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

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

Abstract: A mechanism for heating the head of a percussion drum includes a pair of membranes disposed in tight adjacency to each other and tautly held with respect to the annular drum wall and a wire loop electrically connected to an external source of electricity and being tightly sandwiched concentrically between the membranes for insuring heat dissipation radially outwardly and inwardly therefrom with a minimization of the heat being lost to ambient air before the primary purpose of thorough membrane heating has first been realized.

Abstract: A dual power-supply system is used to produce a sharp rise-time characteristic and a high steady-state temperature in a platinum ribbon pyrolysis probe. First, a small "boost" power supply generates a very short, high power pulse that is applied to the probe. Then, at its peak, the first power supply is effectively disabled and a second power supply is brought into play to maintain the power (and the temperature) in the probe at a high steady-state value approximating the peak value of the boost pulse.

Abstract: An electrically heated handle, particularly for fishing rods, has an elongated thermally conductive shell enclosing an interior chamber in which is located a solid body of a material having high electrical resistance, such as Steatite, defining a heater core having its entire outer surface in heat transfer engagement with the shell. An elongated electric heating coil, e.g., of Nichrome, extends longitudinally through the interior of the heater core and is connected to an external power source through a switch and power supply conductors extending through the rear end portion of the handle. The front end portion of the handle is formed with an elongated socket chamber thermally insulated from the interior chamber and adapted to receive and fit over the butt end of a fishing rod. Once the heater core of the handle is initially heated, the heat is stored for slow dissipation to the handle and hand of the holder, requiring infrequent replenishing of electric current to the electric heating coil.

Abstract: A combination elongate soft resilient foamed polymer body, so constructed and configured as to lie along the side of the body of a human user, and a heater enclosing the polymer body, the heater being formed of fabric and including electrically insulated resistance heating lines extending substantially the length of and along the sides of the foamed polymer body, for warming a human user during sleep is disclosed.

Abstract: To remove ice and snow from pavement (1) having a carbonaceous top surface (4), a 915 M-Hz micro-wave generator with wave guide (8) is passed over the ice (13) followed closely by a scraper (10). Concrete pavements (1) are first coated with a reflective (2), heat-insulating (3) and carbonaceous (4) top coat or other carbonaceous coating while asphalt pavements need not be so coated. The micro-waves at this frequency pass through the ice (13), the carbonaceous top surface (4) absorbs the micro-waves and becomes heated thereby, the interface (12) between the ice (13), so freed, is scraped off without damaging the pavement (1).

Abstract: This invention relates to electric warming of towels, with a vertical member providing support to a series of spaced parallel horizontal members which receive, store and warm the towels. The heating element, being a line type heater, is enclosed within the vertical support member and is connected to any appropriate standard A.C. power source.

Abstract: An electric heating apparatus for providing freeze protection for a fluid-control device, such as a gas regulator, at a well site includes a flexible electric heating pad adapted to be wrapped around the control device to be freeze-protected and a two part thermally insulated housing adapted to be placed about the heating pad and control device when the apparatus is installed. The heating pad is adapted to be energized from a rechargeable battery under the control of a thermostat within the housing which disconnects heating pad from the battery when the temperature in the housing rises above a temperature of about 40.degree. F. A solar panel provides direct current for recharging the battery. A second thermostat disconnects the solar panel from the battery when the ambient temperature rises above about 50.degree. F. to terminate charging of the battery.

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

Abstract: Transfer waste water from wash cycle of dishwasher to collection tank beneath heat exchanger surrounding hollow central space, pass waste water through dual tube heat exchanger in countercurrent relation to cool feed water for hot water heater in central space of heat exchanger, supply heat to water in heater, then hot water to dishwasher rinse. May circulate feed water downwardly through outer space of heater, formed by partition, to lower end of inner space, in which heat is supplied by electrical immersion heaters. Ends of tank of hot water may be semi-oval, semi-elliptical or the like, while partition may be sufficiently close to bottom of tank to produce a wire-drawing effect as inlet water flows from outer to inner space, thereby maintaining light or small particles which fall off electric heaters in circulation, so that such particles will be removed with hot water. Heavier particles will collect in bottom of tank and may be drained periodically.

Abstract: An electrically heated musical instrument stand for supporting an idle musical instrument during breaks or pauses during a musical performance for heating the interior of the instrument maintain the idled instrument warm and at its tuned temperature ready for immediate use includes an adjustable support base provided with an upwardly extending adjustable stem insertable into the bell of a musical instrument supported by an adjustable circular stop carried by the stem and engageable with the bell of the instrument. The stop is so positioned that a thermostatically controlled electric heater, including a resistance element enclosed in a cylindrical safety shield, mounted atop the stem is located substantially entirely within the interior of an instrument supported on the stand to provide radiant and naturally convective heat to the interior of the instrument. The heater thermostat is adjustable to provide regulated temperatures to a wide variety of instruments.

