Abstract: Electric heating device comprising an electric radiator (10) for heating the air passing through it, said radiator comprising a casing (12), at least one resistive element mounted in the casing and constituted by at least one zigzag metal strip (22) which is disposed so as to be directly exposed to the air passing through the casing, and a circuit (30) for controlling the electrical supply of the resistive element or elements connected to a power supply. The electric radiator (10) comprises a set of individual heating modules (20) disposed parallel to one another in the casing (12) and so as to be directly exposed to the air passing through the casing, each heating module (20) comprising a pleated or corrugated metal strip (22) and an electronic switch controlled by the control circuit (30) intended to selectively inhibit the electrical supply of the metal strip (22).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling the heating of an oxygen sensor in a motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises an oxygen sensor for measuring oxygen levels in exhaust gases of a motor vehicle. The oxygen sensor comprising a heater rod, an outer electrode surrounding the heater rod, and a shell surrounding the outer electrode and configured for mounting the oxygen sensor in the motor vehicle. A first electrical connection coupled to the outer electrode and a second electrical connection coupled to the shell are configured to facilitate measurement of capacitance between the outer electrode and the shell during operation of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A resistance heating system is provided which includes a resistance heater, a source of alternating current electricity connected by conductors to the resistance heater, and a controller comprising a timer arranged to connect the source of alternating current electricity to the resistance heater for a selected time period and to disconnect the source from the resistance following the selected time period. In an embodiment, the resistance heating system is provided with a controller configured to be connected to a source of alternating current electricity and having a plurality of cable plug receptacles arranged to receive electricity. An electricity conducting cable having a cable plug at one end is configured to be received in the receptacles and has a resistance heater provided at an opposite end. A master timer may be connected with a communication arrangement to the controller. The master timer is arranged to control an electric output of a plurality of the receptacles.

Abstract: An engine oil heater suited to use with an engine having an oil fill port in fluid communication with an oil reservoir that is adapted to contain a quantity of oil. The engine heater generally includes a coupling member operable to engage the oil fill port and a heater element interconnected with the coupling member and having a sufficient length such that the heater element is adapted to be at least partially immersed in oil. A temperature sensor is positioned to measure a temperature and a first electrical connector is configured to engage a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is electrically connectable to the heater element to provide a flow of current and a control circuit is operable to vary the flow of current to the heater element in response to the measured temperature.

Abstract: A heating flange especially for the preheating of the intake air of an internal combustion engine with a frame (8), a supporting ceramic element (2) with a heating band (10) fitted thereto. The supporting ceramic element 2 is held in the frame at an inner side of the frame, and a support spring (1) is arranged between the supporting ceramic element (2) and the inner side of the frame. The support spring (1) is a leaf spring which is straight in the non-stressed state, and sits under an initial prestess between the supporting ceramic element (2) and the inner side of the frame. As a result of this configuration, low friction arises between the supporting ceramic element (2) and heating band (10), as well as leaf spring (1), which reduces failures due to vibratory loading, and a defined initial spring tension with a defined spring deflection is produced.

Abstract: A heating element protection apparatus for a mass-flow sensor may include a heating element disposed in a gas, a gas temperature sensor disposed in the gas to sense a temperature of the gas, a slope detector to measure a slope of the temperature as power is supplied to the heating element, and a heating element controller to supply power to the heating element to replace heat dissipated by the gas. The heating element controller may detect a temperature of the heating element and may supply power to the heating element based on the heating element temperature and the gas temperature, and the power may be switched off for a predetermined period of time if a magnitude of the slope is greater than a reference magnitude.

Abstract: A heating element for preheating intake air for an internal combustion engine and having a housing for attaching the heating element to an air intake line of the internal combustion engine. At least one heating strip (1), which runs in windings (1a), is held in the housing and is provided with electrical terminals (6) that lead from the housing to the outside. The heating strip (1) is held in the housing by a support (3) running between two housing walls, which runs, electrically insulated, through the windings (1a) of the heating strip (1).

Abstract: A heating system for a vehicle includes a heater (12) with a first electric heating device (24), which can be operated to ignite an air/fuel mixture present in a combustion chamber (16), and with a second electric heating device (22) for supporting the evaporation of the fuel. An actuating device (26) is provided for putting the heater (12) into operation after a start command has been generated. A first start command generating device (30, 36, 26) can be actuated by a user to generate a start command and a second start command generating device (32, 38, 26) generates a start command according to an operating program. The actuating device (26) operates the second heating device (22) at a lower heat output after a start command has been generated by means of the second start command generating device (32,38, 26).

