Abstract: An apparatus for the independent control of the amount of heat produced by a right and a left side heated hand grip includes a control panel with various input buttons and a pair of LEDS that each indicates a relative power setting of one of the heated hand grips. A microprocessor receives input instructions from the input buttons and provides a first pulsed DC output having a desired duty cycle to one of the heated hand grips and a second pulsed DC output having either the same or a different duty cycle to a remaining one of the heated hand grips, thereby controlling the amount of heat produced by each respective heated hand grip. This improves comfort. Reverse polarity protection, a return to previous power settings, including a remembrance of a differential between the two heated hand grips, and automatic shutoff when battery voltage reaches a predetermined value are described.

Abstract: A heated motorcycle handgrip is securable to a motorcycle handlebar and includes a grip housing that has a first end adapted to receive the handlebar, and a second end opposite the first end. The grip housing includes a heating element that is operable to provide a heat output, and a heater control dial is coupled to the second end of the handgrip to control the heat output of the heating element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heated handle (e.g. a steering wheel) and a method for forming the handle. The handle typically includes a core, an outer cover layer and a heater, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the outer cover layer and the core. The heater typically includes one or more of a conductor, a cushion and a separator.

Abstract: A rechargeable, reusable heated hand grip for use on a ski pole, shovel or other cold weather hand-held tool or object is provided. The hand grip includes a bushing for receiving the end of a tubular object and retaining the object within a bore in the central core of the hand grip, which compresses around the bushing for tight engagement. A wire-wound heating element is wrapped around the exterior surface of the central core and an outer housing surrounds the heating element and the central core. The bore houses a pair of lithium-ion batteries connected in series, a switch with the switch control protruding from the top of the grip, and a printed circuit board connected to the switch.

Abstract: A grip heater has a tubular insulator that is designed to slip over a handlebar and has two interposed pairs of helical recesses. Each pair of helical recesses is formed by two parallel helical grooves and accommodates a heating element; the heating elements can have different resistances to provide differing degrees of heat when selectively connected to a voltage source. Preferably, the pairs of recesses overlap such that the heating elements reside in alternating grooves and cross over each other. The heating elements can be connected to a common ground to allow replacement of existing three-wire grip heaters. When a common ground is employed, the heating elements are preferably isolated where they cross.

Abstract: A grip heater control apparatus enabling a driver to visually identifying the electrified condition of a heater and to control the temperature of the heater easily during vehicle driving and enabling the configuration for the temperature control and the visual identification to be space-saving. A single light emitter (4) is provided as an indicator along with heater temperature operators (5, 6) at an end of a grip (1). The indication control unit includes a unit for executing an operating state indication control process including a process of variably setting a first predetermined cycle, which is a blinking cycle of the light emitter (4), according to target electric energy set by a target electric energy setting unit in response to an operation of the heater temperature operator (5, 6) when operated and a process of blinking the light emitter (4) in the set first predetermined cycle.

Abstract: An electrical heating element for heating units of seats and steering wheels is provided. The heating element comprises at least one conductor having at least one core-coated wire that serves as a heat conductor and/or as a contact conductor and/or as a lead for temperature probes. The coating comprises steel and the core comprises copper or a copper alloy, or the coating comprises copper or a copper alloy and the core comprises steel.

Abstract: A heated steering wheel with a preformed heating member, having an inner rim portion; a cushion layer disposed about the inner rim portion; and a preformed heating element disposed about the cushion layer; wherein the cushion layer is applied using a molding process and the preformed heating element and the inner rim portion are inserted in a mold used for the molding process prior to the application of said cushion layer therein.

Abstract: A two-wheeler or motorcycle grip has an electric heating element whose supply line is arranged or wound in a spiral shape in the area of the motorcycle grip. The winding axis of the supply line is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle grip. When the motorcycle grip is rotated, the supply line can deform similarly to a torsion spring in the rotating or circumferential direction, which is connected with only a very slight mechanical stressing of the line element.

