Abstract: A steering wheel is provided and may include an armature having a rim and a coating at least partially surrounding the rim. A pair of electrodes may be respectively disposed within a pair of grooves formed in the coating. A polymer paint may be disposed on the coating and may include a plurality of carbon filaments that receive voltage from at least one of the pair of electrodes to selectively generate heat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric (30, 31) with at least one support (41, 41?), with at least two electrical function elements (70), and with at least one seam (40). It is provided that at least two of the electrical function elements (70) are in the form of strands and integrated in the seam (40).

Abstract: A steering wheel system for vehicle includes a steering wheel configured to be gripped by an occupant and a first electrode positioned within a first sensing zone on the steering wheel. The first electrode is configured to generate heat when a first signal is supplied to the first electrode. The first electrode is configured to be used to determine the proximity of a hand of an occupant of the vehicle to the first sensing zone when a second signal is supplied to the first electrode. The steering wheel system also includes a controller configured to control the supply of the first and second signals to the first electrode based on the proximity of the hand of the occupant to the first sensing zone.

Abstract: A heated steering wheel having a first electrical circuit including, in series, a first heating element disposed adjacent to a 3 o'clock of the wheel, a second heating element disposed adjacent to a 9 o'clock position of the wheel, and a positive temperature coefficient thermistor heated by one of the first and second heating elements; and a second electrical circuit including, in series, a third heating element disposed at a 6 o'clock position of the wheel, a fourth heating element disposed at a 12 o'clock position of the wheel, and a negative temperature coefficient thermistor heated by one of the first and second heating elements. The flow of electricity through the second electrical circuit is delayed until after electricity has flowed through the first electrical circuit warm those portions of the wheel to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A grip member with an electric heater, in which the surface of a core body when a heater is installed is flat. A metal conductive plate, such as a SUS plate with a thickness of about 30 ?m formed in a belt-like shape, is spirally embedded along a flat groove section provided in a core body, the surface of the core body is made flat, and the metal conductive plate is fixed at both ends to the core body. An electric current is passed through the metal conductive plate to cause it to generate heat.

Abstract: In order to improve a hand grip for handlebar-steered vehicles, comprising a grip covering, made of a grip-covering material, and an accommodating space which extends, by way of its longitudinal extent, from a plug-in opening in a plug-in direction for a grip component of the handlebar, such that it is seated optimally on the grip component of the handlebar, it is proposed that the accommodating space has at least one wall segment which has at least one abutment surface and at least one recess, the abutment surface having surface sub-regions adapted to an outer surface of the grip component, and the at least one recess being disposed between the surface sub-regions and extending approximately parallel to the plug-in direction, as an adhesive reservoir.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a heating element which heats an entire rim to a uniform temperature. The heating element is coated as an electrically conductive paste on a surface of the rim, and is formed such that an electrical resistance increases away from an inner diameter portion of the rim toward an outer diameter portion of the rim.

Abstract: Heated hand grips for motorcycles or other applications, such as snowmobiles, are disclosed. The hand grips enable better control and comfort for the user. The hand grips described herein have a better design for mounting on the handle bars, allowing for a better seal against ingress of moisture and for sturdier mounting of the control circuitry. The control circuitry itself is simplified, and the control knob has built-in detents for more tactile feedback to the user. The heated elements themselves include a temperature sensor for simplified wiring and immediate feedback.

Abstract: A method relates to applying an electrically conductive heating element to a surface of a rim of a steering wheel. The rim of the steering wheel is structured such that a plurality of heating elements formed of a conductive paste is applied to outer circumferential surfaces of a rim. A first connection element for electrically connecting the heating elements is applied along circumferential edges of the rim contacting a separation space. A second connection element formed of a conductive paste and adapted to electrically connect the first connection elements is applied in the separation space.

Abstract: Provided is a steering wheel having a heating element, wherein a surface of the heating element can be finished by directly transferring thereon a transfer film on which an aesthetic decoration pattern is printed. The heating element is an electrical conductive paste coated on a surface of a rim, and includes a plurality of heating lines that are electrically separated from each other, and a connection unit that electrically short-circuits the heating lines at both ends thereof, and power is supplied to the heating element through the connection unit.

