Abstract: A device for heating a fluid controller comprises a pair of platelike side heaters pressed respectively against a pair of opposite side faces of a body of the fluid controller with an insulating layer provided between each heater and each side face, a pair of side holding members each having a recessed portion for fitting the side heater therein and fastened to each other with screws to hold the controller body therebetween from opposite sides of the body, and a cushion member interposed between each side heater and a bottom face of the recessed portion for pressing the side heater against the controller body side face.

Abstract: A window is provided which includes an array of fine, closely spaced wires through which electric current is passed to heat the window. Such windows are useful as vehicle windows, e.g. windscreens, because the heating disperses ice or condensation on the surface of the window, thereby improving visibility. According to the invention, at least some of the wires extend along diverging lines, so that the heated area extends over substantially the whole of the transparent portion of the window. It is also described how to achieve a sufficiently uniform heating effect over the extended heated area. A method of manufacturing such windows, and an apparatus for forming such arrays of wires, are also provided.

Abstract: A thermocycling apparatus comprising a plurality of capillaries for moving DNA-containing samples between two or more discrete zones maintained at selected elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A heated caulk case for heating and storing a commonly used tube of sealing caulk, comprising a sealable box, a thermostatically controlled heating device, and a caulk tube tray. The heated caulk case provides a continuous and reusable method to achieve the benefits of lowering the viscosity of commonly used construction caulk such that the caulk will adhere better and provide a stronger seal between the caulked joint.

Abstract: A ice skate boot that keeps the skaters feet warm. Thermal insulators are placed between the mounting plates and the sole of the boot. Thus, the amount of heat transfer between the boot, bracket and blade is reduced. Hence, the skaters feet are warmer and the skater is more comfortable. In an alternate embodiment of the invention a heater is placed in the interior of the boot and the skater may adjust the amount of heat emitted by the heater.

Abstract: An environment control apparatus having a shell adapted to be placed adjacent to a portable device and a heating element positioned to heat the shell and the adjacently positioned portable device. The heating element includes structure for receiving power from a power source and is selected to maintain the portable device at a temperature above a predetermined minimum temperature.

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 is provided for preventing biofouling on the surface of structures, such as docks, ships, oil drilling platforms, which come into contact with aquatic environments. In the method, a pre-formed panel heater element is provided to the surfaces of the structure which are for submerging into water. The heater element is disposed at a predetermined depth from the surface of the structure, and energized at prescribed intervals and temperature which are effective to kill and prevent settlement of larvae on the surface of the structure. The pre-formed panel heater element consists of an inner layer composed of a fabric of electrically conductive fibers encapsulated in fiberglass/resin; two outer fiberglass/resin layers disposed on opposing surfaces of and encapsulating said inner layer; and electrical leads connected to said conductive fibers and adapted to receive power from a power source.

Abstract: A new solar power beverage warmer for heating a beverage contained therein. The inventive device includes a container having a bottom and a perimeter side wall. The inner surface of the container defines a reservoir adapted for holding a liquid and a heating element is provided on the inner surface of the container to heat liquids in the reservoir. The device also includes a base having a plurality of photovoltaic cells. The base has a recess adapted for receiving the bottom of the container therein so that the container is electrically connectable to the photovoltaic cells of the base when the container is inserted into the recess.

Abstract: A musical instrument warmer including a horn in combination with a cover for warming. A warming means is positioned around the horn for heating. The warming means is provided with an electrical power source for activation. Whereby, providing power to the warming means raises the temperature of the warming means for heating the valves when temperatures being below 32.degree. Fahrenheit. Lastly, the cover has a body member with a front side and a rear side. The body member is formed by attaching two layers of a fabric. The front side of the body member has a cone-like portion projecting outwardly. The body member is adapted to be removably mounted onto the horn when the heating means is positioned on the horn. The body member retains heat generated by the warming means therein, when the warming means is activated.

Abstract: A laser assembly includes a laser source which emits a beam transmitted through optics carried by an insulating window and thence through a pressure window supported in a thermally-insulating mount. A thermally conductive carrier ring contacts the face of the pressure window opposite the laser source and has in its outer face an annular groove receiving plural coils of an electrical resistance heating wire coupled to a current source for heating the pressure window to prevent condensation thereon.

Abstract: A transfer port system to allow material to transfer between two dockable sterile environments. Two doors provide access to the sterile environments. A peripheral flange frames one of the doors while another peripheral flange forms the opening to the other sterile environment. Doors connect to one another, when the sterile environments are docked, and then move as a unit into the one sterile environment in order to allow the material transfer. Outer and inner gaskets seal the sterile environments and with the peripheral flanges form an interface between the sterile environments during material transfer. The portions of the gaskets and peripheral flanges that were exposed to the unsterile ambient prior to docking are actively heated in order to maintain sterility during the time when the sterile environments are docked and prior to the time that the doors are moved to the open position. The doors can be connected to one another prior to their opening by vacuum.

