With Heat Radiating Panel Patents (Class 392/435)
  • Patent number: 6713945
    Abstract: A coolable infrared radiator element of quartz glass with at least one heating tube, which has a gas-tight current lead-through at each of its two ends. A long, stretched-out electrical heating conductor in the heating tube serves as the radiation source. At least one cooling element is provided which has at least one cooling channel for a liquid coolant. A metal reflector is provided at least in the area of the heating conductor, which reflector has at least one reflective surface. The problem is to provide an infrared radiator which can deliver high energy concentrations of >500 kW/m2 in conjunction with low radiation losses. The problem is solved in that at least one reflective surface, when seen in cross section, describes a line around a surface, where the opening for the passage of at least some of the liquid coolant is provided in the area of this surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Fuchs, Friedhelm Schneider, Joachim Scherzer
  • Patent number: 6664513
    Abstract: A wall-mounted mirror which can be convectively and radiatively heated to prevent fogging by a sheet heater separated from the mirror interior surface by an air gap. The mirror is electrically insulated and grounded to prevent electric shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Parkson Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubert Park
  • Patent number: 6654551
    Abstract: Panel (10) for heating by an electric resistance obtained from a serpentine (55) of highly conductive material formed of a thin continuous strip of constant width, having a high ratio between width and thickness, that generates radiant heat by means of electromagnetic waves, placed inside a flat metal chamber (96) given a hermetic seal by continuous welds (90-95) along all its joins, obtained from a basic rectangular tray-shaped structure (11) and from similarly tray-shaped closing structures (80, 81) placed side by side in the basic structure (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignees: Cadif SRL, Cedal SRL
    Inventors: Aldo Stabile, Bruno Ceraso
  • Patent number: 6649881
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a water heater which includes a water container; an element located to heat water in the water container; a sensor located to sense temperature proximate the element; and a controller connected to the element and the sensor, the controller being programmed to energize the element with at least one electrical pulse over a predetermined time interval, comparing temperature information received from the sensor with a predetermined temperature, and disengaging the element in the event that the temperature received from the sensor is greater than a predetermined temperature for the predetermined time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: American Water Heater Company
    Inventors: Allen Scott, William Stout
  • Patent number: 6621983
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor heating device comprising an electric heating cable extending backwards and forwards underneath a floor surface to be heated. Metal rectangular or square panels are provided with channels extending in parallel in the direction of deposition of the panels. Each metal panel is fitted on its reverse side with an insulating panel in a sandwich construction so that the channels of the metal panel penetrate into the insulating panel material. The assembled panels are deposited on the support of the floor in juxtaposed relationship in the longitudinal and transverse directions such that each channel of one metal panel continues into another channel formed in the adjacent metal panel at the end edge sides of the first metal panel. The heating cable is arranged inside the channels so as to extend from one metal panel to the next backwards and forwards across the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Tyco Thermal Controls Nordic Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Micael Thorin
  • Patent number: 6614992
    Abstract: A heated platform is formed by one or more elongated boards or planks, each having an elongated lower surface with a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending channels defined therein. An elongated heat conducting metal beam is operatively mounted in heat conducting relation in each channel. The beam defines a central, wide, inner channel opening in one direction and a pair of narrower side cable channels one on each side of the central channel and opening in a direction opposite to the direction of opening of the inner channel. An electric heating cable is operatively mounted in heat conducting relation in the beam cable channels for supplying heat to the beam for transfer to the board or plank. The heated planks or boards are useful particularly for forming decks and seating for hot tubs, as well as for walkways and stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Robert D. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6611659
    Abstract: An aircraft floor heating panel is constructed for mechanical strength and to meet special heating requirements next to a door in an aircraft. The panel has a lightweight core. Each surface of the core is first covered with at least one carbon-fiber reinforced composite layer for protection against deterioration. Each carbon fiber layer in turn is covered by a glass fiber reinforced composite layer for mechanical strength. A foil heater is arranged inside the composite panel coextensive with at least a portion of the panel area. A heat distributing metal plate covers the panel as an upper step-on surface. A heat insulating layer is bonded to the panel opposite the heat distributing metal plate. A triple heat control is provided for an increased safety against fire hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Meisiek
