Abstract: A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.

Abstract: An implant applicator and method for positioning a resistive implant material on a first plastic component to be used to form a resistive implant weld between that first plastic component and a second plastic component. The resistive implant material is heated and pressed into a targeted surface of the first plastic component to tack the resistive implant into place. The second plastic component is positioned over the tacked resistive implant and a weld formed in a known manner. The resistive implant material can be heated for tacking by passing an electric current through it before it is pressed into the first plastic component by a second member or by contacting the resistive implant material against a separately heated surface prior to pressing it into the first plastic component.

Abstract: A jamming detection method and a sheet laminating apparatus using the jamming detection method are provided. The sheet laminating apparatus includes a laminating channel, a laminating roller assembly, a distance sensor, a document sensor and a controller. The distance sensor is used for measuring a moving distance of a document. The document sensor is used for detecting a transmitting status of the document. According to the moving distance of the document and the transmitting status of the document, the controller discriminates whether a jamming condition of the sheet laminating apparatus occurs.

Abstract: A double facer that fabricates a corrugated fiberboard and that includes heat plate units having thin walls aims at improving the heat conductive efficiency to fiberboard sheets in order to enhance responsibility to the setting temperature and concurrently avoiding thermal deformation of the heat plates due to a difference in temperature between the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus utilizing distributed temperature sensing (DTS) to monitor the temperature of a cured-in-place pipe liner to determine if proper curing temperatures and times are achieved. More particularly, an optical fiber is placed between the pipe and the liner running the entire length of the liner. The optical fiber is coupled to a DTS unit. During curing of the liner, the DTS unit sends light pulses down the fiber from one end and detects the characteristics and time delay of light backscattered to the unit. The characteristics are indicative of the temperature of the optical fiber, while the delay is indicative of the round trip time of the light within the fiber, and thus the distance from the DTS unit from which any particular backscatter signal originated.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple film application stations. Each film application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head includes a heated roller which applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The roller is most preferably heated with multiple IR heaters controllably energized to achieve a desired roller temperature without too large a gradient of temperature difference across the film application contact surface of the roller.

Abstract: The present invention includes an activating step S2 of activating, by irradiating a first substrate surface of a first substrate and a second substrate surface of a second substrate with particles, the second substrate surface and the first substrate surface, and a bonding step S4 of bonding the second substrate and the first substrate together by bringing the second substrate surface and the first substrate surface into contact with each other after a temperature difference between a temperature of the first substrate and a temperature of the second substrate becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value. According to this bonding method, warpage occurring in a bonded substrate obtained can be further reduced compared with other bonding methods of bonding both substrates before the temperature difference between the temperature of the first substrate and the temperature of the second substrate becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A welding system for heat welding a component to the contact surface workpiece is provided with a carriage and a component holding positioning unit and workpiece melting unit. The component holding unit and workpiece melting unit each include a respective hooked-shaped holding arm assembly and an associated support assembly used to secure and movably mount the holding arm assembly and an associated support assembly used to secure and movably mounted the holding arm assembly to the carriage. A heating or welding unit is mounted towards a distal end of the holding arm assembly, and which is operable to melt the contact surface when moved thereagainst. The component holding unit is provided with a component holder operable to fixedly grasp or release the selected component in its mounting to the workpiece.

Abstract: A method for joining a fastening element on to a surface portion of a component, the fastening element having an adhesion face, on to which there is applied an adhesive that is thermally meltable and thermally settable, comprising the steps of: pre-heating the adhesive to a first temperature (T1), in order to activate the adhesive; pre-heating the surface portion to a second temperature (T2); and placing the adhesion face on to the surface portion; the adhesive undergoing main heating, to a third temperature (T3), after the adhesion face has been placed on to the surface portion, in order to set the adhesive and thereby permanently fasten the fastening element to the component.

