Abstract: Components for HVAC systems used in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles are mounted in modular configuration on a frame with air conditioning components connected to one another by metal pipes welded to the components. An alternating current motor, integral with a compressor, is driven by 310 volt alternating current from an inverter, which inverter converts 310 volt direct current that is used to power the vehicle. PTC heaters in fluid communication with an evaporator employed by the air condition system are directly energized by the 310 volt direct current. The modular system is mounted directly on the chassis of the vehicle, facilitative assembly of the vehicle, and is readily removable as a unit from the chassis for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A grip heater has a tubular insulator that is designed to slip over a handlebar and has two interposed pairs of helical recesses. Each pair of helical recesses is formed by two parallel helical grooves and accommodates a heating element; the heating elements can have different resistances to provide differing degrees of heat when selectively connected to a voltage source. Preferably, the pairs of recesses overlap such that the heating elements reside in alternating grooves and cross over each other. The heating elements can be connected to a common ground to allow replacement of existing three-wire grip heaters. When a common ground is employed, the heating elements are preferably isolated where they cross.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a gas sensor, wherein a microcomputer 44, which is connected to an oxygen sensor 30 including a detection element 12 and a heater 14, detects the cooling water temperature Tw of the engine. The control apparatus determines that condensation water within the exhaust pipe is being generated when the cooling water temperature Tw is equal to or lower than 0° C. When equal to or lower than 0° C., the microcomputer 44 supplies to the heater 14 electrical power for maintaining the temperature of the detection element 12 within the range of 100° C. to a splash-water-cracking generation temperature (e.g., about 300° C.) at or above which cracking can occur in a laminated-type oxygen sensor element 10 due to splash of condensation water. Electrical power is supplied to the heater 14 such that a pulse signal Sh is output from the microcomputer 44, and the heater 14 is pulse-driven by use of a heater electrification control circuit 34.

Abstract: A heating element protection apparatus for a mass-flow sensor may include a heating element disposed in a gas, a gas temperature sensor disposed in the gas to sense a temperature of the gas, a slope detector to measure a slope of the temperature as power is supplied to the heating element, and a heating element controller to supply power to the heating element to replace heat dissipated by the gas. The heating element controller may detect a temperature of the heating element and may supply power to the heating element based on the heating element temperature and the gas temperature, and the power may be switched off for a predetermined period of time if a magnitude of the slope is greater than a reference magnitude.

Abstract: An air supply device is provided for a vehicle seat of an open-top motor vehicle having at least one air outflow opening which is provided in the upper region of the vehicle seat and via which an airstream can be applied to the head area, shoulder area and nape area of the sitting vehicle occupant in order to reduce undesired draft phenomenon. The airstream can be regulated by way of a control device. In order to provide improved comfort for the sitting vehicle occupant when driving with the top open, the airstream is adjusted, when the air supply device is switched on, by way of the control device as a function of an automatically sensed external parameter value or of a predefined value selectable by the sitting vehicle occupant, to an assigned basic value, starting from which the further adjustment of the airstream is carried out as a function of an automatically sensed further parameter value.

Abstract: A grip heater control apparatus enabling a driver to visually identifying the electrified condition of a heater and to control the temperature of the heater easily during vehicle driving and enabling the configuration for the temperature control and the visual identification to be space-saving. A single light emitter (4) is provided as an indicator along with heater temperature operators (5, 6) at an end of a grip (1). The indication control unit includes a unit for executing an operating state indication control process including a process of variably setting a first predetermined cycle, which is a blinking cycle of the light emitter (4), according to target electric energy set by a target electric energy setting unit in response to an operation of the heater temperature operator (5, 6) when operated and a process of blinking the light emitter (4) in the set first predetermined cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric heater, which electrically and mechanically protects heating means from the outside, increases heating value and thermal conductivity by increasing contact efficiency among components, and improves assembly efficiency and productivity. The electric heater includes: a plurality of radiation members, each having a radiation fin and a radiation fin supporting plate surrounding the radiation fin and formed integrally with the radiation fin by brazing; a plurality of flat tubes arranged between the radiation members and having heating means therein for generating heat when electric power is supplied; first and second support frames oppositely arranged at sides of the outermost radiation members for supporting and fixing the radiation members and the flat tubes; and first and second caps for supporting both end portions of the first and second support frames and both end portions of the flat tubes.

Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle includes a heater (12) with a first electric heating device (24), which can be operated to ignite an air/fuel mixture present in a combustion chamber (16), and with a second electric heating device (22) for supporting the evaporation of the fuel. An actuating device (26) is provided for putting the heater (12) into operation after a start command has been generated. A first start command generating device (30, 36, 26) can be actuated by a user to generate a start command and a second start command generating device (32, 38, 26) generates a start command according to an operating program. The actuating device (26) operates the second heating device (22) at a lower heat output after a start command has been generated by means of the second start command generating device (32,38, 26).

Abstract: Vehicle heating systems such as portable vehicle cushions, steering wheel covers, and other interior surfaces include a direct current heating circuit for producing heat when activated; a surface material covering the heating circuit to isolate the heating circuit from direct contact by a vehicle occupant or object resting against the surface material; and a pressure switch located below the surface material and connected to the heating circuit to activate the heating circuit during application of sufficient pressure on the pressure switch by a vehicle occupant resting against the surface material at a location proximate the pressure switch, insufficient pressure being applied to the pressure switch deactivating the heating circuit.

Abstract: A method modifies friction between an object and ice or snow. The method utilizes a heating element to apply a pulse of thermal energy to an interface between the object and the ice or snow; the first pulse is sufficient to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface. Water forming the interfacial layer refreezes to form a bond between the object and the ice or snow. The steps of the method may be repeated to form a second bond between the object and the ice or snow.

Abstract: An engine block heating system for a vehicle and the associated method of its operation. The engine block heating system has an electrical heating element that is coupled to the vehicle's engine. A power cord is provided for supplying electricity to the electrical heating element from a source external to the vehicle. A sensor is provided for detecting whether or not the power cord is connected to the vehicle. A disruption switch is coupled to both the starting circuit of the vehicle and the sensor. The disruption switch disrupts the starting circuit of the vehicle when the sensor detects that the power cord is connected to the vehicle. As such, the vehicle cannot be started when the power cord of the engine block heating system is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: Electric heating apparatus and manufacturing method for an electric heating apparatus, wherein prefabricated constructional units are used. The prefabricated constructional units consist of PTC heating elements fastened to contact sheets by means of a lacquer. This simplifies production and enhances protection against corrosion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laminated glass pane (1) with at least a rigid pane and a flat electrically controlled functional element (2) as well as at least a thin electrically conductive coat (5), wherein, in accordance with the invention, the coat (5) also constitutes a flat electrode of the functional element, the coat being capable of being heated by being powered with an electric voltage, independently of the power supply of the functional element (2). Thus, unwanted variations of the optical properties of the functional elements are reduced when such a laminated glass pane is used at highly fluctuating temperatures, in particular at low temperatures.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating comprises a plurality of heat transfer plate members (34) arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals; and connecting portions (35, 36) for integrally connecting the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34) to each other, wherein air passages (37) are formed between the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34), inner fluid passages (31) are formed in the heat transfer plate members (34), fluid, for heating air which passes in the air passages (37), flows in the inner fluid passages (31), and an electric heat generating film (40), for heating the air which passes in the air passages (37), is formed on surfaces of the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34).