Abstract: A heater includes an aluminum die cast body defining an enclosure and an adaptor block. A heating element within the enclosure activates, under control of an associated heat sensing device, a heating element within the enclosure to transfer heat energy into the adaptor block. The adaptor block, including features specific to a given mechanical device, e.g., pneumatic valve or pump, transfers the heat energy into the mechanical device to avoid a frozen condition resulting from, for example, sudden expansion of air when passing through the device.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the transportation of fluid materials or particulate matter Apparatus for use in the transportation of fluid materials or particulate matter in a container for use with container handling equipment, such as an ISO 20 foot container (50). The apparatus comprises body means (52) removably fittable in such a container (50) for defining a volume for containing a fluid material or particulate matter when fitted in such a container. The body means is provided with adjusting means (66) for selectively varying said volume.

Abstract: The formula preparation device comprises a housing within which a reciprocating semi-cylindrical closed ended sleeve is located. The sleeve, in conjunction with a semi-cylindrical concavity in a cover of the device, produces a cylindrical cavity within which a formula bottle is horizontally agitated, while being heated to provide a warmed, agitated bottle of formula.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating railway rails during the laying down thereof, which comprises: a group (1-5) generating a direct current, mounted on a railway car (A); a pair of first contact vices (7) carried by this railway car (A), connected to the output of the generator group (1-5) and suitable for being tightened each one on a first end of the two rails (R) forming the railway track section to be heated; a trolley (B) provided with a similar pair of second contact vices (13), connected to one another and suitable for being tightened on a second end, opposite the first end, of the two rails (R) forming the railway track section to be heated; and means (8-12) for controlling the electric power delivered by the generator group (1-5) in order to produce in the considered railway track section a heating up to a prefixed temperature.

Abstract: A process and system is provided for treating the air being taken into a building so as to remove moisture, especially snow, from the intake air. The system includes a series of air passages through the building; generating a flow of air through the series of air passages, wherein air is taken from outside the building; and, advantageously, reducing the content of snow in the intake air by passing the intake air through a mesh pad having a heating means disposed at its intake surface.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an apparatus adapted to be connected to a power source, the apparatus for driving a rotatable component. A motor has a stationary assembly and a rotatable assembly in magnetic coupling relation to the stationary assembly, the rotatable assembly in driving relation to the rotatable component, the stationary assembly including windings adapted to be energized by the power source to produce an electromagnetic field for rotating the rotatable assembly, the windings having a maximum desired operating temperature and a predetermined minimum desired temperature rise. A heater is in heat exchange relationship to an outer surface of the windings, the heater adapted to be connected to the power source at least when the motor windings are not energized to generate heat transferred to the windings to increase the temperature of the windings. An optional thermostat may be connected in series between the heater and the power source.

Abstract: Thermo-cycling for biological material is provided by a channel such as a capillary tube extending through a series of temperature control elements. Each temperature control element maintains the adjacent portion of the channel at a desired temperature. Fluid to be processed is introduced into the tube through the inlet and flows, preferably through capillary action, to the outlet. The temperature of the fluid changes as it passes each temperature control element and is thus thermo-cycled through a predetermined sequence of temperatures.

Abstract: In building environmental control, primary HVAC services are supplemented to improve individual user comfort by automatically adjusting lighting levels and airflow direction mix in the individual workspace. An individual terminal unit provides these individualized supplemental services without affecting loading on the primary HVAC system. Multiple individual terminal units disposed in an open, common area communicate with one another and adjust operations in response to neighborhood conditions to improve overall system efficiency and save energy while optimizing individual user comfort.

Abstract: An instant photographic print drying device. The device has a stand which carries a fan and a heating coil. Downstream of the fan the photograph is held in place by clips. A timer is provided which can be set to a prescribed time to dry the photographs. An on/off switch is provided and a momentary switch is optionally present to provide a little more drying time, without resetting the timer. A thermostat might be included to prevent overheating of the coils, and possible overheating and burning of the photograph. Optionally, the clips holding the photograph in place can be connected to a micro-switch, which activates the timer controlling the fan and heating coil when a photograph is placed on the stand.

