Abstract: A filtering apparatus for a reflow oven includes a contaminated-gas inlet for receiving contaminated gas from a reflow oven; a filtering device configured to filter the received contaminated gas; a returned gas outlet for returning filtered gas to the reflow oven; a gas removal arrangement for allowing gas to escape from the apparatus; and a control arrangement for controlling the rate of gas flow through the gas removal arrangement such that in use the flow rate of contaminated gas flowing from a hotter region of the reflow oven to a cooler region of the reflow oven is controlled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating system for heating the interior of a motor vehicle, there being a liquid circuit for dissipating engine heat and delivering heat to the vehicle interior, and a valve block for controlling the liquid flow in the liquid circuit. The electrical heating device is integrated in the valve block to heat the liquid flowing through the valve block.

Abstract: A method and miniature analytical device with thermal regulation of reactants using a localized heat source capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation, such as light emitting diodes (“LED”s) and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (“VCSEL”s), generating internal heat, such as resistive, inductive and Peltier heaters, or external heating. The miniature analytical device comprises of array of temperature-controlled zones to restrict the volume heated and localize the heating by having the localized heat source comprise an array of emitters or heaters.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to prevent outer taps from being damaged by the effects of frost. To this end, the invention provides a heating device for heating a tap (1) with an electrothermal converter (2) means. Said heating device is mounted in or on the tap. The invention also relates to a valve device in which a heating means can be plugged into a corresponding socket (11), thereby effectively preventing the tap from freezing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heater for an electric central buffer coupling in which at least one heating element (3) is placed in a recess of the coupling head (1) and is covered toward the outside. To improve the transfer of heat from the heating element (3) into the coupling head (1) and to reduce the expense of assembling and dismantling the heating element (3), the recess is precision fitted to the diameter of the heating element (3) and the recess is constructed in such a way that after completion of the recess the heating element (3), including its seal to the front side, can be introduced into the recess and is to be removably affixed to the coupling head (1).

Abstract: A hydrogen storage device prevents localization of hydrogen occlusion alloy and ensures rapid discharge of hydrogen. The hydrogen storage device has a plurality of porous molded pieces arranged longitudinally at predetermined intervals. Conductive cushioning materials are inserted between the molded pieces and between the molded pieces and an adiabatic insulation material. The conductive cushioning materials include first conductive cushioning materials inserted between the adiabatic insulation material and upper and lower end surfaces of the molded pieces and second conductive cushioning materials inserted between left and right end surfaces of the adiabatic insulation material. Disposed at opposed ends of a row of the molded pieces are movable urging electrodes which can move in response to dimensional changes of the molded pieces resulting from their volume changes and which urge the molded pieces to constantly maintain physical contact between the molded pieces and lids.

Abstract: A heat transfer material comprised of a polymeric material and a nitride or oxide is provided and is thermally conductive, but electrically non-conductive. The polymeric material may be silicone rubber, and the nitride or oxide may be aluminum nitride, boron nitride, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide or beryllium oxide. The material is made flexible by adding plasticizer and remains flexible after an extended period of use. A dielectric jacket for an electrical heating cable is thermally conductive and remains flexible so that it can be reused. The heat transfer material can be used on heating devices such as steam tubes and panels, where the heat transfer material does not bond to or adhere to the heated surface, which allows the heating device to be reused.

Abstract: A heater for a window of an optical gas sensor is provided. The heater may be positioned over a portion of the window or may form at last a portion of the window. Alternatively, the heater may be separate from the optical gas sensor and positionable (e.g., by a transducer) over the window either in contact therewith or in close proximity thereto. The heater may be substantially transparent to the relevant wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are used in optical (e.g., infrared or luminescence quenching) monitoring of respiratory gases, anesthetic agents, or the like. Alternatively, the heater may be configured so as to provide a substantially unobstructed optical pathway through the window. Optical gas sensors and complementary transducers that include the heater are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dry sterilizer includes a container for containing beads, a heater, and a resilient member disposed adjacent to an opening of the container. An instrument, after sterilization, is tapped against the resilient member to remove beads attached to and lodged in the instrument and the removed beads are returned to the container. The resilient member prevents beads from entering a housing of the sterilizer by blocking a gap between the container and the housing at the opening.