Abstract: An automotive transparency having a heatable wiper rest area includes a first glass sheet and a second glass sheet secured together by an interlayer material. An opaque band is positioned on the inner surface of the outer glass sheet along a portion of an edge of the outer sheet at an expected wiper rest areas; and an electrically conductive member is positioned on a major surface of the second glass sheet and extends along an edge portion of the second sheet at the wiper rest area. A plurality of bus bars positioned in electrical contact along the conductive member divides the conductive member into a plurality of heatable areas with a first lead electrically interconnecting selected ones of the bus bars and a second lead electrically interconnecting other selected ones of the bus bars with overlying portions of the first and second leads electrically isolated from each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating system for a motor vehicle in which a PTC heating element (4) is controlled by a regulator (1) by means of an infinitely variable electronic power system (2). The regulator (1) receives a status signal (u) that indicates the power available from the dynamo (6). The control signal (x) for the electronic power system (2) is preferably calculated from the latter by means of a PI algorithm in such a way that the dynamo/altenator (6) is utilized to a maximum degree without putting at risk a sufficient supply to other electrical loads (5). The regulator (1) can also be connected to a user interface (3) for displaying and/or inputting information.

Abstract: A heated motorcycle handgrip is securable to a motorcycle handlebar and includes a grip housing that has a first end adapted to receive the handlebar, and a second end opposite the first end. The grip housing includes a heating element that is operable to provide a heat output, and a heater control dial is coupled to the second end of the handgrip to control the heat output of the heating element.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a state of a switch is disclosed. The method includes providing a high side driver circuit in communication with a voltage source, activating the high side driver circuit at a first predefined time interval, and sourcing voltage to a resistor in communication with the high side driver circuit at the first predefined time interval. Further, the method monitors the switch at the first predefined time interval, and determines the state of the switch, and deactivates the high side drive at a second predefined time interval.

Abstract: A heating element used for a heated seat assembly of the present invention comprises a base material made of hotmelt material, and a linear heater disposed at a predetermined pattern on the base material. The linear heater is fixed by adhesion or sewing onto the base material. In one example of the present invention, the linear heater is characterized in that a plurality of conductors and threads are braided into the linear heater. In another example, a number of threads comprising the linear heater is at least the same with a number of conductors. According to the heating element of the present invention and the method of manufacturing the heated seat assembly according to the present invention, a heated seat assembly with excellent seating comfort and even seat temperature can be obtained, and the heating element is durable.

Abstract: A snow removal system for melting snow from the body of a vehicle is disclosed. The snow removal system includes a control assembly being designed for operationally coupling to a power supply of the vehicle. A plurality of conducting strips are operationally coupled to the control assembly. The conducting strips are designed for being coupled to the body of the vehicle. The control assembly distributes power through the conducting strips whereby the conducting strips generate heat when power is passed through the conducting strips for warming the body of the vehicle to melt snow on the vehicle.

Abstract: Windshield wiper apparatus is provided to substantially increase the amount of heat and the speed with which the heat is delivered to the wiper mechanism and blade to clean the ice and snow accumulation. Hot air is provided from either or both the exhaust system or a special electric heater directly into the modified windshield wiper and onto the windshield.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle safety device for melting ice and snow on roadways and in areas immediately adjacent the vehicle tires includes ductwork extending from a heater mounted adjacent the vehicle engine with the ductwork terminating at front and rear undercarriage mounted v-shaped ducts. Each v-shaped duct includes a pair of heating vents disposed adjacent each vehicle tire that blows heated air onto the roadway for melting the ice and snow. A heating grid is securable to the vehicle undercarriage for providing additional radiant heat to melt ice and snow, and a dashboard-mounted control panel provides for the manual activation of the heater and the heating grid while sensors mounted to the undercarriage and electrically connected to the control panel provide for automatic activation of the heater and heating grid upon sensing a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A cut-to-length heating system including a heating cable having a first conductor with a first resistivity and a second conductor with a second resistivity. The heating cable having a first end and a second end with the first conductor being electrically connected to the second conductor at the first end. The first resistivity substantially higher than the second resistivity. An average power limiting device electrically connecting the first conductor and the second conductor at the second end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method particularly applicable to an automotive vehicle seat, through which the control of heating of heating elements is carried out by an electronic circuit, based on the temperature monitored in the heating elements and using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The signals applied to the heating elements are progressively adapted to the condition of the different heating elements at all times and throughout their useful life, by variation of the working cycle of the signal applied to the heating elements in the form of a fixed frequency pulse train, and applying said signal after an initial transient state, during which state a maximum voltage has been applied to the heating elements and has been maintained until reaching a desired percentage of an assigned temperature by each of said heating elements.