Abstract: A computer pad is heated for reducing repetitive motion stress and increasing comfort for a user and for providing potential therapeutic treatment by warming the hand(s) and/or wrist(s) of the user while operating a computer input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The pad includes an electrical heating device such as a resistance-type heating element embedded in it. If a mouse is used as the input device, it can be either a stationary mouse or a conventional movably positioned mouse that is operated on the level section of the top surface of the pad's upper layer. If a stationary mouse or a keyboard is utilized, the user's hand(s) and/or wrist(s) can be supported by a suitably shaped area within an elevated section of the working surface of the pad. The lower layer of the pad may conveniently include a non-skid bottom surface.

Abstract: A new deicing technology is described which utilizes the actuating properties of shape memory alloys (SMAs) to debond ice accretion formed on a surface. A thin sheet of SMA material is mounted to the icing prone surface to perform the force and displacement combination that can debond the ice. The SMA sheet is activated to expand or contract causing shearing and peeling of the ice. An SMA actuator portion located aft of the icing area can be used to pull the sheet over a ribbed underlay and grooved bands which generates a strain field that severs the ice's adhesive bond. Two-way shape memory action and natural ice latent heat powering are used in different modes of operation to reduce the power requirements and the structural complexity of the deicing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the microwave removal of contaminated concrete surfaces. The apparatus comprises a housing adapted to pass over a support surface. The housing includes a waveguide for directing microwave energy to the surface at an angle maximizing absorption of microwave energy by the surface. The apparatus is further provided with a source of microwave energy operably associated with the waveguide, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency of between about 10.6 GHz and about 24 GHz and acts to remove the uppermost layer from the surface. The apparatus further includes a debris containment assembly comprising a vacuum assembly operably associated with the housing. The vacuum assembly is adapted to remove debris from the area adjacent the surface.

Abstract: The micromachine includes a movable portion, an unmovable portion surrounding the movable portion, a connecting portion for connecting the movable portion with the unmovable portion in a cantilever fashion, and a support member for connecting the movable portion with the unmovable portion at a location other than a location at which the movable portion is connected with the unmovable portion through the connecting portion. The support member is formed of weaker material than material of which all of the portions are formed, with respect to any one of properties which all of the portions have. Thus, only the support member can be cut off by applying energy effective to the one of properties thereto after the micromachine has been packaged.

Abstract: An assembly (5) has two or more plastic parts joined together. One of the plastic parts (20) has an electrical heating element (31) whose function is to soften a portion of the plastic when the heating element is electrically energized. Once the plastic is softened, the two parts can be separated and the assembly disassembled. When the two parts are joined together with snap-fit joints, the snap-fits have a heating element to soften a portion of the snap-fit (24) when the heating element is electrically energized, thereby allowing the housing to be opened and separated. If the two parts are ultrasonically welded together to form a housing, a heating element is located therein to soften the ultrasonically welded portion (44), thereby allowing the two halves of the housing to be separated. The heating element can be a nichrome or thin film resistor that is energized by a source (33) located within the housing, or by an power source external to the housing, or it may be inductively coupled to the power source.

Abstract: A de-labeler made with easily available structural elements which cooperate to remove a normally non-removable label from a labeled surface of a casing for magnetic media, film, and the like, without using a solvent of any kind. The labeled surface is heated just enough to cause desired viscous deformation of a thin layer of adhesive, or a sufficient decrease of viscosity to loosen the label and enable it to be manually removed, preferably by adhesive failure of the thin adhesive layer. A typical pressure sensitive adhesive ("PSA") is heated to a temperature in the range from 32.degree. C.-65.degree. C., for an interval of time in the range from 5 to 30 seconds, in inverse relationship to the temperature at which the labeled surface is heated. The label is manually peeled away from the surface with a force in the range from 0.5 lb-force to about 10 lb-force, without distorting or otherwise damaging either the casing or the magnetic recording medium encased therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing thermal deformation of a machine tool has a feed unit which heats a heat transfer fluid and pumps it out to a heat exchanging portion. The heat exchanging portion has at least one heat exchanging unit capable of being expanded and shrunk in accordance with the heat transfer fluid therein. The heat exchanging unit is arranged in a prescribed portion of a machine tool. The portion of the machine tool is heated by the heat exchanging unit arranged therein, whereby thermal distribution of the machine tool is equalized and heat deformation thereof is suppressed. The heat transfer fluid passed through the heat exchanging unit is recovered by a discharging portion and fed back to the feed unit. The heat exchanging unit is maintained in an expanded state by controlling the flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough by a flow control valve, so that heat exchanging operation can be carried out effectively.

