Abstract: The invention relates to electric heating elements, particularly of the open coil type, for installation in apparatus, such as room air conditioners or the like, wherein a thermostat is required and is positioned with its heat sensor in close proximity to an active heating portion of the heating element so as to be extremely sensitive to variations in heat. The invention insures that the thermostat is always properly installed, especially after service work has been performed on the air conditioner, and/or the heating element. Briefly, a tab extends from a terminal of the thermostat and is adapted to fit in only one relation within an opening in an insulator bushing. The bushing has an extending lug to fit in predetermined manner with a portion of a cross strip of a supporting frame to hold the bushing from substantial rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a termination for a tubular electric heater, comprising a two-piece body of ceramic or high-temperature plastic which is quickly and easily assembled with a metal spade terminal. The two pieces of the body have interfitting parts which align the pieces longitudinally. One of the pieces has a cavity with a tapered entrance portion for receiving a complementarily-tapered portion of the spade terminal, the latter having a tubular portion crimped about the end of the resistance wire. The invention is adapted for use with a rectilinear heater tube, which may be of glass, quartz or a metal such as aluminum, and simular terminations close respective opposite ends of the tube. The resistance wire is disposed within the tube and is in the form of a helical coil which is tensioned on assembly to draw each termination in abutting relation with a respective end of the tube.

Abstract: Our invention relates to open coil electric heating elements of conventional construction but treated to resist corrosion and to electrically insulate exposed metallic surfaces. In accordance with the invention, the component parts of the heater, except the coiled resistance wire and in some cases the supporting insulating bushings, are assembled and then coated with a silicone resin-based coating composition. The composition is applied in a flowable state to cover all exposed surfaces and fill all cracks and crevices to thereby prevent accumulation of moisture thereat.