Abstract: A drinking water dispensing system for automobiles and associated method preferable includes a reservoir; an egress spout, a pump; temperature adjusting mechanism; a user interface; a thermodynamic conduit including first and second valves; cooling elements; heating elements and first and second insulating layers. The first and second passageways are coaxially oriented along the conduit and cooperate with the cooling/heating elements such that cold/hot water streams are independently transferred to the egress spout while maximizing/minimizing heat transfer losses. Separate water streams are passed through the first/second passageways by selectively toggling the first/second plurality of valves between open and closed positions upon receiving instructions signals from the user interface. Such a system provides users with a readily available source of hot/cold water for drinking while traveling, without requiring the use of separate water-transfer conduits.

Abstract: A device for deflecting acoustic waves for an object in a liquid environment includes a heating grid and a cooling grid. The heating grid is positioned about the object and increases the temperature in the liquid environment. The cooling grid is positioned about the object to cool the liquid environment outside the heating grid. Jointly, these grids establish a temperature gradient in the liquid environment that is capable of bending acoustic waves in the environment. The cooling grid and heating grid can be established through mechanical, electrical or chemical methods. Alternatively, the required temperature gradient can be established by a heating grid alone in a moving vehicle wherein the heating grid is continuously in contact with undisturbed water at the ambient temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an electric heating device, comprising a housing in which a heating block is held with the pretensioning force of at least one spring element located approximately at the same level as the heating block in its post assembly position and which defines opposite housing apertures between which the heating block is exposed, wherein the heating block is introduced into a housing part and the heating block is enclosed in the housing by another housing part. The spring element is brought into its assembled position and pretensioned when the housing is being closed to enclose the heating block.

Abstract: An electric vehicle battery heater includes a housing having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet. A heating element is positioned within the housing and includes a helical coil portion positioned between parallel and axially extending end portions. The end portions extend outside of the housing. A thermistor is positioned in the housing to output a signal indicative of a temperature of a coolant in heat transfer relation with an electric vehicle battery. The heating element is energized when the signal represents a coolant temperature being less than a predetermined lower limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle heating system comprising a heater (1) that has a heater core (2), through which a fluid flow to be heated can flow and which comprises a plurality of heating elements, and a top part (6) which is placed on the heater core (2) and forms a receptacle for a plug-in connector (10), and comprising a plug-in connector (10) that fits the top part and is used to connect the heater (1) to the electrical system of a motor vehicle, wherein the plug-in connector (10) includes a plurality of contacts, which are situated in a row, for contacting contacts (7) of the heater (1). According to the invention, the plug-in connector (10) includes a plurality of housings (12), each of which encloses one or two contacts of the plug-in connector (10), wherein the housings (12) are interconnected by mechanical adapter elements (13) which enable adjacent housings (12) to be moved toward one another or away from one another to adapt to the position of the contacts (7) of the heater (1).

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a battery heating circuit, comprising a plurality of switch units 1, a switching control module 100, a damping component R1, an energy storage circuit, and a polarity inversion unit 101, wherein: the energy storage circuit is connected with the battery, and comprises a current storage component L1 and a plurality of charge storage components C1; the plurality of charge storage components C1 are connected with the plurality of switch units 1 in series in one-to-one correspondence to form a plurality of branches; the plurality of branches is connected in parallel with each other and then connected with the current storage component L1 and damping component R1 in series; the switching control module 100 is connected with the switch units 1, and is configured to control ON/OFF of the switch units 1.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a traction battery during a driving start phase of an electric vehicle. A driving start point in time at which the driving start phase begins is provided. A temperature of the traction battery is detected. This temperature is compared with a minimum operating temperature, and the traction battery is heated if the comparison reveals that the temperature of the traction battery is below the minimum operating temperature. The heating takes place with a temperature increase which provides a temperature of the traction battery at the driving start point in time, which is no lower than the minimum operating temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of using induction heating to solder an item of hardware to a glass substrate, wherein the glass substrate; preferably, is a vehicle window, the substrate and bonded item(s) of hardware forming a vehicle window assembly.