Abstract: A component coupling apparatus for mounting a component to an internal contact surface of a hollow workpiece which includes a positioning unit and at least one component holding unit. The component positioning unit includes a processor having memory which pre-stores data representative of a workpiece target feature and an access opening therein. The component positioning unit includes a 3D laser scanner/digitizer which is movable to scan the exterior surface of the workpiece and identify the axial centers of the access opening and target feature, and calculate the distance and/or directional vector therebetween. The component holder unit includes component holder supported on a support arm. The component holder releasably secures the component to be joined to the workpiece, and is sized for insertion at through the access opening to move the component into alignment with the contact surface.

Abstract: An optical fiber end processing method includes fixing two portions of an optical fiber, heating and fusing the optical fiber between the two fixed portions, to form a first heat fusion region, heating and fusing the optical fiber fixed between the two fixed portions unit while fixing the two fixed portions, moving a heat fusion unit from a side of the first heat fusion region toward a base end side of the optical fiber, and pushing a heat fusion portion of the optical fiber in a direction of shortening a length of the heat fusion portion, to form a second heat fusion region continuous to the first heat fusion region and in which the air holes of the optical fiber disappear; and removing the first heat fusion region by cutting the optical fiber within the second heat fusion region after the second heat fusion forming.

Abstract: Provided is a wafer bonding apparatus which performs pressurization and heating and eliminates nonuniformity of wafer thickness by changing the shape of a pressurizing surface so that planarity of a wafer bonding surface is improved. The wafer bonding apparatus places a plurality of wafers to be bonded between an upper unit (101U) and a lower unit (101L), and bonds the wafers by applying pressure and heat by the upper unit and the lower unit. The wafer bonding apparatus is provided with a top plate (111), a pressure profile control module (131), and a heater section arranged between the top plate and the pressure profile control module for heating. Shape change generated on the surface of the pressure profile control module causes change of the surface of the top plate.

Abstract: A system for controlling the strength of seals imparted to workpiece layers by a sealing roll and an anvil roll, the sealing roll and the anvil roll arranged on opposing sides of a conveyed web of workpiece layers, heating elements provided on at least one of the rolls, temperature sensors provided on the at least one of the rolls, and a controller in communication with the sensors and in operable communication with the heating elements. The sealing roll includes a textured sealing surface, the textured sealing surface being divided into a plurality of regions, the texture of a first of the regions being different from a texture of a second of the regions. By controlling the temperature of the respective regions, detrimental effects of anvil wear on the strength of the seal imparted to the workpiece layers may be offset, increasing the service life of rolls.

Abstract: Paper and continuous web scanners operate at varying and high temperature conditions. Regulating the temperature within the measurement gap between dual scanner heads during measurement and calibration modes of operation by employing air wipe and sheet guide temperature control assures consistent and accuracy sensor measurements of sheet characteristics. Air wipes blow pre-heated air into the measurement and the sheet guides are heated. The air temperature fluctuations that otherwise caused significant adverse effects on the sensors that measure, for example, the basis weight, ash content, and thickness of the moving sheet, are eliminated.

Abstract: A method and support apparatus for providing structural support to a mold or mandrel, such as a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus configured for shaping a composite part. The support apparatus may comprise a rigid structural member and a plurality of SMP cells attached thereto and configured to inflate or deploy in a malleable state toward and against a surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. Then the SMP cells may be returned to a rigid state while still pressed against this surface, thereby providing structural support when composite material is applied to an opposite surface of the SMP apparatus, mold, or mandrel. After the composite material is cured into the finished composite part, the SMP cells may be deflated or otherwise collapse toward the structural member to provide enough clearance to be removed from the cured composite part.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonic debulking a composite laminate includes the steps of defining a path across the laminate, the path having a starting location and an ending location and applying a force to and transmitting ultrasonic vibration into the laminate along the path, beginning at the starting location and ending at the ending location. The method further includes determining a temperature of a surface of the laminate proximate to the path and varying at least one of an amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration, the applied force, a feed rate at which the force and the ultrasonic vibration are applied along the path, an angle at which the ultrasonic vibration is applied to the laminate, and an interval at which plies of the laminate are processed, based upon the determined temperature of the surface of the laminate.

