Abstract: A high-safety electrical plug includes a plug body, a rotation element, and at least one plug pin. The rotation element is rotatably arranged on the plug body, and the at least one plug pin is arranged on the rotation element. The rotation element includes an elastic element and a rotation body standing with the elastic element. The rotation body includes two axial cylinders opposite each other and a position limiting element. The two cylinders are formed on the rotation body. The position limiting element defines more than two side surfaces. One side surface connects with the elastic element, deforming the elastic element. The rotation body is rotated until the side surface previously connected with the elastic element is replaced by another side surface to connect with the elastic element, which fixes the rotation body on the elastic element after the rotation.

Abstract: The application relates to a method and a device for suppressing ice formation on intake structures of a compressor, particularly the compressor of a gas turbine. The technical aim of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for suppressing the formation of ice on said structures, which avoid the disadvantages of known solutions, such as a reduction of the performance of the gas turbine, and have a simple and broad applicability. According to the present invention the mechanical vibratory energy of said structures during operation is converted into electrical energy by a piezoelectric element, firmly applied to said structure, and in a connected electrical circuit the generated electrical energy is then converted into thermal energy by an ohmic resistor and this thermal energy is conducted to at least a portion of the structure for suppressing ice formation. Excess energy may be transmitted by a transmitter to other circuits in adjacent structures.

Abstract: A method of securing two components to each other includes locating a mounting strip at a first mounting flange of a first component. The mounting strip is slidably affixed to the first component and includes a plurality of strip openings and a tightening ramp located at each strip opening of the plurality of strip openings. A second component is located such that a second mounting flange of the second component abuts the first mounting flange. A plurality of fasteners are located at the second mounting flange. A fastener of the plurality of fasteners extends through each strip opening of the plurality of strip openings. The mounting strip is slid in a direction to increase tension on the plurality of fasteners via an increasing height of the tightening ramp under a fastener head of the fastener, thereby securing the first mounting flange to the second mounting flange.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a scalable airborne pathogen removal system may comprise a housing having an airspace inlet which may be configured to receive air; a supplemental inlet located proximate to the airspace inlet configured to receive supplemental air; and an airspace outlet configured to communicate air from the housing into the airspace. The housing may include a treatment chamber in fluid communication with the airspace inlet, supplemental inlet, and airspace outlet. A first baffle may be positioned within the housing between the airspace inlet and the treatment chamber. Supplemental air from the supplemental inlet may be communicated into the treatment chamber through the first baffle. An ultraviolet light may be disposed within the treatment chamber. An air motivator may be positioned between the treatment chamber and the airspace outlet which may be configured to pull air from the airspace inlet and supplemental inlet through the treatment chamber.

Abstract: An aircraft propeller de-icing system comprises at least one propeller blade coupled to a rotatable prop assembly. The prop assembly is configured to rotate in response to rotatably driving a propeller shaft. At least one resistive-inductive heating unit is coupled to the at least one propeller blade. The resistive-inductive heating unit is configured to generate eddy currents that induce inductive heat in response to an electric current. A contactless power transfer system generates the electrical current in response to transferring power across an air gap separating the propeller shaft from the contactless power transfer system.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a heated grip for a firearm. The heated firearm grip comprises a grip body, and a rechargeable cartridge comprising a power source and an electrically resistive heating element. The grip body is shaped as a pistol style firearm grip and has a hollow internal cavity in the grip body. The grip body is interchangeable with the factory installed grip of a firearm. The rechargeable cartridge may have a shaped rigid outer body. The rigid shaped outer body may be configured to operate as a pistol clip. The rechargeable cartridge may be removably secured within the hollow internal cavity of the grip body. The rechargeable cartridge may be removed when a user presses a magazine release button on the grip body of the firearm.

Abstract: A window of an aircraft having electromagnetic shielding performance and environment-resistant sealing performance, an aircraft, and an assembly method for a window of an aircraft are provided. A conductive seal member (60) is provided so as to face and surround the peripheral side surface of a window panel and is sandwiched between a conductive film (41) and an outer retainer (22). In the conductive seal member (60), thin wire materials (62) made of a conductive material such as aluminum are embedded in a seal member body (61) made of a material, such as silicone rubber, having an electric insulating property, waterproofness and pliability. An electromagnetic shielding effect, and environment-resistant sealing properties such as an electric insulating property and waterproofness can be both ensured by the conductive seal member (60).

