Abstract: An electric heating pad for warming a patient includes a heated underbody support or heated mattress. The heated underbody support or mattress includes a heater assembly having a flexible sheet-like heating element, conductive bus bars attached at or near side edges of the heating element, and fabric side edge extensions attached to heating element side edges. The heated underbody support or mattress also includes a layer of polymeric foam positioned under the heater assembly and a shell, including at least two sheets of flexible material, covering at least a portion of the heater assembly and the layer of polymeric foam. When the heater assembly is wrapped around the top surface of the layer of polymeric foam, side edges of the heating element extend partially down the two side walls of the layer of polymeric foam and the conductive bus bars lie adjacent those two side walls.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to a flexible heating device having a unique layered assembly structure including a flexible heat generating layer. The present disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the flexible heating device and method of use of the flexible heating device in various applications.

Abstract: A battery-powered scope warmer includes a heated cavity to receive the distal end of a surgical viewing instrument such as an endoscope or laparoscope. The distal end of the surgical viewing instrument is inserted into the cavity in the housing through one or more flexible flaps in the upper portion of the housing. A heating pad forms a curved tray that receives the distal end of the instrument. The flaps enable the distal end of the surgical viewing instrument to be inserted into, or removed from, the cavity in the housing through one or more slits. A de-fogging sponge in the cavity may be moistened with a de-fogging fluid, and one or more absorbent pads may be disposed on the upper portion of the housing for removing excess fluid from the tip of the surgical viewing instrument. The entire warmer, including the batteries, may be disposable.

Abstract: A heater that inhibits the formation of ice in an air gap separating a stationary stator and a rotatable rotor of a rotating machine. The heater includes a plurality of stringers configured to be arranged in associated winding slots of the associated stator adjacent the air gap, and extending between two ends of the heater. Each of the stringers includes two electrical resistance heating traces arranged between two electrical insulation layers that are arranged between two thermal conduction layers. The traces extend along an entire length of each of the stringers between the two ends of the heater. The traces are electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling an electro-thermal heating system in a wind turbine blade, comprising measuring a supply voltage to the electro-thermal heating system, determining a duration of a variable time based enforced off period based on the measured supply voltage, and inserting the variable time based enforced off period between subsequent switching duty cycles that controls the electro-thermal heating system. The present invention also relates to a wind turbine that comprises one or more wind turbine blades wherein each wind turbine blade comprises an electro-thermal heating system and a processor adapted to perform the method.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method of controlling a payload temperature in in vitro diagnostics including: moving, using a track system, a plurality of carriers, along one or more paths between a plurality of testing stations, wherein the carrier is configured to hold one or more payloads, and limiting, using a temperature controlling device, temperature change of the one or more payloads, wherein each carrier is configured to hold one or more payloads and move the one or more payloads to one of the plurality of testing stations. Other aspects are described and claimed herein.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprising a storeroom and a cold air supplier configured to supply cold air into the storeroom. Where the cold air supplier comprises a heat exchanger producing cold air, a duct accommodating the heat exchanger and defining a flow path for air to pass through the heat exchanger, and a fan generating an air flow inside the duct. Where the heat exchanger comprises a tube in which a refrigerant flows and a fin coupled to an outer surface of the tube. Where the tube is eccentrically arranged to a side of the duct.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floor underlayment system and method for radiant heat, comprising: one half inch tile or other floor underlayment board, a series of grooves cut into the tile or other floor underlayment board, electric resistance heating cable inserted into the series of grooves cut into the tile or other floor underlayment board, and sensor wires inserted into the series of grooves cut into the tile or other floor underlayment board.

