Abstract: A method includes providing an article having an oxidizable organic compound and an organoleptic compound; advancing the article toward a means for treating the article, the means for treating the article including a treating medium, and a means for applying the treating medium to the article; and applying the treating medium to a surface of the article so as to lower the amount of the organoleptic compound in the article. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A high thermal conductive silicon nitride structural member of the present invention contains a rare earth element in the range of 1.0 to 7.5 wt. % calculated as oxide thereof and Li, Na, K, Fe, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ba, Mn and B as impurity cationic elements in a total amount not greater than 0.3 wt. %, and has the thermal conductivity not less than 60 W/(m.K), preferably not less than 80 W/(m.K). Also, a high thermal conductive silicon nitride sintered body consists of silicon nitride particles and a grain boundary phase, a crystal compound phase in the grain boundary phase being not less than 20 vol. %, preferably not less than 50 vol. %, with respect to the entire grain boundary phase, and has the thermal conductivity not less than 60 W/(m.K), preferably not less than 80 W/(m.K).

Abstract: Alignment of a mask, such as a photolithographic mask, to a workpiece, such as a printed circuit board is improved using a frame having sides that are individually thermally expandable. The mask is fabricated to be undersized so that the distance between fiducials on the mask is less than a desired distance, which may be the distance between corresponding fiducials on the workpiece. The mask is mounted on the frame, whereafter at least one side of the frame is heated to expand the side and stretch the mask to achieve the desired interfiducial distance.

Abstract: Heating tiles have electrical resistance wires on their under surfaces which are covered with a non-conducting sheet, adjacent tiles being physically and electrically connected to provide any chosen area for heating such as the bottom of a bird cage, kennel or for heating blankets.

Abstract: An electrically-conductive fine particle powder comprises fine, hollow spherical particles of non-magnetic material such as glass or resin plated with a metal and having a bulk density of 0.2 to below 0.9 g/cm.sup.3. An exothermic electrically-conductive coating or paste comprises the above powder and a synthetic resin binder. An electrically-conductive heating unit is formed from a suitably shaped solid or solid surface coated or impregnated with the above coating or paste and is operable at low voltages.

Abstract: A system for maintaining desired temperature control of a specimen observed under a microscope includes an objective lens heater comprising a heating element placed within a heat sleeve, which surrounds the objective lens casing. When an electric current is applied, the heating element is activated, heating the objective lens to a desired temperature. The heated objective lens may be used in combination with a stage heater to ensure that the specimen will be maintained at a desired physiological temperature during observation.

Abstract: A retainer member (2) suitable for retaining a gap filler (1) placed in gaps (20) between adjacent tile members (21, 22). One edge of the retainer member (2) may be attached to the gap filler (1) and another edge may be provided with a plurality of tab members (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) which in an intermediate position do not interfere with placement or removal of the gap filler (1) between tile members (21, 22). The retainer member may be fabricated from a shape memory alloy which when heated to a specified memory temperature will thermally activate the tab members (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) to predetermined memory positions engaging the tile members (21, 22) to retain the gap filler (1) in the gap (20).

Abstract: A soil heater assembly (SHA) utilizes for example, two or more, 5 ft by 10 ft heating sections rigidly bolted together. Each section contains three NICHROME heating elements encased in ceramic beads which are floatingly pinned to a 4-inch thick ceramic fiber insulation encased in NEXTEL cloth. The heating elements run across the entire length and width of the SHA, spaced approximately three inches apart. The heating sections are pinned to their respective 5 ft by 10 ft stainless steel support frame, which is made out of structural angles and flat bars, with pins running through the four-inch ceramic fiber insulation. Since the insulation is somewhat compressible and the pins are slideable therethrough, i.e. not fixed, the heater elements can move or "float" vertically to accommodate surface irregularities of the soil. Both heating sections and support frames are then positioned side-by-side on the ground, bolted together, and covered by another four inches of fiber insulation.