Abstract: The electrically heated hand grip includes a hand grip, a heating member disposed within the hand grip, an end cap assembly removably attached to the hand grip, and an electrical switch coupled to a power source for controlling the supply of current to the heating member. The end cap assembly includes a receptacle for receiving the power source and an electrical connecting means. The end cap assembly may include a light-emitting diode and a charging means. In an alternative embodiment, the electrically heated hand grip includes a resilient strip having a heating member attached to an interior surface of the resilient strip to form a heating strip. The heating strip is spirally wrapped about a grip-receiving portion of a shaft. An end cap assembly is coupled to the end of a shaft to secure a portion of the heating strip. The heated hand grip can include a sleeve which is inserted on the end of a shaft and the heating strip is spirally wrapped about the sleeve.

Abstract: A heated motorcycle handgrip is securable to a motorcycle handlebar and includes a grip housing that has a first end adapted to receive the handlebar, and a second end opposite the first end. The grip housing includes a heating element that is operable to provide a heat output, and a heater control dial is coupled to the second end of the handgrip to control the heat output of the heating element.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automatically warming a grip surface, such as handlebars, of a vehicle in which the grip surface and a rider's hand are exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. The system has an electrical power source; a resistive heating element mounted to the grip surface for warming the grip surface; an automatic temperature controller having a switch electrically connected in series between the power source and the heating element for switching power on and off to the heating element in response to a temperature feedback signal; and, a temperature sensor electrically connected to the temperature controller for providing the temperature feedback signal and mounted on the grip surface at an interface between the grip surface and the hand, the grip surface and the hand being exposed to outdoor environmental conditions. The system is particularly useful for vehicles such as snowmobiles, snow throwers, ATV's and motorcycles.

Abstract: An electrically powered resistance heating handgrip includes a control circuit located within a hollow core that fits coaxially within the open end of a handlebar of a motorcycle or snowmobile. The control circuit is mounted on a thin, narrow, elongated printed circuit board and includes a microprocessor that is programmed to contain a lookup table of temperatures. A thermistor provides feedback signals to the microprocessor which compares temperature sensor feedback signals to a target temperature. The target temperature is established by a dial. The dial operates the wiper of a variable potentiometer to establish the target temperature. Heat is uniformly distributed by wrapping the heating element wire thereof about a thermally conductive sheet of aluminum, and encasing the wire within a temperature resistant dielectric sheathing.

Abstract: A method of making a heated steering wheel comprises depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heated handle (e.g. a steering wheel) and a method for forming the handle. The handle typically includes a core, an outer cover layer and a heater, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the outer cover layer and the core. The heater typically includes one or more of a conductor, a cushion and a separator.

Abstract: A heated steering wheel with a preformed heating member, having an inner rim portion; a cushion layer disposed about the inner rim portion; and a preformed heating element disposed about the cushion layer; wherein the cushion layer is applied using a molding process and the preformed heating element and the inner rim portion are inserted in a mold used for the molding process prior to the application of said cushion layer therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heated steering wheel having a steering wheel rim with a heating device arranged on the steering wheel rim. A shell has two or more shell parts that each extend at least part of the way around the periphery of the steering wheel rim in radial cross-section. The shell parts are joined together by an adhesive intentionally applied only to mutually contacting surfaces of said shell parts. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a heated steering wheel.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure a preformed heating member is disclosed, the preformed heating element comprising: a first layer having a conductive layer for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat, the conductive layer being disposed on a sheet of formable film; and an outer layer disposed over the conductive layer; and a second structural layer adhered to the first layer, wherein the preformed heating element is capable of being configure to be positioned over a corresponding location.

Abstract: A heated handle (e.g. a steering wheel) is provided for an article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle along with a method for forming the handle. The handle typically includes a core, an outer cover layer and a heater, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the outer cover layer and the core. The heater typically includes one or more of a conductor, a cushion and a separator.

Abstract: A method for forming a heated steering wheel includes a member formed from a sheet of plastic having an attached electrically conductive pattern. The film is formed into a desired configuration. Electrical leads are connected to the pattern. A plastic resin is applied to encapsulate the conductive pattern and to strengthen the film. The member is connected to the steering wheel core.

