pin is in electrical contact through a contact plate to one of the radiating U-shaped plates. The electrode pin does not extend through the PTC element and does not extend through the base portion of the radiating plate. An electrode ring surrounds the electrode pin and is electrically insulated therefrom and electrically connected to the other radiating U-shaped plates through a second contact plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Windmere Corporation
    Inventors: Arnold Thaler, P. C. Yip
  • Patent number: 4778559
    Abstract: A reaction system and process for uniformly heating semiconductor substrates and a device for supporting the same and direct conductive heating of IC wafers within a reactor are described. The substrate is held in direct contact with the heating source positioned within the reactor. The heat source is a thermal delivery module made of material such as solid silicon carbide, or high temperature material containing resistive heating elements. The heat is uniformly transferred to the walls of the module by a molten metal having a low melting point and high boiling point such as essentially indium or bismuth or a eutectic of indium and bismuth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Advantage Production Technology
    Inventor: Michael A. McNeilly
  • Patent number: 4774395
    Abstract: An electric heat storage apparatus, such as a steam iron, hot plate, pan, etc., includes a metal body defining a hollow housing enclosing a heat storage device containing a thermally decomposable heat storage substance comprising 30-99% by weight pentaerythritol. The heat storage substance is completely confined in a fluororesin enclosure which isolates the substance from the metal body and prevents contact of ambient air therewith so that the thermal stability of the pentaerythritol is enchanced. The metal body is heated by an electric heating element to a selected temperature for storing heat in the heat storage substance. In the case of use as a cordless electric steam iron, the metal body forms the sole plate of the iron and is provided with a vaporization chamber in heat exchange relationship with the heat storage substance for the generation of steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Yabuuchi, Yoshiyasu Endo, Akira Kataoka, Tsuneo Shibata
  • Patent number: 4772777
    Abstract: A fixedly positioned hot plate, particularly for use with a coffee maker, has an upper surface for receiving a container of liquid to be maintained at a constant temperature. An electric heating device arranged underneath the hot plate includes a plate member movable between a first position in biased engagement with the underside of the hot plate and a second position spaced therefrom to vary the heat exchange rate therebetween. Secured to the underside of the plate member is a metallic sheathed heating having a water heating pipe soldered to the periphery thereof. A temperature sensitive element, e.g. U-shaped bimetal, thermally coupled to the heating device has a first portion connected to a downwardly dependent stud secured to the underside of the hot plate and extending freely through a bore in the plate member an a second portion secured to the plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1988
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Albrecht Weller, Peter Moravek, Karl Amsel, Bernd Trebitz, Jurgen Schmidt, Ernst Heimrath
  • Patent number: 4756358
    Abstract: An air cooler having coolant tubes, a drain, a pair of coolant tube supports and a defroster for preventing condensate in the drain from freezing. The coolant tube supports include a vertical plate provided with a pair of horizontally spaced notches for supporting the defroster. The notches open to the lower edge of the plate and converge towards one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1988
    Assignee: Ardco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. O'Neal
  • Patent number: 4740670
    Abstract: A multiuse fan includes a housing enclosing an electrically driven fan for providing a flow to air from a grilled air inlet to a grilled air outlet through a generally circular electric heater assembly in the housing. The heater assembly includes a grating formed by a plurality of spaced, parallel, radially extending metallic heating plates, each having inner and outer portions inclined with respect to each other and which form an intermediate ring-like summit portion at the juncture of the inner and outer portions. The inner end of each plate is connected to an inner ring member coaxial with the fan and the outer end of each plate is joined to an outer ring attached to the housing. An electric heating ring member is positioned in an annular groove provided in the summit portion. Controls permit the fan to be engaged alone to merely circulate air or the fan heating ring to be simultaneously energized to heat and circulate the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Taiwan Electric Heating Equipment Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chy H. You
  • Patent number: 4733055
    Abstract: An electric heating element with a resistance element, a metal sheath in heat transfer relation to the resistance element on one side of the sheath and a thin, dry coating of refractory material major proportion by weight of which is boron nitride on another side of the sheath to be placed in heat transfer relation to an object to be heated. A method of enhancing the heat-transfer qualities of a metal sheathed electric heating element includes coating the metal sheath, on a surface to be placed in heat-transfer relation to an object to be heated, with a liquid slurry of refractory material a major proportion of which is boron nitride, drying and outgassing the coating and mounting the sheathed element on an object to be heated with the coating in contact with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Donald M. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 4728779