Abstract: A reflow apparatus includes a reflow furnace. A transfer device holds and transfers printed circuit boards with to-be-reflowed electronic components thereon from an inlet to an outlet of the furnace within the furnace. A plurality of adjusting/circulating sections separate an ambient gas for heating the printed circuit boards into predetermined temperature regions in the furnace in which the ambient gas is circulated in a heated state. A feed port is formed in the furnace to feed the ambient gas into the furnace under pressure. Residence parts each provided between adjacent adjusting/circulating sections regulate the amount of the ambient gas when the ambient gas, after having been sent to and heated in the adjusting/circulating section adjacent to the feed port, is circulated and sequentially moved to the adjusting/circulating sections at the inlet or the outlet and finally flows out through the inlet or outlet into atmosphere.

Abstract: A remote control antifreeze device for a vehicle locking unit comprising a housing with an upper end having a bore centrally formed therein. A slot is formed between the bore and top surface thereof for allowing the bore to be situated about a conventional cylindrical locking unit. Also included is a helical heating element situated in a serpentine configuration within the housing adjacent to the locking unit and further secured thereto. A thin electrical insulator sheath is positioned about a surface thereof. The heating element is adapted to radiate heat energy upon the application of a voltage thereto. A control receiver switch is also situated within the housing. The control receiver switch comprises control circuitry coupled to a power source, a radio receiver element, and the heating element. The receiver control circuitry switch is adapted to allow the application of a voltage to the heating element upon the receipt of an actuation signal manually deployed by a portable transmitter unit.

Abstract: A modular drainmast assembly for an aircraft includes a drain tube assembly removably enclosed in a fairing that is removably attachable to an aircraft. The electrically heated drain tube assembly may be accessed in the field for service, repair or replacement. A resilient sealed interface supports the drain tube where it exits the drainmast while permitting relative movement between the drain tube and the drainmast fairing due to thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A miniature gas chromatograph with thermostatically-controlled heating of its component parts which contact and conduct the sample to the analytical column. The microvalve assembly of the gas chromatograph is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current through a metallic conductor formed on a surface of the microvalve assembly. The tubing which conducts sample from the gas chromatograph sample inlet to the microvalve assembly is heated by passing a thermostatically-controlled electrical current directly through the tubing or through a metal layer formed around the tubing. The sample inlet fitting is heated by a wire heater element wrapped around it. Each heater has an associated temperature sensor for controlling the amount of heating to maintain a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An assembly (5) has two or more plastic parts joined together. One of the plastic parts (20) has an electrical heating element (31) whose function is to soften a portion of the plastic when the heating element is electrically energized. Once the plastic is softened, the two parts can be separated and the assembly disassembled. When the two parts are joined together with snap-fit joints, the snap-fits have a heating element to soften a portion of the snap-fit (24) when the heating element is electrically energized, thereby allowing the housing to be opened and separated. If the two parts are ultrasonically welded together to form a housing, a heating element is located therein to soften the ultrasonically welded portion (44), thereby allowing the two halves of the housing to be separated. The heating element can be a nichrome or thin film resistor that is energized by a source (33) located within the housing, or by an power source external to the housing, or it may be inductively coupled to the power source.

Abstract: A gripping system for use in uniaxial testing of test specimens at elevated temperatures, typically above 900.degree.-1000.degree. F. The uniaxial mechanical testing is typically tensile testing conducted on high temperature engineering materials which operate under severe conditions at elevated temperatures. The gripping system includes a gripping element having a first section adapted to contact the test specimen wherein a heater is received in the second section for heating the gripping surface. The heater is designed to heat the gripping surface and the test specimen to the desired temperature.

Abstract: A heated fluid control valve with an electric heating element and a thermocouple disposed in a rotatable support shaft comprises a metallic flapper plate disposed in a fluid passageway and mounted on, and in thermal contact with, an elongated, rotatable metallic shaft that passes laterally through the fluid passageway. The shaft is heated by the internal heating element and, in turn, heats the flapper plate along the entire length of the shaft.

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: A longitudinal stream of cooling air is caused to flow around the cylinder (10) and over the length of each of one or more heating-and-cooling zones. This longitudinal flow is facilitated by specially designed cooling fins (22; 25). The performance of the extruder is improved in that the temperature over the cross-section of the cylinder is more uniform. Moreover, wear and tear on the extrusion screw and on the cylinder are greatly reduced.

Abstract: A simulated rock includes a heating chamber containing a self-contained battery operated heater. Heating coils extend throughout the body of the simulated rock to heat its surfaces. The heating chamber is accessible through a removable lid and the simulated rock has an internal chamber providing safe shelter for an animal.

