Abstract: A planar heater for a liquid crystal element includes a thin metal plate having a relatively high specific resistance such as stainless, nichrome, nickel-chrome iron alloy, etc. The thin metal plate is subjected to etching-working to form a mesh-like heat generating body, opposite ends of which are provided with terminal portions for connection into an electrical circuit.

Abstract: An air conditioner for a vehicular seat, comprising a seat formed of a support frame and an air-pervious cushioning member resting on said support frame and provided within said cushioning member with an electric heater and in the lower part of said cushioning member with air supply means serving to pass air to said air-pervious cushioning member, an air conditioner, an air duct interconnecting said air conditioner and said air supply means, means for feeding electric power to said electric heater until the temperature of said cushioning member of said seat reaches a first preset level, and valve means capable of closing said air duct when the temperature of said cushioning member reaches a second preset level higher than said first preset level and opening said air duct when the temperature of said cushioning member falls below said second preset level.

Abstract: An air conditioning/heating apparatus for an automobile, comprising an assembly which is located on a steering column cover of the automobile, the heater assembly comprising an air duct, a heating element arranged in the air duct for heating the air passing through the heating element, and an air outlet opening from which the air is blown out.

Abstract: A surface heat-exchanger body for vehicles, aircrafts or ships, with an interconnected heat pipe-channel system which is hermetically closed and arranged distributed over an area; as a result of a separate line-shaped heat source which extends along the heat-exchanger body and which may be formed by a heating channel, a heating rod or the like, heat is supplied to the heat-exchanger body which is distributed and given off by the heat pipe-channel system to the adjoining space with a slight temperature drop inside of the heat-exchanger body; for a horizontal installation of the heat-exchanger body, intersecting or star-shaped channel sections are provided inside of the heat pipe-channel system which always return the condensate to the condensate collector independently of the direction of the resultant of gravity and inertia forces; the condensate collector may be constructed in the form of a closed annular line either concentrically on the inside of the surface heat-exchanger body or along the outer edge; to

Abstract: A multiple component electrical heating device for mirrors including at least one plate-shaped electrical heating element having two main faces being connected with two of at least three metal strips which are spaced from one another and extend parallel with each other, in an electrical current-conducting and heat-conducting manner. A first one of the two main faces of the heating element is in electrical current- and heat-conducting contact with at least a first one of the metal strips and is electrically and heat-insulated from the two strips next adjacent the first metal strip. A metal bridge connects with one another, in electrical current- and heat-conducting contact, the two metal strips next adjacent the first metal strip. The other main face of the heating element is in electrical current- and heat-conducting contact with the metal bridge.

Abstract: A portable electrically heated warming container arrangement for transporting infusions or the like in rescue vehicles includes a thermally insulated case having a flat bottom and an electric heater for heating a plurality of infusion containers carried in the case. A electrical connector plug for detachably connecting the electric heater to the rescue vehicle power supply is provided in the flat bottom of the case and is recessed so as to the flush with the flat bottom. During transport, the case is positioned within a transport casing secured to a wall of the rescue vehicle. The casing has a flat bottom and low side walls defining an upwardly open receiving space snugly surrounding the lower portion of the case for securing the case against sliding and tipping.

Abstract: A heater arrangement for an automotive vehicle includes a switching arrangement having a conventional control device which is fed signals from sensors sensing the temperature outside of the vehicle, the temperature inside the vehicle, the temperature of the engine coolant, and the speed of the vehicle. A pulse sequence is generated for controlling a valve which in turn controls the flow of a heating medium to the heating system for heating the passenger compartment of the vehicle, the duration of the pulses in the sequence being varied in accordance with respective conditions. A frequency changer, timer and switch are disposed between an inverter and relay for concomitantly controlling an electric auxiliary heater on the vehicle, such as an electric rear window heater. The switching arrangement provides for switching of the auxiliary heater in conjunction with the switching of the control device for the heating system for the passenger compartment.

Abstract: Electrical circuitry for monitoring the current flow through resistance elements on the leading edge of an aircraft wing or horizontal stabilizer. The resistance elements are individually and sequentially activated for heating to thereby effect a de-icing or anti-icing function. The non-activated elements are sensed by the circuitry to determine inferentially if there is a predetermined current flow through the heating elements to achieve the intended de-icing or anti-icing function.

