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

Abstract: A heated mirror has a heating element thermally bonded to the rear surface and a transparent conductive coating applied to its front surface and divided by a narrow gap into portion between which the capacitance and resistance will be influenced by moisture. Changes in resistance and/or capacitance of the coating are sensed and used to control the leaking element so as to apply heat to the microns when fogging occurs.

Abstract: Various electric equipment which are increasing more and more are accommodated in a glove box. The accommodating means has such a structure in which a computer C, a cellular telephone T and the like are fitted on rails provided on a glove box cover. By the fitting of those equipments, power sources and signals can be delivered (supplied) between the electric equipment and other various equipment provided in an instrument panel through connectors and cords. The delivery is performed under distribution and processing in a conversion substrate. A glove box lamp is attached to a substrate on a opening of the glove box so as to be connected to the current conduction path. A switch for turning on/off the glove box lamp is further attached to the substrate so as to be connected to the current conduction path. Respective lead wires of wire harness W/H are connected directly to the current conduction path of the substrate without interposition of any connector.

Abstract: A snow and ice melting system including a foldable heating cover dimensioned for covering a vehicle. A storage cart is dimensioned for receiving the heating cover in a folded configuration. A pair of cooperating cords are disposed within the storage cart. The pair of cooperating cords are in electrical communication with each other. The pair of cooperating cords include a first cord and a second cord. The first cord has a free end coupled with the heating cover. The second cord has a free end couplable with an electrical outlet.

Abstract: A remote and programmable indash defrost/cooling system includes a processing unit coupled to the vehicle's ignition system, heating system, and cooling system. A memory coupled to the processing unit stores a computer readable program which is designed to direct operation of the vehicle's ignition, heating, and cooling systems to allow preprogrammed warming or cooling of the vehicle. The processing unit may also cause the windows of the vehicle to be defrosted and cleaned by starting front and rear defrost systems and then activating the front and/or rear windshield wipers to clear the defrosted ice from the windows.

Abstract: An air freshener for motor vehicles, of a type inserted inside an electrical lighter of a vehicle and using current from the electrical lighter, includes a casing for holding an air freshening material of a pastille or gel form therein, the casing having a cover; a main resistor surrounded by the casing and which is electrically activated by the current to generate heat; a printed circuit board with resistors of lower voltage rating than the main resistor and connected to the main resistor; holes in the cover for entry of air; interior projections in the casing for holding the air freshening material; a buzzer placed inside the casing, activated by the current and triggered by a time mechanism corresponding to usage time; two electrical poles for receiving current from the electrical lighter; at least one wire for connecting the two electrical poles with the printed circuit board and/or main resistor; and a light which is illuminated by the current during activation of the main resistor.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade having an internal conduit extending throughout the length of the wiper blade body through which an electric heating element is placed provides a means to address a wintertime problem of windshield wiper icing and freeze-up causing the wiper blade to lose flexibility and not sweep the curved windshield commonly found on most motor vehicles clear enough for good driving visibility. The preferred means to address this problem is to provide an electrical heat element within the wiper blade body of about the same linear length as the wiper blade body. Additionally, in the present invention, a low-cost resistance wire type heat element that can be cut to accommodate various wiper blade lengths is used. The heat element comprises a flexible spiraled resistance wire coiled around stranded fiberglass, the whole of which is encapsulated in a silicone rubber jacket.

Abstract: An alternator power supplied electric heater is Where the resistence of a resistive heater element 3, consumed power and amount of consumed power are calculated from noncontrolled characteristics of an alternator 2, and supply of power to the resistive heater element 3 is controlled based on water temperature of engine WT to heat catalyst 11b to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A Remote Car Heating System for heating an interior portion of a vehicle without starting the vehicle. The inventive device includes an electric heater, a pliable mat secured to the electric heater, a remote sensor electrically connected to the electric heater, and a remote control for transmitting a signal which the remote sensor detects. The remote sensor includes a clip for removably coupling the sensor to the rear view mirror of a vehicle.