Abstract: A point-of-sale storage device for an electronic heating pad includes a storage tube and a lid that removably attaches to the storage tube. The storage tube may be clear plastic, and coloring may be added to distinguish different models of electronic heating pads. A method for storing the electronic heating pad includes coiling a cord and controller assembly attached to the pad, placing the coiled cord and controller assembly along an edge of the pad parallel to straight sections of heating wire within the pad, rolling the pad in a direction so as to roll the pad around the coiled cord and controller assembly, inserting the rolled pad into the storage tube, and closing the storage tube with the lid. Optionally, the rolled pad may be inserted into a cloth sleeve prior to inserting the rolled pad covered with the cloth sleeve into the storage tube.

Abstract: A heated stuffed animal is provided for therapeutic use which includes a soft body having an inner cavity and an outer covering, said outer covering having an appearance of a live animal, an electric heating pad disposed within said inner cavity for generating heat, said electric heating pad including an electric power cord projecting outside of said outer covering for connection to an AC electric outlet power supply, means for selecting a temperature of heat generated by said electric heating pad, and a ballast material disposed within said inner cavity.

Abstract: A coating (626) comprising a ferroelectric, lossy dielectric, ferromagnetic or semiconductor material is disposed near an object (620). AC current flows through an electrical conductor (624), creating an electromagnetic field. The coating (626) absorbs energy from the electromagnetic field, thereby generating heat, which melts snow and ice on the object (620).

Abstract: A heating device for filter elements of a soot filter, as well as a soot filter are described. The filter elements are disk-shaped and stacked on one another in said soot filter. The heating device has a tubular heater with an outer tube and a heating conductor located therein. The essence of the invention is a very small diameter of the tubular heater compared with conventional tubular heaters. It is also constructed in such a way that its path covers a certain area. This can e.g. be a quadrant or semicircle in a round filter element. The arrangement of the tubular heater in the soot filter is such that it passes close to the filter surface of the filter elements.

Abstract: A domestic oven is controlled for use in proofing and cooking bread. In accordance with the invention, at least one heating element of the oven is first energized to bring the oven to a first high temperature representing an overshoot temperature which allows activation of yeast inside dough. Once the first high temperature is reached, the temperature is allowed to drop to a second level which is maintained by cycling the heating element(s) on and off to allow proofing of the bread. A fan is also provided to circulate air in the oven when a rapid proofing sequence is selected.

Abstract: A high vacuum valve prevents the transfer of heat from a valve plug of a valve via a valve shaft to a low temperature portion. The high vacuum valve is constructed such that the valve plug arrives at a position opposed to a valve seat in accordance with rectilinear motion of the valve shaft and then the valve plug is pressed against the valve seat in accordance with swinging motion of the valve shaft to close the valve.

Abstract: A ring assembly manufacturing apparatus (30) and method provides heat to a ring (216) such as a polymeric ring from an infrared source (48). A ring assembly (214) includes a ring (216) and a hub (218) within the ring. The ring (216) is traversed into a chamber (46) such that the ring (216) is exposed to infrared energy from the infrared source (48). The infrared energy causes the ring (216) to expand thereby facilitating assembly with the hub (218).

Abstract: To make it possible to provide high quality heating or warming with low environmental pollution for a low environmental pollution vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, an automotive air-conditioning apparatus has a hot water circuit that includes a hot water heater (heat source unit), a hot water circulating pump and a heater core to thereby perform a heating operation for heating passenger compartment air wherein, an electric motor is excited under the condition that the rotation thereof is fixed to thereby generate heat in the electric motor. The generated heat is utilized as a heat source for the hot water heater. The restricting mechanism may include two electric motors which are rotated in opposite directions to each other or a lock mechanism.