Abstract: A preheat device for preheating an internal combustion aircraft engine having an air intake pipe connected to a cylinder head by threaded mounting bolts is configured as a replacement bolt with a zinc - plated body having a bolt head and threaded shank. The body is made of steel heat treated to grade 8 hardness and tempered at apprximately 1,050 degrees F. and had an axial bore open at the head and extending toward and into the shank. An electric heating element surrounded by a stainless steel sheath is positioned in the bore. The shank has a thread with a flat root to provide a wall thickness approximately 0.060 inch. Each cylinder of the engine is provided with a preheat device in place of a mounting bolt and the preheat devices are connected to each other by a wiring harness connectable to an external power source. When energized the heating element of each preheat device generates heat that in transferred through the screw threads to the cylinder head of the engine cylinder.

Abstract: A substrate heater for the production of superconducting films utilizing a nickel alloy block uniformly heated with a resistance heating element fully immersed in a brazing material that fills a recess in the block. Massive electric power connectors surround the heating element leads outside the braze material so as to provide a protective heat sink therefor and also to mechanically strengthen the block against warpage.

Abstract: An electric heater for heating a workpiece including at least one heat generating wire which generates heat upon application of an electric current thereto, and which has a diameter of not more than 1 mm. Each heat generating wire has a heating portion which is formed by bending so as to at least partially define a heating space. The workpiece to be heated by the electric heater is positioned relative to the heating space, such that the workpiece is spaced apart from the heating portion of the heat generating wire or wires.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a steering wheel with electric heating and to a process for its manufacture. In a first embodiment of the invention a heating conductor made of spring steel (7) is used and is imbedded in an outer zone of the steering wheel sheath with spring force directed outwardly and which is wound so that it provides interconnected, clamp-like open windings (8). This configuration of the spring wire (7) causes it to adhere to the inside of the torus-shaped foaming ring (5) during the foaming process in manufacture, so that it is thereby held in the desired position and need not be slung around the steering wheel core (6) with individual windings. In a further embodiment of the invention the heating conductor is formed so that the sheath consists of foaming material into which the appropriate amount of conductive particles is incorporated.

Abstract: A system for annealing a vessel (14) in situ by heating the vessel (14) to a defined temperature, composed of: an electrically operated heater assembly (10) insertable into the vessel (14) for heating the vessel (14) to the defined temperature; temperature monitoring components positioned relative to the heater assembly (10) for monitoring the temperature of the vessel (14); a controllable electric power supply unit (32-60) for supplying electric power required by the heater assembly (10); a control unit (80-86) for controlling the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60); a first vehicle (2) containing the power supply unit (32-60); a second vehicle (4) containing the control unit (80-86); power conductors (18,22) connectable between the power supply unit (32-60) and the heater unit (10) for delivering the power supplied by the power supply unit (32-60) to the heater assembly (10); signal conductors (20,24) connectable between the temperature monitoring components and the control unit (80-86) for deli

Abstract: A blind rivet or bolt is rendered fluid tight by applying heat activated sealant to some or all of the surfaces of the rivet that contact surfaces of the structure into which the rivet is inserted. The sealant is activated by a temperature self regulating heater formed by applying ferromagnetic material to appropriate locations on the rivet and heating the ferromagnetic material by an energizing structure associated with the rivet actuation tool, the structure depending upon whether the heater is activated by flux coupling from a coil or by ohmic heating.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a uniform heat flux dryer system and method of an ink jet printer, including a 180.degree. contoured paper transport path for transferring paper from an input paper supply tray to an output paper collection tray. During this transfer, the paper receives a uniform heat flux from an infrared bulb which is located at the axis of symmetry for the paper transport path, and reflectors are positioned on each side of the infrared bulb to maximize heat transmission from the bulb to the paper during the ink drying process. Advantageously, the input and output paper trays may be vertically aligned on one side of the printer to facilitate loading and unloading of the paper.

Abstract: An electrically heated soft toy for transmitting warmth to a person hugging the toy includes an outer casing filled with a soft stuffing material enclosing a battery powered electrically heated heat storage mass disposed in a cavity in the stuffing material and surrounded by a resiliently flexible mass of fibrous heat transfer material, such as a mass of tangled copper wires, having a greater thermal conductivity than the stuffing material. The stuffing material surrounds the fibrous heat transfer material except for a portion of the fibrous material which is in direct engagement with a selected portion of the outer casing so that heat is concentrated at a specific region on the exterior surface of the soft toy, which region may be reinforced by a flexible panel of durable wear resistant material, thereby making the transfer of heat to the person using the toy more effective.