  • Patent number: 6489594
    Abstract: A snow-melting apparatus prevents ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building. An outer edge section of the roof extends over and beyond an outside wall of the building in an outward direction. A heat conduction device includes a substantially planar body portion formed of a substantially thermally conductive material and having a first side and a second side. The second side is opposite the first side. The first side has a coating with a high emissivity. The first side transfers heat to an inside surface of at least the outer edge section of the roof. A heat source is attached to the body portion of the heat conduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: MSX, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • Publication number: 20020168184
    Abstract: An aircraft floor heating panel is constructed for mechanical strength and to meet special heating requirements next to a door in an aircraft. The panel has a lightweight core. Each surface of the core is first covered with at least one carbon-fiber reinforced composite layer for protection against deterioration. Each carbon fiber layer in turn is covered by a glass fiber reinforced composite layer for mechanical strength. A foil heater is arranged inside the composite panel coextensive with at least a portion of the panel area. A heat distributing metal plate covers the panel as an upper step-on surface. A heat insulating layer is bonded to the panel opposite the heat distributing metal plate. A triple heat control is provided for an increased safety against fire hazards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Juergen Meisiek
  • Patent number: 6480672
    Abstract: A heater includes a housing having an outer surface and sidewalls defining an interior space that holds a heating element. The heater further includes a heating element having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the heating element has differing power densities from the lower portion to the upper portion. The heating element includes a heat shield positioned in substantially parallel relation to the heating element to create a duct where air may travel through. The heater is provided with an air displacement device positioned adjacent to the heating element to create a planar flow of air through the duct. The heater may be controlled by a control circuit having a circuit board, which controls the power supplied to the heating element and the air displacement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Holmes Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Stan Rosenzweig, Jaideep Jayaram
  • Patent number: 6470143
    Abstract: A heating door comprises a frame. A first panel is mounted to the frame. A second panel is mounted to the frame. A sheet is disposed between the first and second panels. The sheet defines an inner section between the first panel and the sheet and an outer section between the second panel and the sheet. At least one heating mechanism is arranged in at least one of the first and the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Bernard Peyronny
  • Publication number: 20020136543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor heating device comprising an electric heating cable extending backwards and forwards underneath a floor surface to be heated. Metal rectangular or square panels are provided with channels extending in parallel in the direction of deposition of the panels. Each metal panel is fitted on its reverse side with an insulating panel in a sandwich construction so that the channels of the metal panel penetrate into the insulating panel material. The assembled panels are deposited on the support of the floor in juxtaposed relationship in the longitudinal and transverse directions such that each channel of one metal panel continues into another channel formed in the adjacent metal panel at the end edge sides of the first metal panel. The heating cable is arranged inside the channels so as to extend from one metal panel to the next backwards and forwards across the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: Raychem HTS Nordic AB.
    Inventor: Micael Thorin
  • Patent number: 6353707
    Abstract: An electric heating device includes a flexible resistor ribbon, a plurality of sections of electroconductive coating attached to the resistor ribbon at preset intervals, and connector contacts coupled to the resistor ribbon for enabling connection of a power source to the resistor ribbon. The resistor ribbon has a high specific impedance. The flexible resistor ribbon is attached to a rigid or flexible flat base panel for incorporation into a building as a floor, wall or ceiling panel. Layers of electric insulation are attached to the base so as to sandwich the flexible resistor ribbon. Where the resistor ribbon is bent back on itself, for example, to form a snaking configuration, a strip of two-sided adhesive tape is attached to the layers of electric insulation and to the ribbon at multiple spaced points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ceramitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Irina Loktev, Igor Papirov
  • Publication number: 20010032834
    Abstract: A heated roof valley device for melting ice and snow accumulating on a roof valley including a generally “V”-shaped lower casing and a corresponding “V”-shaped cover positioned in spaced-apart relation to the lower casing. An electrical heating element positioned in the space between the lower casing and the cover, and a moisture sealing device for preventing moisture in the roof valley from entering the space between the lower casing and the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Michael A. Winters
