Abstract: A monolithic microplasma source includes a dielectric substrate having an outer surface that is exposed to a time varying electric field. A gap layer is positioned on an inner surface of the dielectric substrate. A shield including a slit is positioned on the gap layer. A relief structure is formed in at least one of the gap layer and the dielectric substrate. The dimensions of the gap layer, the slit in the shield, and the relief structure are chosen so as to prevent a formation of a continuous film across the relief structure. A chamber containing a gas is positioned adjacent to the shield so that the gas is ionized to form a microplasma when an electric field is induced in the chamber by the incident time varying electric field.

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 tube sealing device for sealing a resilient thermoplastic tube. The tube sealing device includes a base that supports a resilient thermoplastic tube in a fixed position relative to the base. The heating tool and the cooling tool are coupled to the base for movement relative to each other. Relative movement between the heating tool and the base aligns the heating tool with a portion of the resilient thermoplastic tube. The heating tool operates to contact, pinch and heat the portion of the resilient thermoplastic tube. Relative movement between the cooling tool and the base aligns the cooling tool with the same portion of the resilient thermoplastic tube. The cooling tool operates to contact, pinch and cool the resilient thermoplastic tube to form a seal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

Abstract: Portable microwave plasma systems including supply lines for providing microwaves and gas flow are disclosed. The supply line includes at least one gas line or conduit and a microwave coaxial cable. A portable microwave plasma system includes a microwave source, a waveguide-to-coax adapter and a waveguide that interconnects the microwave source with the waveguide-to-coax adapter, a portable discharge unit and the supply line. The portable discharge unit includes a gas flow tube coupled to the supply line to receive gas flow and a rod-shaped conductor that is axially disposed in the gas flow tube and has an end configured to receive microwaves from the microwave coaxial cable and a tapered tip positioned adjacent the outlet portion of the gas flow tube. The tapered tip is configured to focus microwave traveling through the rod-shaped conductor and generate plasma from the gas flow.

Abstract: The invention seals, unseals and/or bonds plastics, waxes and resins via a thermal metal strip or wire coated with liquefiable substances that melt to open or separate and cool to congeal, seal, vulcanize or bond together when the wire or strip is energized in a shorted state (to heat) or not energized (to cool). Electronic switch modalities and sealing applications are optionally taught for security and tamper detection. In one modality, a unique signal is sent to the gate leg of a micro-processing chip (e.g. an SCR switch) where firmware recognizes the signal and permits current through a thermal wire. This innovation is optionally employed for Homeland Security.

Abstract: A controller adapted to control the temperature of a heating elements with a wide range of positive temperature coefficient of resistance, including very low values, using a sensor in line with the heating element. The controller is able to take account of non-constant mains power supplies and variation in the element resistance over time.

Abstract: A sheet heater structured so that heating wire is fixed to air-passing base material by sewing. This structure can provide a sheet heater that has improved durability of heating wire 2 against the load imposed on the seat during sitting, comfortable feeling of sitting in the seat, and high air-passing capability.

Abstract: Resistive igniter systems are provided that comprise a metal substrate with an associated resistive igniter element in electrical connection through braze applied to the metal substrate. Igniter systems of the invention can enable significantly simplified manufacturing as well as notably higher yield production of more robust igniters. In preferred systems, the braze material is applied to the metal substrate prior to adjoining the igniter and metal substrate, which can enable application of a relatively precise amount of braze in a defined area of the metal substrate.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bonding method, comprising disposing on a first body a second body with a bump interposed therebetween; and electrically and mechanically bonding the first body and the second body with the bump by passing a heating element between the first body and the second body to melt the bump by the heating element, the heating element being heated to a melting point or more of a material configuring the bump.

Abstract: A metal sheathed heater utilizes splice connections that connects ends of a heater cable with ends of a lead wire. Each splice connection has a connector that connects core wires of the lead wires and heater cable together. Heat shrinkable tubing surrounds the connector and ends of the heater cable and lead wires. An adhesive is interposed between the heat shrinkable tubing and heater cable and lead wire ends to bond with the heat shrinkable tubing and complete the splice connection. The metal sheath of the heater can be formed with an enlarged diameter portion to account for the heat shrinkable tubing surrounding the lead wire and heater cable ends.