Abstract: An electric heating device as supplemental heating for motor vehicles includes as the heating elements power transistors directly mounted on the printed circuit board. For efficient removal of the dissipation heat from the power transistors the latter are in direct contact on their underside with a cooling element via openings in the printed circuit board. In order to simplify manufacture, the cooling elements are formed in two pieces: the heat conducting disk with a small thermal mass insertable into the opening of the printed circuit board, and the cooling body which can be connected to that heat-conducting element.

Abstract: Heating of a functional unit is started by a control device. An actual temperature or a parameter dependent on the actual temperature is monitored during, and optionally before and after the actual heating of the functional unit. A characteristic feature of the time course of the actual temperature or of the parameters dependent on the heating temperature, which determines the phase transition of water, serves for the evaluation and control of the heating. Analysis of the characteristic features is used to control the heating power of the heating elements. Threshold values and further factors such as proportionality factors for the controller, for example, are determined depending upon significant characteristics. The threshold values and factors are also particularly used for a subsequent starting of the heating using the corresponding analysis and control.

Abstract: The invention is a device for heating a seat (3) comprising a heating element (2) connected to a control unit (1) which is arranged to feed a current (I) through the heating element (2), a detector unit (6) in connection to the heating element (2) connected to the control unit (1) with current (I) being fed when the measured temperature value falls below a predetermined desired value (TB). The invention is characterized in that the detector unit (6) comprises at least one first temperature sensor (7) on or in the vicinity of the heating element (2) with at least one further temperature sensor (8) at a predetermined distance from the heating element (2). By means of the invention a more even heating of the seat is obtained with an increased comfort for a person sitting in the seat.

Abstract: A heated window including at least one rigid pane, at least two current busbars of different polarity placed substantially parallel close to one edge of the heated window at different distances from the edge, and linear heating resistors electrically connected thereto. The busbars lie sideways to the heating resistors and the heating resistors start from a first current busbar and, passing over the other current busbar while being insulated therefrom, in the direction of the window surface and in at least one loop, return toward the other current busbar and are electrically connected thereto.

Abstract: A grip heater control apparatus has a heater provided in a left grip of a steering handle of a motorcycle or the like, a heater control unit mounted on a left cowling of the motorcycle, a cover disposed on an upper end of a heater control unit and supporting thereon a plurality of LEDs and up and down switches, a controller disposed in the heater control unit for controlling the amount of electricity supplied from a battery, and a branch cable interconnecting the controller and the heater. The temperature of the heater is adjusted by the number of times that buttons of the up and down switches are pressed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible printed circuit board for use in a control handle. The circuit board includes resistive heating elements for heating electrical components in the circuit to limit the formation of frost and condensation on the components.

Abstract: A heating system with PTC heating elements heats a medium that flows. In order to avoid unnecessary heating up of the PTC elements when the streaming fails, the required heat output that is to be generated by the PTC elements is compared to the electrical power actually consumed and, if a specified threshold value is under-run, the required heat output that was set is reduced accordingly.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon emissions scrubber for use in an evaporative emissions control system of a motor vehicle includes a scrubber element having an elongate body. The body defines a plurality of passageways for the flow of fluid therethrough. The plurality of passageways are one of coated with or constructed of a sorbent material. The sorbent material is adsorptive of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Each mat of a plurality of mats has an electrical resistance heater embedded therein between a layer of vinyl and a layer of cloth-like material. The mats are located in a motor vehicle and are connected to the power system of the motor vehicle via a cigarette lighter-type attachment and are controlled by a control element. Each mat has a crown and a gutter so water generated by melting snow or ice is controlled and prevented from running off the mat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a seat such as a vehicle seat are disclosed. The apparatus includes an electrical heater disposed in the seat, a cooling unit such as a cooling element and a fan, a detector for detecting the temperature associated with the electrical heater, and a controller for controlling the electrical heater and the cooler based upon the detected temperature and upon the humidity algorithm comprising a predetermined set of calculations of the humidity of air at different temperatures.

