Patents by Inventor Ronald E. Papenfuss

Ronald E. Papenfuss has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Method of manufacturing a molded heating element assembly
    Patent number: 6748646
    Abstract: A heated element assembly and method of manufacturing heated element assemblies is provided. The heated element assembly including a first and second molded sections shaped to mate with each other is provided. A resistance heating element is secured between the first and second molded sections by an interference fit. The resistance heating element includes a piercable supporting substrate and a resistance wire sewn thereon. The resistance wire is disposed in a predetermined circuit path which is substantially encompassed by the first and second molded sections. The resistance heating element is easily fixed in a position between the first and second molded sections and is capable of providing heat on vertical, horizontal and contoured surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Watlow Polymer Technologies
    Inventors: Theodore Von Arx, Keith Laken, John W. Schlesselman, Ronald E. Papenfuss
  • Molded assembly with heating element captured therein
    Patent number: 6433317
    Abstract: A heated element assembly and method of manufacturing heated element assemblies is provided. The heated element assembly including a first and second molded sections shaped to mate with each other is provided. A resistance heating element is secured between the first and second molded sections by an interference fit. The resistance heating element includes a piercable supporting substrate and a resistance wire sewn thereon. The resistance wire is disposed in a predetermined circuit path which is substantially encompassed by the first and second molded sections. The resistance heating element is easily fixed in a position between the first and second molded sections and is capable of providing heat on vertical, horizontal and contoured surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Watlow Polymer Technologies
    Inventors: Theodore Von Arx, Keith Laken, John W. Schlesselman, Ronald E. Papenfuss
  • Molded assembly with heating element captured therein
    Publication number: 20020088111
    Abstract: A heated element assembly and method of manufacturing heated element assemblies is provided. The heated element assembly including a first and second molded sections shaped to mate with each other is provided. A resistance heating element is secured between the first and second molded sections by an interference fit. The resistance heating element includes a piercable supporting substrate and a resistance wire sewn thereon. The resistance wire is disposed in a predetermined circuit path which is substantially encompassed by the first and second molded sections. The resistance heating element is easily fixed in a position between the first and second molded sections and is capable of providing heat on vertical, horizontal and contoured surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Theodore Von Arx, Keith Laken, John W. Schlesselman, Ronald E. Papenfuss
  • Heating element containing sewn resistance material
    Patent number: 6415501
    Abstract: Heating elements, electrical devices and processes for manufacturing these components are provided. The heating elements and electrical components employ a resistance heating material, such as Ni-Cr wire, sewn with a thread to a supporting substrate, such as a non-woven glass mat. The sewn thread supports the relatively thin cross-section of the resistance material when a fusible layer is applied, such as by molding a polymer under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: John W. Schlesselman, Ronald E. Papenfuss, Theodore Von Arx
  • Heated toilet seat and methods for making same
    Patent number: 6307180
    Abstract: A toilet seat comprises a resistive wire sewn to a support material such as a fibrous mat. The wire is preferably sewn in an annular pattern or a sinuated pattern disposed throughout the seat. The heating element can be contained within a toilet seat core, which can have a shell molded thereon to form a toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Watlow Polymer Technologies
    Inventors: Theodore Von Arx, Clifford D. Tweedy, John W. Schlesselman, Ronald E. Papenfuss