Abstract: This diesel particulate filter comprises of a composite filter plate composed of thin filter plates formed out of ceramic fiber, and a latticed heating wire, and metal nets. The composite filter plate is bent into a bellows-like structure so as to increase a cross-sectional area of an exhaust gas passage. The latticed heating wire is formed to a current self-controlling type heating wire out of a material containing Ni as a main component the resistance value of which increases as the temperature rises. The particulates collected by the thin filter plates are burnt by supplying an electric current to the latticed heating wire. When a high-temperature region occurs on the thin filter plates, the level of an electric current flowing to the portion of the latticed heating wire which corresponds to the same region is reduced. Consequently, all the regions of the thin filter plates are heated at a uniform temperature, and the melting and breakage of the thin filter plates do not occur.

Abstract: An ice protection device for an airfoil comprises a plurality of discrete mat sections which are individually secured to the structural member by an adhesive.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an internal combustion engine having an electrically heated catalyst heats the catalyst with sufficient power without fluctuating the rotation speed of the engine. The apparatus has an alternator 2 driven by the engine 1, an intake controller 3 disposed in an intake system of the engine 1, to change the quantity of intake air, a battery 8 charged by the alternator 2, the catalyst 4 disposed in an exhaust system of the engine 1 and powered by the battery 8 and alternator 2, and a regulator 7 for changing the field current of the alternator 2, to change power to be generated by the alternator 2. When activating the catalyst 4, the intake controller 3 increases the quantity of intake air, and the regulator 7 increases power to be generated by the alternator 2. Increasing the field current of the alternator 2 is delayed behind increasing the quantity of intake air.

Abstract: Proposed is a heater arrangement for a measuring sensor for determining components in gases, particularly in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. The heater arrangement comprises at least two heating elements (10, 11) which are disposed at least partly one above the other and electrically insulated from one another by means of at least one insulating layer. A contacting member (14) laid through the insulating layer from one heating element (10) to the other heating element (11) is provided in such a manner that the heating elements (10, 11) are switched in series one behind the other.

Abstract: The present invention is a heated wiper blade comprising an elongated blade and a heating element connected to the electrical system of a vehicle. The heating element utilizes a material with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance placed between a pair of conductive members. The conductive members span the length of the heating element to provide a uniform distribution of heat through the length of the blade. Electrical connections to the heating element are preferably located at one end of the blade. The heating element can be located inside the blade or between a semi-rigid attachment member and an upper surface of the blade.

Abstract: When an apparatus for supplying power to an EHC becomes faulty, the supply of power to the EHC is shut off by a means which is separate from a control relay to prevent the catalyst from being overheated. The control relay that is opened and closed by an ECU is provided in a circuit that supplies electric power from a power source to the EHC attached to an exhaust gas passage of an internal combustion engine, and power supplied to the EHC is controlled by the control relay. When the control relay is short-circuited, this short-circuiting fault is detected by some means, and the power supply circuit is forcibly shut off so that power will not be continuously supplied to the EHC from the power source in this state. Means for forcibly shutting off the power supply circuit may be a relay, a breaker or a fuse when the power source is a battery, and may be to suppress the amount of power generated by an alternator when the power source is the alternator.

Abstract: An air conditioning unit for a vehicle is inserted between an inlet conduit (12), supplied with fresh air and/or recycled air, and the passenger space of the vehicle. The unit comprises a fan (16) which supplies two conduits placed parallel, of which one (19) permanently heats the air by contact with a heating component (21, 22), the heated air being dispatched either into the passenger space, or towards the exterior with the aid of a valve (25). The other conduit (20) is opened or closed by a valve (27), according to whether one wishes to cool or to heat the passenger space. The heating component (21, 22) is thus permanently cooled, both when the passenger space is heated and when it is cooled.

Abstract: A heating windshield wiper shroud system which is designed to be installed in combination with a conventional motorized vehicle windshield wiper assembly having an electrically activated windshield wiper rocker arm and a windshield wiper blade and supporting frame. The wiper shroud system utilizes a shroud housing with a roof portion along a longitudinal axis having a middle section with a first vertically and transversely designed upper width portion and a second vertically and transversely designed lower width portion which has a differentially wider transverse width dimension than the first upper width portion. The second lower width has a shelf portion which has a perimeter generally between and coextensive with the outside vertical edge of the first upper width and the outer edge of the second lower width portion.