    Abstract: A PTC heating device which is widely applicable as a heating source to a variety of electronic apparatuses such as an electronic mosquito destroyer an electronic jar and the like. The PTC heating device includes a porcelain casing in which an electrode structure comprising a PTC thermistor having electrodes arranged on both surfaces thereof and two electrode plates interposing the thermistor therebetween is received in a manner such that terminals of the electrode plates is downwardly led out through the porcelain casing. The PTC heating device also includes a heat radiating plate arranged through an insulating plate on the electrode structure and provided at flanges thereof with a plurality of holding pawls which are located at positions apart from the terminals of the electrode plates on a bottom surface of the porcelain casing to securely hold the heat radiating plate and the porcelain casing together and ensure an adequate insulating distance between the holding pawls and the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignees: TDK Corporation, Fumakilla Limited
    Inventors: Sho Kotani, Michikazu Takeuchi, Sumihiro Yasuda, Kengo Ogawa
  • Patent number: 4716276
    Abstract: An electric steam iron housing has a sole plate with a generally flat upper surface having affixed thereto a one-piece heating assembly having a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion contains a serpentine steam generating passage with an inlet communicating with a water supply container on the housing and steam outlet leading to steam vent openings extending through the sole plate. The rear portion includes top and sidewalls defining a downwardly open chamber in which is disposed a multilayer PTC electric heating element assembly in surface-to-surface contact with the upper surface of the sole plate for heating the sole plate and the steam generating passage. An adjustable thermostat responsive to the temperature of the sole plate is connected in series with the heating element. The handle of the iron is detachable and designed to serve as a storage case for the iron and the iron can be placed in the case only when the thermostat adjustment knob is in the "Off" position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Sanyei Corp.
    Inventors: Akio Motegi, Takao Saito
  • Patent number: 4700050
    Abstract: The boiler comprises a vessel (1) and a heating element (2) associated with this vessel (1). The vessel (1) comprises at least two compartments which have mutually facing wall members (3, 4) having a profile complementary to the heating element (2) and deformably connected together by a wall part (5). The heating element (2) is disposed between the wall members (3, 4) and a retainer holds the wall members (3, 4) against the heating element (2). A bridge is formed by a wall part (5) which deformably connects the wall members. The retainer includes a top part (9) of the vessel and a split ring (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Hennuy, Rene Seguret
  • Patent number: 4680444
    Abstract: A hairsetter designed to heat a plurality of hair rollers to a predetermined temperature is provided with a plurality of sockets each intended to receive a single hair roller having a pair of electrical plug members axially extending from one end of the roller. The plug members are tapered along substantially their entire length and are formed as extensions of parallel longitudinally extending heat sinks engaging the sides of a PTC resistance heating element within the hair roller. Each socket is provided with a pair of contact pins. The upper portion of each pin is accessible through the top of the socket and the lower portion thereof is in contact with an electric wire to conduct power to the pin. The contact pins are separated by diametrically opposed ribs which interact with the tapered plug members to cause the hair roller to be automatically rotated as it as inserted into the socket so as to cause the plug members to firmly engage the upper portion of the contact pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Clairol Incorporated
    Inventors: Jorgen Skovdal, Daniel Santhouse, Borge Jensen, Vito Carlucci
  • Patent number: 4626666
    Abstract: A self-regulating electric heater includes a plurality of ceramic PTC resistors having flat contact surfaces on their opposite sides disposed between a pair of flat electrode plates with the contact surfaces in electrical and thermal contact with the plates. A support frame of electrically insulative material is formed with receiving portions respectively for the PTC resistors and the electrode plates to positions and hold the resistors and plates in assembled relationship for insertion as a single assembly into a closed-end cavity in a metallic radiator with the electrode plates in good heat transfer contact with the inner wall surface of the cavity. The frame is provided with spring seats receiving springs which coact with the radiator to bias the support frame into the cavity to insure stable intimate thermal contact between the electrode plates and inner cavity wall. The PTC resistors may be provided with chamfered edges along the peripheries of the flat contact surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1986
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Maeda, Toshio Kusunoki, Yoji Iguchi
  • Patent number: 4625098
    Abstract: Improved cookware is disclosed having non-ferrous metal sidewalls and a natural stone bottom central portion. The non-ferrous metal sidewalls preferably are formed of an aluminum alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the natural stone bottom. The natural stone bottom preferably comprises an ironrich amphibole rock, and in the particularly preferred embodiment comprises hornblende.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventor: Do S. Joe