Abstract: The electric heating system, in particular for a hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle, is provided with a heating module. The heating module is provided with an electrically insulating, heat conducting ceramic substrate which has a heating zone and a control zone which are spaced apart from one another. The heating module comprises an electrical resistance heating element which is arranged on the ceramic substrate, in the heating zone thereof, and which is embodied as a resistance heating conductor which is mounted on the ceramic substrate. Further, the heating module comprises a transistor for controlling the current through the resistance heating conductor, wherein the transistor and other optionally present electrical components and conductor tracks are arranged in the control zone on the ceramic substrate. The heating module is provided with a first cooling element which is thermally coupled to the heating zone of the ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A radiant heating system for vehicular use which is attached to an interior member of a passenger compartment, has a heating means for generating radiant heat, a protective member which is arranged at a passenger compartment side from the heating means and which prevents a driver from contacting the heating means, and supporting members which support the protective member, wherein the front surface of the protective member is provided with a plurality of projecting members, the supporting members are provided so as to form an air space at an opposite side of the protective member from the compartment side, the protective member flexes when the driver pushes against one of the projecting members, projecting members which adjoin the pushed member tilt to the pushed member side, and the distances between the front ends of the pushed projecting member and the adjoining projecting members become smaller.

Abstract: A device for detecting and eliminating a layer of ice formed on the surface of an aircraft structure or a liquid that has infiltrated inside of a structure and/or into the material of the structure. The device includes at least one pair of subnetworks of conductive elements, each subnetwork including at least one series of conductive elements, the aforementioned subnetworks being arranged in such a way that the interfitting between the conductive elements of the first subnetwork and the conductive elements of the second subnetwork forms a network of capacitive sensors, said the aforementioned conductive elements being embedded in an insulating material, each subnetwork of conductive elements being incorporated into a flexible substrate so that the entire assembly forms a flexible covering.

Abstract: A method and system for heating a vehicle battery, such as the type used for vehicle propulsion in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Depending on the battery chemistry involved, such batteries may not perform well in extremely cold environments. For instance, a lithium-ion battery can exhibit a high internal resistance when the battery is extremely cold, which in turn can negatively affect the available power or other capabilities of the battery. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method and system take advantage of the high internal resistance in a cold vehicle battery by purposely cycling electrical current in and/or out of the battery so that heat is created. This heat warms up the vehicle battery and thereby improves its overall performance and capabilities.

Abstract: An electrically heatable honeycomb body is formed with at least one wound stack of sheet-metal foils. A first end of the stack is connected to an electrical terminal and a second end is connected to an electrical ground. The stack has a plurality of sheet-metal foils which are in electrical contact with one another and which are at least partially structured and determine, in the direction of the structures, a height of the stack. The stack has at least one curvature with a small radius of curvature and a relatively large radius of curvature. A curvature section including the at least one curvature has at least one zone with increased electrical resistance starting from the small radius of curvature and extending over part of the height of the stack. A motor vehicle having at least one honeycomb body, is also provided.