Abstract: A electrical heater device for heating the interior of an automobile including a housing that is mounted to an automobile heater core. The housing has a top plate with an interior surface, a bottom plate and a pair of side plates. The housing has a first electrical wire that is positioned on the interior surface and is capable of extending along one of the side plates. The housing has a second electrical wire that is in series within the housing and coupled with the first wire at a housing wire end. Included is a plurality of heating coils that are positioned along the second electrical wire. Also, included is a switch mechanism that has a knob and a contact casing with a contact wire end of the first wire therein. The casing has a third electrical wire with a switching end and is coupled to a battery of the automobile. The knob allows an electrical bridge to form for transmission of an electric current to pass into the wire for charging of the plurality of heating coils.

Abstract: An electric heating device includes a plurality of heating elements which are assembled to form a block. Such a heating element is formed from two metal plates, with the interposition of PTC elements. In order to increase the heat transfer, the metal plates are provided with corrugation ribs. Each heating element includes a pair of metal plates which are angled off essentially in the form of an L such that the angled-off sections are connected in a frictionally locking manner to each other. The angled-off sections are arranged at opposite ends of the heating elements and angled in opposite directions, the length of the angled-off sections of the metal plates being dimensioned such that angled-off sections of one pair of metal plates are in mutual abutment with angled-off sections of respectively adjacent pairs of metal plates.

Abstract: A windshield wiper blade assembly providing having an electrical heating mechanism along the length of a wiper blade. The assembly can be trimmed to a length appropriate for a particular automobile.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper blade including an elongated heated wiper blade having an arm portion pivotally secured to a central portion thereof. The arm portion has a distal end rotatably coupled with an automobile adjacent to a windshield thereof. A temperature sensor is secured to the arm portion of the elongated blade portion. The temperature sensor is electrically coupled with the heated wiper blade. An on/off switch is secured to a dashboard of an automobile. The on/off switch is electrically coupled with the temperature sensor.

Abstract: In an engine exhaust system including a DC power source, an apparatus and method for electrically heating a catalyst, the apparatus comprising a multi-phase AC alternator in electrically operable relation to the DC power source, the AC alternator rectifying the AC to DC by a diode rectifier bridge. A device for switching power supplied from the multi-phase AC alternator to the battery to the electrically heated catalyst, the relay device in electrically operable relation with the multi-phase AC alternator. An electrically heated catalyst in electrically operable relation with the switching device is also provided, the catalytic converter including a catalyst for purifying exhaust gases of the engine and a heating element for bringing the catalytic converter expediently within peak operating temperature. The invention further includes a device for energizing and de-energizing the switching device, the energizing and de-energizing device in electrically operable relation with the switching device.

Abstract: A timer controlled heating and cooling apparatus for an automobile comprised of a control panel secured to a dashboard of an automobile. The control panel has an activation switch thereon. The control panel is secured in a position accessible to a driver. At least one thermo electric mechanism is mounted to an underside of a dashboard of an automobile. The thermo electric mechanism is electrically coupled to the control panel and to an existing car battery. The thermo electric mechanism serves to control the temperature of an interior of an automobile. At least one vent is secured to a front surface of a corresponding thermo electric mechanism.

Abstract: A heated wiper blade with a scraper and fluid release nozzle assembly including a wiper arm member that couples to a wiper shaft of an associated vehicle. An elongated wiper blade with an interior heating element is provided. A blade holder member is pivotally mounted to a distal end of the wiper arm member with a fastening bracket, and supports the wiper blade. An electrical conductor is coupled to the wiper arm member for communicating with a battery of an associated vehicle. A heat generating mechanism is in electrical communication with the electrical conductor. The heat generating mechanism couples with the blade holder member and the interior heating element. A scraping blade coupled to a central bracket of the blade holder. Lastly, a fluid release nozzle is attached to the central bracket and spaced from the blade holder for spraying a deicing fluid onto the windshield to assist the scraping blade removal of ice from the windshield of the associated vehicle.

Abstract: A windshield heating system includes a heating element installed in the defroster ductwork of a motor vehicle. An electrical driver provides electrical power to heat the heating element, thereby immediately providing heated air to the windshield of the vehicle when the vehicle is started in cold weather. The electrical power provided to the heating element can be modulated based on (1) temperature of the air before the heating element, (2) temperature of the heating element, and (3) system voltage of the vehicle.