Abstract: A heat-seal device generally includes a heat source, a thermal conductor, which encapsulates at least a portion of the heat source and is capable of transferring heat from the heat source, and a thermal insulator, which substantially surrounds the thermal conductor but leaves a portion thereof exposed, the exposed portion of the thermal conductor providing a heat-seal contact surface, which is adapted to be brought into contact with a material to be sealed.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process and an apparatus for combination of steel tubes or pipes with plastic linings, in which steam is used as heat carrier to heat the steel tubes or pipes lined with linings. The apparatus comprises a multifunctional combining chamber, a multifunctional carriage for conveying tubes or pipes, an arrangement for steam circulating, which continuously supplies re-usable steam, a cooling and shaping arrangement and a controlling device. The steam circulating system comprises a furnace for re-heating the steam and means for supplying supplementing steam. The percentage of passing the qualification control is increased up to 99.9% by embodiment of the method and/or apparatus according to the present invention, while it is only 97% by a conventional apparatus, and the production capacity is increased by 15%.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming objects. Layers of precursor material may be placed on top of each other. The layers of precursor material may be selectively cured as the layers of precursor material are placed on top of each other to form an object and a frame associated with the object.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of applying a thermally settable coating to a patterned substrate, such as an asphalt surface. The coating is applied in one or more preformed thermoplastic sheets and heated in situ to conform the thermoplastic material to the pattern formed in the underlying substrate. In one embodiment of the invention a pattern is formed in the asphalt surface using a removable template which is impressed into the asphalt when it is in a pliable state. The pre-formed sheets are then applied to the patterned surface and gradually heated. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the template is impressed into the pre-formed sheet and asphalt surface simultaneously after the sheet has been heated to a suitable temperature in situ. A bond reduction agent may be used to minimize adhesion between the template and the heated thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A laminating device is provided that can increase the rate of rise of a laminating temperature and keep the laminating temperature stable without using a temperature control system for a heat source. The laminating device for stacking and bonding a laminate film 11 coated with a hot-melt adhesive and a sheet 12 has a thermal pressure bonding and conveying device 10 that thermally pressure-bonds the laminate film 11 and the sheet 12 while stacking and conveying them.

Abstract: This application relates to a method of applying a thermally settable coating to a patterned substrate, such as an asphalt surface. The coating is applied in one or more preformed thermoplastic sheets and heated in situ to conform the thermoplastic material to the pattern formed in the underlying substrate. In one embodiment of the invention a pattern is formed in the asphalt surface using a removable template which is impressed into the asphalt when it is in a pliable state. The pre-formed sheets are then applied to the patterned surface and gradually heated. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the template is impressed into the pre-formed sheet and asphalt surface simultaneously after the sheet has been heated to a suitable temperature in situ. A bond reduction agent may be used to minimize adhesion between the template and the heated thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A film application system having multiple foil application stations. Each foil application station has a support for an elongated plastic component (typically vinyl) having an input and an output side. A drive moves successive elongated components along a path through the application station from the input side to the output side as decorative foil is applied to a surface of the component. A properly positioned and oriented transfer head applies heat and pressure to the elongated film as the component moves through the application station. The disclosed system must accommodate different style and shape components corresponding to different style windows, doors, or sashes. A backing fixture that is configured to support a given configuration component is positioned to support the component as the component moves through the application station in a region of the transfer head.

Abstract: The rotational vacuum press with a membrane; according to the invention, is aimed at veneering of profiled surfaces and laminating of wooden elements and other materials according to a modem facilitated with pressure generated by vacuum and applied on the surface through the membrane. It is consisted of the main construction (21) on which central axis (16) is placed on which at least four turning working tables are placed (12) with moveable frame (14) which has an elastic rubber membrane fixed on (13) under which, on the working table (12), a working piece (15) is placed preheated in the heating chamber (31) with heaters (36), which is placed on rails in the low down part of the construction (21).