Abstract: A handle includes a tubular member including two parallel helical recessed portions formed on an outer periphery thereof, a rubber jacket mounted around the tubular member, and two heating coils of different heating efficiency being respectively mounted in the parallel helical recessed portions for heating the rubber jacket. Two-stage control of heating for controlling the temperature of the rubber jacket in response to the temperature of the environment is provided.

Abstract: A heated motorcycle handgrip is securable to a motorcycle handlebar and includes a grip housing that has a first end adapted to receive the handlebar, and a second end opposite the first end. The grip housing includes a heating element that is operable to provide a heat output, and a heater control dial is coupled to the second end of the handgrip to control the heat output of the heating element.

Abstract: An electrically powered resistance heating handgrip is provided for a vehicle that employs an electrical storage battery. A control circuit to regulate the amount of power provided to the resistance elements in the grip is provided and preferably located within a hollow core that fits coaxially within the open end of a handlebar of a motorcycle or snowmobile, for example. The control circuit is mounted on a thin, narrow, elongated printed circuit board and includes a microprocessor that is programmed to contain a lookup table of temperatures. A thermistor is embedded in the casing of the handgrip proximate the heating element thereof. The thermistor provides feedback signals to the microprocessor which compares the temperature sensor feedback signals to a target temperature and provides or interrupts electrical power to the electrical heating element depending upon whether the temperature indicated by the thermistor is lower than the target temperature.

Abstract: A steering-heater device 1 capable of temperature control without causing an excess current to flow into a steering wheel Sw is provided. The steering-heater device 1 includes a heater 2 disposed in the steering wheel, a calorific switching element 4 disposed in a steering column Sc to carry out switching of a drive current for driving the heater 2 and also generate heat, a thermo-sensitive element 5 for sensing the temperature of the element 4 to change its own characteristics, a control part 8 that outputs a control signal and a drive part 9 that outputs a drive signal for driving the element 4 on the ground of the control signal. Based on voltages between both ends of the element 5, the control part 8 detects an initial temperature of the steering wheel, further calculates a consumption power required to rise the temperature of the steering wheel up to a set temperature and generate the control signal during a heating period determined on the ground of the consumption power.

Abstract: A grip heater control apparatus has a heater provided in a left grip of a steering handle of a motorcycle or the like, a heater control unit mounted on a left cowling of the motorcycle, a cover disposed on an upper end of a heater control unit and supporting thereon a plurality of LEDs and up and down switches, a controller disposed in the heater control unit for controlling the amount of electricity supplied from a battery, and a branch cable interconnecting the controller and the heater. The temperature of the heater is adjusted by the number of times that buttons of the up and down switches are pressed.

Abstract: In order to provide a hand-guided machine, which is partially or completely used at low ambient temperatures, with a heating arrangement of the handles, comprising an AC source, an analysis electronic system, at least one temperature sensor connected to the analysis electronic system and at least one electrical heating element supplied with power from the AC source, with which heating of handles of hand-guided machines is possible and which avoids the disadvantages of known handle heaters and particularly relieves the operator in his work activity as well as providing an ergonomically favorable working environment, so that work accidents and occupational illnesses are avoided, it is suggested that the output of the at least one electrical heating element be switched and regulated by an electronic component, controlled by the analysis electronic system, in the form of transistors, IGBTs, GTOs, thyristors, or TRIACs.

Abstract: Provided for herein is a method of making a heated steering wheel, comprising depositing an electrically conductive layer on at least a portion of a steering wheel substrate to produce thereon a heating element for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat. Also disclosed is a heating element for a steering wheel and a heated steering wheel assembly formed using this method.

Abstract: A work surface is subjected to a corona discharge treatment and then to printing or coating. A container surface is subjected to a corona discharge treatment and preheating and then to printing or coating. The printed or coated container is heated to dry the ink or coating material and the filled materials in the container are also heat-treated. The printing or coating used is of the non-spray type. The preheating device and heating device used are of the high frequency heating type. A direction change mechanism is provided to make it possible to apply printing or coating to one container at two or more places therein and to subject containers in general to preheating and a corona discharge treatment.