Abstract: Provided is a heat insulation structure used for a vertical heat treatment apparatus that performs a heat treatment on a substrate. The vertical heat treatment apparatus includes: a processing container having a double tube structure including an inner tube and an outer tube closed upward, the processing container having an opening at a lower end thereof; a gas supply section and exhaust section provided on a lower side of the processing container; a lid configured to introduce or discharge the substrate into or from the opening and to open/close the opening; and a heating section provided to cover the processing container from an outside. The heat insulation structure is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a holder of a smoking article comprising a receiving end and a mouth end opposite the receiving end. The holder defines a socket that is configured to receive a proximal section of a cartridge. The holder has a lighting configuration in which the holder is configured to secure a proximal section of the cartridge to the holder with a heat source of the cartridge opposite the proximal section disposed beyond the receiving end of the holder. The holder has a received configuration in which the holder is configured to secure the proximal section of the cartridge in the socket with the heat source disposed proximate the receiving end of the holder. The receiving end comprises a substantially solid outer wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microfluidic chip, a device and a method for chemiluminescence immunoassay. The microfluidic chip includes a base plate, as well as a first liquid inlet channel, a second liquid inlet channel, a third liquid inlet channel, an immune reaction cell, and a luminescent reaction cell formed on a first surface of the base plate. An outlet end of the immune reaction cell is in communication with a liquid inlet end of the luminescent reaction cell, and a primer is disposed in the immune reaction cell for immobilizing an antigen-antibody complex generated in the immune reaction cell.

Abstract: A passive heater for heating a drainage tube, the passive heater including: an elongated flexible thermal conductor including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to be disposed in contacting relationship with a heat source and at least a portion of the elongated flexible thermal conductor is configured to be disposed in contacting relationship with a portion of the drainage tube; and an eyelet disposed on the first end, the eyelet configured to facilitate the securement of the elongated flexible thermal conductor to the heat source, wherein the first end is configured to receive heat and transmit it along the elongated flexible thermal conductor to increase temperature of the portion of the drainage tube to prevent freezing of a fluid through the drainage tube.

Abstract: A heatable glazing comprising a pane of glazing material with a first portion delimited by a first and a second bus bars wherein a voltage VI is applied and a second portion of the pane in need of rapid heating delimited by the second bus bar and a third bus bar wherein a voltage V2 is applied. The voltage VI is converted into a voltage V2 within the second portion by an electrical converter DC/DC.

Abstract: An asparagus harvester includes a chassis movable over a bed of growing asparagus. Spears above a selected height are severed at the ground by a severing assembly. A conveyor receives from a pick-up apparatus and conveys away asparagus spears severed by the severing assembly. The severing assembly includes a severing blade carried by a plunger mounted in a pneumatic cylinder. Conduits couple the pneumatic cylinder to a source of air under pressure through a valve unit operable for actuating the pneumatic cylinder to repeatedly fire and withdraw the plunger for repeatedly moving the severing blade back-and-forth along a stroke path between a raised set position and a lowered severing position proximate to the ground. A heater mounted proximate to the valve unit is configured to sufficiently heat the valve unit to enable the valve unit to operate in the presence of an ambient temperature sufficiently low to impair its operation.

Abstract: An insertion system includes an insertion section and a rigidity variable portion provided in the insertion section. The rigidity variable portion includes a superelastic alloy member whose rigidity starts changing from a high-rigidity state to a low-rigidity state at a temperature, which varies with a degree of bending of the superelastic alloy member, and a heating member capable of switching between presence and absence of heating of the superelastic alloy member. The insertion system also includes a bending state detection sensor that detects a bending state of the rigidity variable portion, and a rigidity variable controller that controls switching between presence and absence of heating of the superelastic alloy member by the heating member to control the temperature of the superelastic alloy member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for immobilizing and/or securing bone portions. Particularly, at least one embodiment involves a compact anti-rotation device that can secure adjacent bones and/or bone portions in a manner that prevents or limits relative rotational movement thereof.

Abstract: A roofing product can include a heater. In an embodiment, the heater can have different areas that have different heat flux capacities, different portions having heater elements of different lengths or a combination thereof. The roofing product can be installed so that an area of the roof that has a higher heat load, such as near an eave and a valley of the roof, can receive more heat. In another embodiment, the roofing product includes an overhang section that includes at least a portion of the heater. The roofing product can be installed, and the overhang section can be coupled to an object that extends beyond an edge of the roof or over a plane defined by a roof. Many different manufacturing techniques can be used to form the heaters.