Abstract: A device and method for the removal of excess embedding tissue from histological samples comprising a plate with heating elements. The plate has at least one trench and a plurality of grooves at the surface of the plate. The plate is arranged at a slight angle as compared to a horizontal plane. Once the device reaches working temperature the user slide the cassette, with extra embedding medium down the surface of the plate. The extra embedding medium melts from the cassette and runs through the plurality of grooves to the trench and finally to a receptacle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming points on the ends of wires having receiving means for receiving a wire, a heating device, as well as means for stretching the wire, in addition to a procedure for forming points on the ends of wires.

Abstract: A decorative heating pad assembly (10) is provided which includes a main body (12) in the form of a stylized mock animal such as a manatee. The assembly (10) has stitched-together top and bottom walls (24, 26) with soft, pliable fill (29), and presents a trunk or primary section (18) together with appendages such as head (20) and flippers (22). A fabric panel (14) is secured to the bottom wall (26) to form a pocket (44) adapted to receive a heating pad (46). The pocket (44) is configured so that a user's hand and forearm (A) can be inserted within the pocket (44) between the pad (46) and bottom wall (26). A variety of stylized animal configurations can be used, such as a manatee, turtle, bear, beaver, dog and cat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing prestressed or pressure-containing connections, such as in a pipe clamp, in remote or hazardous locations. A connection, having bolts that are heated and pretensioned, can easily be uniformly tightened with a robotic device.

Abstract: A combination radio and electric ironing device. Standard radio components and an electrical heating element are built into the thermoplastic casing of the device, which is made of lightweight and durable polymeric material. The electrical heating element is flat bottomed and forms the iron portion of the invention. Standard radio components include an on/off switch, an AM/FM tuner, an AM/FM switch, an AM/FM dial face, two speakers and a retractable antenna. The iron portion of the invention includes an on/off switch and a slidable adjustment bar to control the temperature of the iron. The combination radio and electric ironing device also has a convenient handle and utilizes a standard electrical outlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for reactivating an electric battery (B) which is no longer able to supply the required minimum amount of electrical power to a connected consumer unit because it was supercooled by frost. The object of the invention is to create a solution, at a justifiable cost of time and energy, which enables the consumer unit to operate as soon as possible or keep it operating after the effect of extremely low temperatures on the battery. According to the invention, the reactivation of the battery takes place by internally heating the electrolyte, which is achieved with the help of its own time-controlled current via the battery contacts, whereby a negligibly small electric output is transformed in the external circuit. To that end the high internal resistance during supercooling is utilized and works as an internal heating element. A reactive load (X) is advantageously connected to at least one inductive and/or capacitive element through the battery contacts (+,−).

Abstract: A heat-retractable shape memory clamp used in surgery applications is closed with a device for heating and closing heat-retractable clamps. The device includes an electronic power and control circuit which is capable of delivering different predetermined amounts of heat, each corresponding to a clamp of a given size. Settings of the electronic power and control circuit are matched to the type and size of the clamp being used so that the prongs of the clamp are closed automatically, and without the danger of accidental bone necroses. Any of a variety of heat-retractable shape memory clamps of the type generally referred to in the industry as “hot staples” may be employed with the heating device, including monocortical and bicortical bipodes, epiphysial bipodes and quadripodes, with preferred staples comprising a quantity of a nickel-titanium alloy which varies between 0.8 g and 2.8 g.

Abstract: A window assembly for a mass transit vehicle adapted to receive a transparent protective member to be positioned adjacent an inner surface of a piece of window glazing by a set of retaining brackets that provide rapid removal of the member without having to remove the retaining brackets. The retaining brackets enclose all four edges of the vehicle window glazing and incorporate a defined space between the window glazing an the inner surface of the retaining brackets. The protective member is positioned within the defined space and can be moved between a secured position and a release position.