Abstract: A foot warmer having a water-proof, flexible rubberized layer to protect the user from electrical shock, for installation on a surface such as a running board of a snowmobile, snow removal, excavation or other motorized outdoor equipment. A foot warmer having a flexible heat element for providing heat when actuated, electrical leads from the motor for providing electrical actuation of the heat element, a rubberized layer on the heating element protecting the heating element from environmental conditions, an aluminum foil layer, positioned on the opposite side of the heat element reflecting heat produced by the heat element toward the first longitudinal side of the heating element, an insulating layer, positioned to abut the aluminum foil layer, for insulating the heat element from environmental conditions and an adhesive layer for attaching the assembled heating element to a surface.

Abstract: A windshield wiper is provided with an electrical heater that extends along a face of secondary pressure frames used to carry a squeegee and forms a flexible support on a primary pressure frame. A shroud is wrapped about a primary pressure frame and is formed with a reversely bent portion to allow a bead portion of the squeegee to form its usual mounting function using a metal strip that can slide into grooves separating the bead portion from the flexible wiping edge. The shroud encloses an electrically heated chamber to prevent ice and snow deposits on the shroud.

Abstract: An electric power supply for a heater includes a heater, a battery electrically connected with the heater, a booster circuit electrically connected with the battery, a condenser disposed between the heater and the booster circuit and control element which controls a charge and a discharge of the condenser.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and useful improvement in a wiper blade and blade carrier which is electrically heated for use on the windshields of vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, trains, boats, airplanes and the like so as to prevent the accumulation of ice, sleet or snow on the wiper blade and wiper blade carrier. More particularly, this invention has references to an improved heating arrangement designed to be used in windshield wiper assemblies with minimum modification or redesign of blade supporting, oscillating means, etc. A heating element of resistance wire is disposed the entire length of the passageway of the wiper blade and beyond into the blade carrier. The heating arrangement is connected to the vehicle battery to heat the heating element allowing the entire outer circumference of the entire wiper blade body and blade carrier to melt frozen precipitation on the wiper and blade carrier.

Abstract: A multipurpose wheel well apparatus is provided for a wheel well in a quarter panel of a motor vehicle which consists of a structure for protecting the wheel well from stone, salt and moisture damage. A mechanism is provided for securing the protecting structure within the wheel well of the motor vehicle, so that the wheel well will resist impacts, stress and corrosion. A second mechanism is provided for supplying light and radiant heat to the wheel well for the purpose of assisting a motorist in changing a flat tire and for the purpose of melting ice and snow in the wheel well and in the tire treads of the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A heating and ventilating apparatus for a motor vehicle having either an internal combustion engine or an electric propulsion motor, where the heat given off by the engine or motor is insufficient to provide heating requirements for the cabin of the vehicle under all conditions, comprises an air inlet chamber associated with a blower, and an air outlet chamber which feeds at least one outlet duct, leading to the cabin. A heating branch is interposed between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber, with heating means arranged in the air heating branch. The heating means comprise a radiant heater having pure or passive resistance, together with a radiant electric heater having a positive temperature co-efficient resistance, the two heaters being connected electrically in series in a circuit which is supplied by a voltage source.

Abstract: An electric vehicle having a computer for controlling the charging of its battery includes a probe adapted to connect with a receptacle on a charging station which has a computer for controlling the charging voltage provided over the connection to the vehicle. In response to the vehicle announcing its presence with a broadcast signal, the charge station receptacle may be raised until it senses a laser signal presented by the vehicle to indicate alignment of the receptacle with the vehicle probe. The vehicle and station communicate over a current loop to establish battery type and voltage, method of payment and credit card number, as well as the cost basis for the power. When communications are complete, the system switches over to utilize the same connections for the charging current. The computers include stop modes which they rest in, and to which they return if performance of vehicle and station diagnostics (respectively) indicate inoperability or if other faults occur.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper blade construction includes the use of a pair of integrally attached electrical heating elements which are in parallel alignment and which extend substantially through the entire axial length of a flexible wiper blade. One of the core members is of a triangularly shaped cross-sectional area which lessens relative rotational movement between the core member and the associated wiper blade. The triangular core member further includes a plurality of outwardly extending, arched branch members which operate to provide a spring-like engagement between the wiper blade and an associated support arm, while at the same time completing the electrical heating circuit. The second core member is of a circular cross-sectional area and is of a heavier and thicker construction than the triangularly shaped core member so as to reduce the electrical resistance and the consequent heating within this core member.