Abstract: An engine block heating system for a vehicle and the associated method of its operation. The engine block heating system has an electrical heating element that is coupled to the vehicle's engine. A power cord is provided for supplying electricity to the electrical heating element from a source external to the vehicle. A sensor is provided for detecting whether or not the power cord is connected to the vehicle. A disruption switch is coupled to both the starting circuit of the vehicle and the sensor. The disruption switch disrupts the starting circuit of the vehicle when the sensor detects that the power cord is connected to the vehicle. As such, the vehicle cannot be started when the power cord of the engine block heating system is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel filter housing and fuel heater combination for a fuel-water separator includes, as part of the fuel filter housing, a heater-receiving bore and a protrusion adjacent the heater-receiving bore. The fuel heater is constructed and arranged for inserting into the bore and includes a flange that is attached to the housing for securing the fuel heater in position. The fuel heater includes a notch that is constructed and arranged with a ramp portion. With the fuel heater properly seated, the protrusion inserts into the notch and is seated against the ramp portion. O-ring seal swelling may cause the fuel heater to be difficult to remove and the protrusion cooperates with the ramp portion by way of a camming action to facilitate removal of the fuel heater from the bore under such conditions.

Abstract: A heater formed of multiple layers with at least two envelope layers sealed to each other to form a closed envelope and with at least one of the layers within the sealed envelope layers comprising a gas permeable internal ground member that permit one to heat seal the envelope layers to each other and prevents destruction of the heater if the heater accidentally exceeds a critical operating temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating device and a method of controlling such a heating device, by means of which homogeneous heating of a heating register is to be achieved. For this purpose, the allocations between the control channels of a control device and the heating elements are varied at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A surface-heating element for a curved surface and method of producing a heating element is provided. The heating element includes a continuous, planar conductor arranged along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of turns connected by regions being generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The conductor including end portions each having a terminal for receiving electrical current. The heating element also includes a film applied to one side of the conductor and configured to substantially follow an outer contour of the conductor. The film and the conductor form a continuous web generally centered about the longitudinal axis, and at least one turn connecting two generally transverse regions extends beyond the continuous web. The heating element may also include an adhesive layer on the other side of the heating element sealingly engaging the film.

Abstract: A fuel heater for a tank includes an elongated member that fits through an opening in the tank. The elongated member includes a first tube that defines a fuel channel and ends with a bottom fuel intake. Fuel may be drawn from the tank and conveyed by a supply side line coupled to the first tube. A second tube of the elongated member is coupled to a return side line that conveys warmed fuel back to the tank. A third tube substantially coaxially surrounds the first tube, and an outlet of the second tube enters the third tube. A heat trace may be employed to warm the fuel. Accordingly, the temperature of fuel in the tank may be maintained above the cloud point temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating device and a method of controlling such a heating device, by means of which homogeneous heating of a heating register is to be achieved. For this purpose, the allocations between the control channels of a control device and the heating elements are varied at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: A vehicle or stationary liquid, water or oil tank heater teaches that a hot fluid may be passed through a metal body placed in the water piping or in the vacuum piping, thereby melting any ice in the system and preventing further freezing. The system may be advantageously used with manifolds, valves, scrubbers, pipes or the water tank itself. The coolant flow path may be optimized for ease of production and/or efficient heat transfer. The invention may be used with an external source of hot liquid, or it may be used with a cuff which may slipped over any of a variety of devices in need of de-icing.

Abstract: A fuel filter housing and fuel heater combination for a fuel-water separator includes, as part of the fuel filter housing, a heater-receiving bore and a notch, opening into the heater-receiving bore. The notch is constructed and arranged with a ramp portion extending axially into the fuel filter housing. The fuel heater is constructed and arranged for inserting into the bore and includes a flange that is attached to the housing for securing the fuel heater in position. The fuel heater includes a protrusion that inserts into the notch and is seated against the ramp portion when the fuel heater is fully installed. O-ring seal swelling may cause the fuel heater to be locked into the bore and the protrusion cooperates with the ramp portion by way of a camming action to facilitate removal of the fuel heater from the bore under such conditions.