  • Patent number: 4600857
    Abstract: A lamp having an integral heat sink that gives off heat as well as light during operation. The heat sink intersects the surface of the lamp adjacent the lamp filament for maximum heat transfer effect with minimum light radiation loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Inventor: Craig Suhar
  • Patent number: 4593182
    Abstract: A cartridge heater includes an inner casing in which a heating element is accommodated. This inner casing is surrounded by an coaxially arranged outer casing of larger diameter so that an annular space is defined between the inner and outer casings. In the space a helical coolant piping is arranged, embedded in a highly heat-conductive substance of granular and/or pulverulent form so as to allow excess heat to be carried away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Hotset Heizpatronen und Zubehor GmbH
    Inventor: Eugen Schwarzkopf
  • Patent number: 4559442
    Abstract: This invention relates to electric warming of towels, with a vertical member providing support to a series of spaced parallel horizontal members which receive, store and warm the towels. The heating element, being a line type heater, is enclosed within the vertical support member and is connected to any appropriate standard A.C. power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Inventor: Joe Graham
  • Patent number: 4557685
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved heated nozzle for injection molding and an improved method of manufacturing it. The nozzle has an elongated body with a melt bore extending generally centrally through it. The cylindrical outer surface of the body has a variable pitched spiral channel extending around it along its length. A helical electric heating element is embedded in the channel to form an integral structure by which the temperature of the hot melt can be maintained within a narrow range as it flows through the bore. The nozzle is manufactured by forming the body with the channel and bore either by investment casting or machining. The heating element is wound in the channel and a bead of nickel brazing paste is run along the top of it. The nozzle is then heated in a vacuum furnace to braze the heating element in the channel. The highly conductive nickel completely covers the heating element and is fused to both the heating element and the walls of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Inventor: Jobst U. Gellert
  • Patent number: 4558210
    Abstract: An electric heater comprising a metal casting having an electric heating element of sinuate shape cast therein. The casting has a plurality of ventilation openings therethrough located between the sinuations of the heating element for permitting air to flow directly to the surface on which the heater is mounted for ventilating and cooling it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John F. Leary
  • Patent number: 4558209
    Abstract: A low power electrical heating device for use in inhibiting the condensation of moisture in the housing of a piece of electrical equipment has an electrical resistor adapted to be connected to the main current circuit encased in an outer cover of thermally conductive material, the cover having a flat surface at one portion of its exterior periphery. A finned heat radiating body of thermally conductive material defines another flat surface and supports the resistor. The heat radiating body has its flat surface in flush engagement with the flat surface of the resistor for direct heat transfer from said resistor to said heat radiating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Inventor: Joachim Hess
  • Patent number: 4556786
    Abstract: Heating apparatus includes a tray having a layer of insulative material disposed therewithin, above which a number of infra-red lamps are supported. The ends of each lamp are provided with a pinch seal having an amp tag connector, which is connected to the respective end of a filament within the lamp, sealed therein. Each pinch seal is enclosed within a ceramic housing and the heating apparatus is mounted beneath a layer of glass ceramic. A heat-conductive stud is intimately disposed between the layer and the pinch seal, via an aperture in the housing, so as to provide a good heat-conductive path from the pinch seal to the relatively cool glass ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1985
    Assignee: Thorn EMI Domestic Appliances Limited
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Frost, Alex L. Halberstadt, John A. Letchford
  • Patent number: 4551617
    Abstract: Heating apparatus includes a tray having a layer of insulative material disposed therewithin, above which a number of infra-red lamps are supported. The ends of each lamp are provided with a pinch seal having an amp tag connector, which is connected to the respective end of a filament within the lamp, sealed therein. Each pinch seal is enclosed within a ceramic housing and the heating apparatus is mounted beneath a layer of glass ceramic.A plate of heat-conductive material is intimately disposed between the top surface of one or more of the ceramic housings and the under surface of the glass ceramic, so as to encourage heat from the pinch seals to conduct in an upward direction towards the glass ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Thorn EMI Domestic Appliances Limited
    Inventors: Peter W. Crossley, Robert D. Smith
  • Patent number: 4547659
    Abstract: A PTC heater assembly comprises at least one PTC heater surrounded by an envelope of high thermal conductivity, thus greatly increasing the power output of the heater under operating conditions. In a preferred assembly a strip heater, comprising (i) an elongate strip of a conductive polymer PTC composition, (ii) electrodes embedded in said strip, and (iii) an insulating jacket, is sandwiched between a pair of metal, e.g. aluminum, sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1985
