Abstract: A fabric heating element including an electrically conductive, non-woven fiber layer having a plurality of conductive fibers collectively having an average length of less than 12 mm. The fabric heating element also including at least two conductive strips electrically connected to the fiber layer over a predetermined length, positioned adjacent opposite ends of the fiber layer, and configured to be electrically connected to a power source.

Abstract: Laminar heaters having a laminar heating element with a pair of electrically conductive busbars connected to opposite ends of the heating element and a plurality of areas. The heater has a first electrical resistance in a first area and a second electrical resistance in a second area. At least one of the first area or the second area comprises a plurality of perforations, and the difference between the first electrical resistance and the second electrical resistance arises from a difference in a perforation characteristic of the first portion relative to the second portion. A plurality of heaters or heating elements may be connected together in a system for heating a surface.

Abstract: A heating system including a carbon veil heating element having at least two busbars embedded between opposite layers of insulating film, a connector busbar assembly having at least two connector electrical busbars and a matrix of insulation connecting them, penetrating conductive fasteners configured to protrude through the respective busbars of the heating element and the connector busbar assembly, and a controller configured to connect to the connector busbars and apply electrical current sufficient to cause the heating element to produce heat between the veil busbars. The busbars preferably have a width to thickness ratio greater than 10, more preferably greater than 100. Methods for installing the heating system are also described.

Abstract: Laminar heaters having a laminar heating element with a pair of electrically conductive busbars connected to opposite ends of the heating element and a plurality of areas. The heater has a first electrical resistance in a first area and a second electrical resistance in a second area. At least one of the first area or the second area comprises a plurality of perforations, and the difference between the first electrical resistance and the second electrical resistance arises from a difference in a perforation characteristic of the first portion relative to the second portion. A plurality of heaters or heating elements may be connected together in a system for heating a surface.

Abstract: A fabric heating element including an electrically conductive, non-woven fiber layer having a plurality of conductive fibers collectively having an average length of less than 12 mm. The fabric heating element also including at least two conductive strips electrically connected to the fiber layer over a predetermined length, positioned adjacent opposite ends of the fiber layer, and configured to be electrically connected to a power source.

Abstract: A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube, and wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is near or adjacent to the side wall of at least another tube, and wherein substantially each tube is configured such that the orientation of the tube is substantially maintained when a load is applied parallel to the axis of the tube.

Abstract: A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising: an impact surface; and an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each of said cells comprises a tube, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the tubes of one or more of said cells is arranged at an oblique angle to the impact surface.

Abstract: A body protecting device for wearing by a user comprising an array of energy absorbing cells, wherein each cell comprises a tube, and wherein substantially each tube has a side wall which is near or adjacent to the side wall of at least another tube, and wherein substantially each tube is configured such that the orientation of the tube is substantially maintained when a load is applied parallel to the axis of the tube.

Abstract: A cellular component with cell walls aligned to be loaded in compression by an impact force applied to an impact surface of the absorber from which the cell walls extend laterally, wherein the cells walls are formed from multiple strips of material spaced apart across the impact surface but orientated so that adjacent sides of the walls abut and are joined at spaced regions along the length of the strips. The physical characteristics of the absorber can be varied to vary the impact absorbency longitudinally and/or laterally of the strips. The thickness of a cell wall can be varied either along one length of a strip and/or from one strip to another. The density or material of a cell wall can be varied. The depth of a cell may be adjusted by changing the width of a strip along a strip or from one strip to another. The cross-sectional area of a cell may be varied to give the cell a particular impact absorbency. The length of a joint between strips may also be varied.

Abstract: A protective element is provide in which a honeycomb element for absorbing impact loads is sandwiched between a forward facing load spreading layer and a foam backing. The forward facing layer is transparent so that the condition of the honeycomb can be inspected.