Abstract: A handle grip member with electric heater can be produced in high yield through simple processing not using any core of synthetic resin and avoiding molding operation. Depressed groove (4) is spirally provided on an external surface of inner part (1) of rubber, and multiple ribs (5) are provided on an internal surface thereof along the direction of length. Electric heater (7) of tape-shaped metal conductor is implanted in the depressed groove (4), and fixed. Electric wires (8a,8b) are connected to two ends of the electric heater (7) and drawn out. The inner part (1) is inserted in outer part (9) of rubber tube, and the outer part (9) is fixed to the inner part (1) with the use of an adhesive, etc.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for a heating element comprises a capacitive detector connectable to the heating element and a common mode choke for connecting the heating element with a heating current supply. The detector drives an alternating current into the heating element and produces an output depending on the capacitive load, which the alternating current is subject to. Depending on the object sensed, the load varies in a range between a minimum and a maximum value. The choke represents an inductive load in parallel of the capacitive load. The capacitive load and the inductive load contribute to a complex impedance dominated by the inductive load. A compensation capacitor arranged parallel to the choke represents an additional capacitive load also contributing to the complex impedance. The compensation capacitor is dimensioned such that the sum of additional capacitive load and maximum value amounts to at least 50% of the inductive load.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for being connected to a heating element comprises a capacitive detector connectable to the heating element and a common mode choke for essentially preventing alternating current from flowing from the heating element to the heating current supply. The capacitive detector is configured for driving an alternating current into the heating element and for producing an output indicative of capacitance based upon the alternating current. The choke has a first and a second winding for connecting the heating element with the heating current supply. The choke comprises a third winding connected in parallel of the first and/or second winding. The capacitive detector is configured for measuring a portion of the alternating current flowing across the third winding and for taking into account the measured portion of alternating current when producing the output.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a rim portion is provided. The rim portion includes a rim metal core, at least one heating element, which extends around the core, and a coating portion, which coats the heating element. The heating element includes a heat generating member for generating heat when electrified, a heat transfer sheet, and a flexible heat insulating sheet. The heat transfer sheet transfers heat of the heat generating member to the coating portion. The heat insulating sheet hinders heat of the heat generating member from being transferred to the core. The heat insulating sheet has first and second surfaces. The heat transfer sheet is laid on the first surface. The heat generating member is located between the first surface and the heat transfer sheet. The heating element is affixed to the core at the second surface, while being flexed to conform to the surface of the core.

Abstract: A member of the present invention is provided with: a base material 12 having a low thermal conductivity; a heating element 13 that is routed to a surface of the base material 12; and a covering material 11 having a high thermal conductivity, and covering the heating element 13 and the base material 12, in which the base material 12 includes a positioning portion 21 adapted to position the heating element 13, and the covering material 11 is formed so as to compensate each other in cooperation with the heating element 13, and closes at least a partial range in a region between an exterior face and the surface of the base material 12.

Abstract: A steering wheel having a heating element is manufactured by directly transferring a transfer film on which an esthetic decoration pattern is printed. The heating element is an electrically conductive paste on a surface of a rim, and includes heating lines that are electrically separated from each other, and a connection unit that electrically short-circuits ends of the heating lines. Power is supplied to the heating element through the connection unit.

Abstract: A steering wheel including a rim, first heating members, second heating members, and a control section is provided. The rim has leather-covered portions and wood-grain portions. The surface of the leather-covered portions has a thermal conductivity different from the thermal conductivity of the surface of the wood-grain portions. Each first heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding leather-covered portion. When being energized, each first heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding leather-covered portion. Each second heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding wood-grain portion. When being energized, each second heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding wood-grain portion. The control section controls the energization of the first heating members and the energization of the second heating members independently from each other.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided and may include an armature having a rim and a coating at least partially surrounding the rim. A pair of electrodes may be respectively disposed within a pair of grooves formed in the coating. A polymer paint may be disposed on the coating and may include a plurality of carbon filaments that receive voltage from at least one of the pair of electrodes to selectively generate heat.