Abstract: A fluid control valve which comprises a valve body structure having a fluid flow passage therethrough and a first sealing surface means and a closure structure for controlling the fluid flow through the passage with the closure structure having a second sealing means adapted to engage the first sealing means to shut off fluid flow through the valve wherein there is formed in the valve body structure an annular groove proximate the first sealing means for the positioning therein of an electrical heater cable overlaid with a heat conductive layer, the heated cable extending into and out of the valve bodies so as not to interfere with the operation of the valve, the electrical heater cable in communication with a source of electrical energy.

Abstract: A method for heat-sealing a sheet of heat-resisting polymer to a heat-resisting polymeric fitment, which enables the fabrication of a containment and delivery system for a bulk quantity of meltable adhesive, wherein a rigid container is lined by a heat-resisting flexible envelope, with a heater interposed between them. Ports are sealed to the envelope to permit the filling and draining of molten adhesive.

Abstract: A reticulate heater has a net-mesh-like-structured heat generator 2 including a plurality of heater wires 20 each having the same wire diameter of from 0.02 to 0.12 mm. The plurality of heater wires 20 are formed into the net-mesh-like-structured heat generator 2 by a tricot knitting technique wherein loops are vertically formed by vertically knitting the heater wire on a continuous and planar basis. The knit meshes of the tricot knitting each have a pitch of 0.5 to 5 mm. Also, the heater wires may be the ones prepared by covering the heater bare wires with a for-enamel-wire coating. Further, the net-mesh-like-structured heat generator 2 may be the one including a plurality of first heater wires each consisting of a heater bare wire only and a plurality of second heater wires each prepared by covering the heater bare wire with a for-enamel-wire coating, the first and second heater wires being formed into the net-mesh-like-structured heat generator by a tricot knitting technique.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating substances such as beverages, soups, chemicals, etc., with heat produced by circulating electrical eddy currents. In one form of the device, a magnetic flux generating base produces a varying magnetic field by using an electric motor to move a plurality of permanent magnets. The varying magnetic field induces the eddy currents to circulate in a ferromagnetic conductor that is sealed in the bottom of a container resting on the magnetic flux generating base. Losses due to the eddy current produce heat that is transferred into the substance within the container. In another embodiment, the motor moves one or more magnetic flux shunts to vary the magnetic field experienced by the ferromagnetic conductor. The presence of the container on the magnetic flux generating base can be detected and used to control the operation of the electrical motor.

Abstract: A pipe stand instrument heater system for heating an instrument within an enclosure supported by a pipe stand. The heater system includes a housing mounted to the pipe stand and a heater unit in the housing. A bracket is provided for mounting the instrument to the housing. The heater unit can be powered by electric, steam or other fluids.

Abstract: A device for achieving vacuum conditions more quickly in a semiconductor processing system having a vacuum pump, a gate valve and a chamber includes a rigid body containing heating elements that contact the surface of the gate valve. The device may include a U-shaped retainer clip for holding the device to the gate valve. A method for heating a gate valve to drive off contaminants involves heating the lower portion of the gate valve to drive contaminants towards the vacuum pump.

Abstract: A method of preconditioning a battery 34 of a hybrid electric vehicle 10 to improve cold temperature starting of vehicle 10. The method utilizes the vehicle's electric starter/generator 16 to generate forward and reverse torque pulsations which draw power from battery 34, thereby heating the core of battery 34. The forward and reverse torque pulsations are further effective to rock the engine crankshaft 18, thereby eliminating static friction and reducing the torque required to crank engine 14.