Abstract: A system for compensation of contamination of a heated element in a heated element gas flow system in which the heated element becomes heated from an ambient temperature to an elevated temperature upon the application of electrical power to the heated element during a startup time period. The system includes a processing circuit having an input and an output. A voltage signal from the heated element is connected to the input of the processing circuit. The processing circuit reads a plurality of temporally spaced input signals as data from the processing circuit input during the startup time period. The processing circuit then computes the parameters of a transfer function corresponding to the data on its input. The processing circuit then calculates a contamination correction factor as a function of at least one parameter of the transfer function.

Abstract: A system for compensation of contamination of a heated element in a heated element gas flow system in which the heated element becomes heated from an ambient temperature to an elevated temperature upon the application of electrical power to the heated element during a startup time period. The system includes a processing circuit having an input and an output. A voltage signal from the heated element is connected to the input of the processing circuit. The processing circuit reads a plurality of temporally spaced input signals as data from the processing circuit input during the startup time period. The processing circuit then computes the parameters of a transfer function corresponding to the data on its input. The processing circuit then calculates a contamination correction factor as a function of at least one parameter of the transfer function.

Abstract: A fuel heater for a tank and associated methods are disclosed. An elongated member fits through an opening in the tank. The elongated member includes a first tube that defines a fuel channel and ends with a bottom fuel intake. Fuel may be drawn from the tank and conveyed by a supply side line coupled to the first tube. A second tube of the elongated member is coupled to a return side line that conveys warmed fuel back to the tank. A third tube substantially coaxially surrounds the first tube, and an outlet of the second tube enters the third tube. A heat trace may be employed to warm the fuel. Accordingly, the temperature of fuel in the tank may be maintained above the cloud point temperature.

Abstract: In a fluid heating apparatus, a heat protect temperature sensor indirectly detects temperature of fluid heated by an electric heater adjacent to the electric heater. Also, a heated fluid sensor detects the temperature of the fluid adjacent to a fluid inlet of a heat exchanger. When it is determined that the temperature difference between the detected temperatures exceeds a predetermined level, electric power supply to the electric heater is discontinued. Thus, boil-dry is restricted early with a simple means.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for melting snow and/or ice on a vehicle, such as an automobile, are disclosed. The apparatus includes a snow sensor mounted on the outside of the vehicle and a controller positioned underneath the vehicle's hood. When snowfall is detected, the controller causes an engine of the vehicle to be started one or more times along with its heater and defroster. The heat from the engine and the inside of the vehicle are transferred to the vehicle's body and windows to melt the snow/ice over the vehicle. Advantageously, snow melting is performed automatically and requires no effort or involvement from the driver of the vehicle. Preferably, the engine is started a number of times for brief time periods to keep fuel consumption low.

Abstract: When a load given to the engine 100 is less than a predetermined value, the outside air suction port 104 is closed and only inside air is supplied to the engine 100, and the valve 112a is opened so as to supply warm water to the heater 112. When the load given to the engine 100 is not less than the predetermined value and the temperature of air outside the engine compartment 11 is lower than a predetermined value, the inside air suction port 102 is closed and only outside air is supplied to the engine 100, and the valve 112a is closed so that the supply of warm water to the heater 112 is stopped.

Abstract: A heater core preheater for allowing a user to quickly and efficiently receive heat in a vehicle in cold weather conditions. The heater core preheater includes a housing that has a body portion such that the housing is adapted for coupling to a heater hose between an engine of the vehicle and an inlet of the heater core of the vehicle. A heating element is coupled within the housing such that the heating element is adapted for heating fluid flowing through the heater hose to the heater core. A switch is operationally coupled between the heating element and a power source of the vehicle such that actuation by the user of the switch provides the heating element with power.

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: A system for heating fluid in an internal combustion engine. The system includes a portable universal battery pack having an output voltage of a specified voltage rating. Additionally, the system includes a receiving unit that is adapted to removably receive the battery pack and transfer power from the battery pack to an immersion heater. The immersion heater includes a heating element that is at least partially immersed in the fluid. Power from the battery pack is utilized by the heater to heat the heating element, thereby heating the fluid in the engine. The system is adapted to readily use any number of different battery packs from a related line of battery packs, wherein that the various battery packs can have different output voltages.

Abstract: A deicer for an air gap between the rotor and stator of a rotating machine having a rotor and stator combination includes a heating assembly preferably disposed in the stator adjacent the air gap to heat the air in the air gap. Heating assembly includes an electrically powered resistive heating element wound through armature slots of the stator. The disclosed device and method have principal applications in emergency-type devices like Ram Air Turbines (RAT) and other power conversion devices such as Hydraulic Motor Generators (HMG) and Electric Motor Pumps (EMP).