Abstract: Method for heating at least one component of an SCR system using several resistive heating elements, according to which these heating elements are fed in parallel by a current source and according to which a current sensor is placed in series with the current source and all the resistors, which are connected in parallel.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a seat heater for a seat is provided. The method includes determining a timer value by a heated seat control module. The timer value is based on at least a current heater setting of the seat heater. The method includes sending the timer value to a timer. The timer counts down from the timer value and sends a timer expired signal to the heated seat control module if the amount of time indicated by the timer value has expired. The method includes determining a modified heater setting if the heated seat control module receives the time expired signal. The modified heater setting indicates a reduced level of heat provided to the seat heater. The method includes sending a notification signal to a signal generation module. The notification signal includes the modified heater setting.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a heating element in a motor vehicle by pulse width modulation, wherein fluctuations in the supply voltage are compensated for by adapting the duty cycle so as to achieve a desired heating output. According to the invention, during a voltage pulse the voltage that is present at the heating element and/or the current flowing through the heating element are measured at specified intervals, and the measured values or values determined therefrom are added to calculate a sum value, which rises with the energy that is fed into the heating element by the voltage pulse, and the voltage pulse is ended at the latest when the sum value has reached a target value. The invention furthermore relates to a glow plug controller for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A vehicle seat heater 10, which is to be fitted to a vehicle seat 50 and which includes a base seat 12 and a heater wire 14 laid in the base seat 12, has a reinforcing seat 18 attached in a side portion 10b placed in a seat side portion 50c of the vehicle seat 50. Edges of the reinforcing seat 18 have portions 18a extending in back-and-forth directions of the side portion 10b and opposing each other at least on a front side of the side portion 10b, where a laying area for the heater wire 14 is provided between the opposing portions 18a. Thus, disconnections of the heater wire 14 can be suppressed in the side portions 10b of the vehicle seat heater 10 placed in the seat side portions 50c of the vehicle seat 50.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interior lining for vehicles and aircraft having a carrier and a heating layer and an upper layer, wherein the at least one heating layer is arranged between the carrier and the upper layer, and the heating layer and the upper layer are directly or indirectly interconnected, and to a method for producing such an interior lining, wherein at least one heating layer is pre-laminated onto an upper layer to form a layer composite, and the layer composite is press-laminated, membrane-laminated or vacuum-laminated onto a carrier, or alternatively, in order to produce such an interior lining, a heating layer is pre-laminated onto a carrier to form a carrier/layer composite, and an upper layer is press-laminated, membrane-laminated or vacuum-laminated onto the carrier/layer composite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flat heating element (20), in particular for heating surfaces in contact with the user in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical conductor (25). According to the invention, the electrical conductivity of at least one of these electrical conductors (25) is at least temporarily reduced if the temperature thereof at least locally exceeds a permissible maximum temperature.

Abstract: In a heating-medium heating unit equipped with a first heating-medium circulation box and a second heating-medium circulation box which are in close contact with both surfaces of a PTC heater, in which heating-medium circulation passages are formed in the interior, and which are joined to each other in a liquidtight manner, wherein joining surfaces are sealed with liquid gaskets, the heating-medium circulation passages are provided with joining-surface cooling channels that cool the joining surface which is sealed with a liquid gasket and on which the heat from the PTC heater acts. The joining-surface cooling channels are provided at positions closer to the joining surface than to the PTC heater.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus for removing ice and snow from the exterior top surface of the roof of a vehicle comprises at least one electrical heating element disposed against, and in direct contact with, the interior bottom surface of the roof. The heating element may be installed by the vehicle manufacturer or may be retrofit, and in the case of an automobile having a roof liner, the heating element is disposed below and in contact with the roof, but above the liner. Current to the heating element may be controlled by the vehicle's rear window defogger switch, through a relay.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having an oil or transmission pan with a removable drain plug bolt and threaded opening or any type of tank or reservoir, containing a liquid to be heated, which utilizes a bolt and threaded opening as a drain site. An apparatus consisting of a machined heater body containing a heating element, a temperature sensor, and power cord. This apparatus, when installed in said opening and energized, heats oil in an oil pan, transmission fluid in a transmission pan, or any type of tank or reservoir containing a liquid to be heated.

Abstract: A heating system is disclosed including a cabinet having walls defining an interior heating chamber. Sensors are attached to an exterior surface of the walls. Heating pad subassemblies are attached to the exterior surface of the walls with each heating pad subassemblies located adjacent a corresponding sensor. The heating pad subassemblies include a pad having an attachment face coupled to the exterior surface of the walls and a heating element coupled to the pad. A controller is in electrical communication with the heating elements and the sensors. This controller is configured to independently monitor temperate measurements from each of the sensors and to independently control each of the heating elements. The heating pad subassemblies are positionable on the exterior side of the plurality of walls and the heating system compensates for load variations across the interior heating chamber.

Abstract: A conventional vehicle lighting device entails a problem on appearance. A vehicle lighting device of the present invention is provided with a wire heater, an extension portion, and a power-feeding portion. An adhesive part is provided at a part of one face of an extension film of the extension portion. Of such one face of the extension film of the extension portion, a letterpress printed-film pattern of a rough portion is provided in a range excluding the adhesive part. As a result, the vehicle lighting device of the present invention provides an ability to reliably prevent an extension film of the extension portion from sticking to a lamp lens by means of the letterpress printed-film pattern of the rough portion; prevent an appearance failure or abnormality exerted by the sticking of the extension film of the extension portion to the lamp lens; and improve its appearance.