  • Patent number: 6303905
    Abstract: A heating element construction for a mesh mat used in an underfloor heating system. The heating element includes a heater wire having one or more conductors spirally wound around a center strand and an insulating jacket surrounding the conductor. The heater wire is doubled back on itself to provide two counterflow portions which are spirally wrapped around each other. The electric current flows in opposite directions in the two counterflow portions to cancel the electromagnetic field. A braided metal ground shield surrounds the heater wire. A protective outer cover surrounding the ground shield resists abrasion and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Bask Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Chiles, Daniel T. Chiles
  • Publication number: 20010025839
    Abstract: A snow-melting apparatus prevents ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building. An outer edge section of the roof extends over and beyond an outside wall of the building in an outward direction. A heat conduction device includes a substantially planar body portion formed of a substantially thermally conductive material and having a first side and a second side. The second side is opposite the first side. The first side has a coating with a high emissivity. The first side transfers heat to an inside surface of at least the outer edge section of the roof. A heat source is attached to the body portion of the heat conduction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • Publication number: 20010026681
    Abstract: A heated platform is formed by one or more elongated boards or planks, each having an elongated lower surface with a pair of spaced-apart longitudinally extending channels defined therein. An elongated heat conducting metal beam is operatively mounted in heat conducting relation in each channel. The beam defines a central, wide, inner channel opening in one direction and a pair of narrower side cable channels one on each side of the central channel and opening in a direction opposite to the direction of opening of the inner channel. An electric heating cable is operatively mounted in heat conducting relation in the beam cable channels for supplying heat to the beam for transfer to the board or plank. The heated planks or boards are useful particularly for forming decks and seating for hot tubs, as well as for walkways and stairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: Robert D. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 6297475
    Abstract: A method of preventing ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building includes placing a heating device below the roof. At least one of an ambient outside temperature and a presence of ambient moisture is sensed. An air-borne signal is transmitted dependent upon the sensing step. The heating device is operated dependent upon the air-borne signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: MSX, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6297481
    Abstract: An infrared food warming device is provided with one or more compartments having one or more food shelves. Food may be placed through an opening on such a food shelf in the compartment. An infrared energy generating sheet is positioned in the compartment on or adjacent to the food shelf. The infrared energy sheet includes a fiberglass support grid, a layer formed on support grid from a mixture of carbon and polymeric materials capable of producing infrared radiation in response to electrical current passed there through. A pair of electrical conduction power strips are attached along opposite sides of the layer and are attached to input power terminals to provide the required current. A polymeric laminate encloses the support grid, the layer and the electrical conduction power strips. The polymeric laminate is substantially transparent to infrared radiation so that it does not become excessively heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence Gordon
  • Patent number: 6294769
    Abstract: A device for maintaining food at a temperature within a selected range is disclosed, the device having a ceramic heating element with an electric element and a thermocouple contained therein. The device is maintained between approximately 200° F. and 650° F. and emits for infrared radiation within the range of approximately 7.91 to 4.7 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: David McCarter
  • Patent number: 6294758
    Abstract: A heat radiator for emitting infrared radiation to the human body has a heat source which is energized to emit infrared radiation, whose penetration depth into the human body is to near warmth sensing points of the human body, and an insulator for covering the surface of the heat source to be directed toward the human body. The free surface of the insulator forms a surface for contacting with the human body and the thickness of the insulator is less than the penetration depth of the infrared radiation into the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Toto Ltd
    Inventors: Shiotani Masao, Hiroi Kazunori, Haraga Hisato, Fukushima Takenori, Kataoka Yumiko, Tanaka Shingo, Tsuboi Hiroshi, Ando Shigeru
  • Publication number: 20010016115