Abstract: The tips 14 of any glow plugs 10 which are shorted are protected against enlargement by a separate protective device 28 in each series connection 26 to an individual glow plug opening in a fraction of a second in response to current through the device of a value corresponding to a short of the heating element in the tip.

Abstract: A circuit for controlling the voltage applied to a glow plug used to assist the starting of a diesel engine, the circuit including a circuit network including a normally-closed relay contact connected in parallel with a serially connected voltage-dropping resistor and a normally-open relay contact, the circuit being serially connected with the heating element of the glow plug and with a power supply for producing the voltage, and a timer connected to the power supply. The normally-closed relay contact is opened when the temperature of the heating element exceeds a preset value which is below a steady-state heating temperature, and the normally-open relay contact is closed by the timer a predetermined time after voltage is applied to the glow plug, whereby the glow plug is heated rapidly. In the event of an abnormal rise in power supply voltage during the rapid heating of the glow plug, the supply of current to the glow plug is interrupted temporarily to prevent glow plug burn-out.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the preheating of a diesel engine in which a preheating plug is rapidly brought to starting temperature so that the engine be substantially instantaneously started. Each preheating plug in each of the cylinders of the engine has a heater body having a resistance which varies with temperature changes but which is sufficiently small that the heater body would melt if a predetermined rated voltage were continuously applied thereto. When the starter switch of the engine is in the engine accessory position, so long as the detected temperature of the heater body is below an upper preheating temperature, the rated voltage is applied directly to the heater body. When the temperature of the heater body reaches the upper temperature, the heater body is disconnected from the battery. In the engine starting position of the starter switch, the quick heating circuit is disconnected and the heater body is coupled to the battery through a stabilizer resistor.

Abstract: A heating device for use in motor vehicles to rapidly heat combustion chambers, exhaust gas sensors, catalyzers and other associated apparatus. A resistive heating element is connected in series with a low-impedance measuring resistor and a switch across a power source, while a resistance bridge is formed with the aid of two further resistors. The diagonal bridge voltages are compared in a comparator whose output actuates a control circuit which operates the heater switch. The heater switch also provides the power for the comparator. In a first interval, constant current is applied to the heating element, while the current is pulsed during a second time interval. The switch control pulses may be provided by a free-running oscillator or one whose pulses are synchronized with the undulations of the engine starter current.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for detecting an open circuit in a glow plug group for combination with a heating control circuit of the glow plug group mounted on an internal combustion engine, an output signal generated from a detecting element connected in series with the glow-plug group while electric power is supplied to the glow plug group is applied to a first comparator to detect a change of the composite resistance of the glow plug group due to a temperature rise caused by its heating. At this time, if an open circuit failure has occurred in the glow plug group, the state of the resistance change of the glow plug group varies greatly. The first comparator produces a time measurement signal indicating a time when the composite resistance of the glow plug group has reached a predetermined value and supplies the time measurement signal to a glow plug open circuit detecting circuit.

Abstract: A combined on-board electric network generator and heater for vehicles, having mounted in its housing an armature which supports at least one alternating current coil and, more particularly, three-phase current coils. The combined generator-heater has a drum-shaped rotor, driven by the engine of the vehicle. The housing of this unit is closed and encloses the rotor as well as the armature and is formed with fluid ducts. Within the housing, a cooling-air circulation is maintained which streams over the coils and rotors and cools them, transferring heat to heat exchange elements which form part of the housing. A cooling fluid circulates in the ducts in a loop through input and output ports. The loop closes upon itself outside of the housing. The cooling fluid circulation recovers heat losses in the generator and makes the heat available for heating the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

Abstract: A compact self-contained travel kit for brewing a beverage, such as tea, coffee, or the like, includes an open top container which is adapted to receive a small quantity of water to be heated by means of an electric heater element contained in the bottom of the container. A removable insert assembly is received within the container through the open top and provides upwardly open storage compartments for containing the ingredients for making tea or coffee, such as sugar, powdered cream material, coffee, tea or the like, which compartments are closable by lids so that either individual packets or bulk material may be stored. The insert includes a downwardly depending semi-conical portion which is proportioned and adapted to be telescopically received in the uppermost one of a pair of nested drinking cups storable within the container. The nested drinking cups are thus retained in place in a compact manner and are accessible by removal of the insert from the container.