Abstract: A device for heating and closing heat-retractable clamps for surgical use includes a housing which encloses an electronic power and control circuit, a power cord connected to the circuit, and a heating unit for applying heat to the clamps. The electronic power and control circuit includes a power supply, a controller and a regulating circuit for delivering different predetermined amounts of heat, each corresponding to a clamp of a given size. The heating unit is capable of being sterilized in an autoclave and includes a linking cord, one end of which is capable of being plugged into the housing for the electronic circuit and the other end of which is coupled with a sleeve having a pair of electrodes and a control switch for operating the electrodes.

Abstract: An electronic device has a case enclosing at least one heat producing component. The at least one heat producing component is capable of transmitting heat energy outside of the case. The electronic device further has a thermal sensor connected to control logic that is capable of sensing the heat energy outside of the case. The control logic is coupled to the at least one heat producing component such that it is capable of regulating the heat energy from the at least one heat producing component in response to the sensed heat energy from the thermal sensor.

Abstract: A gas turbine sealing arrangement which includes a seal housing having at least one seal in close proximity to the turbine rotor. The seal housing is preheated prior to turbine start-up to thermally move the seal housing and its seal radially away from the rotor.

Abstract: An electrical unit is provided, in which a damage caused by catching fire of heat-generating components therein is minimized without raising a molding cost of a terminal-attached cover of the electrical unit, thereby improving a quality of the electrical unit. The electrical unit contains a terminal-attached cover that covers a plurality of heat-generating components mounted on a circuit board. The terminal-attached cover contains a base, surrounding walls extended vertically downwardly from peripheries of the base, and terminals that penetrate the base and stick out up and down, wherein the terminal-attached cover made of flameproof resin is integrally molded.

Abstract: A drainmast including an electronic temperature detecting and control circuit contained in a fairing detects the temperature of a drain tube and the electronic temperature detecting and control circuit selectively applies voltage to one or more heating elements in accordance with the detected temperature. The applied voltage may be unequally applied to the heating elements. The electronic temperature detecting and control circuit only requires two leads, one for ground and one for the supplied voltage. The drainmast is reliable, has a long life span and rapidly responds to temperature changes.

Abstract: A pipe stand instrument heater system heats an instrument within an enclosure supported by a pipe stand. The heater system includes a housing mounted to the pipe stand and a heater unit in the housing. A bracket is provided for mounting the instrument to the housing. The heater unit can be powered by electric, steam or other fluids.

Abstract: An electric motor includes a stator having a plurality of conductive windings radially spaced about a central axis. A rotor is located radially inward up the stator and is rotationally fixed with respect to a shaft along the central axis. The rotor and the stator are disposed in a frame. A heater is in operative communication with the windings. A thermostat is in operative communication with the heater and is configured to activate and deactivate the heater responsively to a motor temperature.

Abstract: A thermal de-ice and anti-ice system for aircraft surfaces employs a laminate in which flexible expanded graphite foil is an electrical and heat conducting layer that is disposed below an outer heat conducting layer, with an electrically insulating layer below the graphite layer. The flexible expanded graphite layer requires about three times less wattage than known resistance heating pad thermal systems to achieve de-ice and/or anti-ice temperatures. The temperature of the surface is controlled by varying the power supplied to the flexible expanded graphite layer of the laminate in response to a real time temperature value transmitted to a power control.

Abstract: A heated firearm or shotgun stock of the present invention includes a set of batteries, a switch, connecting wires and a generally flat electrically heated insert for locally heating a portion of the stock surface. When the switch is closed, the electric current flowing through resistance heating element in the heated insert causes the insert to warm thereby heating a portion of firearm stock surface.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling small flows of gas, such as would be used by a satellite (or microsatellite) for orientation thrusters includes a photoetched silicon body etched to provide one or more particular flow paths, and optionally filters, where the flow path is defined by the silicon body and a sealing glass layer bonded thereto. Flow is controlled through the flow path(s) by heating the body to decrease the gas flow.