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Leary, Alan Brigham
  • Patent number: 4543474
    Abstract: A self-regulating heating article comprising a layer of material exhibiting a positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTC) and said PTC layer having at least partially contiguous therewith at least one layer of constant wattage output material. The article operates such that when connected to an electric power source, the current flows through at least a portion of the thickness of the PTC layer and of the constant wattage layer. In a preferred embodiment, upon heating the article, a change in dimensions as well as activation of an adhesive occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Horsma, Bernard J. Lyons, Robert Smith-Johannsen
  • Patent number: 4521674
    Abstract: An electric fluid heating apparatus includes a closed hollow metallic vessel filled with substantially pure gaseous helium at a pressure from about 30 psl absolute to about 100 psl absolute. At least one electric resistance heating element is disposed in the vessel and surrounded by the pressurized helium which acts as a heat transfer medium to conduct heat from the resistance element to the vessel walls by conduction and convection. The vessel is positioned within a closed container having walls spaced from the vessel to define a fluid flow path for the fluid to be heated. A baffle between the container and vessel divides the flow path into an inlet chamber in which the fluid entering the flow path is preheated and an outlet chamber in which the fluid is heated by contact with the vessel walls prior to discharge from the container through a metal outlet conduit passing through the vessel in contact with the helium for transfer of additional heat to the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventors: Harry J. Scanlan, Leif Liljegren
  • Patent number: 4517454
    Abstract: An electrical heating element comprises a resistance wire embedded in a refractory material contained in a tubular casing.The casing has the shape of a closed ring which has a U-shaped cross-section. The cross-section is closed by a cover, the opposite sides of the cover being covered by the curved arms of the "U" of the casing.This heating element can be used in the construction of hot plates for domestic appliances such as cookers or cooking surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: Cuisi-Technic S.a.r.l.
    Inventor: Jean Mantelet
  • Patent number: 4517453
    Abstract: This invention relates to hot tip bushing means for a synthetic resin injection molding machine, which can reduce the pressure loss at the injection molding time and determine the position of a heating tip easily and accurately. To attain this purpose, a straight resin flow passage is formed axially in a cylindrical body of the hot tip bushing means and the fused resin passing through the straight resin flow passage is heated by an outer heater. Further, a cylindrical body of the hot tip bushing means which is near the heating tip is fit to a mold sprue, thereby the position of the heating tip is determined easily and accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Inventor: Shigeru Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 4506140
    Abstract: An electric heater adapted to be extended through an aperture in a tank wall for immersion in a fluid to be heated includes an elongated heater block structure formed by a metal core cast in a tubular metal shell. The core has a plurality of axially extending cavities, each removably receiving an individual elongated electric heating element having a terminal end extending from an open end of the cavity. An end plate secured to the shell of the heater provides a radially projecting flange for use in connecting the heater to the tank. The terminal end of each heating element projects through the end plate and the wall of a terminal box. Packing devices are provided around the heating elements to seal apertures in the end plate and terminal box wall through which the heating elements extend. The terminal box is spaced from the end plate to isolate the box from the heater block and the tank in order to minimize the possibility of leakage of liquid into the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Inventor: Richard M. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 4493972
    Abstract: An apparatus for liquifying a rod of binding by application of heat includes a die-cast aluminum heating member having an elongated conical first channel decreasing in diameter from an inlet adapted to receive a rod of liquifiable bonding material through an elastic funnel surrounding the inlet to an outlet for discharging liquified material through a one-way valve. An electric heater is disposed in a second channel in said member parallel to the first channel and includes an elongated electrically insulating and elastic housing defining a cylindrical cartridge receiving at least one flat PTC resistor disposed between at least a pair of pressure bodies in the housing on opposite sides of the least one PTC resistor. At least one elongated, curved leaf spring is disposed between one of the pressure bodies and at least one PTC resistor for applying pressure to the bodies and the at least one PTC resistor to maintain constant contact pressure therebetween even under thermal expansion and contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1985
    Inventors: Heinrich W. Steinel, Hans Siwon
  • Patent number: 4492851
