Abstract: The present inventive concept relates to electrically-powered, thermal-regulated apparel or heated garments and a controller and related methods of operation thereof. The thermal-regulated apparel item includes a heating assembly having a substrate and shielding layers with an electrical resistance heating element located therebetween. The controller is linked to the heating element and receives measured electrical resistance values from a thermistor or a voltage level of a thermocouple positioned along the heating element and in response, varies an electrical power output to the electrical resistance heating element such that the measured or monitored resistance value of the thermistor, or voltage level of the thermocouple, is maintained relatively constant with respect to a predetermined resistance value or voltage level.

Abstract: A heated garment is disclosed for use by a wearer to impart heat to the wearer in cold conditions. The heated garment includes a wearable garment having an interior portion that resides adjacent a wearer's body. At least one heating pad is disposed in the wearable garment and the heating pad is configured, when heated, to radiate heat from the interior portion of the garment to a wearer. The heating pad comprises at least one heating element fixed to or otherwise incorporated into a flexible carrier. The heating element is configured on the carrier such that, when heated, the heating element produces on the carrier a field of warmth characterized by a plurality of areas of increased thermal energy relative to other areas on the carrier. A power supply is configured to supply operating voltage to the heating element when heat is desired and a controller is used to control the power supply.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a ribbon element, a power source and related components. The heating apparatus can be designed, retrofitted or manufactured into articles of clothing or equipment such as gloves, vests, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, insoles, mitts, handwarmers, seats and other common articles. A ribbon element comprises one or more conductive wires woven into a carrier strip. Various wiring configurations can desirably adjust the resistance of the ribbon element thereof. Methods of manufacture and use are disclosed in conjunction with the heating apparatus.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a textile based heating element, a power source and related components. The heating apparatus can be designed, retrofitted or manufactured into articles of clothing or equipment such as gloves, vests, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, insoles, mitts, handwarmers, seats and other common articles. A textile based heating element comprises one or more conductive wires stitched into a fabric carrier. Various conductive wire configurations can desirably adjust the resistance of the textile based heating element thereof. Methods of manufacture and use are disclosed in conjunction with the heating apparatus.