    Abstract: A panel heater is made of a metallic panel member and an ohmic heat generating body which is covered with a sheath member and which is embedded in the metallic panel member. One of the sheath member and the panel member is formed by a first material capable of being alloyed with, and having a coefficient of thermal expansion close to a coefficient of thermal expansion of, a second material for the other of the sheath member and the panel member. The sheath member and the panel member are seamlessly integrated by diffusion bonding at a high temperature and high pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Akisuke Hirata, Masami Ohtugu
  • Publication number: 20010011652
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for preventing ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building includes a heating device placed below the roof. An automatic controller includes a ground fault circuit interrupter in communication with the heating device. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition associated with the heating device. The controller selectively controls operation of the heating device dependent upon the ground fault condition. A transmitter is connected with the controller. The transmitter transmits an air-borne ground fault signal dependent upon the ground fault condition. A remote receiver receives the ground fault signal. The remote receiver provides at least one of a visible indication and an audible indication of the ground fault signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Applicant: MSX, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6215102
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for preventing ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building includes a heating device placed below the roof. An automatic controller includes a ground fault circuit interrupter in communication with the heating device. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition associated with the heating device. The controller selectively controls operation of the heating device dependent upon the ground fault condition. A transmitter is connected with the controller. The transmitter transmits an air-borne ground fault signal dependent upon the ground fault condition. A remote receiver receives the ground fault signal. The remote receiver provides at least one of a visible indication and an audible indication of the ground fault signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: MSX, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6188048
    Abstract: A radiant electric heater (1) includes a heating element (4) and at least one covering sheet (7) spaced from the heating element. The at least one covering sheet is in the form of a fabric comprising glass filaments, ceramic filaments or metal filaments. Metal filaments, such as of a high temperature withstanding alloy, may be woven in the form of a fabric. Glass filaments, or ceramic filaments such as of alumino-silicate material, alumino-boro-silicate material or zirconia, may be of woven, knitted or mat form in the fabric. An apertured member (10) may be provided in contact with, or adjacent, to the covering sheet (7) of the fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ceramaspeed Limited
    Inventors: Peter Ravenscroft Wilkins, David Aubrey Plumptre
  • Patent number: 6188839
    Abstract: A radiant floor heating system and method of installation is provided, the system of the present invention being disposed within a solidified cement or under board. A panel member having a laminated reflective material which serves as a thermal break is placed upon the hardened cement or under board. The panel member may be comprised of any substance to which the reflective material may be secured such as a honeycombed plastic panel to which the reflective material layer is laminated. A heating element is disposed on the reflective material. Thereafter, both the heating element and the reflective layer are coated with a layer of thin set or cement. The heating element may include a heated wire element which is unwound off a roll, or the heating element may be meshed within a web of material which is cut to match the dimensions of the floor and then disposed on top of the reflective layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Ronald J. Pennella
  • Patent number: 6160957
    Abstract: An infrared radiating panel includes a wall made from ceramic fiber material. An electric heating element is adapted for connection to an electric current source for heating the element to a high temperature at which it will emit infrared radiation is fastened to the wall with the aid of staples. The heating element is mounted in spaced relationship with the surface of the wall and is retained between pairs of ceramic rods that engage opposite faces of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kanthal AB
    Inventor: Lars-Goran Johansson
  • Patent number: 6125234
    Abstract: Electrical apparatus for thermal processing of food includes a casing which has a transparent portion for viewing the food disposed within the casing. At least one heating element is mounted within the casing for heating the food, the heating element including a heat resistant and mechanically rigid transparent first substrate having a first surface which faces the food and a second opposite facing surface. At least one electrical resistance element is disposed on the second surface, the at least one electrical resistance element being connected to a source of electrical current. At least one second transparent substrate is disposed adjacent the second surface, the at least one second transparent substrate including a transparent infrared reflective coating. Thus, the food disposed within the casing is viewable from the exterior of the casing through at least the first substrate while the food is being heated by the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Robot-Coupe(S.N.C.)