Abstract: A covering system, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a sheet-like structure which can be shifted between a stowage state and a use state. The covering system is designed as a roller blind system, wherein the sheet-like structure is flexible, and wherein the roller blind system has a roller blind shaft, to which an edge of the sheet-like structure is fastened and onto which the sheet-like structure can be wound into a stowage stage and from which the sheet-like structure can be unwound into a functional state. An electrically operated heating device is provided on the sheet-like structure and/or on an extension rod which closes off the sheet-like structure on the end side.

Abstract: A method of coating a carbon nanotube material with a solventless coating composition is described. The resulting coating has been shown to preserve the conductivity of the conductive layer and protect the conductive layer from the effects of subsequent coating compositions. Examples are shown in which the coating formulation comprises a polyol and an isocyanate. A layer material comprising a polyurethane coating on a carbon nanotube network layer is also described.

Abstract: A deicing device for propfan-type aircraft propulsion unit blades, wherein the propulsion unit includes a turbomachine that drives in rotation at least one rotor including a plurality of blades arranged around an annular crown moving with the blades, which forms with its outer wall part of the outer envelope of the propulsion unit, the outer envelope being subjected to atmospheric conditions outside the propulsion unit, the turbomachine generating a flow of hot gases that exit via an annular hot vein, which is concentric with the moving annular crown, and defined for part of its surface by an inner wall of the moving annular crown. The deicing device includes: a mechanism transforming thermal energy into electrical energy, within the moving annular part; a mechanism transferring the generated electrical energy towards the rotor blades; and a mechanism transforming the electrical energy into thermal energy onto at least a part of the surface of the blades.

Abstract: The invention relates to a planar heat generating element for use on steering wheels of automotive vehicles and motorboats, and a problem of the invention is to adjust a temperature portion of a planar heat generating element which is attached to a steering wheel, so as to enhance the sensation of using the steering wheel by the user when he or she grips thereon.

Abstract: An HVAC system for a work vehicle having an operator compartment for a vehicle operator, the system including a heating system, a compartment pressurizer blower, a compartment recirculation blower, a temperature sensor, and an operating mode switch, each operably coupled to an electronic circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to reduce pressurizer blower output when the operator selects high output from the heating system under certain predetermined temperature and conditions and operating modes to improve HVAC system performance.

Abstract: A non-film based, thermally conditionable light transmitting article is provided. The article includes an adhesively coated resistive wire and a substrate suitably selected for light transmittance. The adhesively coated resistive wire is solely and directly adhesively affixed to the substrate so as to be thereby supported upon and by the substrate. A layer of adhesive, in the form of an adhesive linkage originating from the adhesive of the adhesively coated resistive wire, is present between the resistive wire and the substrate.

Abstract: A reflective element assembly is associated with at least two functional elements, each functional element including at least one functional element electrical contact. The reflective element assembly has a reflective element and reflective element carrier. A power distributor is disposed between the reflective element and the carrier, and includes an integrated heater and power distribution element, a support member having a reverse face and an obverse face, an array of electrically-conductive tracings, and a plurality of discrete electrical contacts points for electrical coupling of the array with the at least two functional elements. At least one of the plurality of discrete electrical contacts points is adapted for electrical communication with at least one functional element electrical contact point of a first functional element, and at least one functional element electrical contact point of a second functional element. The power distributor has a singular module connection.