Abstract: An array of a plurality of shape memory material microposts have a proximal end configured to be secured to a substrate with a tissue penetrating distal end. The microposts further have a deployment state with the microposts in a substantially straightened configuration with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface which is substantially parallel to adjacent microposts and an engaged state wherein at least a section of the microposts assume a configuration that is not substantially parallel to adjacent microposts or is not substantially straight with a substantially smooth and continuous outer surface so as to mechanically capture tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a MEMS device includes a variable capacitor including a lower electrode fixed to a substrate and a movable upper electrode provided above the lower electrode, a pressure-sensitive section covering the variable capacitor and connected to the upper electrode, configured to displace according to a pressure applied, and a protective structure provided on an outer side of the pressure-sensitive section.

Abstract: An electrical heating device for a motor vehicle includes a frame that has openings formed on oppositely situated sides for the passage of a medium to be heated, a layer structure, arranged in the frame, and a connecting housing. The layer structure comprises layers of corrugated-rib elements and heat generating elements, and each heat generating element has at least one PTC element arranged between parallel contact plates. At least one power dissipation generating power switch is provided in the connecting housing. A heat sink lies exposed on the outside of the connecting housing. Improved and adequate cooling of the electrical heating device having the power switch is created as a result of the insertion of the heat sink into the connecting housing in a sealing manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a case (1) for surveillance video cameras (2) comprising a first (3) and a second (4) half-shell connectable to each other to define a housing volume for at least one video camera (2). At least one of the first (3) and the second (4) half-shell comprises a transparent panel (5) intended to be placed in front of a lens of the video camera (2). The case further comprises a holding device (9) for the video camera (2) which defines a duct (8) conveying an air flow generated by air flow generating means (7) towards the transparent panel (5). Heating means (6) are provided for heating the generated air flow. At least one section of the conveying duct (8) has insulating walls. The invention relates also to a video camera holding device for use in protection cases.

Abstract: A laparoscopic tool includes a base having a bore that receives the proximal end of an elongate outer tube having a lumen in axial alignment with the bore. An elongate inner rod is slideably mounted in the lumen and the bore. A clamp is detachably secured to a distal end of the elongate inner rod. A handle controlled by a user advances and retracts the inner rod. A nitinol clamp is connected to the distal end of the inner rod and an electrically conductive suture thread holds the clamp to the inner rod. A wedge block positioned at the proximal end of the inner rod has a slit that releasably engages the suture thread so that the suture thread is pulled until it is taut and wedged into the slit. The clamp closes when heated by an electrical current flowing through the suture thread and opens when the current stops.

Abstract: An air data system including a housing, a bore, a dynamic port, a static port, a gas permeable membrane, and a device configured to determine a pressure differential. The bore may be located within the housing and may extend from an inlet for receiving air flow to an outlet. The dynamic port may be located in the bore and be configured and positioned to receive air passing through the bore. The static port may be configured and positioned to receive unmoving or ambient air. The device may determine the pressure differential between dynamic air received at the dynamic port and static air received at the static port. And the membrane may span the dynamic port, the static port, or both and is configured to direct moisture away from the port which it spans.