Abstract: An autogyro includes a frame and a rotor hub coupled to the frame. The autogyro also includes a connector coupled to the rotor hub and configured to couple the rotor hub to a ground-based pre-rotator device to rotate the rotor hub during a vertical take-off operation. The autogyro further includes a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the rotor hub, each rotor blade configured such that rotation of the rotor hub, during the vertical take-off operation, results in twisting the rotor blade from a first blade pitch distribution to a second blade pitch distribution.

Abstract: A flexible tube insertion apparatus includes an insertion section, one or more stiffness variable portion, and a detection unit. The flexible tube insertion apparatus includes a bending information calculator, a main determiner, and a controller that performs control to increase a stiffness of the stiffness variable portion provided in a segment located in a bent part, when the main determiner determines that the bent part is present and the segment provided in the stiffness variable portion is located in the bent part.

Abstract: An asparagus harvester includes a chassis movable over a bed of growing asparagus. Spears above a selected height are severed at the ground by a severing assembly. A conveyor receives from a pick-up apparatus and conveys away asparagus spears severed by the severing assembly. The severing assembly includes a severing blade carried by a plunger mounted in a pneumatic cylinder. Conduits couple the pneumatic cylinder to a source of air under pressure through a valve unit operable for actuating the pneumatic cylinder to repeatedly fire and withdraw the plunger for repeatedly moving the severing blade back-and-forth along a stroke path between a raised set position and a lowered severing position proximate to the ground. A heater mounted proximate to the valve unit is configured to sufficiently heat the valve unit to enable the valve unit to operate in the presence of an ambient temperature sufficiently low to impair its operation.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution assembly for an airplane, the assembly including an electric switch device for placing in a Karman fairing of the airplane.

Abstract: The present application discloses an automated cooking apparatus that includes a holder configured to hold a container of food or food ingredients, one or more first kinematic pairs, each comprising a first mating part and a second mating part, wherein the first mating part is connected to the holder; a motion mechanisms that can move the second mating parts of the one or more kinematic pairs; and a driver or controller configured to drive or control the motion mechanism to produce a movement of properly fast speed so that a center point on the internal surface of the container is displaced by properly small distance. The first kinematic pairs and the motion mechanisms in combination can move the holder and the cooking pan to produce fast enough acceleration in the container.

Abstract: A method for producing a composite pane, includes arranging a functional element in a recess of a thermoplastic frame film, arranging the thermoplastic frame film along with the functional element between a first glass pane and a second glass pane to form a layer stack, and subsequent joining of the layer stack by lamination to form a composite pane. The thermoplastic frame film and the functional element have a different thickness and the different thickness is at least partially compensated by at least one thermoplastic compensating film, whose thickness is less than twice as large as the difference between the thicknesses of the thermoplastic frame film and the functional element such that the maximum offset in the layer stack is less than the difference between the thicknesses of the thermoplastic frame film and the functional element.

Abstract: Improved systems for heating and cooling a space may include a heating and cooling unit for providing heating and cooling functions mounted inside a housing assembly and a display unit mounted to the housing assembly. A control unit may be coupled to the heating and cooling unit and the display unit. The control unit may be operative to cause an image or video associated with heat be displayed on the display unit when the heating and cooling unit is in the heating mode of operation and to cause an image or video associated with coolness be displayed on the display unit when the heating and cooling unit is in the cooling mode of operation. The control unit may be coupled to a server that enables remotes operation of the system via a client application. Other implementations also may be provided.