Abstract: An electric auxiliary heating unit reliably avoids temperature overshoots of the heated air. To this end, the temperature of the air flowing into the heating is determined and converted into a heating power for controlling the heating elements. This is preferably done via a stored characteristic field via which a plurality of vehicle parameters, such as the vehicle speed, the opening condition of the convertible top, etc., can be taken into account. Also the temperature of the incoming air can be derived from temperature values which are already available in the vehicle. A user-friendly electric heating can be realized very easily in this way. Temperature fluctuations in the heated air can be avoided reliably and easily even in the case of dynamically varying operating conditions of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An auxiliary heating apparatus for a vehicle may include a PTC (“Positive Temperature Coefficient”) heating module including a PTC element, and positive and negative terminal boards supplying power to the PTC element, the PTC heating module being disposed between coolant tubes of a heater core of an air conditioning system for the vehicle, a radiation fin provided on each of opposite sides of the PTC heating module to promote a radiation of heat of the PTC heating module, and a holding unit securing the PTC heating module to the coolant tubes.

Abstract: An electrically heatable honeycomb body includes channels and at least one heating disk having at least one first and one second layer stack of electrically conductive material. The first and second layer stacks are interleaved with and electrically insulated from each other. The first layer stack forms a first current path for conducting an electrical current for a first heating circuit and the second layer stack forms a second current path for conducting an electrical current for a second heating circuit. The first heating circuit operates at a power of 300 W to 500 W and the second heating circuit operates at 500 W to 700 W. Exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine can be evenly heated by several independent heating circuits in a common heating disk even with different heating capacities using a simple construction. A method for heating a honeycomb body and a motor vehicle are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical conductor, which is formed at least in part of an electrically conductive material, and is at least in part coated with a protective layer that at least locally has a lower electrical conductivity than the electrically conductive material of the conductor. It is envisioned that the protective layer is formed at least in part of synthetic rubber.

Abstract: A device includes an electrically heatable honeycomb body, particularly for treating an exhaust gas flow of a mobile internal combustion machine. The device includes sheet metal foils forming channels and being in electrical contact with a housing. The housing has a terminal for connection to a voltage source, a plurality of contact points disposed remotely from the terminal for contacting the sheet metal foils and a respective contact conductor between the terminal and each contact point. The contact conductors have the same electrical resistance. A motor vehicle having at least one such device is also provided.

Abstract: An electrical heating device comprises a housing which encloses a circulation chamber through which a medium can flow, and into which heating ribs protrude. Each of the heating ribs has a U-shaped recess which open into a uniform connecting chamber, which is separated from the circulation chamber by a partition wall provided in the region of the open ends of the U-shaped recesses, and which accommodates at least one PTC heating element that abuts oppositely situated inner sides of the U-shaped recess in heat-conducting contact. A housing cover bears a pump and forms a pump channel. The pump channel opens into an inlet opening of the pump, which is formed by a pump housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an added electrical heater (1), especially for a heating system or air conditioner of a motor vehicle. A plurality of heating elements (2) are provided which are formed by PTC elements while being fitted with at least one electrically conducting coating (3).

Abstract: A vehicle heating system using a PTC heater is provided, which includes an input unit for inputting set temperatures of a driver seat and a passenger seat, a control unit outputting PWM control signals so as to control respective outputs of a left heat source portion and a right heat source portion formed in the PTC heater based on the set temperatures input through the input unit, and a power supply unit supplying power to the left heat source portion and the right heat source portion, respectively, in accordance with the PWM control signals output from the control unit.

Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.

Abstract: A heating appliance for railway vehicles has at least one heating unit, forming a load-bearing sandwich structure together with edge profiles and a core layer. According to the invention, a plurality of heating units and sandwich structures are provided, each forming modular construction units, and the construction units can be positioned and fixed relative to one another in the railway vehicle by means of connecting elements.

Abstract: A heat exchanger having at least one electrical resistance heating element, two conductors connected electrically to the electrical resistance heating element to conduct electric current through the electrical resistance heating element and thereby to heat the electrical resistance heating element, a heat-conducting element for transferring heat from the electrical resistance heating element to a fluid to be heated, an electrical insulating element insulating electrically the two conductors and the at least one electrical resistance heating element, and at least one tube. The two conductors, the electrical insulating element, and the electrical resistance heating element are arranged within a cavity bounded by the tube. The heat exchanger has an adapter plate and a tube opening, each being arranged at an opening of the adapter plate, and the at least one tube being connected fluid-tight to the adapter plate, which is connected fluid-tight to an electronics housing and/or an HVAC system housing.