Abstract: A heating element includes a base material and a heater disposed on the base material, which can be deformed to accommodate a part of the heater. A steering wheel equipped with the heating element is free from surface protrusions caused by the heater. Employment of a linear heater reduces connections between the heater and power supply lines, and a high connecting reliability is obtained. The steering wheel includes the heating element and the power lines, and connections between the heating element and the power lines are disposed in the boss portion of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is further provided with a temperature detector, a temperature detector heater and a temperature controller, and the detector and the detector heater are disposed in the boss portion. Thus, a steering wheel with a good grip and a good appearance can be provided at a low cost.

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: A primary support member defining a general shape of the steering wheel. A rigid over-molding layer generally encasing said primary support member. An electrically resistive layer disposed on said over-molding layer for being energized to create a heat source on the steering wheel. A first electrically conductive strip applied to said electrically resistive layer defining a positive electrical connection to said electrically resistive layer. A second electrically conductive strip applied to said electrically resistive layer defining a negative electrical connection to said electrically resistive layer. A dielectric layer encasing said electrically resistive layer and said first and second electrically conductive strips for insulation. A finishing cover layer applied over said dielectric layer generally encasing said dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube-metal particle complex composition prepared by: a) a step of preparing a carbon nanotube solution in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed; b) a step of performing acid treatment on the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation a); c) a step of neutralizing the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation b); and d) a step of mixing the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation c) and a metal solution containing metal particles, in order to bond said metal particles to the surfaces of said carbon nanotubes. The present invention also relates to a heated steering wheel including a carbon nanotube heating coating layer formed from the composition.

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 grip to be mounted at the end of a handlebar of a motorcycle, snowmobile or the like, the grip being in particular the vehicle throttle control grip mounted rotatable about the handlebar and being heated by a heating member powered by an electrical conductor connected via an end thereof to the member, the end being positioned in proximity to the grip. This end is positioned within a casing close to this latter but separated from it, the conductor being present in the casing loosely without undergoing twisting about itself.

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: A steering wheel heater assembly comprising a first layer made from a flexible mesh material, the first layer circumferentially wrapped around the steering wheel to add strength and durability to the heating assembly and to prevent movement of the heating assembly; a second layer comprising a double-sided adhesive for bonding the first layer to the steering wheel and to a third layer comprising a substrate made of polyamide material for distributing heat to the steering wheel; a fourth layer comprising a resistive material made from a carbon polymer; a fifth layer comprising a conductive layer of polymer based silver for providing electrical current to the steering wheel; and a sixth layer comprising a double-sided adhesive for insulating the fifth layer and for bonding the fifth layer to a seventh layer comprising a material for covering the exterior of the heater assembly.

Abstract: A steering wheel-heating system may include an ambient sensor detecting temperature of external air, an incar sensor detecting temperature of internal air of a vehicle, a water temperature sensor detecting temperature of engine cooling water, a temperature switch receiving FATC-set (Full Auto Temperature Control) temperature, and a controller supplying or cutting power supplied to heating wires in a steering wheel on the basis of the temperature of the external air detected by the ambient sensor, the temperature of the internal air detected by the incar sensor, the temperature of the engine cooling water detected by the water temperature sensor, and the FATC-set temperature.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim metal core, a rigid covering member, a heating element, and a cover. The rim metal core forms the framework of the rim. The rigid covering member is provided about at least a part in the circumferential direction of the rim metal core. The heating element is formed by a flexible sheet having a heat generating member that generates heat when electrified. The heating element is arranged along the outer surface of the covering member. The cover is provided about the heating element and has an outer surface that serves as an ornamental surface of the rim. A hollow portion (an air layer) is formed between the rim metal core and a part of the covering member at which the heat generating member (a resistor layer) of the heating element is located. The hollow portion serves as a heat-insulating layer.

Abstract: A steering wheel has a ring portion, spoke portions and a hub portion. The steering wheel is provided with a thermoelectric reversible heat pump to heat or cool a fluid. A closed hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump and at least one duct extending along the ring portion of the steering wheel. The fluid is heated or cooled by the thermoelectric heat pump and is circulated by the hydraulic pump within the ring portion of the steering wheel to heat or cool the ring portion.

Abstract: A grip includes a grip body to be fitted on a mounting portion. The grip body includes an inner piece, an outer casing mounted on the inner piece, and a resin member fitted on the inner piece so as to be exposed through an opening, such as a hole or a cutout provided in the outer casing. The resin member is inserted in the outer casing so as to be partly exposed through the opening, and the inner piece is then inserted in the resin member fitted in the outer casing.