Abstract: A window burner for creating windows by selective removal of polymer type coatings from capillary columns and very small diameter tubes. The burner includes an electric circuit which provides a predetermined, controlled current from a standard 120 or 220 volt AC outlet. The predetermined, controlled current electrically heats a resistive wire for a predetermined period of time. The resistive wire may have a predetermined configuration to facilitate mounting of the capillary column for selective burning. The size of the resistive wire and the predetermined period of time during which the predetermined, controlled current is provided thereto are factors determining the size of the window formed by selectively burning off the polymer coating.

Abstract: Uniform electrical heating of a circular, single crystal germanium window (18) uses its bulk resistance and pairs of electrodes (20) equally spaced about the window's periphery. The electrode pairs are sequentially switched at a rate high enough to avoid thermal switching transients.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a uniform heat flux dryer system and method for an ink jet printer, including a 180.degree. contoured paper transport path for transferring paper from an input paper supply tray to an output paper collection tray. During this transfer, the paper receives a uniform heat flux from an infrared bulb which is located at the axis of symmetry for the paper transport path, and reflectors are positioned on each side of the infrared bulb to maximize heat transmission from the bulb to the paper during the ink drying process. Advantageously, the input and output paper trays may be vertically aligned on one side of the printer to facilitate loading and unloading of the paper.

Abstract: The resistivity/temperature characteristics of PTC conductive polymers which have little or no cross-linking can be modified by stretching. The rate at which resistivity rises with temperature is increased, and the peak resistivity is decreased; however, the decrease in peak resistivity is substantially smaller than that observed with PTC conductive polymers having a high degree of cross-linking. Therefore, heat-recoverable electrical devices, particularly for covering telephone and other cable splices, comprise (a) a layer of a PTC conductive polymer which has little or no cross-linking, (2) an adjacent heat-recoverable layer of a PTC or ZTC conductive polymer which has a relatively high level of cross-linking, and (3) electrodes which can be connected to a power supply so that current passes through the layers and causes recovery of the device; preferably an uncrosslinked PTC layer is sandwiched between two cross-linked ZTC layers. Non-recoverable devices, e.g.

Abstract: This invention is to disclose an insulated heated sprue bushing in plastic molding apparatus, and comprises a plastic molded segment as a thermal barrier to insulate or break the heat flow between the sprue bushing shoulder and neck section of the stem of the sprue bushing, and a heater band placed on the head of the sprue bushing.

Abstract: A branch-off region at an end of a sleeve (2), enclosing for example a branch in a telecommunications cable, is sealed by positioning at the end of the sleeve (2) a clip (1) or a filling piece that forms terminal conduits (3), positioning a heat-activatable adhesive (5) in the end, and activating the adhesive by a heater such as an electrical heater.

Abstract: A heater for microscopes for heating a sample and maintaining the sample, which is mounted on a platform of the microscope, at a preset temperature during observation of the sample. The heater includes a platform for supporting thereon a sample container and a heater for heating at least part of the platform. A first heater box is fitted, open end down, over the platform and is connected thereto to form a first space which surrounds the sample container. A second heater box is then fitted over the first heater box in such a manner that a second space which surrounds the first heater box is formed. Heater means are provided for heating the second space. Accordingly, the temperatures in the first space and in the second space can be controlled independently to achieve better control over the temperature of the sample which is to be observed and to control condensation which may otherwise form in the sample holding container.

Abstract: A locking device for holding a movable member of an apparatus rigidly in place during shipment. A locking element is made from a material exhibiting a "shape memory", and is deformed at a temperature below its transition temperature and installed in the apparatus so as to lock the movable member firmly in place. When it is desired to be able to operate the apparatus in a normal mode, the locking element is heated electrically to a temperature above the transition temperature, so that it resumes the original shape and releases the movable member.

