Abstract: A molybdenum disilicide-based ceramic heating element holding structure includes a holding member that is attached to a base portion and that holds an elongated support member, for mounting a molybdenum disilicide-based ceramic heating element of an elongated shape at intervals in a long axis direction thereof. The molybdenum disilicide-based ceramic heating element mounted on the support member can be exchanged without breaking the holding structure. A plurality of elongated support members can be provided, and a U-shaped portion of an elongated molybdenum disilicide-based ceramic heating element having a meandering shape can be inserted and extracted from a uniaxial direction in a space partitioned by the base portion. The plurality of support members and the holding member holding the plurality of elongated support members are detachable and the support member is removable from the holding member.

Abstract: Presented is a heating element, and method for producing same, comprised of strip material having a length, width and depth where the strip material is twisted at least once axially relative to its length and bent at least once across its width resulting in a generally flat profile. The twists and bends provide for expansion and contraction of the heating element and thereby provide stress relief during heating and cooling.

Abstract: A resistor unit adapted to be used in a resistor grid assembly. The resistor unit includes a supporting element and a resistor element. The supporting element has an aperture formed therein. The resistor element has a body portion and a tip portion at an end, which is adapted to be received in the aperture to mount the resistor element to the supporting element. Further, a tab extends from the end of the resistor element forming a part of the resistor element. The tab is configured to provide a heat shield between the supporting element and the resistor element.

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.

Abstract: A continuous ribbon resistor element having a plurality of conjunctive lengths alternately connected by reflexes is supported in a frame comprised of silicon bonded laminated mica. The ribbon elements are formed with a single, flat convolution center offset to one side of an original plane and lateral portions offset to an opposite side of the plane, joined to the center offset by transition portions such that the centroid for any transverse cross section lies on the original plane. The offsets originate at flat end portions near the reflexes and have maximum offset intermediate the ends. Metal members are received in openings of the laminated mica insulators to receive threaded fasteners when attaching an insulator in edge-wise relationship to another. Thermally conductive termination connections are brought outside the frame and airflow passageway to remove from the passageway the additional heat otherwise absorbed by the terminals.

Abstract: A resistor comprising a substantially continuous resistor element being formed into a plurality of element panels with each panel having at least two holes provided therein. Adjacent element panels are connected in series by a bend in the resistor element. At least two support tubes comprising an insulating material are provided to support the resistor element. A plurality of conductive washers are provided adjacent each hole on both sides of each element panel to provide a conductive heat sink near each support tube hole in the element panels. Insulating washers are spaced between adjacent conductive washers. Two end walls are provided adjacent opposing sides of the resistor element to receive the support tubes.

Abstract: A dynamic braking grid arrangement for reducing EMI generated by dynamic or partial regenerative electrical braking of an electric traction motor powered vehicle coupled to a wayside power source by a third rail or catenary. The grid arrangement comprises a high-power dissipation resistance grid having a plurality of separately defined resistance elements, each having a generally elongate configuration. Mounting means support each of the grid elements adjacent to and parallel with each other of the elements. A plurality of electrical conduction devices connect the elements into an electrical circuit such that current passes through at least one element in a first direction and through at least one adjacent element in a second opposite direction such that EMI generated by any one element is substantially cancelled by EMI generated by an adjacent element.

Abstract: A heat dissipating fabricated resistor grid for the dynamic braking of electric motors has a zigzag resistor supported by insulating members within a frame. The zigzag resistor is made up of a plurality of resistor elements formed from sheet metal, each element containing at least one "U" shaped bend, that are connected by welded joints between the legs of adjacent resistor elements. The resistor elements may be embossed to stiffen them. Various types of clips may be utilized to hold the tabs and the resistor elements together to facilitate welding and the clips are welded to the other components and become part of the zigzag resistor. Various types of connecting joints are provided to connect the zigzag resistor to the insulating members. Various types of securing devices are provided to secure the insulating members to a supporting metal frame.

Abstract: A resistor grid for dynamic braking of diesel electric locomotives has a rigid frame that includes outer metal side pieces and metal dividers within the frame between which are positioned columns of fan-folded resistor ribbon. The dividers carry support plates having transverse aligned tabs along both sides fixed normal to the support plate, each tab having a notch in its inside edge, and supported plates for the resistor ribbon which slide in those slots longitudinally. The supported plates and the folds of the resistor ribbon carry studs and bushings which interfit by movement normal to those plates.

Abstract: An improved frame supported resistor grid used for dynamic braking of electric motors is provided. The resistor grid has a metal frame and fan-folded strips of resistance material arranged in columns within the frame. The strips of resistance material are supported by studs affixed to the folds of the strips and the studs are, in turn, supported in ceramic bushing insulators. An intermediate member is affixed to the frame and receives the individual ceramic bushing insulators.