Abstract: A battery heater uses the internal resistance of the battery as the battery heating element. In one embodiment, a DC battery charger and a programmable battery load, is used in a closed loop temperature control system. In another embodiment, a DC battery charger and a resistor or small auxiliary battery heater, is used in a closed loop temperature control system. The programmable load or the small auxiliary battery heater, is enabled during full charge, low temperature conditions. The resistor or small auxiliary heater serves to both heat the battery and draw down the battery charge. In yet another embodiment, an AC heater power supply and a DC battery charger, is coupled to the battery in a closed loop temperature control system.

Abstract: A specimen to be irradiated with an electron beam is supported by a heating member secured detachably to a specimen holder and the heating member, a power supply therefor and electric conductive lines for conducting a electric power from the power supply to the heating member are integrated into the specimen holder.

Abstract: A modular drainmast assembly for an aircraft includes a drain tube assembly removably enclosed in a fairing that is removably attachable to an aircraft. The electrically heated drain tube assembly may be accessed in the field for service, repair or replacement.

Abstract: A circular tissue recording chamber has a cavity therein for retaining tissue or cell samples immersed in a liquid bath. The temperature of the bath is maintained at a selected level by a transparent heater positioned beneath the bath, wherein the heater is comprised of a grid of fine wires supported on a transparent mylar substrate. Liquid is introduced into the bath through a serpentine passageway also in proximity with the heater, whereby the temperature of the liquid is raised to that of the bath as it traverses the passageway. The recording chamber has a thickness of approximately 1 cm so as to be readily usable with a high magnification microscope.

Abstract: A heater blanket for use in soil remediation utilizes a rigid construction which isolates the heater elements from air, water, and contaminant vapors which could act to oxidize, embrittle or otherwise degrade the integrity of the electrical heaters. A rigid structural frame is constructed from a support frame of parallel members which are rigidly connected to a series of support tubes perpendicular thereto. The support tubes enclose and protect the heater elements. One or more heater modules thus constructed may be easily transported to a selected site.

Abstract: A filter cartridge with heating element separated from a support member by filter media wherein the heating element has rows of apertures alternately staggered to provide good hoop strength while allowing longitudinal thermal growth and contraction.

Abstract: An electrical lock thawing device includes a housing formed from a water-proof rubber material and enclosing a rechargeable battery and an electrical heating element. A switch on the housing is operative to selectively connect the battery to the heating element and a removable elongated blade extends through a slot in an end wall of the housing. The blade is heated by the heating element and is insertable into a key slot of a frozen lock. An electrical plug on a rotatable cylindrical member is mounted for movement between extended and retracted positions with respect to the housing and serves to connect the rechargeable battery to a conventional AC outlet. A resilient detent member selectively actuated by a spring-biased push button is operative to secure the rotatable plug in a selected position. The removable thawing blade may be formed in a variety of different key configurations for use in various different locks. A spring ball detent is utilized to removably retain the blade within the housing.

Abstract: An electric heating attachment for electrically heating the exterior portion of a sewer vent of a building to keep the vent from clogging from snow and/or ice and frost that may accumulate on the building roof. The attachment has an elongated rod insertable into the vent a with an electric heating tape extending along the length thereof. Laterally extending arms on an upper portion of the rod engage the top edge of the vent to limit the extent of the insertion of the rod into the vent. The section of the rod extending above the lateral arms terminates in a hoop portion having a portion of the heating tape extending therealong to heat the area immediately above the sewer vent to keep this area open to the atmosphere by melting the snow and/or ice above the vent.

Abstract: A self regulating heated switch assembly is provided for heating the interior of a switch housing so as to prevent freezing of switch contacts therein. The switch assembly includes a switch housing, an insulative cover member, and a PTC heater device. The switch housing includes top, bottom, front, rear and end walls. The insulative cover member is formed of opposed front and rear panels. The front and rear panels are disposed in a spaced apart relationship to the corresponding front and rear walls of the switch housing. The heater device is sandwiched between the front wall of the switch housing and the front panel of the cover member and between the rear wall of the switch housing and the rear panel of the cover member so as to transmit heat into the interior of the switch housing.

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 compressor crankcase heater bracket and method of assembly is shown in which a bracket fastened to the compressor accommodates a metal spring clip holding the heater. The method of assembly results in a quick and easy assembly process without compromising the integrity of the transfer of heat to the housing. Thermal transfer is further aided by conduction through the clip and bracket.

Abstract: An evaporator structure comprises a heating tube and a refrigerant tube. The heating tube contains a heating wire, and at least the refrigerant tube contains heat exchange fins. The tubes and fins are of one-piece extruded construction. The evaporator structure is bent to form straight sections interconnected by curved sections. Along the curved sections the tubes are spaced apart to define air-conducting paths. The fins may alternatively be formed in a plate which interconnects the tubes.