Abstract: A bookbinding apparatus for bookbinding a sheet by applying adhesive including, an adhesive tank for storing adhesive; first and second heaters for heating the adhesive; a first adhesive temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the adhesive at a first position; a second adhesive temperature sensor for detecting temperature of the adhesive at a second position; an agitation member for agitating the adhesive in the adhesive tank; and a control device, wherein the control device operates, the agitation member after the heaters are turned on, then turns off the second heater and continues to have the first heater on after the second heater has been turned off when the second adhesive temperature sensor detects that adhesive temperature has reached a first temperature that is higher than an application temperature, and then completes a warm-up when the first adhesive temperature sensor detects that adhesive temperature has reached the application temperature.

Abstract: A sheet laminating apparatus with an instant heat control function includes a first cylindrical roller, a second cylindrical roller, a first long metal sheet, a first heat-generating case, a second long metal sheet, a second heat-generating case, a contact sensor and a controller. The first long metal sheet and the second long metal sheet are very thin and small, so that the temperature is quickly changed. By using the contact sensor to detect the surface temperature of the first cylindrical roller under control of the controller, the instant heat control function of the sheet laminating apparatus is achieved.

Abstract: A transfer label machine has a post treatment station for exposing newly applied labels to heat in order to finish and gloss out the label. The heat is applied through a nozzle coupled to a hot air supply system that includes a blower, ductwork, and a heating element disposed in the airflow. A temperature probe measures temperature of the air flow and an IR sensor measures the resulting temperature of containers on which the labels have been applied. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is programmed with proportional integral derivative (PID) algorithms to control the blower speed and the heating element to provide the appropriate amount of heat for the labeling or processing speed at which the labeling machine is operating. A vision system can confirm the quality of label after the post treatment heating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand welder (1) for welding plastic workpieces by melting a plastic welding filler, comprising a feed device (4) for feeding the welding filler into a melting device (5) for melting the welding filler and to which a welding head (7) with an outlet (58) for the molten welding filler is attached on the outlet side, which is characterised in that the melting device (5) has at least two melting units (24, 25) disposed next to one another, and every melting unit (24, 25) has its own passage channel (38, 39) for the welding filler, the passage channels (38, 39) opening out into a mixing head (6) for mixing the molten welding fillers passing out of the passage channels (38, 39).

Abstract: A press is described having an upper platen. The press includes a support arm adapted to selectively move the upper platen between an open position, a partially open position and a closed position with respect to a lower platen. An electromagnet is disposed proximate the support arm and configured to selectively secure the upper platen in the closed position. Another electromagnet, which may be disposed proximate a base member, is configured selectively to secure the upper platen in a partially open position.

Abstract: A laminating apparatus having a thickness-detecting function is provided. Before the laminating operation is done, the thickness of the article to be laminated is detected by a thickness detecting mechanism of the laminating apparatus. According to the detected thickness, the temperature or the rotating speed of the heating roller of the laminating apparatus is dynamically adjusted.

Abstract: A composite part layup is cured using a set of tools adapted to hold the layup and which include at least one tool face contacting the layup. Means are provided for heating the tool face to cure the part layup, and for selectively cooling sections of the tool face.

Abstract: A laminating arrangement comprising: a laminating roller; a radiating element adapted to radiate energy therefrom towards the laminating roller; a temperature detecting arrangement, adapted to detect the temperature at the surface of the laminating roller; and a processor adapted to receive a signal from the temperature detecting arrangement device and to control the intensity of radiation emitted by the radiating element, wherein: a maximum warm-up rate is defined; and during a warm-up phase of the laminating arrangement, the rate of increase in temperature at the surface of the laminating roller is determined by the processor, and the intensity of radiation emitted by the radiating element is increased if the rate of increase of temperature is less than the maximum warm-up rate, and is decreased if the rate of increase of temperature is greater than the maximum warm-up rate.

