Abstract: A tube heating assembly having a heating tube with proximate and distal end portions, a manifold insert disposed concentrically within the heating tube and likewise having proximate and distal end portions, and a pair of end caps removably secured to the proximate and distal end portions of the manifold insert and the heating tube respectively. The manifold insert includes a raised spiral thread on its surface. An electrical assembly such as a resistive path applied to the outer surface of the heating tube is used to heat the tube. The tube heating assembly may be embodied in a system and method for delivering an automotive fluid in a vehicle, wherein the tube heating assembly is installed as a heat exchanger in a fluid delivery path through which the fluid is pumped, preferably in pulses to enhance heating of the fluid.

Abstract: A thick film circuit on an insulating substrate includes a thermal fuse. The circuit includes a conductive strip, which may be sufficiently resistive to comprise the resistor of an automotive fan motor controller, which is made of a material dissolved by a solder which melts at a predetermined temperature. When an abnormal event occurs which raises the temperature of the circuit, the solder melts and dissolves the underlying conductive strip. The solder and melted material of the strip then coalesce into one or more droplets thereby breaking the circuit.

Abstract: A surface mounted thin film precision voltage divider is provided by incorporating two resistors on a single base of the same size and configuration as prior art surface mounted thin film precision resistors. Because the resistors were made at the same time, using the same materials and under the same conditions, the resistors react substantially equally to changes in temperature, aging, thermal shock, short time overload, high temperature exposure, resistance to bond exposure, moisture resistance, load life and low temperature operation. The voltage divider replaces two conventional surface mounted thin film precision resistors at a fraction of the cost.

Abstract: A power resistor assembly includes an anodizable metal substrate, preferably an aluminum alloy, having an insulating anodized coating on at least one flat side. A resistive or partially conductive ink is screen printed on the anodized coating in a pattern to provide one or more resistors. The ink has a curing temperature below 660.degree. C. which is below the melting point of aluminum. The resistor assembly is a vehicular fan motor controller or an interior dimmer switch. The fan motor controller has resistor ends which are soldered with tin-lead solder.

Abstract: A surge protector includes a housing having therein a wire wound resistor and a fuse separated by a partition wall. In one embodiment for use with high density information transmission, the resistor is of very low value and preferably is 5.6 ohms. The leads from the resistor and fuse are glued in position. The resistor wire is wound about a mandrel and is widely spaced to prevent arcing between adjacent coils of the resistor. A high temperature coating covers the resistor coils and mandrel effectively immobilizing the coils from movement in response to a magnetic field generated when high voltage is applied to the resistor. A cover closes the housing and conceals the components. The housing is empty of potting material.

Abstract: A vehicle fan motor controller includes a simple planar ceramic base providing a plurality of printed resistors. The resistors include electrically conductive paths printed on the ceramic overcoated with a thick resistive film. The thick film substantially covers the base to promote heat transfer to air moving in the fan duct in which the controller is placed. The thick film resistors are on both sides of the base to reduce overall size and improve heat transfer. A thermal fuse comprising a spring metal member held in a normally closed position by a meltable material opens in response to a predetermined high temperature.