Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated pane (1), in particular heating or aerial pane, having electrically conductive wires (2) which are embedded in a thermoplastic adhesion layer (3) and are in electrical contact in particular with at least one connection element, and is distinguished by the fact that the wires (2) comprise at least two conductive material layers, one of which consists of a metal which can withstand high mechanical loads and the other of which consists of a metal of higher electrical conductivity and good solderability. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the laminated pane (1), there are electrically conductive wires (2) which have a core which is made from a metal which can withstand mechanical loads and is sheathed by a metal of higher conductivity and good solderability.

Abstract: A fuel heating control method and apparatus includes an operation of a heater heating a fuel for an engine started by being driven by a starting motor. The heater is not operated until after an operation of the starting motor is substantially terminated at a time of starting the engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric heating device which is especially conceived as a heating device for use in automotive vehicles. A plurality of heating elements, which are stacked so as to define a heating block, form together with a control device a structural unit. For this purpose, the control device is accommodated in a lateral bar of the frame by means of which the heating elements are held together. The air to be heated flows through the heating block as well as through windows provided in the lateral bar, past cooling elements which are respectively connected to the power-electronics components of the control device.

Abstract: An expandable chamber support system for vehicle seat and mattress applications includes an expandable chamber constructed from facing sheets of flexible impermeable material that are sealed along their marginal edges. One of the sheets is formed of electrically conductive an elastomeric membrane that is electrically resistance heated while providing a source of pressure support for an occupant supported by the expandable chamber.

Abstract: The heater control apparatus comprises an exhaust gas sensor 6 for detecting an oxygen concentration in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, a heater 5 for heating this exhaust gas sensor 6 to a predetermined temperature, a power source including a battery 2 for supplying electric power to this heater 5 and a charging generator 4 for charging this battery 2, a switching element 19 inserted into a circuit for supplying electric power to the heater 5 from the power source, control means 12 for performing current-carrying control of the switching element 19 so as to maintain a temperature of the exhaust gas sensor 6 at a predetermined value, and an overvoltage detection element 28 for outputting an abnormal detection signal when a voltage of the power source exceeds a predetermined value, and it is constructed so that the switching element 19 is broken to stop the passage of current to the heater 5 by the abnormal detection signal of the overvoltage detection element 28 when a voltage of the charging

Abstract: A cooling device for a vehicle with an electric motor powered by a fuel cell has a first cooling loop suitable for cooling the fuel cell and traversed by a first cooling fluid, a second cooling loop suitable for cooling at least the electric motor and traversed by a second cooling fluid, and a heat exchanger interposed between the first cooling loop and the second cooling loop.

Abstract: A new and improved windshield wiper system is disclosed which includes a heating mechanism that heats each windshield wiper in order to prevent a buildup of ice and snow in freezing weather. The heating mechanism includes a set of heating coils that would be attached to the base of each windshield wiper in between the connecting rod and the blade of each windshield wiper. The heating coils would be attached to the top surface of blade to prevent any scratching or other damage to the front windshield. The heating coils of the heating mechanism would be attached to a power means, which would preferably be the battery of the vehicle to which the present invention would be attached.

Abstract: A heated tire for melting snow and ice that contacts a vehicle's tire tread. The heated tire includes a vehicle tire that has a heating apparatus integrally formed within the tire between the tire tread and the outermost steel belt and is automatically activated by a control unit interlinked to a temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electric heater for a motor vehicle uses heat generated by power semiconductors as the heat source. The heat output by the power semiconductors is used directly for heating. The power semiconductors are regulated by circuit regulators to be able to adjust the heating power continuously. In addition, switching devices are provided which interrupt or shut down the respective branch circuits individually in the event of short circuits in the power semiconductors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric heating device which is especially conceived as a heating device for use in automotive vehicles. A plurality of heating elements, which are stacked so as to define a heating block, form together with a control device a structural unit. For this purpose, the control device is accommodated in a lateral bar of the frame by means of which the heating elements are held together. The air to be heated flows through the heating block as well as through windows provided in the lateral bar, past cooling elements which are respectively connected to the power-electronics components of the control device.

Abstract: A temperature sensor detecting a temperature of fluid flowing through a fluid passage is disposed at a bent portion located at an upper side of the fluid passage in an area close to a fluid outlet. Particularly, the temperature sensor is disposed at a position far from the fluid inlet by half or more of an entire length L of the fluid passage. Thus, it is possible to prevent the detected temperature of the temperature sensor from being remarkably different from an actual temperature and to prevent the electric heater from being thermally damaged.