Abstract: A method of repair of an article incorporating the application of considerable thermal energy, e.g. a welding operation, requires heating of the article both in the repair area and surrounds wherein the heating of the repair area and surrounds is carried out by flexible heating mats and wherein fixing means are used to securely fix the heating mats to the article, which fixing means may readily release at least a part of the heating mats whereby that part may be folded back or otherwise removed from the repair area to allow the repair step to be carried out. After repair, that part of the heating mats removed from the repair area may be replaced.

Abstract: A system for discharging coal frozen in railroad gondola cars includes provision for passing current through the shell of a gondola to melt the icy interface between coal and gondola, and for dropping the frozen coal out of the gondola by inverting the gondola; an embodiment includes shaking the gondola while inverted, after which the coal may be mechanically broken; special articulated electrodes or high current bus bars with electromagnets for self-holding of the bus bars to the sides of a gondola are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is an elongated radiant electrical heater. An elongated parabolic shaped reflector has mounted at its focal point a ribbon heater. A thermal insulation material is mounted on the side of the ribbon heater opposite from the side of the focus where the reflector is positioned. The radiant ribbon heater is deeply corrugated with the height of each corrugation being a multiple of two to three times the width of each corrugation whereby the deep corrugations not only provide mechanical strength, but also increase effective emission per unit area of the radiant heating element.

Abstract: In a heating system for heating a ceramic body suitably adapted for, but not limited to, a detector to measure the oxygen concentration of a gaseous mixture such as automobile exhaust gas by using the principle of an oxygen concentration cell made of an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte body with electrodes mounted on opposite surfaces thereof, the inventive heater or detector and the method use AC voltage electrode means provided on the solid electrolyte body to apply an AC voltage thereto for heating the heater or detector.

Abstract: The disclosed heater with solid electrolyte has a resistor embedded in or tightly secured to a solid electrolyte and an AC power source connected to the resistor, so that heat is generated both in the resistor by an alternating current from the AC power source and in the solid electrolyte by an alternating current flowing therethrough depending on the temperature-sensitive resistance of the solid electrolyte being heated by the resistor.

Abstract: A heating element comprises a resistor comprising a plurality of fine particles or thin films having a negative temperature coefficient of electrical resistance, and highly resistant region layers interposed between the fine particles or thin films, at least two separate electrodes arranged in contact with different particles or layers of the resistor, and means for applying across said electrodes an AC electric voltage, said means operable at AC frequencies which are not lower than a frequency whose complex impedance characteristics which when graphed in the manner shown in FIG. 4 hereof correspond to point B of said graphed complex impedance characteristics. This heating element has the following merits that it can be formed into an optional shape, is low in the power consumption, can be rapidly heated, has temperature self-adjusting performance and temperature detecting performance and is excellent in the durability.

Abstract: A system for releasing parts of a spacecraft construction that are contained by the use of a tensioned cable, made of a material that will degrade or decompose under the influence of heat, and stretched between two supporting elements of the construction. At least one heating element is connected to an electrical power source mounted into a frame that is attached to the spacecraft structure, in a manner such that the heating element and the opposed cable section are pressed towards each other. The tension in the cable is of sufficient degree to displace the ruptured ends of the cable, when broken, out of contact with the heating element.

Abstract: A multiple-pane, hermetically-sealed, thermal-resistant window with a spacer between adjacent panes for maintaining separation between the panes wherein the corners of the spacer are rigidified and locked by a corner insert which prevents separation of adjacent spacer frame members and wherein the spacer frame members are attached to the window frame to prevent and/or reduce movement of the spacer frame members. The seal around the cavity between adjacent panes is completed after the temperature of the window components and the cavity air is about equal to the temperature of the ambient air. A resistance heating wire is applied to the outside surface of the spacer frame intermediate the adjacent panes of glass.