Abstract: An improvement of a precision manipulator for use in UHV systems with sample transfer capability in which a spring loaded thermocouple 47 and a heater electrode (51, 52) are both in direct contact with the transferred sample 35. The thermocouple and heater electrode assembly are mounted concentric with a sample receiving block 33 on the end of an offset manipulator 20. Hence, when a sample is transferred from an introduction chamber 12 into the UHV chamber 11, it contacts the spring loaded thermocouple 47 and then seats a heater electrode 52. Cooling by a copper plate 41 and a strap 22 combined with the resistance heating capability allow sample temperatures over the range of 150.degree.-1750.degree. K. while positioned in front of any diagnostic instrument in the UHV system and while taking data with these instruments.

Abstract: An evaporative cooling unit for a refrigeration system includes a plurality of spaced, parallel metal heat exchanging fins provided with a plurality of openings receiving successive turns of a coiled tube adapted to carry refrigerant through the unit. The fins are further provided with snap-action cutouts extending from the periphery of the fins inwardly to a location between adjacent rows of the coil turns and a rod-like electric resistance heating element for periodicaly defrosting the unit is held in the cutouts. Each cutout includes an entry slot inwardly tapered to a throat defined by deformable edges spaced apart a distance marginally less than the diameter of the heating element to present resistance to the passage of the heating element through the throat and a notch communicating with the throat and within which the heating element is held.

Abstract: The cutting instrument of this invention is made by threading a heater assembly through a hollow cutting instrument body. A blade having a shank and a blade body including a cutting edge is secured within the hollow cutting instrument body at its shank portion such that the blade body extends from the hollow cutting instrument body. The heating assembly is secured to the blade body and to the cutting instrument body. The blade body is coated with a non-stick means.

Abstract: An air data sensor device, such as a pitot, total air temperature sensor, etc., includes an elongated probe having a sensor therein for sensing air flow parameters and a strut for positioning the probe in a desired position on an air vehicle. To avoid ice build-up on the device causing erroneous sensing of air flow parameters a substantially constant wattage electric resistive heater is provided in the probe for deicing. A PTC (positive temperature coefficient) resistive heater is disposed in the support at a location thermally isolated from the probe heater but in thermally conductive relationship to the external surface of the support. The PTC heater is connected in series with the probe heater and continuously varies heater power in response to the rate of heat dissipation at the external surface of the sensor device thereby preventing burn-out of the probe heater and erosion of the probe.

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

Abstract: An antifreeze electric heating device for vehicle and housedoor lock cylinders includes an electrically non-conducting pressure body having two transverse wing pairs forming guide grooves for an elastic tension member e.g., rubber band, detachably secured to the pressure body and adapted to surround a lock cylinder for biasing a bearing side of the pressure body into heat exchange relationship with the lock cylinder. The pressure body includes a recess in which is lodged a PTC electric resistance heating element embedded in a heat-conductive, electrically insulative silicone-based compound. A U-shaped sheet metal strip electrically connected to one contact of the PTC heating element closes the recess and is arranged to contact the lock cylinder so that the electric circuit for the PTC heating element is completed by engagement of the metal strip with the lock cylinder under the biasing influence of the tension member.

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

Abstract: A switching system for sequential connection of a plurality of loads to an alternating current supply comprises a computer for generating switch selection data in the form of serial bits along a single line to a distributor arrangement which decodes the selection data and provides control signals to switch devices which connect the loads to the supply. The distributor arrangement includes a circuit for inhibiting supply of the control signals to the respective switch devices unless the voltage of the supply phase connected by the device is substantially zero. Additionally the control signals are time-advanced with respect to the zero voltage conditions so that the switch devices can be placed in states in which they can connect a load before disconnection of a preceding load.

Abstract: An improved connection assembly for connecting a burn-in component board located within a burn-in chamber to control circuitry located outside the chamber is disclosed. The assembly includes a connecting device for connecting the component board to the control circuitry. The improvement includes an isolation apparatus for isolating the connecting device from the chamber, the isolation apparatus including (i) a cavity extending through at least a portion of the wall of the chamber and defining a cavity base disposed between the inner surface of such wall and the exterior of such chamber and (ii) a cavity cover disposed between the cavity base and the interior of the chamber such that contact between the air of the chamber and the connecting device is substantially reduced and the flow of air between the inside and outside of the chamber adjacent the connector is substantially inhibited.