Abstract: A heating device has PTC heating thermistors connected in groups, and a circuit for selectively turning on one or more groups. At least two of the groups have different rated heating powers. The circuit turns on the selection of the groups at least on the basis of the available electrical power.

Abstract: A removable heater for attachment onto the body of a vehicle and over the key entry of vehicle lock. The heater has a housing with an open bottom and the leading edges of the housing have a gasket that seals the housing over the key access of the lock. A heating element is attached inside the housing and two wires electrically connect the heater to a power source. At least one suction cup is then attached to fixedly secure open bottom of the heater over the external face of a vehicle lock. In addition to or separate from the suction cup(s), the heater may be attached with a magnet.

Abstract: In order to ensure that a vehicle seat, having a supporting face and incorporating microcapsules of phase-change material having a phase transition temperature between 15 and 37° C., is comfortable to use in terms of temperature, the support face is heated or cooled before the seat is used so that the phase-change material is at its transition temperature when a user subsequently sits on the seat.

Abstract: A heating or air-conditioning system for a passenger cell of a motor vehicle has a heat exchanger which is arranged in the cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine and through which an air stream passes. The system also has a supplementary electric heater through which the same air stream flows. The heat exchanger and supplementary electric heater are arranged in an air box, and have an electronic control unit for controlling heating or air conditioning. In order to give the heating or air-conditioning system a design which is economical in terms of installation space and which is easy to mount, the control unit is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger and the supplementary heater in the floor area of the air box. The supplementary heater is oriented at a right angle with respect to the control unit and makes contact with the control unit on its underside.

Abstract: A lateral heating or air conditioning unit has an electric heating device downstream of the heater core, spaced from it and in the mouth of the hot passage. Separate blend doors are disposed in each of the hot and cold passages. The electric heater device is flush with the opening of the hot air passageway into the mixing chamber so as to prevent air flow disturbances.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating a seat, comprising a heating element arranged in connection to the seat and connected to a control unit, which comprises current feeding organs for feeding a current (I) through the heating element in order to heat it, a temperature sensor connected to said control unit for detecting the temperature (T) at said heating element, with the control unit being arranged for feeding said current (I) if said measured temperature (T) falls below a predetermined set temperature value (TB). The invention is characterized in that the control unit comprises a communication unit for receiving information regarding said set temperature value (TB) from an external unit via a transmission channel for the transfer of said information. The invention also relates to a method for heating a seat. By means of the invention, an improved temperature control for a heatable seat is provided, particularly intended for motor vehicles.

Abstract: An electric heater for a motor vehicle uses heat generated by power semiconductors as the heat source. The heat output by the power semiconductors is used directly for heating. The power semiconductors are regulated by circuit regulators to be able to adjust the heating power continuously. In addition, switching devices are provided which interrupt or shut down the respective branch circuits individually in the event of short circuits in the power semiconductors.

Abstract: In a vehicle air conditioner, an electrical heating member is disposed integrally with a heating heat exchanger including a core portion and upper and lower tanks. An electrical connection portion of the electrical heating member is disposed on a downstream air side of the lower tank of the heating heat exchanger. Therefore, the lower tank of the heating heat exchanger can restrict water from being covered onto the electrical connection portion of the electrical heating member. Thus, an electrical short circuit in the electrical connection portion is prevented, while air flow resistance is restricted from being increased.

Abstract: An improved control method variably activates an electric resistance heating element in a vehicle heating system so as to maximize the heating performance without overloading the vehicle generator or discharging the vehicle storage battery. A desired activation level for the heating element is determined based at least in part on the ability of the engine driven generator to develop electrical current, and when enabled, the heating element is activated based on the desired activation level. If a load condition for which the generator is unable to charge the storage battery is detected, the activation level is progressively reduced, and when the load condition is no longer detected, the activation level is progressively increased toward the desired level.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for controlling the heating current of a seat heater as a function of temperature is described. The circuit has a temperature sensing element that is integrated into an assigned logic circuit. The method optimizes a seat heating control arrangement by using variable heating phase durations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device for a moveable part of a motor vehicle such as an automobile which can be held, such as a steering wheel. The heater is connected to a source of electrical energy in a stationary part of the vehicle by a contact unit having a stator and a rotor. A voltage converter of the heating device is provided in the stationary part of the vehicle, before the contact unit or in the stator of the contact unit. The voltage converter enables the generation of a higher voltage than the normal 12 volt standard voltage of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the temperature of a vehicle seat (14) based on a variety of factors, including vehicle interior temperature, outside temperature, sunload, and user set point. Each of these readings is sent to a controller (30) where they are weighted by a formula to arrive at a target temperature. Based on that target temperature, a seat level is calculated and then transmitted to a heated seat controller (48) to apply the appropriate temperature to the vehicle seats (14).