Abstract: A preformed heating element for use in a steering wheel including a heating element, embedded into a rubber or polyurethane material and preformed with manufacturing methods such as vacuum forming, resin impregnating, injection molding, and pultrusion progressive die.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled steering wheel for heating and cooling the user's hands while steering a vehicle. The temperature-controlled steering wheel includes a steering wheel member having an arcuate channel disposed therein; and also includes an arcuate outer tubular member being disposed in the endless channel of the steering wheel member; and further includes an arcuate inner tubular member being disposed in the endless channel of the steering wheel member and the outer tubular member; and also includes an assembly for heating the steering wheel member including a liquid being disposed in the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A steering-heater device 1 capable of temperature control without causing an excess current to flow into a steering wheel Sw is provided. The steering-heater device 1 includes a heater 2 disposed in the steering wheel, a calorific switching element 4 disposed in a steering column Sc to carry out switching of a drive current for driving the heater 2 and also generate heat, a thermo-sensitive element 5 for sensing the temperature of the element 4 to change its own characteristics, a control part 8 that outputs a control signal and a drive part 9 that outputs a drive signal for driving the element 4 on the ground of the control signal. Based on voltages between both ends of the element 5, the control part 8 detects an initial temperature of the steering wheel, further calculates a consumption power required to rise the temperature of the steering wheel up to a set temperature and generate the control signal during a heating period determined on the ground of the consumption power.

Abstract: A vehicle steering wheel (10) comprises a central hub portion (22), a rim portion (24), and at least one spoke (26) that connects the hub portion (22) to the rim portion (26). The steering wheel (10) further comprises a self-regulating electric heating element (12).

Abstract: A method and a device are described for detecting the contact between hands and a steering wheel, which assures that the driver of a vehicle has his hands on the steering wheel.

Abstract: Low voltage, high current electrical energy is supplied in a closed conductive loop. Preferably, the current is induced into the loop by a transformer. The loop has, at least in part, one, or a series of, conductive elements of a structure to be warmed. The amount of current is sufficient in relation to the inherent resistivity of the elements to cause the generation of heat within the elements. Preferably the current is an alternating current of a frequency which causes a majority of the current to travel at or near the skin of the elements in order to increase the effective resistivity of the elements and thereby increase the generation of heat therein, primarily around the skin of the elements.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim having a structural core, an outer casing, and a heating device for heating the outer casing. The core includes a frame and an insulating layer formed around the frame. The heating device includes a layer of electrically conductive plastic surrounding the core, and a pair of electrodes extending along the length of the conductive layer. The electrodes extend substantially along the entire peripheral length of the conductive layer, and the conductive layer encapsulates the insulating layer and the electrodes. The conductive layer heats the outer casing, which can be a decorative layer comprised of one or more of wood, leather, film, and lacquer, when current flows through the electrodes. The electrodes are positioned along the conductive layer to allow current to uniformly pass along the periphery of the steering wheel rim into the conductive layer.

Abstract: A heater for a steering wheel includes a heater main body arranged on a rim of the steering wheel and formed like a net. The heater main body comprises a plurality of heater wires for generating heat upon energization and side edges arranged along longitudinal edges of the heater main body and fixed at an inner periphery of the rim.

Abstract: A heated steering wheel having a heated element that provides a uniform distribution of heat throughout the rim of the steering wheel. The heating element is a thin fabric woven made from nylon coated with silver and has a constant temperature coefficient. The heated steering wheel provides a foam layer surrounding the heating element, and this layer prevents the leather wrapping from being uneven due to the presence of the bus bar. The heating element can also be used in a steering wheel having a wood veneer shell.

Abstract: A heatable steering wheel with electric heating wires on a wheel rim is provided. The heating, wires are covered by a casing. The casing consists of a support layer that has good thermal conductivity and of an externally applied layer of veneer wood.