Abstract: A heat generating element for an electrical heating device of a motor vehicle includes a positional frame which forms a receptacle in which a PTC element is accommodated, and two contact plates abutting on oppositely situated sides of the PTC element. A heat generating element has a sheet metal cover that is connected to the positional frame. Also provided are a frame, which has oppositely situated side openings for the passage of a medium to be heated, and a layer structure, which is arranged in the frame and which comprises layers of corrugated-rib and heat generating elements, such that the heat generating element has at least one PTC element arranged between two parallel contact plates. The electrical heating device is protected against EMC via sheet metal covers that are arranged on both sides of the heat generating element and between the corrugated-rib elements and the contact plates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices and methods for stress-rupture testing selected materials within a high-temperature liquid salt environment. Exemplary testing systems include a load train for holding a test specimen within a heated inert gas vessel. A thermal break included in the load train can thermally insulate a load cell positioned along the load train within the inert gas vessel. The test specimen can include a cylindrical gage portion having an internal void filled with a molten salt during stress-rupture testing. The gage portion can have an inner surface area to volume ratio of greater than 20 to maximize the corrosive effect of the molten salt on the specimen material during testing. Also disclosed are methods of making a salt ingot for placement within the test specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating rod comprising a tube housing, at least one ceramic heating element, which is arranged in the tube housing, a first contact plate, which in the tube housing bears against the heating element or the heating elements, and an insulating frame, which surrounds the longitudinal edges of the first contact plate. In accordance with this disclosure, a second contact plate is provided, which carries a second insulating frame, wherein the at least one heating element is arranged between the two contact plates and the two frames are plugged into one another.

Abstract: An aircraft electrical supply circuit including: a power distribution network, onboard the aircraft, for electrical devices located in an engine of the aircraft or near the engine; and a power supply generator built into the engine of the aircraft to supply AC voltage power to a deicing or anti-icing system. The power supply generator is connected to a thrust reverser electromechanical actuator by a rectifier for supplying DC voltage power to the actuator.

Abstract: A flexible pipe of multilayer structure which comprises the following layers, from the inside to the outside: an interior lining; an inner reinforcement layer; a layer of molded electrically conductive plastic; an outer reinforcement layer; and an exterior sheath. The electrically conductive plastic layer is in electrical contact with the two reinforcement layers, and the two reinforcement layers can be connected to a source of electrical current. It is thus possible to achieve efficient heating of the pipe, and it can therefore be used for conveying oil in cold regions.

Abstract: Ceramic heating devices with a three-dimensional ceramic element are disclosed for protecting surfaces from icing. The shape of the three-dimensional ceramic element can be configured to physically match to the three-dimensional profile of the protected surface, allowing for high thermal coupling with the surface. The shape of the three-dimensional ceramic element can also be configured to form an aerodynamic surface typically found on the exterior of aircraft.

Abstract: Energy management on board an aircraft includes: a plurality of thermal and electrical energy sources, a plurality of loads which are capable of being supplied with power by the various energy sources, among which at least one load is capable of being supplied with power by an electrical energy source and by a thermal energy source, and real-time management means for energy transfers from the various energy sources to the various loads as a function of the present and future energy requirement of the various loads and the present and future availability of the various sources, with the management means providing a permanent and standardized correlation between thermal and electrical energies.

Abstract: A thermal pixel array stimulating device is disclosed providing flexibility between the different pixels of the array to enable wrapping of the device over a curved surface of the human body by connecting the pixel substrates by flexible material or linkages. The distance between the pixels may further optionally be adjustable. A controller may control the temperature pattern generated by the array. The controller may be programmable to provide a temperature pattern. Individual pixels may be provided with sensors to measure stimulus, with the outputs from such sensors being directed to data recordal and display devices. Stimulation modes provided may include at least one of vibratory stimulation, actuation stimulation, thermal stimulation or a combination of two or more of them.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for manufacturing a photovoltaic module includes components for heating the module and applying an electrical bias to the module to improve photovoltaic module performance and manufacture multiple photovoltaic modules with similar performance.

Abstract: A method and device for creating a temperature gradient among a plurality of temperature gradient devices. Each device is formed of a first layer of conductive material having a top surface and a bottom surface. The first layer is adjacent to a second layer of conductive material and has electrical resistive heating properties. A power supply is used to provide a current flow through at least the first layer when the power supply is activated. When activated, the resulting current flow causes the second layer to heat and thus create a temperature gradient between the bottom surface of the second layer and the top surface of the first layer. Activation of the power supply is controlled by a control unit so that activation of adjacent temperature gradient devices is avoided for a predetermined time after activation of the first temperature gradient device.

Abstract: An anti-icing system includes a component surface having a composite structure including a composite layer, and at least one heating element formed within the composite layer, wherein the heating element is configured to provide a transfer of heat to the component surface.