Abstract: An inlet for use in a ventilating system having a frame defining an opening and provided with an inwardly directed lip, a panel mounted for rotation within the frame and including flanges which abut the lip when the panel is in closed position, an electrical heating cable secured to the frame in the vicinity of the panel, and a system for rotating the panel and energizing the heating cable, when desired.

Abstract: A refrigeration evaporator includes a serpentine refrigerant tube having a plurality of finned straight portions connected by unfinned U-shaped connecting portions to form a stacked assembly of side-by-side finned tube arrays. The fins are rectangular and are provided with a J-shaped cut-out at each corner. The J-shaped cut-outs at confronting corners of the fins of each immediately adjacent pair of finned tube arrays define a U-shaped heater receiving space extending the length of the arrays and which clampingly receives an elongated straight portion of a serpentine electric defroster heater in good heat conductive contact with each fin of the immediately adjacent pair of finned tube arrays. Each fin of the stacked assembly has at least two corners in engagement with the heater. The stacked assembly is disposed transversely in a duct having an air inlet and air outlet.

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

Abstract: A fabric repairing assembly is provided with an impact cutter which is operable by a plunger that is slidably mounted in an embracing housing. The assembly is further provided with a heater which includes a sleeve that slidably receives the said housing and wherein the housing can be moved to cause the plunger to press the heater against cloth undergoing repair.

Abstract: A device for heating the front lens of a television camera to prevent an interfering moisture on the lens which includes a heating unit, detachable from the lens tube, comprising a front disc or lens attached to a support plate; a rear disc or lens also attached to said support plate so as to form a sealed chamber between the front and rear disc; and heat coatings deposited on the chamber side surface of the front disc for heating purposes.

Abstract: A lock for vehicle closures or flaps, especially doors, trunk lids and fuel tank caps or lids, wherein the cylinder of the lock includes a drain opening in the lower part thereof which communicates with the interior of the cylinder and through which moisture, especially water, can be drained from the interior of the lock. A drain line formed as a moisture absorbing wick provided with an electric heating element powered by the vehicle electric system is connected to the drain opening with the line being guided from the cylinder through an element, such as a door handle, containing the cylinder, to the interior of the closure. A water deflecting shield overlies the portion of the drain line within the closure. The drain line terminates in a vertically disposed drain section from which moisture drained from the cylinder can evaporate or drip off. The drain line may be operatively associated with a vacuum source on the vehicle to assist in drawing off moisture from the cylinder.

Abstract: Novel assembly for reheating snails. The assembly comprises at least one snail tray having a plurality of depressions. The depressions are adapted to receive a single snail. The assembly further comprises a heating apparatus comprising a series of depressions corresponding to those of the snail tray on the top surface of the heating apparatus.

Abstract: A compact portable device energizable from a motor vehicle battery for thawing frozen motor vehicle door locks includes an electrically heated thawing stick sized for insertion into the keyhole of a frozen lock. The stick comprises a hollow metal body enclosing a resistance wire. One end of the wire is connected to the stip of the metal body and the other end is connected to an elongated cable terminating in a plug insertable into an electrical socket on the vehicle connected to the vehicle battery. The thawing stick is secured to a hollow protective case modeled in the form of a flat key end and provided with a key ring. The case has an open narrow side through which the cable can be inserted for storage within the case during non-use periods and the stick is pivoted for movement from a non-use position covering the open side of the case to an extended use position.

Abstract: A gas chromatographic chamber in the form of an oven is disclosed, including an outer envelope including insulated walls defining the chromatographic chamber which can be made air tight, an inner housing section within that chamber for housing the chromatographic column, and including an air distributor to maintain the uniform distribution of air within the inner housing section, as well as a heater to heat the air therein, non-thermally insulating partitions within the chamber and spaced from the insulated wall to provide a pneumatically insulated space between the insulated walls and the inner housing section, and a fluid circulator to create the controlled circulation of fluid within the pneumatically insulated space to effect the temperature within the inner housing section.