Abstract: A system for performing an ultrasonic staking operation in order to join a first part having a post protruding therefrom and a second part having a hole through which the post is passed includes a horn having an end vibrating at a frequency in the ultrasonic range and a motion system operatively connected to the horn, the motion system being capable of selectively moving the horn toward and away from the parts. The motion system moves the horn, with the end of the horn in contact with the post, toward the parts at a first speed such that the ultrasonic vibrations of horn cause melting of the post, and once a determination is made that the end of the horn has contacted a surface of the second part, the motion system moves the horn toward the parts at a second speed, the second speed being slower than the first speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the position- and angle-compensated welding of a component (6) to a base body (5), in particular to a blow molding, comprising the working steps of three-dimensionally recording the geometrical and positional data of the joining face (51) of the base body (5), positioning at least one heating element (221) on the basis of the recorded geometrical and positional data in such a way that a constant distance between the heating element (221) and the joining face (51) of the base body (5) is achieved over the entire joining face (51), plastifying the joining faces (51, 61) of the base element (5) and the component (6) and bringing the plastified joining faces (51, 61) of the component (6) and the base body (5) together.

Abstract: A mould for manufacturing a composite part including at least one fibre reinforced matrix in particular a wind turbine blade is provide. The mould includes at least one thermal insulating core layer disposed between at least one inner laminate layer and at least one outer laminate layer and at least one heating and/or cooling means disposed in contact or in close proximity to the inner and/or outer laminate layer.

Abstract: In a label manufacturing method, at least a part of a heat sensitive adhesive sheet is heated to develop adhesive properties by using a thermal head having heating elements and by using a transporting unit that transport the heat sheet to pass through a position contacting with the heating elements. Image data is generated on an image area of the sheet and an image editing process is performed so as to divide the image area into at least two types of parts that are set as heated and non-heated parts, respectively. An edited image obtained as a result of the image editing process is input as a heating pattern. The thermal head and the transporting unit are driven based on the input heating pattern and the heating elements are selectively operated in timed synchronization with the transportation of the sheet. In the image data generating step, the image area is displayed on a display as a binary image including a colored part and a non-colored part.

Abstract: A process and system for making a laminated surface covering and the surface covering itself are described. The covering includes several layers bonded to each other. The system performs the process. One example of the process includes passing a first material across a first conveyor, passing a second material across a second conveyor, passing a bonding material across a third conveyor, contacting the first material and the second material to the bonding material, and heating at least one of the first material and the second material. The process also includes introducing the first material, the second material, and the bonding material into a pressure zone such that the bonding material is introduced between a bottom surface of the first material and a top surface of the second material. The process applies pressure to bond the first material and second material together via the bonding material to produce a laminated material.

Abstract: A method for heating a work piece or a welding interface using a vibration welding system includes positioning the work piece adjacent to a welding tool to define the welding interface and then heating the work piece or the welding interface to within a calibrated threshold temperature using a thermal device, e.g., a heat rod, laser device, or blower. A high-frequency vibration may be applied to form a weld. The work piece may include an adjacent interconnecting member and battery tab. The thermal device may be embedded within the welding tool and controlled via a temperature controller. A vibration welding system includes a welding tool, a thermal device, and a controller. The controller controls the thermal device to thereby control the welding temperature at or along the welding interface. The thermal device may be embedded within the welding tool, which may be configured as an anvil body in one embodiment.

Abstract: A polymer composition with a polymer matrix material and magnetic particles. The composition is selectively electro-magnetically heatable by an electrical induction energy frequency that is pulse width modulated through variable time cycles to provide controlled heating.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic welding apparatus, ultraviolet-curable ink droplets are discharged to an upper surface of stacked sheets by means of an ink-jet head to land the ink droplets in a predetermined area on the upper surface of the sheets. The sheets, on which the ink droplets have been landed, are interposed and pressed between a welding horn and a receiving stand, while the welding horn is ultrasonically vibrated. Accordingly, the stacked sheets are welded to one another at portions opposed to the predetermined area in which the ink droplets are landed. In this way, the ultrasonic welding apparatus is provided, which makes it possible to perform the ultrasonic welding irrelevant to the shape of the area to be subjected to the welding.