Abstract: An air heating apparatus comprises a auxillary PTC heating element in an air duct lying parallel to the length of the duct to define first and second air passages separated by the heating element. The PTC heating element has apertures through which passes air to be heated; the two air passages thereby communicating with each other by means of the apertures through the heating element. First and second valves are located at upstream and downstream ends of the first and second air passages for selectably closing and opening the upstream and downstream ends of the first and second air passages, respectively.

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

Abstract: A device (10) for isolating from vibrational and impulse loads a power transfer unit (14) that transfers power from a helicopter electrical system to a plurality of deicing segments on the rotor blades includes a distributor (13) rotating with the rotor blades for distributing power from the power transfer unit (14) to the deicing segments, a housing (11) having an upper cylinder (24) and lower cylinder (23) the latter of which is flexibly secured to the helicopter as by a joint including ball (40), housing 11 substantially isolating the power transfer unit (14) from such loads, and a shaft (12) rotatably engaging the upper cylinder (24) for carrying the distributor (13) in rotation with the rotor blades.

Abstract: An electric heating apparatus for heating the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, such as an automobile, having an internal combustion engine driving an electric power generator for charging a battery supplying power to electrical equipment on the vehicle includes a control system permitting actuation of the apparatus only when the engine reaches a predetermined rotational speed above which the generator is able to generate power. The air-fuel mixture supplied to the engine is regulated by a rotational speed control means in accordance with a control signal produced by a control circuit responsive to a temperature sensor detecting that the engine temperature is below a predetermined level and a voltage sensor detecting that the voltage produced at the neutral terminal of the power generator is higher than a predetermined value to increase the rotational speed of the engine and thereby the power generated by the power generator.

Abstract: A heated railway tank car includes heating conduits arranged on the tank and filled with a heating fluid and coupled to an electrically driven pump and heat exchanger in a closed-loop system for heating and continuously recirculating the heating fluid through the conduit. The tank car is adapted to be electrically interconnected with adjacent cars and the electric power may be provided from the locomotive, from an axle generator and alternator combination on the tank car, or from rechargeable batteries on the tank car charged by either terminal facilities or axle-mounted or locomotive-mounted generator means.

Abstract: A stand-by heating/power supply system for an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, has an auxiliary electric heater and pump connected in the conventional heater coolant line adjacent the upstream side of the rear heat exchanger normally employed in such a vehicle. A control unit is connected to supply operating power to this heater and pump and also to operate the heater fan independently of the standard fan control provided in the vehicle. The control unit, in turn, is supplied with operating power upon connection with a conventional residential alternating current power source and includes timer circuits and electronic switches to delay the turning on of the heater pump unit and the fan and other auxiliary electrical power supplies for a predetermined time period after the connection with the alternating power source is made. The time delays for turning on different ones of the utilization devices within the vehicle also is varied, so that no sudden power surge takes place.

Abstract: An anti-freezing system for a windshield-wiper of a vehicle including a cut off device, which may be a relay, responsive to a temperature sensor which senses the ambient temperature. The cut off device energizes a heater to heat the windshield-wiper when and only when the ambient temperature as sensed by the temperature sensor is below a predetermined value. The system may include a control device, which may be a relay, responsive to the output of an electric generator provided in the automotive vehicle and adapted to disable the heater unless the electric generator is delivering power. The system may further include a manual override switch whereby the heater may be supplied with power, irrespective of the state of the cut off device. The heater may be provided extending along an elongated wiper support, or may be embedded in a wiper blade supported by the wiper support.

Abstract: A temperature controlled timer useful for controlling the application of power to apparatus such as automobile block heaters or the like. In one embodiment the time of application of power prior to a shut off time is decreased with increasing ambient temperature. In another embodiment the duty cycle of cyclically applied power is changed so that the power on period becomes shorter and the power off period becomes longer with increasing ambient temperature. Significant conservation of power results.