Abstract: A handle device includes an inner handle having an outer periphery with two parallel, helical grooves each having first and second end sections at two ends of the outer periphery. The second end sections of the helical grooves meet with each other at a recessed connecting section including a projecting portion on an end of the outer periphery and having a receiving compartment in communication with the second end sections of the helical grooves. A heating wire extends through two through-holes in a wire seat formed on the other end of the outer periphery. The heating wire includes two wire sections respectively received in the helical grooves. The wire sections are interconnected to each other at a bend that is received in the receiving compartment. An outer handle is integrally formed around the outer periphery of the inner handle as a single monolithic piece.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

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: A heatable steering wheel includes a steering wheel blank, a heating mat wrapped around the steering wheel blank, a first, visible hard sheathing whose surface is refinished after having been installed, a second, visible softer sheathing, both of the sheathings abutting each other in an abutting area, and a coupling element in the abutting area. The coupling element, as seen from the outside, has a depression and that, starting from the first sheathing, extends under the abutting area all the way to an abutting edge of the second sheathing. The heating mat extends continuously under the first sheathing and under the coupling element all the way to under the second sheathing.

Abstract: A steering wheel including a rim, first heating members, second heating members, and a control section is provided. The rim has leather-covered portions and wood-grain portions. The surface of the leather-covered portions has a thermal conductivity different from the thermal conductivity of the surface of the wood-grain portions. Each first heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding leather-covered portion. When being energized, each first heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding leather-covered portion. Each second heating member is provided inside of the surface of the corresponding wood-grain portion. When being energized, each second heating member adjusts the surface temperature of the corresponding wood-grain portion. The control section controls the energization of the first heating members and the energization of the second heating members independently from each other.

Abstract: A heating assembly used for providing heat to the hands of a person using equipment with handlebars. The heating assembly is installed internal to the handlebars and provides heat to the handlebar grips normally installed on equipment of this type. This system works with existing grips, i.e. special heated grip systems are not required. The current invention is thus usable with a wider variety of handlebar grip devices currently used on motorcycles, snowmobiles, snow blowers and other outdoor devices utilizing handlebars.

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: Provided is a grip member having an electrothermal heater, wherein an end section of a metal strip does not curl up when the metal strip is attached. A metal strip (21) machined in strip-shape is embedded along a spiral flat groove section arranged on a core body (1) and fixed to the core body (1) at the both ends. An end portion (21a) of the metal strip (21) is inserted into a locking member (7), and the end portion (21a) is prevented from curling up. Since curl up of the end portion (21a) is suppressed, the metal strip is prevented from protruding to the outside from a synthetic rubber applied in the subsequent step and the thickness of the synthetic rubber at such section is prevented from thinning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heated steering wheel using induction current that includes a ferromagnetic material for generating induction current using the change of a magnetic field caused by supplied alternating current when the alternating current is supplied to a wire that is provided between a main body of the steering wheel and an exterior member surrounding the main body. When alternating current is supplied to a wire, the ferromagnetic material generates induction current using the change of a magnetic field caused by supplied alternating thereby causing the temperature of the steering wheel to increase quickly so that it is possible to improve a driver's operation sensibility of the steering wheel when an outdoor air temperature is low.

Abstract: A handle grip member with electric heater can be produced in high yield through simple processing not using any core of synthetic resin and avoiding molding operation. Depressed groove (4) is spirally provided on an external surface of inner part (1) of rubber, and multiple ribs (5) are provided on an internal surface thereof along the direction of length. Electric heater (7) of tape-shaped metal conductor is implanted in the depressed groove (4), and fixed. Electric wires (8a,8b) are connected to two ends of the electric heater (7) and drawn out. The inner part (1) is inserted in outer part (9) of rubber tube, and the outer part (9) is fixed to the inner part (1) with the use of an adhesive, etc.

Abstract: Heated hand grips for motorcycles or other applications, such as snowmobiles, are disclosed. The hand grips enable better control and comfort for the user. The hand grips described herein have a better design for mounting on the handle bars, allowing for a better seal against ingress of moisture and for sturdier mounting of the control circuitry. The control circuitry itself is simplified, and the control knob has built-in detents for more tactile feedback to the user. The heated elements themselves include a temperature sensor for simplified wiring and immediate feedback.