Abstract: An alarm system, for warning an operator of a motor vehicle of an energized block heater condition when an engine is starting, has a housing, a wiring circuit for connection to a warning device and to a power source, and a proximity detector mounted inside the housing and being connected to the circuit for detecting a condition in a block heater cord of a motor vehicle. There is also provided a switch incorporated in or with the proximity detector for operating the warning device upon detecting a condition in the block heater cord. The alarm system also has a hook, a clip or similar arrangement affixed to the housing for holding a block heater cord near the proximity detector. The proximity detector is either a vibration sensor switch for detecting light shivering movements in the block heater cord upon starting of an engine, or a power detector to detect voltage or current in the block heater cord.

Abstract: A power supplying apparatus for automotive parts can prevent not only wasteful power consumption even if an electric heater is short-circuited, but also any adverse effects on engine operation during an engine start-up operation. To this and, a heater 3 is connected to a power supply means P for heating the automotive parts. A switch 5 is connected between the power supply means P and the heater 3 for selectively switching on and off the power supply from the power supply means P to the heater.

Abstract: The heating/dryer apparatus includes a casing having a top and a bottom, a heating element inside a tubular member incorporated in the casing and frictionally engaged therewith, a fan incorporated in a housing in the casing located above the heating element, feet attached to the bottom of the casing and an electrical extension adapted to activate the heating element and the fan. The heating/dryer apparatus may be mounted on the end of a flexible arm attached to a mounting device having a base with a suction cup mounted therein.

Abstract: An improved electrical system for internal combustion engines which transfers electrically generated energy from the alternator to heat engine fluids, such as the coolant and the oil, thereby reducing engine warm up time, and/or exhaust emissions and/or fuel consumption.

Abstract: An initial power feed quantity to be provided at the start to an electric heater equipped to an air-fuel ratio sensor is set corresponding to the temperature of a sensor element, and at the same time, the increase control time for increasingly changing the power feed quantity from said initial power feed quantity to the maximum power feed quantity is set corresponding to the temperature of the sensor element, and according to said initial power feed quantity and said increase control time, the power feed quantity to said electric heater is increased gradually from the start.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot water delivery device (20), for application to trucks, tractor-trailer vehicles and the like, including a water tank (1) which can be housed in a casing (10) rigid with the platform of the vehicle The main feature of the invention is that the device further comprises an electric power supplied boiler (6), having a size adapted to allow the boiler to be housed in said casing.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight and easy to use flexible heating mat for melting snow and ice that can be cut in the field to custom length or to accommodate direction changes or avoid obstructions. The heating mat includes one or more planar flexible heaters sandwiched between two vulcanized polymer protective sheets. The heating mat may be activated remotely or manually and can be powered from either end of the heating mat. Nonskid patterns ate typically included in heating mats used on driveways and walkways.

Abstract: An electric blanket that can be wrapped around the fuel filter and powered by the automotive vehicle battery by means of a cigarette lighter adapter.

Abstract: A steering wheel heating system (10) includes a modular controller (18) electrically connected to a heating element (12) and temperature sensor (20) disposed beneath the surface of a rim portion (14) of a steering wheel (16). Controller (18) includes a cabin temperature sensor (26), a remote control receiver (30), a temperature adjustment control (34), and an on/off/reset switch (36). Steering wheel heating system (10) receives electric current from power system (42) and allows this current to pass through heating element (12) to heat steering wheel (16). Controller (18) controls the flow of current to heating element (12) using control inputs from one or more of steering wheel temperature sensor (20), cabin temperature sensor (26), temperature adjustment control (34), and vehicle climate control system (44). A timing module automatically shuts off the flow of current after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: In an air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle, plural electrical heating members are integrated with a heater core for heating air. The air conditioning apparatus includes a first control unit for determining number of the electrical heating members to be operated, and a second control unit for controlling electrical power supplied to each of the electrical heating members based on the number determined by the first control unit. The second control unit preferentially supplies electrical power to an electrical heating member plated at a side of a foot opening through which air blown toward a lower side of a passenger compartment. Thus, the lower side of the passenger compartment can be preferentially quickly heated by heat generated from the electrical heating members.