Abstract: Safety interlock for operating handle of drain valve of deep fat fryer which blocks valve-opening movement of operating handle and is movable to unblocking position and thereby shuts off fry pot burner, subsequent valve-opening movement of handle maintaining interlock in unblocking position and interlock automatically returning to handle-blocking position upon movement of handle to valve-closing position.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier has a support bar centrally supported at one end of a stem portion. The stem is carried at its opposite end on a base. Columns are interposed between the ends of the support bar and the base. Heat is applied to the columns, preferably by resistive heating elements, to heat them and cause their thermal expansion, causing the support bar ends to be bent away from the base. A relatively flexible workpiece which has been bonded to the support arms on a surface facing away from the base will undergo the same bend.

Abstract: A thermal release device made up of a heating element in contact with a thermally fusible connective link which upon supplying electric current to the heating element melts through the link and parts the linkage.

Abstract: A flat plate of thermally conductive material, such as aluminum, has mounting holes for connecting it on one side on a support and on the other side to an instrument which is to be thermally stabilized. The plate is internally traversed by a heating wire and is recessed near one of its edges to provide a platform on which temperature-sensing control elements such as a thermostat, a heat limiter and an alarm indicator can be positioned in close proximity to the wire. The platform is encased by a housing in which these elements and their connections are embedded in synthetic potting resin.

Abstract: A cast body of concrete material having abrasive surface portions contains an electrical heating element to provide a warmed resting place for attracting and warming animals thereon, such as reptiles while providing an abrasive, sandy exterior to aid reptiles when shedding their skin.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for pyrolysis cleaning of residues from equipment used in the treatment and processing of synthetic materials, particularly synthetic plastics. The process comprises a first stage in which the equipment to be cleaned is heated in a closed chamber in the absence of air at a temperature above the melting point of the synthetic material from which the residue is left, and a second stage in which the equipment is heated at a higher temperature in the presence of air. The apparatus preferably comprises a slightly inclined, substantially horizontal heating chamber including a drain at the lower end for collecting melted residue, a vent for gases distilled from the residue with means for burning such gases, and an air inlet for introducing air to the chamber during the second stage.

Abstract: A battery heating system comprises a number of storage batteries and an alternator driven by a variable speed prime mover connected to supply AC heating current to the batteries. The system is arranged so that the AC current is substantially constant over the working speed range of the prime mover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective helmet having a helmet shell resistant to mechanical stress. The helmet shell is composed at least partially of meltable material and is provided along at least one of its separating lines with an elongate separating device in the form of an electrical resistor element, said separating device being provided with at least two terminals to which an electric current source is connectable.

Abstract: A heating device for installation on the roof of a structure to permit water to flow off the structure from behind a blockage of ice. An elongate, hollow tubular member defines a chamber in which is situated a point heat source. A jacket of insulative material surrounds the tubular member to retard heat loss. One side of the jacket faces the roof and has a channel open to the tubular member such that heat transfer from the tubular member occurs primarily through the channel. When the device is installed on a roof, heat radiated through the channel forms heated passageways through the ice blockage for escape of water.

Abstract: At least one heat destructive layer is embedded between an upper portion made of concrete and a lower portion made of concrete in a structure at the time of the construction of the upper portion of the structure. The heat destructive layer has at least one heating device and at least one heat destructive part made of plastic material or the like. Electric power is supplied to the heating device at the time of the destruction of the upper portion of the structure, whereby the heat destructive part is to be destroyed and easy destruction of the upper portion of the structure can be obtained.

Abstract: The tubular stainless steel structure of a nuclear reactor fuel rod thermal simulator is heated to nuclear fuel rod operating temperatures by means of a gaseous glow discharge established within the tubular structure. In a preferred embodiment a length of the simulated fuel rod is internally clad with tungsten, or Mo or alloys thereof, hermetically sealed at both ends and filled with a glow discharge sustaining gas such as hydrogen or helium. A center electrode structure, as of tungsten, or Mo or alloys, is centrally disposed within the gas filled tubular envelope. Power is applied between the center electrode and the outer tubular envelope for initiating and sustaining the glow discharge for heating the outer tubular envelope to nuclear fuel rod simulating temperature.

Abstract: A device utilizing thermal and electrical energy for cooking food in a minimal time, particularly pieces of food in a flat configuration such as meat patties or hamburgers, steaks, and bacon.