Abstract: A control for modulating the duty cycle of diesel engine glow plugs has two heat sensitive, normally closed switches each thermally coupled to a respective positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistivity heater in turn thermally coupled to and mounted on a common heat sink. The heat sensitive switches are serially connected to each other, to an ignition switch and to a glow plug relay. The PTC heaters are connected to a point between the heat sensitive switches and the relay and to ground. A third PTC heater is mounted on the heat sink intermediate the first and second heaters and thermally coupled to the heat sink. The third heater is connected to an alternator and serves to cut off power to the glow plugs after a selected after glow stage. The two heat sensitive switches can be selected to open at approximately the same temperature for a random operating mode or at slightly different temperatures for a sequential operating mode.

Abstract: A control circuit for a glow plug assembly serving as an engine preheating apparatus is designed so as to effect a temperature control in conformity with the specified position established by selective operation of a key switch having three switching positions, i.e., OFF, ON and START positions. The control circuit comprises a first switch connected between the glow plug assembly and a power source, and a series circuit comprising a second switch connected parallel with the first switch and a resistor.

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

Abstract: A heater assembly including an electronic control circuit for preheating fuel prior to carburetion in an internal combustion engine is disclosed. Fuel entering the carburetor is heated and maintained at an elevated temperature in a preferred range of about 110.degree. F. to 140.degree. F. by an electrically energized, resistance heating element. The preheater includes a coil of copper tubing through which the fuel is conducted and which is wound about the resistance heating element for indirect heat transfer to the moving mass of fuel. A sensor is interposed in the fuel line downstream of the coiled section and includes a housing in which a temperature probe is received and in which preheated fuel is accumulated prior to being discharged into the carburetor. The resistance heating element is thermally coupled to the sensor housing whereby heat is transferred indirectly to the fuel through the spiral delivery line segment and then through the walls of the sensor housing to the enclosed fuel.

Abstract: An electrically heated oven for mobile vehicles, such as vans or recreational vehicles, includes a tightly closed oven compartment divided by an internal, imperforate, vertical secondary wall spaced from the back wall of the oven into a front cooking chamber and a rear heater chamber. A thermostatically controlled, plate-like, low wattage electric resistance heating element operable at the vehicle voltage is located within the heater chamber intermediate the upper and lower edges of the secondary wall, which edges are spaced from the top and bottom walls of the oven to allow convection air flow between the cooking and heater chambers. The front surface of the secondary wall is dull and roughened to readily dissipate heat into the cooking chamber and the rear surface of the secondary wall is smooth and shiny to minimize absorption of heat thereby from the heating element. The oven is mounted from a face plate for easy installation into the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical connector arrangement for a motor vehicle steering assembly which includes a stationary steering column member rotatably supporting a steering shaft fixed with a steering wheel and characterized in that the steering column member supports a pair of concentric conductor rings that are adapted to be electrically connected to a sensor that forms a part of an occupant restraint cushion system. A heater element is provided for heating the conductor rings so as to prevent frost from forming thereon in cold weather and causing variations in the contact resistance of the electrical connector arrangement.

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

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for motor vehicles including a circuit responsive to operation of an actuating device of a door and/or flap lock of the motor vehicle for being energized. A timer is also responsive to the operation of the actuating device for providing a predetermined switching period with the circuit being responsive to the elapse of the predetermined switching period of the timer for being automatically de-energized. The circuit includes a door and/or flap lock heater and at least one additional load device with the at least one additional load device being energized when the motor vehicle is opened.

Abstract: An electric heating system for heating the passenger compartment and defrosting the windshield and rear window of a motor vehicle prior to starting includes an electric air heater unit fixedly mounted in the vehicle trunk under the conventional horizontal shelf behind the rearmost seat of the vehicle. Air drawn from the trunk by a blower is heated by an electric heater and conveyed upwardly into the interior of the vehicle over the rear window and forwardly toward the windshield. The electric heater and blower are energized from a house power receptacle by a power cord retractable into a storage reel in the trunk beneath the shelf when not in use. The heater and blower are automatically energized at a pre-selected time by a manually settable timer located within the trunk.The timer motor is continuously energized from the vehicle battery whereby timer operation is independent of whether the power cord is connected to the house power receptacle.