Abstract: A heated running board assembly for use with a motor vehicle. The heated running board assembly includes a running board and a heater assembly. The running board has a stepping surface and is attached to a motor vehicle. The heater assembly includes a resistive heating element which is embedded within the running board and heats the stepping surface thereof. The heated running board assembly includes a sensor assembly, a timer, and a controller, and is connected through a switch to the motor vehicle battery.

Abstract: A windshield wiper assembly for connection to a windshield wiper retainer assembly of a vehicle comprises a housing having a pair of flexible side walls presenting wiping edges depending therefrom and adapted for contact with a windshield. A top wall of the housing spans the side walls and forms a channel therebetween. The top wall further defines at least one aperture in an end thereof. The wiper assembly further includes an elongated heater member having a structure releasably slidable in the channel through the aperture in the top wall. The wiper assembly further includes a plug for connecting a heating element of the heater member to the battery of the vehicle. The heater member cooperates with the side walls to direct heat from the heating element onto the wiper edges and onto the windshield itself. The heater member is slidably interchangeable with a third wiper, the third wiper including a structure that is releasably slidable within the channel.

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

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper unit having an improved electrical heating element. The wiper may be constructed as a wiper blade constructed of silicon material for attachment to existing wiper blade frame supports that are already standard for automobiles and other vehicles. Inside a hollow core of the wiper there is a nickel-chromium alloy resistive wire with a polyimide insulative sheath for generating heat to melt the ice and snow. Copper leads are connected to the resistive wire by means of silicon sheath. The leads from the wiper blade are connected to the electrical system of the vehicle for after market use.

Abstract: Only a small useful quantity of washing water as close as possible to the spray nozzles of the windshield wiper system is heated. As a result of corresponding miniaturization, the heating time can be reduced to 5 to 10 seconds. A sufficient cleaning effect can be achieved in most cases by hot water after the windshield spray system is actuated two or three times. Additional cleaning can be carried out either by rinsing with colder or cold water or by repeating after 10 to 20 seconds. The water is heated via an instant heating element which, with a content of, for example, 10 to 50 cm.sup.3, can be installed even in a secondary chamber. Some of the heat energy is therefore stored in a larger thermal reserve tank of, for example, 1 dl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating a seat comprising a heating element (2) connected to a control unit (1), which is arranged to feed a current (I) through the heating element (2) comprising the detection of the current temperature (T) in connection to the heating element (2) and the control of the temperature (T) by feeding said current (I) through the heating element (2) if said current temperature (T) falls below a predetermined desired temperature (T.sub.B). The invention is characterized in that it comprises determining an additional value (.increment.T.sub.B) of said desired temperature (T.sub.B) and adding said additional value (.increment.T.sub.B) to said predetermined desired temperature (T.sub.B) in connection with said control by means of the invention. An improved temperature control for a heatable seat is provided, in particular intended for motor vehicles.

Abstract: A heating or air conditioning system for a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle has a heat exchanger which is arranged in a cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine and through which an air stream passes. A supplementary electric heater through which the same air stream can flow is also provided. In order to design the heating or air conditioning system in such a way that a separate installation space is not necessary for the installation of the supplementary electric heater, the supplementary electric heater is physically integrated into the heat exchanger. The supplementary electric heater includes a plurality of electric heating rod assemblies arranged between water ducts of the heat exchanger which extend parallel with one another along the air passage surface of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A reversible HVAC system for heating a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The HVAC system includes a heat pump and an electric heater for supplying heat directly to air blown into the passenger compartment. A controller initially selects the heat pump to provide the heat that is directed into the passenger compartment. The heat pump attempts for a predetermined period of time to heat the passenger compartment to a target temperature. The controller stores a heat pump gain value representing the heating capacity of the heat pump before switching the heating operation to the electric heater. During operation of the electric heater, the controller calculates a system heat gain value representing the required heating capacity to maintain the passenger compartment at the target temperature. While the electric heater is operating, the controller continuously modifies the heat pump gain value to reflect changes in the ambient temperature.