Abstract: A steering wheel includes a rim having a structural core, an outer casing, and a heating device for heating the outer casing. The core includes a frame and an insulating layer formed around the frame. The heating device includes a layer of electrically conductive plastic surrounding the core, and a pair of electrodes extending along the length of the conductive layer. The electrodes extend substantially along the entire peripheral length of the conductive layer, and the conductive layer encapsulates the insulating layer and the electrodes. The conductive layer heats the outer casing, which can be a decorative layer comprised of one or more wood, leather, film, and lacquer, when current flows through the electrodes. The electrodes are positioned along the conductive layer to allow current to uniformly pass along the periphery of the steering wheel rim into the conductive layer.

Abstract: A heater for a steering wheel includes a heater main body arranged on a rim of the steering wheel and formed like a net. The heater main body comprises a plurality of heater wires for generating heat upon energization and side edges arranged along longitudinal edges of the heater main body and fixed at an inner periphery of the rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heated steering wheel having a steering wheel rim with a heating device arranged on the steering wheel rim. A shell has two or more shell parts that each extend at least part of the way around the periphery of the steering wheel rim in radial cross-section. The shell parts are joined together by an adhesive intentionally applied only to mutually contacting surfaces of said shell parts. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a heated steering wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating element for a part of an automobile which is held, especially the steering wheel. The heating element consists of a textile support with at least one heating resistor. According to the invention, a knitted textile support is used.

Abstract: A preformed heating element for use in a steering wheel including a heating element, embedded into a rubber or polyurethane material and preformed with manufacturing methods such as vacuum forming, resin impregnating, injection molding, and pultrusion progressive die.

Abstract: A steering wheel heating assembly 10 which electively provides a relatively high voltage electrical signal to a heating element 16 which is coupled to a steering wheel, effective to heat the steering wheel. The assembly 10 includes a temperature sensor 28 which senses or monitors the temperature of the steering wheel and which communicates the monitored sensor to a controller 26. Should the temperature of the steering wheel be above a certain value, the controller 26 prevents the relatively high voltage signal from being communicated to the heating element 16. The controller 26 may also monitor the operating speed of the engine and prevent such signal communication when the engine is not being operated.

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

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

Abstract: A heated steering wheel includes a padding member covering a frame of the heated steering wheel. The heated steering wheel also includes a heating element positioned on the padding member, having an electrically conductive woven textile member and a conductive bus bar attached to the woven textile member. The heated steering wheel further includes an outer wrap enclosing the frame, heating element and padding member.

Abstract: The electric steering-wheel heating element to be mounted on a steering wheel rim has a linear center region made of flat ribbon-shaped, electrically conductive material. A first side region and a second side region made of flat ribbon-shaped, electrically conductive material each have at least one curved side segment and. The shape of the center region and of the curved side segments is configured such that, after mounting, the center region covers an external circumferential region of the steering wheel rim, the first side region alongside a longitudinal side of the center region covers a side circumferential region on one side of the steering wheel rim and the second side region alongside the other longitudinal side of the center region covers a side circumferential region on the other side of the steering wheel rim.

Abstract: A cylindrical rubber handgrip body to be connected to a handle bar pipe of, for example, a motor cycle, has a sheet-like heater embedded therein, and a power supply cord soldered to the heater and extending out of a side face of the grip body. The power supply cord extends inside the handgrip body along the circumference thereof over at least half a turn. A cord support of a high stiffness is provided in a cord exit portion of the handgrip body, for bearing the pulling force that acts on the power supply cord. Both the cord support and the handgrip body bear the pulling force that acts on the power supply cord and reduce the pulling force that is transmitted by the cord to the soldered connection to the heater.

Abstract: A handgrip with a built-in heater for a motorcycle constituted by a hollow cylindrical handgrip body, wherein a flexible printed circuit heater is wound around an outer periphery of a synthetic resin inner piece of a substantially hollow cylindrical shape with a hollow cylindrical or peripheral portion slotted, and a cladding rubber layer is integrally molded thereon to cause the heater to extend between the inner piece and the cladding rubber layer. The heater is wound over a range covering a half circumference or more but less than a full circumference of the inner piece. The cladding rubber layer is molded in such a form that a region where the heater is not wound faces parting positions of mold halves for forming the cladding rubber layer so as to prevent the occurrence of turn-ups and creases.