Abstract: A heating vest containing heaters for warming the torso, sensors for detecting skin temperature of the torso, and a feedback device for feeding torso skin temperature to a heater controller. Other sensors detect the skin temperature of the extremities which is also fed to the heater controller. Heating of the torso causes warm blood to flow to the extremities to warm the latter, making it possible to work at relatively cold temperatures without thick coverings on the extremities.

Abstract: Uniform heating with low voltage electrical power supply is provided by sheet form products as free standing films, coatings, or embedded in laminates, foams and the like and comprising a carbon black/graphite composite dispersed in a plastic carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a breathable heater element for a garment or for the lining of a garment such as an outdoor jacket, e.g. a waterproof jacket. The heater element is formed from porous metallised fabric such a nickel plated woven polyester fabric by photochemical etching of a suitable track pattern onto the metallised fabric. The formed heater element is then laminated into a lining. The material of the lining may be impregnated with microencapsulated functional chemicals such as fragrances, perfumes, antimicrobials or insect repellents. The microcapsules release their contents on activation due to heat generated by the heater element.

Abstract: A waterproof, electrically heated, multi-layered article of apparel that is heated by a flexible heating harness that is disposed between the layers of the article and is constructed from silver-plated filaments. Uniquely, the flexible heating harness is sandwiched between a pair of waterproof bladders. The article of apparel has a plurality of heat zones with wattages and amperages required to heat the various zones of the hands to optimum temperatures as determined by the physiology of the human hand.

Abstract: A series resistance heating cable comprises a heating element extending longitudinally along the cable. The element comprises a material having a positive temperature coefficient.

Abstract: A thermal garment that utilizes an electrically-conductive, all metal mesh fabric for the uniform distribution of heat throughout the surface area of the garment, thus permitting freedom of movement without sacrifice to the structural integrity of the fabric, a seemingly prevalent prior art disadvantage recognized in thermal garments incorporating electrical heating wires and/or metalized textile fabrics.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminate construction for heating or warming with one or more electrically conductive patterns of conductive ink or paste formed on a first confronting surface of an insulating sheet, where each pattern is connected by one or more conductive elements (bus wires), and where each pattern and the conductive elements are between the confronting surfaces of insulating sheets. The laminate may include one or more stretch and recovery elements to cause the laminate to be more adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body. The laminate with heating elements therein may be incorporated into garments or other wearables or into warming textile structures (pads and blankets).

Abstract: A heating element (1) featuring at least two electrodes (5, 5?) for supplying the heating element (1) with current, containing a multitude of heating sections (11, 11?, 11?) that, coating at least one part of a base surface to be heated (4), are arranged between the electrodes (5, 5?) and are connected with them by electrical conduction. The heating element (1) has at least two bundles (9, 9?, 9?, 9?) of heating sections (11, 11?, 11?), with the bundles (9, 9?, 9?) being arranged at a distance from one another to avoid electrical contact between the bundles.

Abstract: An aquatic garment-heating device employs a conductive rubber-heating device, which obviates the troublesome wiring of the prior art heating devices. It also employs a wireless switch control, which provides a number of advantages. By using a wireless switch, the on/off mechanism for activating or deactivating the heater, may be worn on a diver's wrist where it can be readily located when needed without requiring wires hanging in inconvenient places. Moreover, because the wireless switch may be located in plain view, rather than hidden in a pocket for example, it may be implemented with meaningful visual devices to convey useful information about the status of the heater. For example, in the preferred embodiment, an observable light provides various different colors to indicate whether the heater is in a low, medium or high temperature condition. Finally, the present invention uses especially thin profile batteries and heating elements to preclude any discomfort for the user.

Abstract: Electrically heated articles of apparel and methods of making the same. The electrically heated articles of apparel include a flexible heating harness that includes a plurality of resistance heater elements made of silver plated yarn having a core comprising a single strand of spandex about which a plurality of silver plated strands of nylon filaments is wound. The heater harness is disposed between liners constructed from fabric or waterproof membranes.

Abstract: A clothing heating device includes a plurality of heating plates, a battery charger, a battery, a temperature controller, and a plurality of switching wires. Thus, the power output of the clothing heating device is switched between a larger power output wherein the battery charger provides a larger electric power to the larger power heating zone of the heating plates and a smaller power output wherein the battery provides a smaller electric power to the smaller power heating zone of the heating plates so that a user can select the power output of the clothing heating device according to the practical requirement.