    Inventor: Pascal de Jenlis
  • Patent number: 6115540
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for warming a typist's hands to provide relief from arthritis, muscle fatigue, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and general discomfort. A radiative hand warming apparatus is disclosed, including a source of hand-warming radiation, and a holder for supporting the radiation source in proximity to a keyboard or other manual operation device, such that the user's hands can be warmed by radiant energy during typing. In one embodiment, the source of hand-warming radiation emits radiation having an intensity of about 10 to about 750 milliwatts/square centimeter as measured at the typist's hands. The radiation source can be, for example, an infrared (IR) radiation source. Such an infrared radiation source preferably emits IR radiation in at least a portion of the spectrum from about 1 to about 30 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Peter J. Klopotek
  • Patent number: 6084209
    Abstract: A heating pad for animals consisting of a plastic housing and an electric heating element. The base of the housing contains conical supports upon which the heating element rests. The heating element is supported in the housing to provide air gaps above and below the heating element, allowing an even temperature throughout the housing. This prevents regions of localized heat on the top of the bed, and also prevent unnecessary heating of the base. This temperature is regulated by a thermostat that shuts down the heating element if the temperature of the air within the chamber exceeds the preset limit. The conical supports also provide structural support, preventing the top of the bed from collapsing on top of the heating element when subject to the weight of an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Donald B. Owen, Joe Blahnik
  • Patent number: 6067404
    Abstract: A radiant electric heater (1) includes a heating element (4) and at least one covering sheet (7) spaced from the heating element. The at least one covering sheet is in the form of a fabric comprising glass filaments, ceramic filaments or metal filaments. Metal filaments, such as of a high temperature withstanding alloy, may be woven in the form of a fabric. Glass filaments, or ceramic filaments such as of aluminosilicate material, alumino-boro-silicate material or zirconia, may be of woven, knitted or mat form in the fabric. An apertured member (10) may be provided in contact with, or adjacent, to the covering sheet (7) of the fabric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Ceramaspeed Limited
    Inventors: Peter Ravenscroft Wilkins, David Aubrey Plumptre
  • Patent number: 6042932
    Abstract: A flexible buss bar adapted for electrical connection with circuitry carried by a glass pane is provided, as well as a method of attaching a flexible buss bar to a glass pane. The flexible buss bar includes a flexible conductor having at least one metallic contact pad affixed thereto. It is also contemplated to have a plurality of such metallic contact pads attached at regular intervals along the length of the flexible conductor. The spacing of the plurality of metallic contact pads is selected to match the locations of corresponding structures formed on the glass pane. Solder cladding is selectively adhered to portions of the at least one metallic contact such that the at least one metallic contact pad may be bonded to the corresponding structure located on the glass pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Methode Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Ingles, Raymond Simons, Suellyn Collins, Mario Garritano
  • Patent number: 5932128
    Abstract: A heating panel has a substrate with a resistive heating material disposed thereon. The substrate can be metal with an insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the heating layer. Alternatively, the substrate can be glass ceramic. The heating layer has electrodes on opposite edges connected to different phases of a multiphase power source. Another electrode on the heating layer can be connected to a neutral of the power source. Capacitive currents caused in the substrate or a metal object on the substrate by the different phases cancel each other. Thus, leakage current through a conductor connected between the substrate and ground is minimized. The heating panel can be adapted for two phase or three phase systems. Power to the panels is controlled by solid state switches or relays. Zero crossing drivers sense supply voltages and operate the switches to balance currents in the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven M. Dishop
  • Patent number: 5930457
    Abstract: A heat cell is described including a lower panel which is placed on a roof and which is configured to form an open-side conduit. A heat-reflective layer is disposed adjacent the lower panel to direct heat upwardly, and a heat-generating mechanism is disposed in the conduit to provide heat to the cell. The heat-generating mechanism is sized to fit tightly inside the conduit. An upper panel snaps-on and attaches to the lower panel and encloses the heat-reflective layer and heat-generating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Roof Ice Melt Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Tourangeau
  • Patent number: 5910267
    Abstract: An infrared heating element of the present invention includes a facing (preferably a fiberglass cloth) which is cut to a desired shape and size, an insulating blanket of the same shape and size as the facing, a heating filament sandwiched between the facing and the insulating blanket. The insulating blanket, which is preferably a ceramic fiber blanket, is rigidized by soaking the blanket is a rigidizing solution, such as a colloidal silica solution, The step of rigidizing the blanket provides at least one face of blanket which is impregnated with the rigidizing solution and a core which remains free of rigidizing solution. While the insulating properties of the blanket at the surfaces are reduced by the rigidizing, the insulating properties of the core of the blanket are not substantially affected.The heating element is included in a portable dryer for use in drying items such as screen printed articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Jesse C. Stricker