Abstract: An electric heating system for motor vehicles including one or several electric heating elements; a control circuit provided for controlling the power dissipated by the heating elements; the control circuit including one or several power semiconductors arranged on a circuit board; the circuit board is by means of a solid matter connection connected by the side facing away from the power semiconductors to a metal plate intended to be mass potential; the metal plate being electrically insulated from conductor paths located on the underside of the circuit board and intended to carry a voltage in relation to the ground potential; the control circuit being arranged in a housing. One or several heat sinks are provided outside the housing. The metal plate is connected with the heat sinks arranged outside the housing by thermally conductive connectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermally modifying an ice-to-object interface. One system includes a power supply configured to generate a magnitude of power. The magnitude of the power is sufficient to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface; typically the interfacial layer has a thickness in a range one micron to one millimeter. A controller may be used to limit the duration in which power supply generates the magnitude of the power, to limit unneeded heat energy dissipation into the environment. Modulating the pulsed heating energy to the interface modifies a coefficient of friction between the object and the ice.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrically heated jacket to maintain a hot beverage contained in a disposable hot-beverage container at optimum temperature for consumption. Electrical power for heating may be provided, in various embodiments, by household electric power, electric power from a motor vehicle electrical system, or batteries, which may be disposable or rechargeable. The invention also provides a method for keeping a hot beverage warm comprising providing freshly recharged batteries convenient to the point-of-sale of hot beverages.

Abstract: A variable flow thermostat, as applied to an internal combustion engine, provides a means for allowing the flow of coolant fluid from the engine block to the radiator to vary in response to the temperature of the engine coolant sensed at the engine block. The thermostat includes a central control unit that responds to changes in engine coolant temperature by sending signals to one of a plurality of control heaters, each in contact with block of a controllably expandable medium. These blocks, when heated by the control heaters, will heat and expand, exerting a force that controls the degree to which a valve opens. The valve controls the flow of coolant fluid from the engine to either a radiator or a bypass conduit. By varying how many blocks of material are heated, the position of the valve, and thus the amount of coolant reaching the radiator, can be varied.

Abstract: Components for HVAC systems used in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles are mounted in modular configuration on a frame with air conditioning components connected to one another by metal pipes welded to the components. An alternating current motor, integral with a compressor, is driven by 310 volt alternating current from an inverter, which inverter converts 310 volt direct current that is used to power the vehicle. PTC heaters in fluid communication with an evaporator employed by the air condition system are directly energized by the 310 volt direct current. The modular system is mounted directly on the chassis of the vehicle, facilitative assembly of the vehicle, and is readily removable as a unit from the chassis for repair or replacement.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for heating comprises a plurality of heat transfer plate members (34) arranged in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals; and connecting portions (35, 36) for integrally connecting the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34) to each other, wherein air passages (37) are formed between the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34), inner fluid passages (31) are formed in the heat transfer plate members (34), fluid, for heating air which passes in the air passages (37), flows in the inner fluid passages (31), and an electric heat generating film (40), for heating the air which passes in the air passages (37), is formed on surfaces of the plurality of heat transfer plate members (34).

Abstract: An integrated form of a cooling fin in a heating body, and more particularly, to an integrated form applied for joining a ceramic heating element and a cooling fin. Three-dimensionally expanded adhering areas are formed at relative joining planes of the wave-like cooling fin and the ceramic heating element, thereby increasing an adhering interface thereof and providing spaces for accumulating the adhesive, and further accomplishing reinforced binding forces and buffer purposes.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle seat having at least one heating element and at least one fan is provided. The control circuit includes a two-pole switch having two synchronously actuated switch elements. The switch elements are operatively connected to the heating element and the fan to operate the heating element and the fan in a first operating mode wherein only the heating element is active, and a second operating mode wherein both the heating element and the fan are active. When two heating elements are employed, the two heating elements are connected in parallel by the switch elements in the first operating mode and are connected in series by the switch elements in the second operating mode.