    Abstract: An evaporative cooling unit for a refrigeration system includes a plurality of spaced, parallel metal heat exchanging fins provided with a plurality of openings receiving successive turns of a coiled tube adapted to carry refrigerant through the unit. The fins are further provided with snap-action cutouts extending from the periphery of the fins inwardly to a location between adjacent rows of the coil turns and a rod-like electric resistance heating element for periodicaly defrosting the unit is held in the cutouts. Each cutout includes an entry slot inwardly tapered to a throat defined by deformable edges spaced apart a distance marginally less than the diameter of the heating element to present resistance to the passage of the heating element through the throat and a notch communicating with the throat and within which the heating element is held.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1985
    Assignee: Brazeway, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Carr
  • Patent number: 4482801
    Abstract: A positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) thermistor heating element in which joints between metal heat radiating means and the electrodes on a positive-temperature-coefficient thermistor element are attained only with an electrically insulative adhesive in such a way that prior to and during the curing step, the heat radiating means are pressed against the electrodes to establish thereby electrical contacts at least partially between them. The heat radiating means also function as current paths to and out, respectively, of the thermistor element. The PTC thermistor heating device is simple in construction and easy to fabricate at less cost yet has a high and stable thermal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsuroh Habata, Nobumasa Ohshima, Kenji Kanatani
  • Patent number: 4481407
    Abstract: An electric hotplate formed by taking a heating element comprising an unsheathed resistance wire which exhibits a substantial increase in resistivity within an increase in temperature thereof; an insulating material around the wire and a casing enclosing the wire; and insulating material, locating said element in a mass of metal powder, compressing the solid mass to form a body containing said element, and heat treating the body to cause bonding between the powder particles and to form an electrical hotplate having said element embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Assignee: Stokes (Australasia) Limited
    Inventors: Paul W. Stokes, Brian C. Doody, Harold K. Lill
  • Patent number: 4451727
    Abstract: An improved heating fixture, wherein the support means upon which a workpiece to be heated is mounted, is a vitreous carbon plate. The use of a vitreous carbon support plate significantly reduces the time required to heat and cool the support plate and a workpiece thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: RCA Corporation
    Inventors: Donald P. Marinelli, Ivan Ladany
  • Patent number: 4445025
    Abstract: The present invention provides a low mass, flexible heat transfer member which is made of a suitable material to transfer heat, as well as a plurality of independent heat generating members to provide zoned heat along a portion of the length of said heat transfer member. The heat generating members are encased in an electrical insulation material which is secured to the heat transfer member. The consolidated structure, i.e. the heat transfer member and heat generating members constitute a flexible strip. The ends of said flexible strip are actually sections of the heat transfer member and these ends are respectively looped around two pins, or studs, and over the respective loops there is positioned an associated slotted hollow tube. The slotted hollow tube is formed to be located in a base of a machine with which the flexible heating means is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Athena Controls Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Metz
  • Patent number: 4430553
    Abstract: A cordless flatiron includes a sole plate with an exposed bottom surface forming an ironing surface and a top surface including a number of projections extending upwardly therefrom. A protective hood attached to the periphery of the top surface of the sole plate forms an evacuated, sealed chamber thereabove and a heat storage element is positioned in the chamber so as to be movable toward and away from the projections of the sole plate. The heat storage element is heated by an electric heating rod extending therein. A temperature responsive regulator element positioned between the heat storage element and the top of the sole plate and responsive to the temperature of the sole plate is arranged by its configuration to position the heat storage with respect to the upper ends of the projections of the sole plate and thus determine whether or not heat is conducted from the heat storage element to the projections of the sole plate and to the ironing surface of the sole plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: Antim Antimovski
  • Patent number: 4425497
    Abstract: A PTC heater assembly comprises at least one PTC heater surrounded by an envelope of high thermal conductivity, thus greatly increasing the power output of the heater under operating conditions. In a preferred assembly a strip heater, comprising (i) an elongate strip of a conductive polymer PTC composition, (ii) electrodes embedded in said strip, and (iii) an insulating jacket, is sandwiched between a pair of metal, e.g. aluminum, sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: David F. Leary, Alan Brigham
  • Patent number: 4419564