Abstract: A control system controls an electrically heated catalyst for purifying exhaust gases emitted from an internal combustion engine. Voltage applied to the electrically heated catalyst and electric current flowing through the same are detected. A changeover is made between supply and interrupt of power to the electrically heated catalyst. A parameter indicative of an operative state of the electrically heated catalyst is calculated based on the detected voltage and the detected current, and the operative state of the electrically heated catalyst is detected based on the parameter. The changeover between the supply and interrupt of power to the electrically heated catalyst is controlled based the operative state of the electrically heated catalyst thus detected.

Abstract: There is provided an improved core element for use in converters, especially catalytic converters. The core is characterized by two portions one of which portions is capable of being electrically heated, and the other of which is isolated from the first portion electrically and thermally and is called a light-off portion. A plurality of core elements is wrapped about a central rigid metallic pin and the assembly tightly spirally wound about the pin to form the core, part of which is electrically heatable and the other of which is not heated electrically. The core is formed from a plurality of composite core elements, each including a corrugated strip backed up with a flat two-member strip, one band of the two-member flat strip being of generally relatively narrow width, contiguous with the leading portion of the corrugated strip, and the other band contiguous with the trailing portion of the corrugated strip and usually being of relatively greater width.

Abstract: The components of a heating-ventilation and/or air conditioning apparatus, which are disposed on the side of the passenger space in relation to a transverse partition separating this passenger space from the engine compartment, are disposed one after the other in a substantially horizontal direction along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and are mounted centrally in the dashboard.The components of the apparatus may thus be grouped in a central module of the dashboard and are particularly suitable for motor vehicles of the "single box" type.

Abstract: An arrangement for heating and cooling a vehicle battery includes a thermal chamber shaped to hold the vehicle battery. The thermal chamber includes a floor and three walls and is positioned against a fender of the vehicle so that the fender forms a fourth wall of the chamber. The thermal chamber includes an inlet opening for receiving air and an outlet opening for expelling air. The inlet opening receives air from a first inlet duct which transports ambient air from outside of the engine compartment, and from a second inlet duct which transports air from an exhaust manifold of the engine. A temperature controlled damper directs air from either the first inlet duct or the second inlet duct into the inlet opening. An outlet duct transports air expelled through the outlet opening into the engine intake manifold. A filter positioned in the thermal chamber filters the air expelled through the outlet duct.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and useful improvement in a wiper for use on the windshields of vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, trains, boats, airplanes and the like, and more particularly to improvements in a windshield wiper which is electrically heated so as to prevent the accumulation of ice, sleet or snow on the wiper blade. A spiral coiled heating element of resistance wire and a fluid dispensing arrangement for dispensing heated fluid are disposed substantially within the entire length of the passageway of the wiper blade. Tubes of electrical conductive material enter the passageway at the first and second passageway ends thus providing a means for both heat and/or fluid conveyance and an entrance and exits for the current and fluid. The ends are then sealed with a moisture proof sealant which also serves to maintain stability of end connections.

Abstract: An electronic system for diverting current to a high-current load on an automobile, such as an electrically heated catalyst, is disclosed. In the system, the current of the high-current load is switched by electronic circuitry, rather than by an electromechanical relay. When current is no longer required by the high-current load, the electronic system allows current to flow to other loads on the automobile. The electronic system avoids the disadvantages presented by a relay's abrupt switching of the high currents involved.

Abstract: A heating-ventilation and/or air conditioning apparatus for use in the passenger space of a motor vehicle. The components of the apparatus, disposed on the side of the passenger space in relation to a transverse partition separating this passenger space from the front engine compartment, comprise a heating device for producing warm air and having a heating impeller for sending this warm air into the passenger space and a ventilation device for producing the cool or conditioned air and having a ventilation impeller for sending this cool or conditioned air into the passenger space. The apparatus is applicable to motor vehicles having a very inclined windshield, especially for "single box" type vehicles.

Abstract: An electric vehicle has a radiator for cooling the traction motor of the vehicle, arranged in an air circuit which also contains a blower for circulating air in the circuit, and air flow regulating valves. The apparatus disclosed includes an air conditioning apparatus which comprises an evaporator and an auxiliary electric heating radiator, both of which are controlled jointly by a control member movable along a linear path to regulate the cooling or heating of the cabin as necessary, at the same time as the cooling of the motor.