Abstract: An electronic pressure regulation system includes an electronic control unit and a fluid assembly, with the fluid assembly including a fluid control branch having a proportional control valve and a heater. The heater may be a strip heater applied to or a coil wrapped around an external surface of the proportional control valve. The system may further include a latching isolation valve. A secondary fluid control branch can be included, and the fluid control branches can be in parallel. The electronic pressure regulation system can be included in an all-electric satellite. Another electronic pressure regulation system includes an electronic control unit and a fluid assembly, with the fluid assembly including a fluid control branch having a proportional control valve, the proportional control valve including two independently-controlled coils for magnetostrictive actuation.

Abstract: A stage according to an exemplary embodiment has an electrostatic chuck. The electrostatic chuck has a base and a chuck main body. The chuck main body is provided on the base and configured to hold a substrate with electrostatic attractive force. The chuck main body has a plurality of first heaters and a plurality of second heaters. The number of second heaters is larger than the number of first heaters. The first heater controller drives the plurality of first heaters by an alternating current output or a direct current output from a first power source. The second heater controller drives the plurality of second heaters by an alternating current output or a direct current output from a second power source which has electric power lower than electric power of the output from the first power source.

Abstract: A micro-heater element for a MEMS sensor device, envisages, in a single conductive layer: an outer ring, defining inside it a window; a heat-diffusion structure, arranged within the window, separated from the outer ring by a first separation gap; and connection elements, arranged between the heat-diffusion structure and the outer ring, and designed to connect the heat-diffusion structure to the outer ring. The outer ring is designed to dissipate energy upon passage of an electric current, and the heat-diffusion structure is designed to distribute, within the micro-heater element, the heat that is transferred by the outer ring through the connection elements.

Abstract: A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.

Abstract: A fluid filling station which has a supply tank, filter, transfer pump, a high pressure valve, an optional flow meter, a pressure relief valve, at least one muffler, a filling head, a control module, a purge head, cylinder dispensing mechanism, and its method of use are provided for. This fluid filling station is capable of refilling many types of fluids, but is preferably for the use with carbon dioxide. Additionally, this station is capable of housing and dispensing prefilled refillable fluid containers.

Abstract: A cooling device for surveillance system includes: an outer housing surrounding a surveillance camera; and a blower positioned on an outer surface of the outer housing and configured to generate cooling air flowing along the outer surface of the outer housing.

Abstract: A method is provided for inspecting a device comprising a plurality of bristles. During this method, image data provided from an electronic optical sensor is received. The image data is indicative of an image of at least a portion of the bristles. A bristle configuration (e.g., an angle) of at least one of the bristles (e.g., an average bristle) in the image is determined by processing the image data with a computer processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for de-icing a fan of a gas turbine engine are disclosed. The systems and methods may include an electrical coil an electrical coil operatively associated with a non-rotating forward assembly of the gas turbine engine; a magnet operatively associated with a rotating surface of the fan, the magnet and the electrical coil producing electricity when the fan is in motion; and a heating element operatively associated with a surface on the fan, the heating element being powered by the electricity produced by the magnet and the electrical coil.

Abstract: The present invention includes a first barrier layer configured to cover a leading edge of the blade or wing; one or more electrical bus bars disposed on the first barrier layer proximate to and substantially parallel with the leading edge; a ground bus bar disposed on the first barrier layer proximate to and substantially parallel with the leading edge; a second barrier layer disposed over the one or more electrical bus bars and the ground bus bar; one or more heating elements disposed on the second barrier layer, and each heating element electrically connected to one of the electrical bus bars and to the ground bus bar; and a third barrier layer disposed over the one or more heating elements.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for strobes and speaker-strobes for a mass notification system are described herein. One device is comprised of a strobe assembly including a strobe and a strobe housing configured to cover at least a portion of the strobe. A plate attached to the strobe assembly can have an aperture configured to allow at least a portion of the strobe assembly to protrude through the plate.