Abstract: Aircraft probe or mast including heat pipe for indirectly heating the probe or mast thereby providing deicing. Heat for the heat pipe configured probe or mast is supplied by remote location of a heat source. The heat source may include a replacement plug in electric heater or a remote heat source such as an engine airbleed duct.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a thermally conductive conduit section having both interior and exterior heat exchange surfaces, with the interior surface being adapted to contact fluid flowing thereover. A controllable heat transfer means coupled to the conduit section has a first operative state for removing heat from the exterior heat exchange surface to reduce the temperature of the conduit section sufficiently to freeze liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby at least partially restrict the flow of fluid thereover. In a second operative state, the heat transfer means supplies heat to the interior heat exchange surface to melt at least a portion of any frozen liquid adjacent the interior heat exchange surface and thereby permit the flow of fluid thereover.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of drying agglomerated moist particulate material, the particles of which when dry have a very low density. Drying is effected by supporting the material on a screen within a retainer, and by applying heat to the material in contact with the screen by way of an electrical or heat exchange type heating element. Vaporized moisture is extracted by way of a vent which extends upwardly through the retainer from a position adjacent the screen, so that the vapour is caused firstly to flow down through the screen and then upwardly through the vent.

Abstract: An electrically heated drafting board having a drawing surface temperature ranging between 80.degree. and 90.degree. F. The drafting board having a plurality of interconnected parallel grooves spaced apart the length thereof. The grooves are provided in the underside of the drafting board and serve to receive an electric heating wire. A panel member is connected to the underside of the board overlapping the grooves and wire therein. The electric heating wire forming the heating circuit terminates with a cord exterior of the board having a plug for inserting in an electric receptacle for the power source. A control is provided in the circuit to regulate the voltage. The electric heating circuit provides sufficient heat to the drafting board so that the drawing surface is heated to a temperature ranging between 80.degree. and 90.degree. F.

Abstract: A battery operated portable thawing device for frozen locks has an electrically heated thawing stick sized for insertion into the key hole of a frozen lock. The stick is thinner than the lock key and comprises a hollow metal body inside which is located a thin resistance heating wire. The resistance wire is located between the middle and the end of the stick inserted into the keyhole in a relatively short length (20-30%) of the thawing stick. For use, the stick is slidable out of a protective housing adapted to be gripped in the hand. The housing carries a battery for energizing the stick and a light bulb for illuminating the keyhole. The metal body of the stick serves as one terminal for supplying current to the resistance wire. The circuit between the battery and resistance wire made automatically made when the stick is moved out of the housing for use and broken when the stick is returned into the housing.

Abstract: A blower for drying dew produced on the tape running mechanism of a video tape recorder has an air outlet portion having a similar configuration to a tape cassette to be used therewith. The blower is, in use, inserted into a cassette holder of the recorder for loading the tape cassette in position. The blower is further provided with a heater for discharging hot air and a deflector for downwardly directing the hot air discharged.

Abstract: A heating assembly adapted to be releasably mounted externally of an instrument for the transfer of heat to the instrument by conduction to maintain the instrument at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A heater plate for plunger-type molding presses comprises a plurality of electrically heated heating elements which are inserted into holes through the plate. These holes are disposed in rows parallel to the peripheral outline of the plate so that the density of the heating elements decreases toward the center of the plate. The heating elements are interconnected and also connected to a temperature control device so that the heating elements can be selectively heated whereby the plate can be uniformly heated in spite of higher heat loss at marginal portions of the plate.

Abstract: A decorative personal electric heating appliance has an exterior covering in the form of a stuffed animal, doll, novelty item, etc. having a predetermined appearance, texture or feel which is psychologically attractive and cuddly. The exterior covering encloses an internal fluid-containing bladder having a fill opening. An electric immersion heater means is provided in the bladder for heating the fluid. The stopper for the bladder fill opening and the electrical connector for the electric heater are located recesses in the exterior covering covered by childproof caps camouflaged to blend in with the exterior covering. A temperature indicator is provided on the exterior covering to indicate the temperature of the appliance. The bladder may be emptied and refilled with a cold medium to enable the appliance to be used for cooling if desired.

Abstract: A heating system for relaxing xeroradiographic plates is disclosed which includes a thermofoil type heating system. This system is brought into thermal contact with a xeroradiographic plate to be relaxed. The thermofoil heating system includes a current resistive layer which when electrically energized converts electrical energy into thermal energy and two sandwiching layers which contain the current resistive layer. The sandwiching layers comprise a high dielectric strength high temperature resistance sheet material. In one embodiment, the thermofoil type heating system is configured so as to be brought into contact with the xeroradiographic plate to be relaxed. In another embodiment, the thermofoil type heating system is configured so as to reside on the xeroradiographic plate.

Abstract: A microbe drain barrier for insertion in the drain of a sink or the like to prevent microorganisms from reentering the sink from the drain. The barrier includes a length of thin-walled heat-resistant, electrically non-conductive tubing having a heat conductivity in the axial direction of not more than about 3 Btu/hr/ft.sup.2 /.degree. F./ft. The barrier includes electric heating means for heating the tubing to an inner surface temperature sufficient to prevent the growth of microbes thereon. Connector pipes extend axially outwardly from the tubing for mounting the tubing in a drain pipe such that drainage through the drain pipe is required to pass through the tubing. The connector pipes are secured to the tubing by annular insulating rings which isolate the tubing and electric heating means from the connector pipes.