    Abstract: A self regulating heater for use in an early fuel evaporation (EFE) system for an automotive engine includes a thermally conductive thick metal radiator body having a heat receiving side an opposite side provided with a plurality of heat-disturbing fins for transferring heat to a fuel heating zone. A plurality of self-regulating ceramic electrical resistance having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTC) each have a first side bonded by an electrically and thermally conductive adhesive to a first side of a thin thermally and electrically conductive metal plate. The plate has a limited portion thereof secured, for example, by a screw, in electrically conductive relation to the radiator body with the opposite side of the thin plate in closely spaced, facing, heat-transfer relation to the heat receiving side of the radiator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Leo Marcoux
  • Patent number: 4418272
    Abstract: An electric heater, especially for small electric appliances, such as hair roller heaters, egg boilers, or the like, and a method of making same utilizes at least one heating element having contact-making zones on opposite planar parallel surfaces thereof, electrical connection elements in the form of essentially planar contact plates, a contact plate being placed on each of the opposite surfaces, and a holding member having a heat conducting, electrical insulating layer upon a surface thereof. The holding member is bent into a U-shape so as to hold the contact plates clamped fast to the heating elements between legs of the U-shape of the holding member and with the insulating layer disposed on an inner surface of the U-shape between the plates and holding member. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the insulating layer is of a resilient material having a heat-conductive additive distributed therethrough and the heating elements are formed of PTC material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1983
    Assignee: Fritz Eichenauer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hanno Roller, Karl-Heinz Nauerth
  • Patent number: 4414052
    Abstract: A positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) thermistor heating element in which joints between metal heat radiating means and the electrodes on a positive-temperature-coefficient thermistor element are attained only with an electrically insulative adhesive in such a way that prior to and during the curing step, the heat radiating means are pressed against the electrodes to establish thereby electrical contacts at least partially between them. The heat radiating means also function as current paths to and out, respectively, of the thermistor element. The PTC thermistor heating device is simple in construction and easy to fabricate at less cost yet has a high and stable thermal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1983
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsuroh Habata, Nobumasa Ohshima, Kenji Kanatani
  • Patent number: 4412126
    Abstract: An infrared source comprising an electrically powered, hollow cylindrical rod which operates at lower temperatures and yet has no decrease in output power is configured by increasing the outside diameter of the rod and inserting grooves therein which provide cavities increasing the apparent surface emissivity of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Sanders Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Brockway
  • Patent number: 4395623
    Abstract: A self-regulating electric heater includes a casing made of ceramic and a heating unit housed in the casing. The heating unit includes a PTC body for generating heat when electric current is supplied, heat dissipating plates essentially made of brass and coupled to the PTC body in such a manner as to sandwich the PTC body between the heat dissipating plates and terminals connected to each of the heat dissipating plates for the external electrical connection. The self-regulating electric heater further includes lid member and sealing member for sealing the casing hermetically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1983
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Shimada, Kiyofumi Torii
  • Patent number: 4387291
    Abstract: A self-regulating heater for use in an early fuel evaporation system for an automotive engine includes a metallic radiator having a first heat-receiving side and an opposite side for transferring heat to a fuel evaporization zone. Self-regulating ceramic electrical resistance heater elements having a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity(PTC) are disposed with first sides in facing relation with respective recessed first portions of the heat-receiving side of the radiator. A thermally conducting metal heat-transfer member has recessed first portions disposed in facing relation to respective second sides of the heater elements to receive heat second sides of the heater elements to receive heat from the second sides of the heaters and also has second portions disposed in closely-spaced facing relation to corresponding second portions of the heat-receiving side of the radiator, thereby to transfer the heat received from the second heater sides to the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1983
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Theo Keppel
  • Patent number: 4369835
    Abstract: A thermal energy transfer apparatus and method to efficiently transfer thermal energy between two or more media, such as plural fluids, a fluid and a solid, two solids, etc. A thermally conductive mesh-like member provides relatively large surface areas for energy transfer therethrough. In one embodiment the mesh-like member disperses a fluid flowing therethrough while simultaneously effecting efficient and substantial thermal energy transfer therewith. A pair of thermally conductive generally solid discs direct the fluid into and receive fluid from the mesh-like member while also distributing thermal energy in the mesh-like member and/or transferring thermal energy with respect to the latter, for example, to a source or dissipator of thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Assignees: Bruce J. Landis, Kenneth J. Landis, Paul R. Goudy, Jr.