Abstract: Process for the heating and double electromagnetic polarization for liquid and gaseous fuel, comprising the phases of a controlled heating of the fuel at a determined temperature, comprised between 30° C. and 65° C., a passage of the fuel flow along the axis of an electromagnetic field, and a return of the fuel through the same electromagnetic field according to an external, opposite and coaxial flow with respect to the preceding flow, and relative device comprising:—a hydraulic module (6) supported by a collector and crossed by the fuel flow, comprising two coaxial pipes;—heating elements (10); and polarization elements for generating an electromagnetic field with constant intensity.

Abstract: A vehicle or stationary liquid, water or oil tank heater teaches that a hot fluid may be passed through a metal body placed in the water piping or in the vacuum piping, thereby melting any ice in the system and preventing further freezing. The system may be advantageously used with manifolds, valves, scrubbers, pipes or the water tank itself. The coolant flow path may be optimized for ease of production and/or efficient heat transfer. The invention may be used with an external source of hot liquid, or it may be used with a cuff which may slipped over any of a variety of devices in need of de-icing.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for an exhaust gas sensor can promptly heat the exhaust gas sensor with an electric heater up to an activation temperature while preventing thermal shock damage thereof due to water immediately after engine starting. Energization of an electric heater arranged near an exhaust gas sensor is controlled by a CPU cooperating with a ROM through a switching element. A low voltage is supplied for evaporation of the water by a first preheater immediately after engine starting, and enhanced preheating is subsequently carried out by a second preheater for preventing thermal shock on the exhaust gas sensor. Thereafter, a heating controller performs automatic control with a proper activation temperature of the exhaust gas sensor being made as a target. The temperature controlled by the first preheater is set to such a temperature level at which rapid cooling damage of the exhaust gas sensor due to the water will not be caused but the water can be evaporated.

Abstract: A heating blanket reduces the possibility of electrical arcing by providing a series of individual heating elements each carrying a low current.

Abstract: An electric heating device is adapted to be used in particular as an auxiliary electric heating for motor vehicles. The heating device comprises a plurality of PTC heating elements arranged in a plane of said heating device. The PTC heating elements are in electric contact with contact sheets for supplying current thereto and in thermal contact with radiator elements for transferring the heat produced to an air current to be heated. According to the present invention, the PTC heating elements arranged in this plane are adapted to be controlled separately in at least two groups.

Abstract: A fluid heater apparatus has fluid discharge temperature control to prevent temperature overshoot. A plurality of heater elements are employed and at least certain of the heater elements are independently controllable. At least one of the heater elements is employed as a “finishing” heater element, with the other heating elements deactivated to enable the “finishing” heater element to more slowly elevate the temperature of the fluid in the body from a first temperature reached by activation all or most of the heater elements to the predetermined discharge temperature. One of more of the heater elements may have a different power output than the other heater elements.

Abstract: A heat source is disposed in the thermally conductive mass housing for imparting heat to the mass. Fluid in a flow path through the mass absorbs heat from the mass. A fluid expansion member is mounted over open ends of the fluid flow path. The fluid expansion member, in one aspect, is formed of a compressible material to compress under the forces of fluid phase change to a solid state and expands back to a nominal shape when the fluid undergoes a reverse phase change to a liquid state. In another aspect, the fluid expansion member is a solid seal member overlaying the open ends of the fluid flow channels. The seal resists expansion under normal fluid operating pressures, but expands into an open interior chamber in a closure fixed to the mass to accommodate a phase change expansion of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluid temperature in a fluid heater apparatus which supplies heat to fluid from a controllable heater element(s) which includes establishing a discharge temperature range between a first high temperature and a second low temperature. The temperature of the fluid is measured and, in response to the measured temperature, activation of the heater elements is controlled to maintain the temperature of the fluid within the temperature range. The heater elements can be independently controllable for temperature control.