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating system for heating the interior of a motor vehicle, there being a liquid circuit for dissipating engine heat and delivering heat to the vehicle interior, and a valve block for controlling the liquid flow in the liquid circuit. The electrical heating device is integrated in the valve block to heat the liquid flowing through the valve block.

Abstract: A device that maintains the thermal stability for oil-fired heating systems with above ground oil storage tanks. This device maintains a system fluid temperature through a series of functions. When a thermal sensor detects a drop in fluid temperature in the above ground oil storage tank and the oil-fired heating system is operating, a switching device and temperature controller supplies heating power to the fluid heating coil. When a prescribed temperature of the fluid is achieved, the device deactivates until the next drop in fluid temperature is detected. The fluid temperature is maintained through the de-active cycle with a protective, thermally insulating oil tank blanket.

Abstract: When a load given to the engine 100 is less than a predetermined value, the outside air suction port 104 is closed and only inside air is supplied to the engine 100, and the valve 112a is opened so as to supply warm water to the heater 112. When the load given to the engine 100 is not less than the predetermined value and the temperature of air outside the engine compartment 11 is lower than a predetermined value, the inside air suction port 102 is closed and only outside air is supplied to the engine 100, and the valve 112a is closed so that the supply of warm water to the heater 112 is stopped.

Abstract: A fuel heating control method and apparatus includes an operation of a heater heating a fuel for an engine started by being driven by a starting motor. The heater is not operated until after an operation of the starting motor is substantially terminated at a time of starting the engine.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the heater provides a core plug having one open axial end and one closed axial end to define a hollow housing. During installation, the closed end of the housing is secured into an engine core bore, such that at least a portion of housing projects inwardly of the bore and is immersed in engine fluid. Independently, a heating element, adaptable to an external power supply, is releasably inserted inside the hollow housing. Heat is therefore conducted directly through the housing directly to the engine fluid and the engine itself. A quick-release retaining member is installed to retain the heating element within the housing while still allowing free rotation of the heating element therein.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a cartridge-style heater received into a bore in an engine block is provided with a quick-release retaining member that attaches to the heater about its outer circumference. A pair of spaced legs and an arm extending from a center portion define the retaining member. The pair of legs frictionally engage the heater while permitting heater to rotate within the bore relative to the member even if the member is fixed to the engine. The rotation also permits the retaining member to rotate about the sleeve to align the retaining member to a predetermined attachment location on the engine independent of the orientation of the heater within the engine bore. This invention provides flexibility in the orientation of the heater to receive an electrical connector from an external power supply and attachment of the heater to the engine regardless of the engine configuration or vehicle model, thereby improving installation, serviceability, and use of the heater.

Abstract: A fuel heating control method and apparatus includes an operation of a heater heating a fuel for an engine started by being driven by a starting motor. The heater is not operated until after an operation of the starting motor is substantially terminated at a time of starting the engine.

Abstract: The heater control apparatus comprises an exhaust gas sensor 6 for detecting an oxygen concentration in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, a heater 5 for heating this exhaust gas sensor 6 to a predetermined temperature, a power source including a battery 2 for supplying electric power to this heater 5 and a charging generator 4 for charging this battery 2, a switching element 19 inserted into a circuit for supplying electric power to the heater 5 from the power source, control means 12 for performing current-carrying control of the switching element 19 so as to maintain a temperature of the exhaust gas sensor 6 at a predetermined value, and an overvoltage detection element 28 for outputting an abnormal detection signal when a voltage of the power source exceeds a predetermined value, and it is constructed so that the switching element 19 is broken to stop the passage of current to the heater 5 by the abnormal detection signal of the overvoltage detection element 28 when a voltage of the charging