Abstract: A heat sealer having a heated platen, a cylinder for reciprocating the platen, a die positioned to be engaged by the platen and a shuttle supporting the die to move the die from a platen-engaging position to a non-engaging position, and a control for controlling the temperature of the platen and the force applied to the platen against the die by the cylinder. The invention also includes a temperature sensor for sensing the surface temperature of the platen and a load sensor for sensing the force applied by the platen to the die. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor that reads the surface temperature of the platen and the load sensor is a load cell positioned beneath the die and supporting the die so that the load sensors can measure the direct force applied by the platen against the die. Also, in one embodiment, the infrared sensor is positioned beneath the die so that it can read the platen temperature when the die is displaced to the non-engaging position.

Abstract: A heater is provided that has a temperature sensing control system which can be used for both temperature control and over-temperature protection against element burnout. The temperature control system is comprised of an inlet temperature sensing assembly positioned at the inlet to the heater element and an exit thermocouple positioned in the exit end of the heater element. The exit thermocouple may be used for control the heater temperature and provide over-temperature protection. The inlet temperature sensing assembly is used to detect low or no air flow conditions which could lead to heater element failure.

Abstract: A heater for heating a rigid fluid line or hose for freeze protection. The heater has a base made of an outer base layer, a middle base layer attached to the outer base layer; and an inner base layer attached to the middle base layer. The inner base layer can be uncured silicone (before assembly processing). A resistance wire is wound around an electrically non-conductive core and located on the inner base layer. The resistance wire can be a high gauge wire providing for a small moment of flexure. A cover includes an inner cover layer covering said resistance wire. This inner cover layer can be uncured silicone (before assembly processing). A middle cover layer is attached to the inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer is attached to the inner cover layer. The outer cover layer protects the heater from abrasion.

Abstract: A hair cutting apparatus comprising a structure (126), a portion (1216) of which being adapted for placement against a skin surface where hair is to be cut, a heat generator comprising one or more heat elements (1214) positioned to touch said hair and heated to a temperature sufficient to cut hair, at least one of said heat elements being juxtaposed with said portion and a controller that controls the power source to provide pulsed heating of said one or more heat elements.

Abstract: A self heating thermal protector located in close proximity to a remotely located incandescent light fixture for controlling the flow of current to the lighting fixture by measuring the rate of heat flow from a dedicated heat source. Current is permitted to flow to the lighting fixture when the temperature of the self heating thermal detector is sufficient to avoid deterioration of electrical components such as plastic parts and wire insulation in the associated fixture. The thermal detector interrupts the flow of current to the associated fixture when the temperature of the self heating thermal protector increases to a temperature that is not safe.

Abstract: An electrical resistance heating element having a glow zone and two power supply terminals. The glow zone of the element is tubular. A tubular union is provided between each of the power supply terminals and a respective end of the glow zone, wherein the inner diameter of the union is smaller than the inner diameter of the glow zone. A transition region extends between each union and a respective glow zone end and has a progressively decreasing wall thickness in the direction from the union toward the glow zone.

Abstract: An open coil resistance heater assembly is made for universal mounting between left and right hand installations in an appliance or other equipment. The heater assembly has its coils arranged symmetrically about a bisecting plane of the heater assembly and/or a center line of its terminal assembly aligned with the bisecting plane. The symmetrical coil arrangement and/or bisected terminal assembly allow the heater to be used in right hand or left hand installations.

Abstract: An overheating protection system for a control unit includes an interrupter element, which, in its initial position defined with respect to a circuit board, electrically connects the opposite facing ends of at least one track on the circuit board, and an actuating element which is activated with the overheating of the transistor, and which on actuation against the interrupter element takes effect and releases it at least so far from the tract that the electrical connection is interrupted. A preassembled actuating unit for the interrupter element of the overheating protection is comprises an accommodation housing, in which an actuating element is accommodated and which can be brought into interaction with the interrupter element and which is held releasably by a one-piece latching element formed on the accommodation housing under pretension. An electrical heating device with a control unit protected against overheating is also provided.

Abstract: A heating structure and its temperature control method having therein a heat generating line and a controller. The heat generating line includes a PTC element and a short circuit line serially connected having an insulating fusible layer separating them. When a user sets a heating temperature, electric current is conducted to heat the PTC element, alternative string wave signals input into an AC phase shaping circuit and an AC phase delay shaping circuit are converted into square wave signals; and by measuring with a microprocessor at a given time the phase shift between the two phase shaping circuits to control the switch of a trigger circuit, the PTC element can keep on heating or reduce its temperature to therefore keep the heat generating line at a predetermined working temperature. The structure is applicable to heat generating devices such as electric ovens and heating blankets etc.