Abstract: A heated handle construction for integration within an umbrella, cane, walker, crutches, wheelchair, snow shovel, baby stroller, golf club, hockey stick, animal lead/leash, knitting needle and crochet hook is provided having an integral stem portion constructed with a handle portion, a central shaft, and a bearing member. The handle has an outer show surface and is composed of a thermally insulating material, wound with wrapped flexible heating tape or strip, and connected through an on-off switch to a plurality of batteries present in a hollow cavity of the central shaft. Optionally, a thermally insulating foam tape is inserted between the heating element and the thermally insulating handle. An infrared reflector placed below the heating element directs heat to the user's hand. The heating element raises the temperature of the handle, radiating heat to the hand of the user, thereby providing a comfortable grip during use in wintry weather.

Abstract: A heating element includes a base material and a heater disposed on the base material, which can be deformed to accommodate a part of the heater. A steering wheel equipped with the heating element is free from surface protrusions caused by the heater. Employment of a linear heater reduces connections between the heater and power supply lines, and a high connecting reliability is obtained. The steering wheel includes the heating element and the power lines, and connections between the heating element and the power lines are disposed in the boss portion of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is further provided with a temperature detector, a temperature detector heater and a temperature controller, and the detector and the detector heater are disposed in the boss portion. Thus, a steering wheel with a good grip and a good appearance can be provided at a low cost.

Abstract: In order to improve a hand grip for handlebar-steered vehicles, comprising a grip covering, made of a grip-covering material, and an accommodating space which extends, by way of its longitudinal extent, from a plug-in opening in a plug-in direction for a grip component of the handlebar, such that it is seated optimally on the grip component of the handlebar, it is proposed that the accommodating space has at least one wall segment which has at least one abutment surface and at least one recess, the abutment surface having surface sub-regions adapted to an outer surface of the grip component, and the at least one recess being disposed between the surface sub-regions and extending approximately parallel to the plug-in direction, as an adhesive reservoir.

Abstract: A steering wheel heating apparatus includes a steering wheel that includes an annular member and a pair of supports that are attached to and extend inwardly from the annular member. Each of the supports is attached to a steering column of a vehicle. A covering is removably positioned on and is coextensive with the annular member. At least one elongated heating element extends along a length of the covering. The elongated heating element is positioned between a top side and a bottom side of the covering. A power supply is electrically coupled to the heating element. An actuator is electrically coupled to the power supply and is configured to selectively turn the heating element on or off.

Abstract: A grip member with an electric heater, in which the surface of a core body when a heater is installed is flat. A metal conductive plate, such as a SUS plate with a thickness of about 30 ?m formed in a belt-like shape, is spirally embedded along a flat groove section provided in a core body, the surface of the core body is made flat, and the metal conductive plate is fixed at both ends to the core body. An electric current is passed through the metal conductive plate to cause it to generate heat.

Abstract: A three-dimensional heating element particularly intended for use in a steering-wheel. The three-dimensional heating element includes a heating composite having a heating element bonded between two films, one or both of which includes a heat shrinkable material. A covering material is placed over the heating composite. The film closest to the covering material includes a plastic material which forms a barrier preventing gaseous, liquid and/or solid chemicals from attacking the heating conductor when the heating element is applied to the steering-wheel. A foam material may be introduced in the space between the composite and covering material.

Abstract: A heating assembly used for providing heat to the hands of a person using equipment with handlebars. The heating assembly is installed internal to the handlebars and provides heat to the handlebar grips normally installed on equipment of this type. This system works with existing grips, i.e. special heated grip systems are not required. The current invention is thus usable with a wider variety of handlebar grip devices currently used on motorcycles, snowmobiles, snow blowers and other outdoor devices utilizing handlebars.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steering wheel that is covered by an electric heat coating layer through simple process of applying electric heat paint on the surface of the rim. According to the invention, it is facilitated to manufacture a steering wheel having a heat-generating function, so that manufacturing cost can be saved and productivity can also be increased. Further, since the steering wheel is formed such that the rim is uniformly heated throughout the surface, a driver is provided with improved satisfaction and convenience.