Abstract: According to the present invention, when controlling a heater in an air-fuel ratio sensor, a crack of sensor element due to an exhaust condensed water is certainly avoided. To this end, an element temperature is detected by measuring an impedance of the sensor element and a power supply amount to the heater for heating the sensor element is feedback controlled so that the element temperature reaches a target temperature. Here, the target temperature is set to a lower side temperature, compared to other conditions, on a condition that a wall temperature of an exhaust system is low and a water content in the exhaust is condensed in the exhaust system. Or, an initial value of the power supply amount is set corresponding to the element temperature before the start of power supply to the heater.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a cartridge-style heater received into a bore in an engine block is provided with a quick-release retaining member that attaches to the heater about its outer circumference. A pair of spaced legs and an arm extending from a center portion define the retaining member. The pair of legs frictionally engage the heater while permitting heater to rotate within the bore relative to the member even if the member is fixed to the engine. The rotation also permits the retaining member to rotate about the sleeve to align the retaining member to a predetermined attachment location on the engine independent of the orientation of the heater within the engine bore. This invention provides flexibility in the orientation of the heater to receive an electrical connector from an external power supply and attachment of the heater to the engine regardless of the engine configuration or vehicle model, thereby improving installation, serviceability, and use of the heater.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the heater provides a core plug having one open axial end and one closed axial end to define a hollow housing. During installation, the closed end of the housing is secured into an engine core bore, such that at least a portion of housing projects inwardly of the bore and is immersed in engine fluid. Independently, a heating element, adaptable to an external power supply, is releasably inserted inside the hollow housing. Heat is therefore conducted directly through the housing directly to the engine fluid and the engine itself. A quick-release retaining member is installed to retain the heating element within the housing while still allowing free rotation of the heating element therein.

Abstract: A fuel atomizing-injection apparatus for internal combustion engines is disclosed. This apparatus is installed between the injector of a fuel injection device and the suction manifold of an engine, and is used for promoting vaporization of fuel injected from the injector into the suction manifold, thus finally allowing the injected fuel to be more effectively and actively mixed with combustion air into mixed gas. The apparatus also improves the fuel combustion efficiency of the engine while achieving a conservation of fuel and increasing engine output power. The apparatus exhausts little harmful gases into the atmosphere, thus being unlikely to cause environmental pollution, such as air pollution. In the fuel atomizing-injection apparatus, a heater, having a heat dissipating spiral plate on its external surface, is installed between the injector and the suction manifold.

Abstract: A multipane insulating glass for appliances having an inner-chamber temperature which is lower than the ambient temperature, in particular for viewing doors of refrigerators and freezers comprises at least two panes which are of approximately equal size and are arranged at a distance from one another. The distance is maintained by a spacer which runs continuously around the vicinity of the edge. One of the two outer panes is provided with an electrically conductive, transparent coating on its side which faces towards the space between the panes. In this glass, the coating, which is applied to the entire surface, is deactivated in the peripheral area of the pane, containing the contact surface for the spacer. Also, a process for producing coated flat glass materials for such insulating glass materials, as described above.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a cold engine includes a cylinder band heater, a battery heater, an oil sump heater, and a wiring harness. The cylinder band heater includes a heating element, a tightening device, and a cylinder electrical connector. The tightening device is preferably a hose clamp, but could be any other type of tightening device which may be securely fastened around a cylinder. The heating element is attached to either the inside or outside of the tightening device with preferably some type of adhesive. A thermostat may be on the wiring harness. A battery heater includes a battery heater element, and a battery electrical connector. A thermostat is preferably included between the wiring harness and the battery heater to keep the temperature relatively constant. The wiring harness includes a power cord which is suitable for mating with an extension cord. The wiring harness preferably provides a connection to at least one cylinder band heater, a battery heater, and an oil sump heater.

Abstract: A control device for a heater in a vehicle. The control device has a thermostatic switch to turn the heater on when the air temperature drops to a first value that is around the temperature at which the engine will just easily start. A secondary heater is provided within the device, turned on when the heater is turned on, to cause the switch to turn the heater off when the switch is heated by the secondary heater to a second temperature that correlates to an outside temperature at which the engine starts more easily.