Abstract: A helicopter deicing control system (10) is provided for selectively distributing D.C. electrical power to a plurality of deicing segments (80, 90) on main and tail rotor blades with only two slip-ring assemblies (60 and 61, 62 and 63) for each rotor drive shaft. A power distribution controller (20) receives electrical power from the helicopter's onboard, fixed electrical power system and provides an output signal including power and control D.C. electrical signals of opposite polarities. A distributor (70) receives the output signal from controller (20) and increments a rotary switch (74) upon receipt of a D.C. electrical control signal, and distributes power to the main rotor deicing segment (90) connected to the rotary switch (74) contact then engaged upon the receipt of a D.C. electrical power signal so as to sequentially deliver D.C. electrical power to the desired main rotor deicing segment.

Abstract: A method of tire repair in which flexible heating pads are applied to both the inside and outside of a patch area of a tire casing, and held in place under equalized pressure against the patch area by inflatable means. An inner tube is the inflatable means to hold a first flexible heating pad against the inner wall of the casing and patch area, and an inflatable air bag is the inflatable means to hold a second flexible heating pad against the outer wall of the casing and patch area. A belt or girdle of flexible sheet material surrounds the inflatable air bag and casing to force the air bag against the second flexible heating pad when it is inflated. The flexible heating pad for use on the inside of the casing includes a structure which enables the heating pad to conform to the interior surface of the casing and patch area and maintain contact therewith throughout the heating surface area of the heating pad when the inner tube is inflated.

Abstract: A control circuit employed within an automotive electrical system for controlling the voltage transition rate between battery float and discharge levels in the presence of a switchable coupling between the battery and standard alternator. The control circuit includes means for regulating the alternator output voltage to said battery float level when the battery is coupled to receive charge current from said alternator, and for transforming said alternator output voltage to said discharge level at a predetermined rate prior to the battery coupling being switched to supply current to the load circuit, and further means for transforming said alternator output voltage to said float level at said predetermined rate after said battery coupling being switched to again receive charge current, whereby said predetermined rate provides a gradual change in the energization of said load circuit in the presence of the recited switchable coupling.

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

Abstract: A mirror unit suitable for exterior mounting on an automobile includes a glass member with a reflecting surface, a thermally-conducting metal plate, a self-regulating electrical resistance heater body of material of positive temperature coefficient of resistivity having one side mounted on one side of the plate in thermally and electrically conducting relation to the plate, terminal means electrically connected to the opposite side of the heater body, and means securing the plate to the glass member for enclosing the heater body therebetween to heat the glass member for defogging the reflecting surface thereof.

Abstract: To supply heat to the passenger compartment of an automobile car body immediately upon entering it, an approximately triangular housing has two branch outlet ducts converging from the opposite ends of a main inlet cross duct including a fan chamber containing a reversible electric fan. This fan initially draws cold air into the fan chamber of the main inlet cross duct and forces it through an electric heating coil and then through one of the two converging branch outlet ducts to a common outlet containing a freely pivoted damper which in response to the pressure of the forced air swings to cut off air flow from the other converging branch outlet duct and at the same time directs the heated air through a horizontal transverse duct into the passenger compartment.

Abstract: An automotive electric quick heat system utilizing a resistive heating element connected in series between the DC output terminal of a driven alternator and the voltage regulated terminal of the main storage battery. A shunting relay is controllable to bypass the resistive heating element when the conventional engine generated heat reaches a predetermined temperature. A first embodiment utilizes the automatic electric quick heat system in the carburetor air intake of an automotive engine. A second embodiment utilizes the automatic electric quick heat system for supplying heat to the passenger compartment following disconnect of the air carburetor intake quick heat.

Abstract: To provide a-c output at a voltage substantially higher than normal automotive voltage of 12-24 V, for example output voltage in the 80 to 90 V range to operate windshield and other glass pane heaters, a three-phase alternator is star-connected and has two armature windings which, for example, may be serially connected or may be separately wound, on the same stator, one winding being of comparatively few turns of heavy wire and connected to a rectifier to provide normal d-c on-board voltage for the vehicle, stored in a battery, the voltage being controlled by a voltage regulator connected to the d-c output terminals; the other winding, for example of a much larger number of turns of finer wire providing the high-voltage output at terminals adapted for connection to the heater wires in the windshield, or rear windows, or other window panes.