Abstract: A photovoltaic module with snow melting function has a photovoltaic cell; a heat transfer plate attached to a non-light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through a sealer layer; a heat-resistant insulating resin sheet inserted between the photovoltaic cell and the heat transfer plate; a surface protection layer attached to a light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through a sealer layer; and an external power supply applying a current to the photovoltaic cell causing the photovoltaic cell to generate heat to a temperature for melting snow. A whole front surface of the photovoltaic cell is flat so as not to protrude from the surface protection layer. The heat-resistant insulating resin sheet is attached to the non-light receiving surface side of the photovoltaic cell through the sealer layer, and the heat transfer plate is attached to a back surface side of the heat-resistant insulating resin sheet.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal mechanical diffusion system and method. In accordance with the present invention, one end of a fiber under tension is vibrated while a portion of the fiber is heated. A push-pull action of one end of the fiber forces increased (or rapid) diffusion of dopants in the portion of the fiber that is in a heat zone, which receives the heat. By controlling the amplitude and frequency of the vibration, a diffusion profile of one or more fibers can be dictated with precision. Heat sources having narrower thermal profiles can enable greater precision in dictating the diffusion profile. As an example, this can be particularly useful for creating a diffusion taper within a fiber to be spliced, where the taper is a result of thermal expansion of the fiber core. Diffusion can occur much more rapidly than is typical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting apparatus used for connecting underground pipes and to a composition for preparing a foamed sheet for the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a sheet composition for pipe connection which comprises 1 to 10 parts by weight of a masterbatch including low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, a maleic anhydride graft copolymer, a metallocene polyethylene elastomer, a foaming agent, and an additive, based on 100 parts by weight of a base resin including low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, a maleic anhydride graft copolymer, and a metallocene polyethylene elastomer. When using the composition according to the present invention, a non-foamed sheet is produced during melt extrusion, and a foamed sheet is obtained at a high temperature by laminating the non-foamed sheet with a heater line and applying electricity thereto. Therefore, the sheet composition can be fused and filled into a pipe.

Abstract: A heating device (100, 200), which can be arranged at an object (101, 201) to be heated, especially an injection molding die, has an inner jacket surface (111, 211) and an outer jacket surface (112, 212), with a heating element (105, 205) and with a thermocouple (103, 203). The thermocouple (102, 203) has at least one positioning section, in which the cross section of the thermocouple (103, 203) deviates in at least one direction of the cross-sectional area from the cross section of at least one section of the thermocouple (103, 203) located adjacent to this positioning section. The heating device (100, 200) has at least one device for locking this positioning section against displacement in and/or opposite to the direction in which the thermocouple (103, 203) extends.

Abstract: A method is provided which allows the facile deicing of a surface of a structure in general. Electromagnetic induction or IR/Microwave radiation is used to heat up a layer or a coating on said surface of the structure in general whereby said layer preferably contains conductive particles such as carbon nano particles, such as graphite, carbon nano tubes, carbon nano cones, metal in powder form, metalized glass beads, carbon fibers, chopped or as woven structure, etc all collectively named Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs) or cones or metallic particles at concentrations above 0.01% by weight. Heat conductors such as boron nitride may be used to improve the heat transfer to the surface. Constructions are disclosed which shield the microwave emitters from lightning receiving elements, and which protect the complete structure during lightning events. Radiation can be supplied both from the inside of the structure as well as from the outside.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck is formed using materials that are optically transparent to a range of frequencies, such as infrared radiation. The invention discloses several methods for achieving optical transparency. The chuck electrode can be formed having a mesh pattern designed with a specific open area percentage to provide adequate wafer clamping force while still allowing sufficient levels of infrared radiation to pass through. Alternatively, the chuck electrode can also be made from a transparent conductive film. A workpiece is disposed on one surface of the chuck, and a radiative heat source is positioned on the opposite side of the chuck. A reflector plate may be used to reflect the infrared radiation toward the chuck and the wafer. The spacing of the radiation sources and the shape of the reflector plate may be modified to focus more radiation on a particular portion of the workpiece if desired.