Abstract: A system is provided for use with a rail vehicle having a wheel that travels on a rail. The system includes an air source for supplying compressed air and a heating unit fluidly coupled to the air source and configured to produce heated compressed air by heating the compressed air or heating air prior to the air being compressed by the air source, and to direct the heated compressed air onto a contact surface of the rail.

Abstract: A radiation heating system for a vehicle includes a heating device and an exterior member. The heating device serves as a heat source and is for generating radiation heat to warm up an interior of the vehicle. The exterior member is disposed on a vehicle interior-side of the heating device. Given that: thermal transmittance of the exterior member is K? [W/(m2?K)]; thermal transmittance of a human body is K4 [W/(m2?K)]; bloodstream temperature of the human body is Tm [K]; and surface temperature of the heating device is Th [K], K? is set so as to satisfy a relationship expressed in: (2×Th×K?+Tm×K4)/(2×K?+K4)?333.

Abstract: The invention refers to a vehicular fluid heater (3), in particular to an automotive water heater. The vehicular fluid heater (3) comprises at least one heat exchanger (8) and at least one electrically operated heating unit (9), the heat exchanger (8) comprising at least one thermally conductive body defining at least one fluid channel for the fluid to be heated and sealing covers (16a, 16b) sealing the front and rear ends of the thermally conductive body, at least one cover (16a) having an inlet and/or outlet for establishing fluid flow, the heating unit (9) being joint to a heat-conductive surface of the thermally conductive body. The sealing covers (16a, 16b) are made from a pressure deformable material and are held in position by a housing and closing the fluid heater (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A positive temperature coefficient heater may include at least one positive temperature coefficient rod having a heating module inserted into a rod case made of brass and plated with tin, at least one heat-radiating fin made of brass, plated with tin, and contacted and coupled with each of opposite outer faces of the positive temperature coefficient rod, and upper and lower housings coupled to opposite longitudinal ends of the positive temperature coefficient rod, wherein the positive temperature coefficient rod and the heat-radiating fin are joined together by soldered portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element for heating at least one surface contacted at times by a user, with a plurality of heating conductors or heating conductor sections that are directly or indirectly connected electrically to one another, at least in part by mutual contact, with at least one heating conductor or heating conductor section which, upon exceeding a permissible maximum temperature, at least temporarily loses its electrical conductivity at least in part. It is provided that the electrical resistance of at least two heating conductors or heating conductor sections is dependent at least in part on its mechanical strain, that these heating conductors or heating conductor sections are electrically connected to one another in parallel, and that they are separated from one another at least in sections by a spacing zone in order to prevent electrical connection between them in spacing zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flat heating element (20), in particular for heating surfaces in contact with the user in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical conductor (25). According to the invention, the electrical conductivity of at least one of these electrical conductors (25) is at least temporarily reduced if the temperature thereof at least locally exceeds a permissible maximum temperature.

Abstract: The heated steering wheel cover includes a resilient, flexible, substantially annular member having an open bottom portion enabling the substantially annular member to be removably fitted over a vehicle's steering wheel. A heating element is disposed inside of the steering wheel cover. A battery pack is electrically connected to the heating element. A switch is electrically connected to the battery pack and selectively turns the heating element on or off. The battery pack is removably attachable to a portion of the vehicle proximate the steering wheel so that safe operation of the heating element is possible while the vehicle is being driven.

Abstract: An electrically heated snow and ice melting device for use clearing pathways along sidewalks, up stairs and along driveways. The device comprises a push-style cart with a wheel-mounted frame, an extendable push handle and an internal, electrically heated plate that mounts along the base of the frame. The height of the frame is controlled by each wheel height adjustment track on the corners of the frame, while power is provided to the heated plate via an onboard power supply and electronics for controlling temperature and power distribution. Power can also be provided through an extension cord, which allows the device to operate without consuming battery power within a given distance from an outlet. The height of the plate, the mode of heat transfer and the height of the device allow the user to rapidly melt and evaporate snow, ice and moisture along a pathway.