Abstract: A heat conducting apparatus for wiper blades including a wiper arm assembly and a wiper blade which can be removably attached to the wiper arm assembly by means of a mounting member operably interacting with a plurality of blade retaining members. Integrally formed within the body of the wiper blade is an internal conduit substantially extending the linear length of the wiper blade from a first end to a second end thereof. Housed within the internal periphery of the internal conduit and extending therethrough is an electrical resistant heating element. Preferably, the heating element is rotatably wound in a plurality of cylindrical coils to provide sufficient electrical resistance without requiring heavy insulation or resistors to monitor the heat output temperature of the heating element.

Abstract: A warming apparatus in which a flexible battery is intimately associated with a heating element by thermo-coupling the heating element to the surface of the flexible battery. The flexible battery is formed in the shape of garments such as gloves or socks with a heating element attached thereto, which provides the advantage of increasing the electrochemical activity of the battery, permitting the battery to provide a heat sink for the heating element, as well as eliminating lengthy connections between the battery and the heating element, and eliminating bulky and often injury producing batteries.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating and ventilating, and/or air conditioning, the cabin of a motor vehicle, and in particular an electric vehicle, comprises a series of elements arranged in a generally horizontal succession along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. These elements comprise: a blower for producing a stream of cold air; a first duct fed by the blower and divided into a cold air transmission branch and an air heating branch which contains a heat recuperator; a selection flap valve for controlling the distribution of the air flow between the two branches; a second duct which receives the outlet air of both of the two branches of the first duct, and which contains at least one electric radiant heater; and a distributor fed by the second duct and including a distribution valve for distributing the cold or heated air between appropriate ventilating ports in the cabin.

Abstract: A self-protecting current limiting positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistive element arrangement protects a load circuit coupled to a power line via an actuator. Two or more PTC sections having temperature sensitive resistances are thermally coupled and electrically insulated. The PTC sections have low electrical resistance at low temperature. At least a first of the PTC sections is in series with the load and is resistively heated by excessive load current. At least one other section, thermally coupled to the first, controls the actuator by the change in its resistance induced by heat from the first section. In a three phase embodiment, five PTC sections are stacked. The first, third and fifth sections are in series with the power line phases and the load. A current fault causes excessive current flow to the load circuit, heating and increasing the resistance of the first, third and/or fifth PTC sections.

Abstract: A vehicle heater adapted to be plugged into a conventional car cigarette lighter. The vehicle heater includes an adapter for plugging the invention into a cigarette lighter, a switch for turning the heater on, a clock for setting a timer to turn the heater on at certain times and indicator lights for indicating when the unit is turned on when the battery power is low and when the air temperature is too high. The heater contains conventional heating elements and can be used in connection with any car cigarette lighter socket.

Abstract: A flexible pad member includes a plurality of layers including a heat transmissive interior surface layer arranged to engage in a surrounding relationship a baby bottle, with the pad member arranged for ease of securement about the baby bottle in use. A vehicular cigarette lighter plug member is arranged to direct electrical energy into the heating wire grid positioned in adjacency into the interior web surface.

Abstract: A heated windshield wiper having a heating element for melting ice formations on both the wiper and an associated windshield. The wiper includes an elongated cylindrical body having a hollow interior and three wiping surfaces which project from the body and extend longitudinally along the wiper. A helical heating element is concentrically positioned within the hollow interior of the wiper and is connectable to the vehicle battery to heat the entire outer circumference of the wiper body and the wiping surfaces to melt ice surrounding the wiper and present on the windshield. Alternate embodiments of the present invention include a fluid dispensing arrangement for dispensing fluid over the heating coil and through apertures in the wiping surfaces, as well as an air expansion assembly for expanding the cylindrical body and the wiping surfaces to fracture ice formations surrounding the wiper.

Abstract: An electric heater for use in a vehicle, to heat a container of food or beverage, includes a flexible jacket that is wrapped around the container to be heated, and an electrical lead and plug for connecting the heater to a source of electrical power, such as the cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle. The flexible jacket consists of inner and outer cover layers. Sandwiched between the inner and outer layers are a flexible layer of electrically conductive material, a flexible electric heating element secured to the layer of electrically conductive material, and a flexible insulating layer disposed between the layer of electrically conductive material and the outer cover layer. The electrical heating element is connected to the electrical lead, to receive power supplied thereby.