Abstract: A color temperature sensor assembly comprising a sensor body, a substantially dome shaped diffuser extending through an opening in the sensor body, a substantially flat diffuser disposed within the sensor body below the first diffuser, and a color temperature sensing module disposed below the flat diffuser and adapted to detect a color temperature of light collected by the dome shaped diffuser and the flat diffuser. The shape of the dome diffuser helps capture light from all angles to bring in more light to the sensor and provide more accurate readings. The secondary flat diffuser is adapted to further diffuse the light to reduce light concentration and prevent inaccurate readings. The color temperature readings from the color temperature sensor assembly may be used to control at least one lighting load.

Abstract: An ice maker includes an ice making unit and an ice storage bin. A frame is positioned between the ice making unit and the storage bin. An ice making tray is coupled with the frame, including a base defining a first plurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures. A plurality of ice forming features is positioned proximate the first plurality of apertures. The ice forming features are coupled to and extend away from the base. A heating element is in thermal communication with the ice forming features. A wastewater disposal assembly is coupled with the ice making tray.

Abstract: The present invention achieves technical advantages as an engine compartment drainage system that allows fluid on an engine deck to exit an engine compartment, while shielding fluid from airflow. A fluid drainage apparatus utilizes a funnel member to direct fluid to an external drain line. A drain shield circumscribes the top end of the funnel member and upwardly extending therefrom and directs airflow away from the funnel member. A plurality of deck holes are disposed in the drain shield, such that fluid on the deck can enter the funnel member and exit the engine compartment. A fluid drainage system, disposes the fluid drainage apparatus in an engine deck to allow fluid on the deck to enter a funnel member of the apparatus and direct it toward the external drain line.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensor includes a vane that is freely rotatable to align with a direction of an oncoming airflow over the vane. The airfoil includes a root proximate a vane hub that connects to a rotatable shaft, a tip opposite the root, a leading edge, a trailing edge opposite the leading edge, a first lateral face, a second lateral face, and a heating element disposed within the airfoil between the first and second lateral faces proximate the leading edge. The first lateral face extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The second lateral face is opposite the first lateral face and extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The first and second lateral faces are symmetric about a chord of the airfoil and each have an outer surface profile that is nonlinear and geometrically convex from the leading edge to the trailing edge.

Abstract: A controller for an electric heating device comprising a support element and a busbar which is secured on the support element and which is connected to an SMD component in an electrically conductive manner. The busbar is part of an initially single-part stamped metal plate with a severed connecting piece, which separates the metal plate into a supply element and a discharge element, the elements being connected together in an electrically conductive manner solely via the SMD component. Also disclosed is a method of producing an electric heating device generally as described above such that the supply element and the discharge element are produced from the supply element region and the discharge element region on the stamped metal plate, respectively.

Abstract: An example method for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of thin films includes providing a deposition zone in a reaction chamber having a fixed showerhead assembly that introduces CVD reactive gases under positive pressure into the deposition zone. The example method also includes moving a substrate carrier beneath the showerhead assembly in the reaction chamber, the substrate carrier supports and transports at least one substrate within the reaction chamber so as to be subjected to a CVD process by the CVD reactive gases. The example method also includes providing a liner assembly shrouding the deposition zone and including at least one partial enclosure around the deposition zone isolating the deposition zone and the substrate carrier, whereby solid reaction byproducts are plated onto material in the liner assembly and gaseous reaction byproducts flow radially outward, the liner assembly being mounted on the substrate carrier for motion with the substrate carrier.

Abstract: An integrated drain mast structure for use in draining fluids emanating from aircraft components, such as turbine engines and fuselages, for facilitating the detection of fluids leaking from said components. A self-supporting tube section including a plurality of generally aligned fluid passages each having a peripheral wall, at least a portion of which is common with at least a portion of another aligned adjacent fluid passage is connected to one or more of these aircraft components. An aerodynamic fairing includes a plurality of fairing fluid passages each connected to a respective fluid passage of the tube section and having respective fluid outlets. The tube section and fairing section can comprise a single integral structure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for delivering an article formed of a shape memory alloy to a surgical implantation site. The apparatus may include a body having a passage for receiving the proximal portion of the shape memory article, the passage being shaped to substantially prevent the shape memory article from deforming in accordance with its shape memory properties when the proximal portion of the shape memory article is positioned in the passage. An exemplary involves placing the distal portions of legs of a staple in at least one passage in a constraining device that substantially constrains the legs from deforming; and placing the proximal portions of the legs of the staple in at least one passage in an apparatus that, independently of the constraining device, substantially prevents the legs from deforming.