Abstract: A substantial portion of the peripheral edges of two panels forming a component of a motor-vehicle body, in particular a front bonnet of a motor-vehicle, is joined by interposing a thermosetting adhesive. Polymerisation of the adhesive is obtained by heating, without introducing the structure into an oven, by means of one or more induction heating coil, which are shaped and arranged in proximity and along the peripheral edges of the two panels. The quality of the induction heating process is controlled according to signals output by a thermographic detection camera which is positioned adjustable at a point from which it can acquire a thermographic image of the entire extension of said peripheral edges of the panels to be joined, so as to allow simultaneously controlling the temperature reached by each portion of the peripheral edges of the panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminating foil having an initial roughness on at least one side, which makes the laminating foil matte, wherein the laminating foil has a marking configured as a surface pattern with surface portions on the matte side or at least on one of the matte sides, wherein the roughness of the surface portions is different from the initial roughness. The invention furthermore relates to a laminating foil set comprising the laminating foils, a method for hot laminating sheet material using such laminating foils, a laminating unit for using the laminating foil, and eventually a laminating system including the laminating unit and the laminating foils.

Abstract: The use of a heat idler moveable along a path provides speed and flexibility in the heat labeling of containers.

Abstract: Bonding apparatus (10) for bonding a thermoplastic first material (12) to a second material (14) includes a heater arrangement (22) for heating a bonding surface (16) of the first material (12) to melt the bonding surface (16), and moving means (30) for moving the first and second materials (12, 14) together to a bonded condition.

Abstract: A tire retreading system includes a chamber for receiving an assembly of a precured tread disposed over a crown portion of a tire casing and a controller for determining a first predetermined temperature in the chamber at a first predetermined amount of time. The controller subsequently determining a second predetermined temperature in the chamber at a second predetermined amount of time. The second predetermined temperature is less than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A laminating arrangement includes a laminating roller and a radiating element to radiate energy therefrom. A reflector has a main body and is configured so that energy radiated from the radiating element is reflected and concentrated to exit the reflector in a direction towards the laminating roller. A thermal connector has first and second ends, the first end being in thermal contact with the main body of the reflector. When the radiating element is switched on, and the temperature of the second end of the thermal connector and the temperature of the surface of the laminating roller are approximately equal and below an optimal laminating temperature, the temperature of the second end of the thermal connector rises at substantially the same rate as the surface of the laminating roller. A thermometer is positioned to measure the temperature of the thermal connector at or near the second end.

Abstract: Apparatus for bonding rubber O-Rings from cord stock, rubber extrusions and extruded tubing materials, consists of heated die-sets, holding fixtures, electronic module, assembly device, spring clamping and pneumatic clamping arrangement. The combined heated die-set and holding fixture are two separable heat conductive blocks having a common interface. Apertures are located across the interface having diameters or matching shapes of extrusions, these apertures are slightly less than the cord or extrusion dimensions, the rubber is axially mated in the open heated aperture, and will stay unlovable when the clamping device is closed. The electronic module controls both a heating and timing device for proper control of maintaining a constant temperature and accurate timing cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a heating station, a laminating and transfer-printing station, and a molding station in succession, and a transport arrangement that transports the material being processed among the stations. In the heating station, a substrate is pre-heated and consolidated. In the laminating and transfer-printing station, a decorative cover layer is laminated onto the substrate and simultaneously a surface decoration (design, pattern, image, colors, text, etc.) is transfer-printed by sublimation of inks or dyes from a transfer paper onto an outer surface of the decorative cover layer. The resulting laminated body with a transfer-printed surface decoration is then three-dimensionally deformed and molded to form a three-dimensionally contoured, molded, laminated article with the transfer-printed surface decoration. The article may be a motor vehicle interior trim component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminator and a method for controlling the heating rollers of the laminator. In the preheating stage, the rotational directions of the heating rollers are reverse to those during the heating and pressing operation. As a consequence, the article fails to be transported across the region between the heating rollers before the heating and pressing operation is performed.

Abstract: An exemplary hot-melting method includes the following steps. A hot-melting machine (20) is provided. The hot-melting machine includes a rotatable worktable (23), a heater (25), at least one cooler (26), and a plurality of carriers located on the worktable and being uniformly spaced apart. A first workpiece loaded on a first one of the carriers is cooled using the at least one cooler. Simultaneously, a second workpiece loaded on a second one of the carriers is heated using the heater.