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

Abstract: In an arctic military vehicle, one or more heating units is/are positioned against the outer surface of the battery to heat the battery electrolyte and thereby improve battery output capability during the critical engine start-up period. Each heating unit includes an internal self-contained heat source, thereby enabling the system to be used in wilderness areas remote from building energy sources. The invention is particularly applicable to arctic military vehicles that might be required to move through relatively uninhabited enemy areas where stationary energy sources might be unknown or non-existent.

Abstract: A windshield washing and deicing system comprising a reservoir for containing washer fluid having a sealed container supported therein. A pump is effective to transfer washer fluid from the reservoir to the container and from the container to a plurality of nozzles located adjacent a vehicle window. A conduit is located in the reservoir for carrying heated engine coolant through the reservoir to heat the washer fluid therein. An electrical resistance wire is provided for further heating the washer fluid in the container whenever the temperature of the fluid in the container is below a predetermined minimum to quickly deice the vehicle window.

Abstract: A solid state fuel heater unit for use in heating the fuel flow in a fuel filter is disclosed which unit includes a heat conducting ring having a power transistor mounted thereon and driving a power resistor mounted therewithin. Circuitry for controlling the operation of the power transistor, including a thermistor, is mounted within the ring by means of component sealant or potting material which isolates the thermistor from direct transfer of heat thereto from the power transistor and power resistor. The heater unit is adapted to be immersed in the flow of fuel in a fuel filter with the axis of the ring substantially parallel to the fuel flow through the filter.

Abstract: A control and energization circuit for applying the vehicle alternator output directly to the resistive window heaters is disclosed. By disconnecting the alternator output from the vehicle battery, thereby temporarily interrupting the charging cycle of the battery, substantially the full alternator output may be applied to the window heaters to deice the vehicle windows.

Abstract: A vehicular coffee heating device adapted to be safely carried in a motor vehicle a collapsible wire rack having hooks engaging the top of a vehicle seat backrest and a basket portion at the rear of the backrest which snugly receives a case having an openable top. An electrically heated coffee vessel is pivotally mounted on a pivoted arm within the case whereby the vessel can be moved through the openable top from a storage position within the case to a pouring position outside of the case.

Abstract: A plate of magnetic material is provided in close proximity to a flat transformer in a manner to effectively generate heat due to eddy currents induced in the plate by leakage magnetic flux from the flat transformer, whereby a charger, including the transformer and the plate, can charge a battery while also warming the same.

Abstract: An electric heater for warming the interior of cars, trucks and the like includes a relatively short cylindrical casing having a base end plate, an air intake end plate and a circumferential side wall. A motor driven fan is provided in the casing and arranged to draw air in axially through the intake for radial expulsion through discharge perforations in the side wall through 360.degree.. An electric heating element formed in a single length counterangulated to form inner and outer portions is arranged in the casing between the motor driven fan and the sidewall for heating the air prior to expulsion. The heating element is supported by a combined air deflector and support bracket extending 180.degree. within the casing. A guard strip supported by the bracket is provided between the heating element and casing side wall. A thermostatic control is situated in the casing between the fan motor and bracket so as to be shielded from the heating element by the bracket.

Abstract: A portable console is provided for use in automobiles and other vehicles and from which hot drinks of coffee or the like may be dispensed. The console may be installed typically on the floor of an automobile, for example, on the passenger side of the transmission hump. The console includes a plurality of storage compartments adapted to contain such materials as water, sugar, instant coffee, powdered cream or the like with each compartment being provided with a valve for dispensing the contents of the chamber onto a common trough feeding into a filling station located below the trough A detachable tank for water storage is provided for replenishing the water chamber which is provided with a heating element. The element may be energized by connecting a cord to the car's electrical system as through the cigarette lighter. A drain tank at the base of the console collects spillages and additional storage compartments are included for cups, spoons and the like.