Abstract: An endoscope is disclosed having a propulsion mechanism and at least one transmitter at the distal end transmitting bursts of energy waves (radio frequency or ultrasonic) for tracking the position of the distal end through the use of two or more transducers on the anterior or lateral surfaces of a patient. The propulsion mechanism may consist of two radially expandable bladders separated by an axially expandable bellows with only the forward bladder attached to the distal end so that by expanding and contracting them in proper sequence, propulsion of the endoscope is achieved. Alternate mechanisms comprise compliant paddles on the distal end directly on an articulated section, or compliant paddles on a rotatable sleeve on the distal end. The endoscope has a sheath which includes material having a sharp melting point slightly above body temperature so that the sheath may be made flexible at selected sections by applying current to separate heating wires in the sections of the sheath.

Abstract: Improved welds for thermoplastic foam insulation spirally deposited about a structure are obtained employing a thin, resistance heated welding blade which beneficially is positioned by means of a four-bar linkage connecting the blade to the blade support.

Abstract: A heat exchanger device for recovering waste heat from a contaminated hot gas that carries solid and precipitable contaminants capable of being liquified by heat. The device has a heat exchanger with a plurality of spaced heat conducting passages for the contaminated hot gas and a plurality of spaced second passages for a cooler second gas with these first and second passages being alternately interleaved for efficient heat transfer and a heat conducting fin in each of the cool gas, such as air, passages for aid in transferring heat between the gases. The disclosure also includes means for selectively applying heat to the outer sides of the heat exchanger for transfer of liquifying heat to the deposited solid contaminants.

Abstract: A battery heating circuit comprising a transformer having a primary winding for connection to an a.c. supply and a secondary winding, and at least two pairs of batteries. The two batteries of each pair are connected in series and the series combinations of the pairs of batteries are connected in parallel between d.c. terminals. The secondary winding is connected between the common terminals of each pair of batteries.

Abstract: A device for heating keys comprised of a plug which fits the socket of a cigarette lighter having means for heating a key. The device is comprised of a heating element surrounding a slot in the plug into which a key may be inserted for heating. The plug, when pushed into the cigarette lighter receptacle, activates the heating element which in turn heats the key. The device can be constructed as a slot in an existing cigarette lighter for use in conjunction with it, or may be a separate adapter plug. The device is activated by pushing the key into the slot in the plug or cigarette lighter and engaging the contacts by pushing the plug inward.

Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistance heater assembly is used in combination with an angle of attack vane to provide automatic means for maintaining the temperature of the vane at a level which will de-ice the vane. The heater assembly is embedded in a recess in the vane and is made up of a plurality of individual PTC resistors connected electrically and mechanically in parallel by flexible electrically conductive perforated strips which permit the individual resistors to move relative to each the other under thermal stress and which also permit the encapsulation of the resistors in a suitable thermally conductive, electrically oinsulative material that is sufficiently resilient to permit the individual resistors to expand and contract relative to the vane during use.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for inserting into a bottom unloading valve of a railroad tank car which has been locked in an opened or partially opened position due to liquids solidifying therein. The apparatus is a portable electrical heating unit removably insertable into the valve so as to be in a heat-transmitting relationship within the fluid passage of the valve. The apparatus has a removable flange adaptor which is connected to the heating unit and securable directly to the bottom unloading valve or a fitting connected to the valve. A control means for regulating the heat output of the heating unit is electrically connected to the heating unit. A drain may be provided to allow the liquefied fluid to escape from the valve's fluid passage.

Abstract: A system for heating water to be utilized for rinsing material plated in an electroplating tank includes an electrically conductive water coil electrically connected in series between the spaced segments of a bus bar carrying current of 2000 Amps. at 12-15 volts D.C. to the plating tank. The inlet and outlet of the water coil are connected to a water tank and circulation of water from the water tank through the coil is effected either by a pump or by thermosyphonic action.

Abstract: The enclosure comprises an insulating and demountable sealed box unit fitted with a closure lid and placed around a chromatographic column consisting of a metal tube of constant cross-section, said tube being arranged in the form of a helix and supplied with electric heating current which is cut-off for cooling purposes. The heating and cooling air is supplied through a coaxial injection pipe and nozzle, circulated axially through and then around the column within the box unit, then discharged through the bottom wall of a collector casing.