Abstract: A powered system for removing large decals in the order of fifty feet or more comprises an upright, supporting frame ideally adapted for mounting upon a vehicle and a dynamic power head flexibly supported by the frame. A generally rectangular subframe is slidably coupled to the frame, captivated between a pair of vertically oriented stanchions. The subframe and the power head are vertically displaced with a hydraulic cylinder. An offset tilt mechanism mounted to the subframe dynamically mounts the power head. Preloaded springs extend between the vertically movable subframe and the tilting plate, which is pivoted to the subframe. A hydraulic cylinder deflects the pivot plate to an angle of attack that aligns the power head against the wall of the truck being serviced. The power head is preferably coupled to the tilting plate by fasteners that captivate suitable compensation springs. The power head comprises a rotary drum-like brush mounted driven by a hydraulic drive motor.

Abstract: A heater-installed grip for a vehicle includes substantially semi-cylindrical inner pieces (33.sub.1, 33.sub.2) of a synthetic resin which have a planar heater (34.sub.L, 34.sub.R ; 174.sub.L, 174.sub.R ; 184) wound around an outer periphery thereof and which are integrally embedded in a cylindrical grip body (35) made of a rubber assembled to a pipe-shaped steering handlebar (26) or a throttle pipe (79). In this heater-installed grip, a circumferentially central portion of each of the inner pieces (33.sub.1, 33.sub.2) is formed at a large wall thickness, as compared with circumferentially opposite ends thereof. Thus, the assemblability of the grip body (35) to the pipe-shaped steering handlebar (26) or the throttle pipe (79) is enhanced, while ensuring a die-clamping strength in a process for forming the grip body (35).

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a seat blower unit disposed in a lower side of the seat, and a seat duct for leading air from an air conditioning unit to the seat through the seat blower unit. In the air conditioning apparatus, it can be determined that heat load of a passenger compartment is decreased to a predetermined value based on an operation state of a unit blower of the air conditioning unit, and the seat blower is stopped when the heat load is decreased to the predetermined value. Further, the seat blower is turned on or off according to the heat load of the passenger compartment, so that temperature of the seat can be controlled within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A device intended to measure fouling and to locally heat an electrical insulating medium. At least one electrically resistive heating element (6, 8) is associated with a fouling detection unit. The fouling detection unit includes metallic elements (6, 10) in contact, at at least two points, with the insulating medium. The resistance variation between the two points is measured and is directly linked with the fouling of the medium.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used by motor vehicle drivers under conditions such as freezing rain, sleet or snow to allow improved forward vision. Comprised of a conventional windshield wiper assembly having an electrically conductive arm and a first elongated conductor, such as an insulated wire having a first end opposite a second end is provided, wherein the first end terminated by a first terminal connection at the base end of the wiper arm, and the second end is terminated at the electrical ground plane of the motor vehicle. A second elongated conductor is terminated at one end by a second terminal connection at the distal end of the wiper arm, and at the opposing end is electrically connected to an imbedded heating element in the wiper blade.

Abstract: An improved air freshener for use inside motor vehicles in which heat produced by a light bulb within the air freshener housing controls the release of fragrance from a removable fragrance impregnated pad positioned in close proximity to the light bulb. Light produced by the light bulb illuminates a translucent decorative cover mounted at the front of the air freshener.

Abstract: An electrically heatable activated carbon body and method of making and using the body. The body is composed of a non-metallic monolithic structure having activated carbon and means for passage of a workstream therethrough; the device is adapted for conducting an electric current therethrough. The body is used in adsorption and desorption applications wherein an electric current is passed through the structure having adsorbed species, to raise the temperature above the desorption temperature of the adsorbed species, to cause desorption of the adsorbed species which then pass out of the structure. The body is preferably an activated carbon coated honeycomb which is fitted with a conducting metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow heater for heating liquid in a closed cycle in a motor vehicle. The flow heater comprises at least one radiator with at least one channel, through which the liquid to be heated flows, ant at least one PTC-heating element for heating the closely adjacent radiator.

Abstract: A heated vehicle seat is brought forth which includes a first bus bar of conductive ink applied to either the vehicle seat cushion or to its cover. The conductive ink can be applied directly to the seat cushion or cover, or the conductive ink can be applied to a noncellulosic fabric substrate which is then connected with the seat cushion or cover. A second bus bar of conductive ink is also applied. Between and connecting the two bus bars is a resistive pattern of a conductive ink. The heated vehicle seat has a high thermal reaction time and generates heat at a position closer to the vehicle seat occupant.