    Inventor: Paul R. Goudy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4369350
    Abstract: A refrigeration evaporator includes a serpentine refrigerant tube having a plurality of finned straight portions connected by unfinned U-shaped connecting portions to form a stacked assembly of side-by-side finned tube arrays. The fins are rectangular and are provided with a J-shaped cut-out at each corner. The J-shaped cut-outs at confronting corners of the fins of each immediately adjacent pair of finned tube arrays define a U-shaped heater receiving space extending the length of the arrays and which clampingly receives an elongated straight portion of a serpentine electric defroster heater in good heat conductive contact with each fin of the immediately adjacent pair of finned tube arrays. Each fin of the stacked assembly has at least two corners in engagement with the heater. The stacked assembly is disposed transversely in a duct having an air inlet and air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kobayashi, Taisei Hosoda, Hideo Uzuhashi, Tamio Innami, Humito Uzuhasi
  • Patent number: 4368715
    Abstract: A burner assembly (18) for heating the intake air of an internal combustion engine (2) including a burner housing (32) containing a fuel passage (52, 66, 70, 72) and a glow plug (87) for heating the burner housing (32) upon start up of the burner to melt fuel wax deposits in the fuel passage (52, 66, 70, 72). The glow plug (87) includes a metal sheath (88) designed normally to contact air when energized at a rated level. The burner housing (32) includes a cavity (86) shaped to receive the glow plug (87) with a minimal clearance (a) large enough to prevent interference during assembly but small enough to allow metal-to-metal heat transfer into the housing (32) when the glow plug (87) is energized at twice its rated level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry L. Molewyk, Joseph M. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4352008
    Abstract: An electric heating device for heating the interior of a cabinet containing electrical apparatus, such as a switch or distribution apparatus, to prevent sweating or condensation therein, includes at least one PTC electrical resistance heating and temperature self-regulating heating element situated in the interior of an elongated body made of thermally conductive material that is thermally connected to a radiator. The radiator is formed by a pair of flat base plates extending laterally from opposite sides of the body and radiator fins extending only from the base plates and only from one flat side thereof. The body is a massive hollow element having a wall thickness greater than that of the base plates and fins and a height greater than the thickness of the base plates. The body, base plates and fins are formed as a one piece extrusion. A permanent magnet may be used to secure the body to the interior surface of a steel cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1982
    Assignee: Firma Fritz Eichenauer
    Inventors: Edwin Hofer, Helmut Ohnmacht
  • Patent number: 4346277
    Abstract: An elongate flexible package (10) adapted to contain and either enhance or contribute to the control of the heating efficiency of an elongate heating element contained therein and having sufficient flexibility to conform to the item to be heated to which it is secured. Package 10 is provided with a first layer (1) made from a flexible heat conductive or heat insulative material and a second layer (2) made from a heat insulative material that is secured along the length of package 10 to the side of first layer (1) that faces away from the item to be heated to which package (10) is secured. A third protective layer (3) is disposed over second layer (2) and a cavity (4) enclosed by a portion to the walls of layers (1), (2) and (3) extends along the length of package (10) having a cross-sectional configuration adapted to contain and permit the heating element to be axially inserted into or removed from package (10) without having to remove package (10 ) from the item to which it is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolph G. Wojtecki, Joseph P. Kaan
  • Patent number: 4343989
    Abstract: A cast magnesium oxide based structure is utilized as a heat storage material. In preferred embodiments, the magnesium oxide heat storage material is cast directly about a source of heat. In another embodiment, a block of cast magnesium oxide based heat storage material is placed in contact with a source of heat forraising the temperature and storing heat and later moved to a different environment for transferring heat to that environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Inventor: Denis A. Brosnan
  • Patent number: 4341949
    Abstract: Electrical heating apparatus, including a frame formed of insulating material having an opening formed therethrough, a heating element formed of positive temperature coefficient material having two opposing outer surfaces and being disposed in the opening formed in the frame, an electrically-conducting current supply contact layer disposed on each of the two opposing outer surfaces of the heating element, an electrically conducting current input electrode plate formed of yieldable material being anchored in the frame and being disposed on each of the contact layers forming an integral structural unit enclosing the heating element, and a heat conducting plate formed of insulating material disposed on each of the electrode plates receiving heat transfered through the contact layers and clamping the heating element under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Bosch-Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Steiner, Johann Magg
  • Patent number: RE32616
    Abstract: .[.This invention relates to electric warming of towels, with.]. .Iadd.An electric warmer of towels has .Iaddend.a vertical member providing support to a series of spaced parallel horizontal members which receive, store and warm the towels. The heating element, being a line type heater, is enclosed within the vertical support member and is connected to any appropriate standard A.C. power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Inventor: Joe Graham