  • Patent number: 5889923
    Abstract: A stone bed includes: a stone mat having a wood frame which a sheet is covered around, the wood frame wherein a copper plate, a protective insulating material, a plane carbon heating element, a first protection film, a second protection film, an electromagnetic wave shielding, a third protection film, a far infrared ray nonwoven fabric, and a natural stone are sequentially laid from a bottom, the wood frame having controllers and anion emitters on its both top ends, the controller comprising a power display unit, a selection switch, a temperature control switch, and a temperature display lamp, and a power input cord which is shielding processed; and a bed body having a top surface which the stone mat is mounted on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Nam Yong Lee, Hyung Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 5835525
    Abstract: Dual electric/gas heating in a crucible melting furnace with segmental lining, and lining and segments of linings for same, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Morganite Thermal Ceramics Limited
    Inventor: Robert Thomas
  • Patent number: 5835983
    Abstract: A multi-layered heating device including a first container having a top layer and a bottom layer. A second container, containing heat retaining fluid, is positioned inside the first container and adjacent to the top layer thereof. Adjacent to the second container is an electrical heating element, and a layer of padding material is positioned between the electrical heating element and the bottom layer of the first container. A preferred embodiment of the heating device includes at least one thermostat, with the second container having a first layer and a second layer wherein at least one portion of each of the layers are secured together to form at least one depression which is devoid of the heat retaining fluid and which coincides with the at least one thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly A. McMahen, Charles W. Murin, Donald S. Malin
  • Patent number: 5758019
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for warming a typist's hands to provide relief from arthritis, muscle fatigue, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and general discomfort. A radiative hand warming apparatus includes, including a source of hand-warming radiation, and a holder for supporting the radiation source in proximity to a keyboard or other manual operation device, such that the user's hands can be warmed by radiant energy during typing. In one embodiment, the source of hand-warming radiation emits radiation having an intensity of about 10 to about 150 milliwatts/square centimeter as measured at the typist's hands. The radiation source can be, for example, an infrared (IR) radiation source. Such an infrared radiation source preferably emits IR radiation in at least a portion of the spectrum from about 1 to about 30 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: Peter J. Klopotek
  • Patent number: 5641421
    Abstract: An electrical heating system uses heating elements made of ribbons of amorphous metallic alloys. The heating elements have a large area using long and wide ribbons, to achieve good heat transfer to the surroundings, that is low thermal resistance. The area of the heating elements and thus the thermal resistance is determined according to the desired thermal power, under the constraint of a low operating temperature, that is a temperature well below the embrittlement temperature of the amorphous alloy used in the heating elements. The operating temperature is preferably kept low enough so as not to generate benzopyrene or other unhealthy or ecologically unfavorable fumes or gases. The thin ribbons with low thermal resistance also have a fast heating constant, that is the heater reaches its steady state temperature in a short time. The electrical heating system uses low cost insulation and support materials, that is materials intended for use at low temperatures only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventors: Vladimir Manov, Eliezer Adar, Mark Geller, Evgeni Sorkine, Iosef Margolin
  • Patent number: 5605418
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to avoid the difficulty of recruiting snow removal personnel by automatically melting snow that has accumulated on roads in areas having cold climates, and protect human life and secure the safety of vehicles and aircraft traveling on such roads and runways.The present invention is comprised of a heating unit wherein a surface heating element, in which an electrically conductive coating is applied onto a cloth, is positioned between metal plates such as aluminum plates above and below and wrapped in a tar-based moisture-proof sheet. Said heating unit is then embedded beneath the surface of road paving. After particularly carefully steam rolling the asphalt and concrete base layer in this case so that it is free of irregularities, the upper surface of said base layer is coated with a primer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Taisei Home Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Watanabe, Yoshinori Nagai
  • Patent number: 5594832
    Abstract: A black body radiator for calibrating infrared measuring devices in the form of a heatable body is heated by means of a heating foil in the form of a metallic electrically excellently conducting heating coil embedded in a plastic sheet. The heating foil is adhered in excellently thermally conductive manner to a rear surface of the heatable body of the black body radiator. At a slight distance from and slightly inclined to the heating foil surface an infrared-radiation-reflecting mirror is arranged. The mirror reflects the radiation coming from the heating coil and incident thereon into the intermediate spaces of the heating coil so that the radiation passes through the heating foil and is absorbed by the rear side of the black radiator. The intermediate space between the heatable body and the mirror is evacuated. Furthermore, the rear side of the mirror and a holder are provided with a thermal insulation, for example in the form of ceramic paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fur Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventor: Peter Obermeier