Abstract: A fan-folded resistor ribbon is provided for use in resistor grids that are used for dynamic braking of diesel electric locomotives. The resistor ribbon is formed, from a continuous strip of resistance material, into flat portions that are connected by semi-tubular end loops. The outer surface of each semi-tubular end loop is an arcuate cylindrical surface that extends an angular distance of more than 180.degree. between the intersection lines where the flat portions join each of the end loops. The flat portions of the ribbon are embossed with one concave embossment and one convex embossment to further stiffen the ribbon material.

Abstract: A heat dissipating resistor grid has a rectangular or annular frame including side members carrying blocks or panels of insulating material having cavities in their inner surfaces. The resistor element is a zigzag strip formed from individual flat lengths of resistance material, each length having offset ends in opposite directions, adjoining offset ends forming a sandwich with a conductive support strip which extends beyond the offset end and terminates in projections which mate with the cavities in the insulating material. The support strip may extend into the space between the adjoining strips of resistance material forming a heat sink therein. The projecting ends of the support strip may be flat lengths, may be cut into tabs, may be formed into hollow cylinders in one piece with the support strip, may be solid cylindrical studs affixed to the support strip, or solid rod bent into U-shape with the base inside the offset ends.

Abstract: A high power resistor grid assembly formed of a plurality of stainless steel resistor U-shaped elements arranged in a substantially parallel relationship welded together in a continuous path. Each element comprising a slotted rectangular sheet in a U-shape having elongated curved embossments to prevent warpage of the element upon heating. Each U-shaped element has alternately a right and left leg offset to permit end to end attachments of elements while maintaining uniform spacing between the elements. The elements are supported by pairs of double insulated members which are affixed to the top and bottom of a frame with a floating end to permit expansion of the assembly upon heating and contraction upon cooling.

Abstract: For use in a welded resistor grid assembly moving a plurality of generally parallel, relatively think plate-like metal elements disposed between a pair of spaced-apart insulating support members having a plurality of slotted openings in their opposing sidewalls, a metal element having a substantially rectangular plate-like body of predetermined width, a coplanar flat segment of the same width at one end of the body, a laterally offset flat segment of the same width at the opposite end of the body, the upraised side of the later segment having a flat surface adapted to be joined by a seam weld to the flat surface of the other side of the coplanar segment of another duplicate element after two such elements are placed side by side with opposite orientation so that the offset flat segment of one adjoins the coplanar flat segment of the other, and a border segment of the same width contiguous and generally coplanar with a first one of the flat segments, the border segment being adapted to enter a slotted opening

Abstract: A heat dissipating resistor grid has a frame including side members carrying blocks or panels of insulating material having cavities in their inner surfaces. The resistor element is a zigzag strip formed from individual flat lengths of resistance material, each length having offset ends in opposite directions, adjoining offset ends forming a sandwich with a conductive support strip which extends beyond the offset end and terminates in projections which mate with the cavities in the insulating material. The support strip may extend into the space between the adjoining strips of resistance material forming a heat sink therein. The projecting ends of the support strip may be flat lengths, may be cut into tabs, may be formed into hollow cylinders in one piece with the support strip, may be solid cylindrical studs affixed to the support strip, or solid rod bent into U-shape with the base inside the offset ends. The insulating blocks may fit into cutouts in the frame and locked there by lateral movement.

Abstract: A resistor grid for dynamic braking and the like has a fan-folded strip of resistance material mounted in a frame. The strip is embossed longitudinally so as to stiffen it between folds or loops and lanced or slit longitudinally between embossments from fold to fold but not around folds.

Abstract: A resistor grid suitable for dynamic braking of diesel electric locomotives includes an upright rectangular frame with top and bottom members of insulating material and a strip of resistance material fan-folded into vertical flights between the top and bottom members. Fixtures attached to the top member suspend the fan-folded strip by its top folds and fittings affixed to the bottom member tension the fan-folded strip through its bottom folds.

Abstract: In the assembly two or more strips of resistance material are positioned edge-to-edge and fan-folded between the side members of a frame. The strips are supported at their loops by insulated fixtures and each has a terminal at each end. The strips are embossed or indented between loops so as to form longitudinally extending offsets spaced from each other across the strip. The depth of those offsets is controlled so that the clear space between the adjoining flights is just sufficient to admit a flat metal strip inserted between them crosswise with a portion projecting to form a tap. That tap can be positioned anywhere between parallel flights of the resistor ribbon after the assembly of the unit. A channel-shaped clip fits over the projecting tap and the edges of the adjoining flights of resistor ribbon and is welded to the tap and the flights.