Abstract: An electrode for connecting an external electric wire to a body heated to a high temperature includes a high temperature side electrode made of a conductor connected to the heated body, and a low temperature side electrode connected at a first end thereof to the high temperature side electrode and at a second end thereof to the external electric wire. The low temperature side electrode is formed of a conductor covered by an insulating material with the conductor of the low temperature side electrode being made of a material having a conduction resistance smaller than that of the conductor of the high temperature side electrode. Thus, as the conductor of the low temperature side electrode has a smaller conduction resistance than the conductor of the high temperature side electrode, an increase in a resistance value is reduced even when the conductor of the low temperature side electrode is extended to lower the temperature at a connection to an external electric wire.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unit sheath adaptable to a glow plug or a thermocouple, which is improved in durability by the protection from burn-out of the conductive filament. The unit sheath is preferably adapted to a glow plug 10. A protective envelope 1 of ceramics high in density includes a metallic filament 4 of any one of pure tungsten, molybdenum or alloy thereof. A high-density sealant 3 hermetically closes the envelope 1 at its opened end 5. Filler 2 of non-conductive, unburned material is packed in the space around the metallic filament 4 in the envelope 1. The filler contains therein an additive 7 that may be subjected to the oxidation at the temperature lower than that of the metallic filament 4. The additive 7 is composed of at least any one of a free oxygen absorber selected from the group of carbon, titanium, boron, aluminum and nitride thereof, or the mixture thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a cold engine includes a cylinder band heater, a battery heater, an oil sump heater, and a wiring harness. The cylinder band heater includes a heating element, a tightening band, and a cylinder electrical connector. The tightening band is preferably a hose clamp. The heating element is attached to either the inside or outside of the tightening band with preferably some type of adhesive. A thermostat may be on the wiring harness. A battery heater includes a battery heater element, and a battery electrical connector. A thermostat is preferably included between the wiring harness and the battery heater to keep the temperature relatively constant. The wiring harness includes an AC power cord and an AC plug which mate with a 120 volt extension cord. The wiring harness preferably provides a connection to at least one cylinder band heater, a battery heater, and an oil sump heater. The cylinder band heater is tightened around the non-heat sink area of the cylinder.

Abstract: In the control system for a power supply changeover switch, a battery and an electrically heated catalytic converter (EHC) are connected to an alternator in a parallel arrangement via a changeover switch. The changeover switch selectively takes either of a first position where the battery is connected to the alternator and a second position where the EHC is connected to the alternator. An electronic control unit (ECU) is provided for controlling the changeover switch and the alternator. When the changeover switch is to be switched between the first and the second position, the ECU first terminates the power generation of the alternator and, then, performs the switching of the changeover switch 25 after the electric current flowing through the changeover switch 25 decreases to a sufficiently low value.

Abstract: A heated thermal filter cover maintains a fluid filter, and fluid within the filter, above a gelling temperature of the fluid. The filter cover includes a soft or flexible receptacle which is generally circular in top plan and an electrical resistance wire. The receptacle includes a circular wall and a bottom which define an upwardly opening chamber sized to receive the filter. A resistance wire is placed inside the chamber, preferably at the bottom of the chamber and adjacent the inner surface of the wall. Lead wires connect the resistance wire to a source of electricity, such as the electrical system of a truck or a battery. The wall and bottom of the receptacle are both made of two plies of fleece coated fabric, the two plies being assembled together so that the fleece surfaces face each other so that the wall and bottom of the receptacle will insulate the chamber. The outer ply is preferably a fleece backed vinyl and the inner ply is preferably a thermal fleece.

Abstract: A control device for a heater for an air fuel ratio sensor attached close to a sensor element of an air fuel ratio sensor located in an intake passage of an intake passage.The control device comprises an ambient temperature related parameter detecting means for detecting a parameter related an ambient temperature of the air fuel ratio sensor, an intake air amount related parameter detecting means for detecting a parameter related amount of fresh intake air introduced into intake passage, and supply power controlling means for controlling supply power based on a parameter detected by an ambient temperature related parameter detecting means and a parameter detected by an intake air amount related parameter detecting means.

Abstract: An electrode structure includes a metallic electrode having a configuration of a bending cylinder and having a plurality of members disposed successively in an axial direction of the electrode and mutually connected with adjacent member(s); a case for installing the metallic electrode and one end of a lead wire for electrification therein; and an insulating member which is positioned between the case and the electrode and which the case from the electrode. An electric heater includes a housing, a honeycomb structure installed in the housing, and the electrode structure for electrifying the honeycomb structure. The electrode structure exhibits excellent composability, waterproof ability, and gas sealability.

Abstract: A battery and an electrically heated catalytic converter (EHC) are connected to an alternator in a parallel arrangement via a changeover switch. The changeover switch operates between a first position where it connects the battery to the alternator and a second position where it connects the EHC to the alternator. An electronic control unit (ECU) is provided for controlling the changeover switch and the alternator. When the changeover switch is to be switched between the first and the second position, the ECU first terminates the power generation of the alternator before it actually switches the changeover switch in order to reduce the electric current flowing through the switch.