Abstract: A method and system for attenuating a shockwave propagating through a first medium by heating a selected region of the first fluid medium rapidly to create a second, transient medium that intercepts the shockwave and attenuates its energy density before it reaches a protected asset. The second medium may attenuate the shockwave by one or more of reflection, refraction, dispersion, absorption and momentum transfer. The method and system may include a sensor for detecting a shockwave-producing event, determining a direction and distance of the shockwave relative to a defended target and calculating a firing plan, and an arc generator for creating the second medium. The arc generator may create the second medium by creating an electric arc that travels along an electrically conductive path utilizing at least one of high intensity laser pulses, pellets forming a conductive ion trail, sacrificial conductors, projectiles trailing electrical wires, and magnetic induction.

Abstract: An improved method of making a baked pastry, particularly, a shell or wrap for a samosa from a pastry dough in a convection baking oven having a convection atmosphere, the method comprising baking the dough in the oven at a baking temperature for a baking period of time, the improvement having the convection atmosphere with a sufficiently moist atmosphere for the duration of the baking time to prevent the pastry from becoming dry.

Abstract: The invention describes a heating apparatus comprising at least one heater (9) in which one or more electric heating elements (11) are arranged, and at least one heat transmitter (1), which is connected with the at least one heater (9), comprises heat transmitter surfaces and is formed from an extruded profile (1a, 28, 28a) in which the at least one heater (9) is fitted, in which at least part of the walls (6, 22, 22a) of the extruded profile (1a), which are not in contact with a heating element (11), is provided with openings through which a gaseous or liquid medium can flow through the extruded profile (1a, 28, 28a) in transverse direction to the direction of extrusion (17).

Abstract: Embodiments include a pedestal to support a workpiece during plasma processing with tunable temperature control. In one embodiment, the pedestal includes an electrostatic chuck (ESC) having a top surface over which the workpiece is to be disposed. The pedestal includes one or more heating elements disposed under the top surface of the ESC. The pedestal includes a cooling base disposed under the ESC. The pedestal includes a plurality of compartments disposed between the cooling base and the top surface of the ESC, the plurality of compartments independently controllable to different pressures. One or more controllers independently control pressure in a first of the plurality of compartments to a first pressure and in a second of the plurality of compartments to a second pressure.

Abstract: An ice protection system for a structure has at least one electro-thermal heating element carried by the structure and a controller for selectively controlling the operation of each heating element. The controller operates each heating element according to a selected duty cycle defined by a pattern of time intervals, the controller selecting the duty cycle at least partially in response to measurements of ambient conditions about the structure.

Abstract: A wind sensor has a housing and a wind detection element, which is rotatably mounted on the housing and is formed by a wind wheel having a cup-star including a plurality of cups, wherein at least one ohmic heating element is incorporated in the wind wheel. Structures are provided for transferring energy between the housing and the ohmic heating element rotating with the wind wheel. The structures can include a primary coil arranged in the housing and a secondary coil arranged in the wind wheel, wherein the secondary coil is connected to the ohmic heating element. The plurality of cups of the wind wheel are each mounted by way of flat webs, wherein the webs extend into the cups and divide the cups into two regions, and the at least one heating element is embedded in the webs and extends into the region of the cups.

Abstract: A heating system for use in mechanical testing at scales of microns or less includes a stage heater. The stage heater having a stage plane, and a stage heating element distributed across the stage plane. Two or more support mounts are on opposed sides of the stage plane. A first bridge extends from the stage plane to a first mount of the two or more support mounts, and a second bridge extends from the stage plane to a second mount of the two or more support mounts. The first and second bridges provide a plurality of supports between the stage plane and two or more support mounts to accordingly support the stage plane. In another example, the heating system includes a probe heater configured to heat a probe as part of mechanical testing.