Abstract: The heating device comprises electrically conducting longitudinal fibers extending substantially parallel to a leading edge of the aerofoil close to said leading edge, and means for electrically connecting the ends of the longitudinal conducting fibers to an electric power supply. The conducting fibers are grouped together in conducting rovings forming part of a hybrid fabric which furthermore includes a weft of electrically insulating fibers woven together and woven with the conducting rovings.

Abstract: A brush block assembly, for providing stationary mounting of electrically conductive brushes in contact registration with associated slip rings of a rotating interface, comprises a main housing adapted for mounting in proximity to the rotating interface and having a recess portion for releasably engaging a brush holder, and a brush holder formed from a thermoplastic molding compound comprising an organic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filler distributed within a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) thermoplastic resin, for securing the brushes within the recess in contact registration with their associated slip rings.

Abstract: An autoclave type sterilization device which includes an autoclave sterilization chamber with an electrical heating arrangement mounted thereon. This electrical heating arrangement employs one or more positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors as heating elements. These heating elements are in direct thermal and electrical contact on opposing sides, which are coated with a conductive metal such as aluminum, with electrodes to supply electrical current. These electrodes are, in turn, in direct thermal contact on their outward-facing sides with respect to the heating elements with plates which are formed of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating ceramic material such as AL.sub.2 O.sub.3, and the plates are in direct thermal contact on their outward-facing sides with respect to the heating elements with heat radiation units which include heat transfer portions which are fabricated to engage and are in direct thermal contact with a portion of the wall of the autoclave chamber.

Abstract: A cabinet for housing telecommunications equipment in outdoor locations includes an enclosure for containing the telecommunications equipment. A subrack is mounted within the enclosure. A duct directs ambient air from outside the cabinet to the subrack. The duct includes an inlet disposed in a lower portion of the cabinet and a subrack inlet plenum disposed immediately below the subrack. A subrack exit plenum is disposed above the electronic subrack for exhausting air heated by the electronics equipment. A fan draws ambient air into the inlet through the duct into the subrack inlet plenum, through the electronic subrack into the subrack exit plenum, and out of the enclosure through the subrack exhaust plenum. A heater is provided for heating inlet air when ambient temperatures are low. The fan and heater are controlled by a thermal controller. At low ambient temperatures, the air flow is maintained constant by the fans and power to the heater is varied to maintain the subrack inlet temperature constant.

Abstract: A micromachined platform structure includes a substrate having a major surface and a platform positioned over the major surface. Plural support beams are tethered between the substrate and the platform, with each support beam including at least a first layer exhibiting a first thermal coefficient of expansion (TCE) and a second layer with a second TCE, the first TCE greater than the second TCE. The first layer is deposited on the second layer at a temperature that is higher than an ambient temperature at which the platform is to be used. Thus, at the ambient use temperature, the first layer is in a contraction/tension state relative to the second layer and causes a flexure of the support beams and an elevation of the platform away from the substrate's major surface.

Abstract: A thermal actuator comprising a first conductive material encased in a second non-conductive expansive material wherein said first conductive material is constructed in the form of a corrugated heater element so as to increase the rate of thermal transfer to said second non-conductive expansive material.

Abstract: Provided is a novel system and method for delivery of a gas from a liquified state. The system includes: (a) a compressed liquified gas cylinder having a gas line connected thereto through which the gas is withdrawn; (b) a gas cylinder cabinet in which the gas cylinder is housed; and (c) means for increasing the heat transfer rate between ambient and the gas cylinder without increasing the temperature of the liquid in the gas cylinder above ambient temperature. The apparatus and method allow for the controlled delivery of liquified gases from gas cabinets at high flowrates. Particular applicability is found in the delivery of gases to semiconductor process tools.

Abstract: The brush block housing for providing stationary mounting of graphite composition brushes in contact registration with the rotating interface slip rings of an aircraft propeller deicing system, is formed from a thermoplastic molding compound comprising an organic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filler distributed within a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) thermoplastic resin, thereby minimizing non-functional abrasion of the brushes.