  • Patent number: 5553189
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for remediation of near surface soils, pavements and other surfaces using a radiant heating plate, an insulating layer, and a vapor barrier above the radiant heating plate and below the insulation. The radiant heating plate transfers thermal energy to the surface primarily by radiation and therefore need not be in contact with the surface over large areas. The radiant heating plate may also serve as a vacuum barrier for collecting contaminant vapors emanating from the subsurface soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: George L. Stegemeier, Harold J. Vinegar, Frederick G. Carl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5413032
    Abstract: A multi-zone restaurant type of griddle is modularly constructed so that all maintenance may be done at the front of the griddle housing. The griddle plate is only three-eights of an inch thick with heat being spread uniformly by an aluminum plate in intimate contact with the bottom of the griddle plate. A thermocouple temperature sensing element is located at the bottom of a hole in the underside of the griddle plate so that the element is very near the cooking surface and is sensitive to the temperature of the load on the cooking surface, as distinguished from being sensitive to the temperature of the heating element below the griddle plate. With the modular construction, the front access, and light weight, all of the repairable parts of the griddle may be removed and replaced by one man as distinguished from most prior art griddles where two-man service teams were routinely required because they had to lift and invert a very heavy griddle which had a very thick steel griddle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: The Middleby Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian A. Bruno, William S. Schjerven, Sr., Roberto Nevarez
  • Patent number: 5387778
    Abstract: A snow and ice removal apparatus. The apparatus has a plurality of filament containers. Each filament container has a hollow interior and a heating element disposed within the interior. The filament container radiates heat when the heating element is energized. A mechanism for coupling together a plurality of filament containers is included to define a heat generation pathway. The pathway is adapted to melt snow or ice when energized. A mechanism is also included for transmitting energy to the heat generation pathway. Lastly, a controller is provided for manually and automatically adjusting the application of energy to the heat generation pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Tim P. Stanger
  • Patent number: 5371340
    Abstract: A heating pad for pets and livestock that includes a plastic surface and an envelope containing a reflective insulation upon which is mounted an electric heating circuit. The reflective insulation includes layers of foil and bubble insulation to store, distribute and direct the heat upward towards the animal while reducing heat loss through the ground or mounting surface. A temperature sensitive switch is provided to conserve energy by permitting power flow between maximum and minimum temperatures, while a lamp is provided to indicate when the unit is drawing energy. The disclosure includes a modification to permit the unit to be used as a fluid storage and warming shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Inventor: Phillip W. Stanfield
  • Patent number: 5350927
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to novel ceramic compositions, and to stabilizer compositions for use with those ceramic compositions. The ceramic materials are formed of rare earth chromium oxides that include a novel combination of stabilizing compounds. Also, dryer or sterilizer devices which incorporate these ceramic compositions for generating infrared radiation for drying or sterilizing various articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Mitech Scientific Corp.
    Inventors: Roustam K. Rakhimov, Elena V. Kim
  • Patent number: 5278939
    Abstract: A vacuum-molded electrical radiant heating unit having a resistance heating coil embedded in a ceramic fiber body is prepared by a process in which a resistance heating coil (5) is placed on a sieve-like tray (1), above a suction box, and a slip is applied thereto composed of ceramic fibres, so that a ceramic fibre layer (4) builds up under the action of suction. Portions of the sieve-tray (1) are closed, in regions beneath the resistance heating coil (5) by means of spacing strips (11). These strips, which cover some of the perforations in the sieve-tray (1), are placed beneath the resistance-heating coil (5), in a manner such that the impervious regions of the sieve tray (1) are narrower than the width dimensions of the heating coil (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Kanthal GmbH
    Inventors: Josef Boes, Leo Saris
  • Patent number: 5256858
    Abstract: An insulating, substantially rectilinear, laminated building panel containing a reflective outer layer, an intermediate shatter shield, and an inner insulating layer. The inner insulating layer consists essentially of soda-lime glass, and it contains at least three evacuated chambers with reflective interior surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Richard H. Tomb
  • Patent number: 5169351
    Abstract: A shadow mask heating apparatus for a color CRT of the flat faceplate type includes upper and lower heated platens, each provided with heating means therein. One of the platens includes a plurality of mask support elements having a predetermined height radially disposed in an equally spaced relation on the top surface. The mask support elements preferably consist of a plurality of long and short, in length, mask support element. A plurality of passages radially formed on the top surface result between the mask support element. A plurality of adjusting pins disposed on the peripheral area of the top surface thereof of the one platen keeps the two platens separated a precise distance. The arrangement of radially disposed mask support elements minimizes shadow mask deformation during manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Samsung Electron Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sang-sin Choi