Abstract: An aircraft drain/fill fitting includes a housing adapted for being fitted into an opening between an aircraft interior and an aircraft exterior. The housing has an interior housing segment fluidly coaxially communicating with an exterior housing segment to define a liquid flow path therethrough, and a heater for applying heat to the interior housing segment. A hollow insert element is positioned in the interior housing segment in heat transfer contact with an inner wall of the interior housing segment. An elongate heat transfer probe is positioned in heat transfer contact with the hollow insert element and extends into the exterior housing segment to reduce the incidence of freezing of liquid in the exterior housing segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a customized shoe insole and to a customized sandal. More particularly, a customized shoe insole comprises a surface layer, an upper layer unit, a heating sheet including a heating portion and an electrode portion, a thermoplastic resin sheet, and a power supply terminal. The heating sheet includes the heating portion, which has a heating circuit formed by printing a conductive paint that contains fine powder of one or a mixture of two or more elements selected from silver (Ag), carbon (C), and copper (Cu) on a polyethylene (PE), polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC) or polyimide (PI) resin film, and the electrode portion which is precisely connected to the power supply terminal. The heating circuit is repeatedly arranged by once or twice or more so as to form a zigzag shape with predetermined intervals thereafter, and repeatedly arranged again by once or twice or more so as to form a heating circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieval of vapors or gases produced during the hair styling process comprises: a vacuum nozzle housing, an attachment bracket, a styling iron, a vacuum and at least one filter.

Abstract: A battery heating system for electronic devices includes a battery that powers an electronic device and a heating element adjacent to the battery. The heating element is configured to emit heat to the battery. The heating element is further configured to be activated by the electronic device. The heating element is further configured to be deactivated by the electronic device. The heating element includes a heat conductive element within a covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and an apparatus for cutting planar substrates charged with pharmaceutically active agents. In particular, the planar substrates comprise transdermal systems or orally dissolvable films.

Abstract: A heatable glazing is disclosed in which electrical heating elements such as fine wires are connected to a busbar. The resistance of the busbar is chosen such that, at the supply voltage of the installation, the busbar provides heating of a portion of the glazing in which it is located.

Abstract: A heat pad assembly for installation and/or removal of a bracket from a structure comprises a heating element. The heat pad assembly may have at least one and, more preferably, a plurality of perforations formed therein. The heating element may be configured to generate heat upon the application of electrical current passing therethrough. The heat pad assembly may be used for temporary installation of a bracket to a mounting surface through the use of an adhesive which is installable between the bracket and the structure.

Abstract: A device wherein food can be warmed by means of induction, said device comprising at least one secondary coil which is formed from a current conductor, whereon at least one heating element is connected. The invention also relates to a device which is used to transfer energy in a device in order to warm food by means of induction, said device comprising a primary coil which is connected to a voltage source and which is formed from a current conductor. According to the invention, the primary and secondary coil is cast into a coil body by casting means, and the insulating casting means exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion which essentially corresponds to the coil body.

Abstract: Heater leads for a leading edge resistive heating element are configured to accommodate the relative movement of the propeller blades to adjust propeller blade pitch. The heater leads each include a static portion and a dynamic portion. The static portion remains fixed relative to the rotating propeller during operation and the dynamic portion moves with movements of the individual blades to adjust pitch. The length of the dynamic portion accommodates the limits of movement and includes features that provide the desired performance and operational life.

Abstract: A heating assembly configured for use in mechanical testing at a scale of microns or less. The heating assembly includes a probe tip assembly configured for coupling with a transducer of the mechanical testing system. The probe tip assembly includes a probe tip heater system having a heating element, a probe tip coupled with the probe tip heater system, and a heater socket assembly. The heater socket assembly, in one example, includes a yoke and a heater interface that form a socket within the heater socket assembly. The probe tip heater system, coupled with the probe tip, is slidably received and clamped within the socket.

Abstract: A sheet-type ohmic heating element (10) comprises a substrate sheet (12) having applied thereon a layer of PTC material (14) and a protective cover sheet (16) laid over the layer of PTC material. The protective cover sheet extends beyond the boundary of the layer of PTC material and is affixed to the substrate sheet circumferentially around the boundary of the layer of PTC material. The protective cover sheet and the layer of PTC material are arranged in non-adhesive contact with each other.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided, for shrinking a protective element (101) shrinkable by means of the supply of heat onto an optical waveguide (100). The method involves generating thermal radiation, reflecting it and focusing it onto a focus zone in which the protective element (101) is held. The device contains a heating element (10), which generates thermal radiation, a reflector (30), which focuses the thermal radiation emitted by the heating element onto the focus zone, and a mount (20), by means of which the protective element (101) can be held in the focus zone.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.