Abstract: The gas turbine engine can have a rotor rotatably mounted to an engine casing, the rotor having compressor blades, and an alternator, the alternator having an armature with a winding forming part of the rotor and a magnetic field generator forming part of the engine casing, with an air gap between the magnetic field generator and the armature, the winding being electrically connected to a resistor embedded in at least one of the compressor blades.

Abstract: A system for managing heat transfer is provided by the present disclosure, which in one form includes a cavity having an inner wall portion, at least one heat-generating component disposed within the cavity, and a plurality of heat conducting members disposed adjacent one another. Each heat conducting member includes a resilient core and an outer shell wrapped around at least a portion of the resilient core. The outer shell is made of a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity, and the plurality of heat conducting members are positioned between the heat-generating component and the inner wall portion of the cavity.

Abstract: A device for heating of railway tracks is provided. The device comprises a magnetic field generator fed with a low-frequency current. The magnetic field generator is formed by a device without a circuit returning a magnetic flux generated by the magnetic field generator. Hereby the magnetic flux can be returned via a heater. The heater is a material generating heat when placed in the magnetic field. The heater can be the railway tracks or a plate provided in conjunction with the railway tracks.

Abstract: An in-line heater system on board an aircraft includes a heater element positioned within a tubing, at least one sensor positioned within the tubing configured to monitor the temperature within the tubing, and an inline heater controller configured to receive information regarding the heater element via the at least one sensor. The inline heater controller is positioned at a location spaced away from the heater element and the tubing. The inline heater controller includes a printed circuit board configured to receive the information regarding the heater element via the at least one sensor, and an aerospace connector configured to transmit the information regarding the heater element via the at least one sensor to the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle camera system with an image capture unit and a drive device by means of which the image capture unit can be displaced from a standby position into at least one operating position, wherein the image capture unit is arranged in a mounting chamber of a motor vehicle and the mounting chamber has a movable closing element, wherein said closing element closes the mounting chamber if the image capture unit is in the standby position thereof, and opens the mounting chamber at least partially to the environment if the image capture unit is displaced into an operating position, wherein the closing element is at least partially transparent, and the image capture unit is aligned in the standby position thereof so that the image capture unit in the standby position thereof captures an outer region of the motor vehicle through the closing element.

Abstract: A system for controlling moisture ingress in aircraft skin mounted electronics, comprising: a moisture diverter comprising a substantially planar base flange, configured to sealingly engage an underlying surface of an interior structure of an aircraft, and, a shroud having a moisture impermeable wall extending inboard from the base flange and defining an enclosure therein for enclosing an electrical connector.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for operating a rear camera with an embedded defroster and proximity switch. An example vehicle includes a rear view camera having a lens, an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coating applied to the lens, and a control system. The control system is configured to detect a water-based obstruction on the lens, run current through the ITO coating to remove the water-based obstruction, detect a lens touch event, and release a vehicle trunk latch responsive to the lens touch event.

Abstract: The present application relates to a de-icing splitter lip for a low-pressure compressor of a turbofan aircraft engine. The splitter lip surrounds the primary flow and includes an annular splitter wall with a circular leading edge, an outer shroud connected to the splitter wall, and a heating device in an electric ribbon that de-ices the splitter lip. The splitter lip further includes an elastic element made of elastomer, holding the heating device on the inside of the splitter wall. The elastic element is compressed, pre-loaded, in the splitter lip. Thus, the elastic element exerts a force F clamping the heating device against the splitter wall and the outer shroud in order to improve thermal contact. The present application also provides a method for assembling a splitter lip.