Abstract: A grid assembly for converting electrical energy to heat and then dissipating same. A plurality of parallel grid members include outwardly extending legs received in holes provided on mutually facing surfaces on polyester glass insulator members. The grid members are arranged in a continuous serpentine path from an input to an output terminal. The grid members are of sheet metal construction with the cylindrical legs formed by a radiused sheet metal configured leg portion of one grid member positioned adjacent an identical configured and mutually opposed leg portion of an adjacent grid member. The main body of each grid member extends from the legs through a flat portion and then through a diverging end portion spacing the main bodies of the grid members apart. In an alternate embodiment, the grid members are arranged with different lengths to provide a particular sized and configured grid assembly.

Abstract: An electric fuse is provided with heat dam elements interconnecting the fusible element and the fuse end terminals, which are provided with one or more raised ribs integrally formed therein. The heat dams include a plurality of planar sections and interconnecting bends to which the ribs impart a high degree of stiffness and dimensional stability.

Abstract: A rigid frame supported resistor for dynamic braking of electric and diesel-electric locomotives has certain of the frame elements cushioned or insulated from each other and the resistance ribbon insulated and cushioned from the frame. Organic insulating material in molded or sheet form, preferably a copolymer, such as a polyester resin, protected by a metal heat shield, may be used for structural frame members, or for cushioning and insulating metal structural frame members. The organic insulating resistant is supplemented by ceramic insulating material in locations subject to high heat.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for use in heating surfaces. A heating element is constructed of mesh screen comprised of small gauge wires which are spaced in a close mesh arrangement such that the total surface area of the wires is substantially equal to or greater than the adjacent area of the surface to be heated. The longitudinal wires are electrically conductive and are preferably made of a nonferrous metal and the transverse wires are coated with an insulating material. The heating element is positioned substantially parallel to and adjacent the surface to be heated. The heating system includes electronic circuitry which essentially eliminates transmission of power surges, voltage spikes and chatter when the heating system is connected to an alternating current power source. The heating system also includes protective circuits and devices for preventing injury or damage due to transformer overheating, or due to under-current or over-current conditions.

Abstract: An electrical network containing at least one electric resistor, includes a support foil and at least one resistance layer coating the support foil forming the at least one electric resistor. The support foil and resistance layer are folded along a zig-zag line forming two outer surfaces of the resistance layer. Contact layers are each disposed on a different one of the outer surfaces of the resistance layer, a plastic layer is applied on the contact layers, and outer contact layers each make contact with a different one of the contact layers. A method is also provided for producing the same.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for use in heating surfaces. A heating element is constructed of mesh screen comprised of nonferrous, small gauge metal wires which are spaced in a cloth mesh arrangement such that the total surface area of the wires is substantially equal to or greater than the adjacent area of the surface to be heated. The heating element is positioned substantially parallel to and adjacent the surface to be heated. The heating system includes electronic circuitry which essentially eliminates transmission of power surges, voltage spikes and chatter when the heating system is connected to an alternating current power source. The heating system also includes protective circuits and devices for preventing injury or damage due to transformer overheating, or due to under-current or over-current conditions. An optional electronic circuit permits use of the device for preventing formation of ice on surfaces in an efficient and economical manner.

Abstract: An electrical resistance heater or igniter characterized by having a core bonded by regrowth of silicon carbide is produced by heating particulate silicon carbide which may be mixed with a minor amount of modifying agent, by means of an uncharged beam of energy, to a temperature above 3000.degree. F. and below 5500.degree. F. and subsequently cooling the resultant coherent shape below 3000.degree. F., both stops being completed within a period of ten minutes. In the preferred method, unconsolidated particulate silicon carbide is exposed to the energy of a laser beam and the particulate silicon carbide has a particle size within the range of magnitude of ten to three hundred microns. Upon its initial formation, the shape or element has a core and a distinctly delineated rind which is attached to the core. The core has a relatively low resistivity as compared with the rind.

Abstract: An electrical exceptance heater or igniter characterized by having a core bonded by regrowth of silicon carbide is produced by heating particulate silicon carbide which may be mixed with a minor amount of modifying agent, by means of an uncharged beam of energy, to a temperature above 3000.degree. F. and below 5500.degree. F. and subsequently cooling the resultant coherent shape below 3000.degree. F., both steps being completed within a period of ten minutes. In the preferred method, unconsolidated particulate silicon carbide is exposed to the energy of a laser beam and the particulate silicon carbide has a particulate size within the range of magnitude of ten to three hundred microns. Upon its initial formation, the shape or element has a core and a distinctly delineated rind which is attached to the core. The core has a relatively low resistivity as compared with the rind.