Abstract: An electrically heated, multi-layered article of apparel such as a glove that is heated a, flexible heating harness that is disposed between the layers of the article and is constructed from silver-plated yarn. The flexible heating harness, which is constructed from silver-plated filaments that are intertwined about a stretchable core, includes a plurality of segmented heater arms attached to two busses, one for the negative pole, the other for the positive pole.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a foot warming device that is light weight comprising a lower foot portion and an tipper leg portion. The upper leg portion is comprised of flaps that open in the front to allow easy entry of the foot and leg and has hook and loop type connectors manufactured under the trademark Velcro to adjustably fasten to wrap the flaps around the foot and leg to enclose them within the foot warmer. Inserted between an outer covering and the insulating inner lining of the lower foot portion and the upper leg portion are electrically conductive heating elements wherein the resistance of the heating elements is designed so that when the foot warmer is connected to a source of low voltage power such as 120 V it provides sufficient heat to warm the inner insulating limiting to sufficient temperatures for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A sauna garment for stimulating sweat excretion includes a body, a heating device, a tube and a sweat collecting device. The body is mounted with far infrared micro particles and has an inlet. The heating device is mounted on the body and has a heating member. The heating device is connected into the body with the tube. When someone activates the sauna garment, the heating device heats and blows air into the sauna garment. The micro particles in the body are also heated and radiate far infrared rays. The far infrared rays stimulate a human body to secrete sweat. The sauna garment is made of flexible material so is highly portable.

Abstract: A heating device for an article specially worn in the water activities includes a magnetic unit, a power source unit, an inductive unit, a control unit, a heating unit, and a display unit. In this device, the magnetic unit is to generate a magnetic output. The power source unit is to provide a power source needed by the device. The inductive unit, induced by the magnetic force of the magnetic unit, generates an inductive signal output. The control unit, electrically connected to the power source unit and the inductive unit, generates a control signal output by receiving an inductive signal output from the inductive unit. The heating unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is driven by the control signal output from the control unit to process a heating procedure.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a ribbon element, a power source and related components. The heating apparatus can be designed, retrofitted or manufactured into articles of clothing or equipment such as gloves, vests, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, insoles, mitts, handwarmers, seats and other common articles. A ribbon element comprises one or more conductive wires woven into a carrier strip. Various wiring configurations can desirably adjust the resistance of the ribbon element thereof. Methods of manufacture and use are disclosed in conjunction with the heating apparatus.

Abstract: An ice skate assembly for attachment to a boot has a skate blade and a blade heating arrangement mounted within a blade support. The blade is heated by a row of field-effect transistors carried on a circuit board or another type of heating element encapsulated on the top edge of the blade in an over-molded plastic strip which engages into a slot in the support as a wedged fit. The blade is attached by an inclined wedge member a screw for pulling the blade longitudinally of the blade and to draw the inclined wedge member into its receptacle. The battery pack is carried in the rear tower which is sealed against moisture penetration and includes two proximity switches for actuation.

Abstract: A climate control pad includes a pad body having a climate treating surface and an air circulating circuit formed thereon for preserving a volume of air within the air circulating circuit in a circulating manner, and a heat generating element, which is a fiber heating wire, disposed in the air circulating circuit for generating heat to increase the temperature of the air within the air circulating circuit so as to evenly distribute the heat from the heat generating element on the climate treating surface of the pad body. In addition, the pad body is adapted to incorporate with a cooling source to provide a cooling air towards the climate treating surface of the pad body.

Abstract: An electric vest for therapeutic heating of the upper torso. An insulated electrical conductor is fixed to a canvas matrix by means of metal clips. The canvas matrix in layout resembles a face shaped region with radially-directed ears shaped regions so that, when worn over the shoulders of user, the pectoralis muscles of the upper chest, the trapezius muscles of the upper back and the posterior cervical muscles are covered. The electrical conductor is fixed to a path traversing the canvas matrix whereby heating is simultaneously provided to the neck, upper back and upper chest regions of the wearer.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprising a textile based heating element, a power source and related components. The heating apparatus can be designed, retrofitted or manufactured into articles of clothing or equipment such as gloves, vests, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, insoles, mitts, handwarmers, seats and other common articles. A textile based heating element comprises one or more conductive wires stitched into a fabric carrier. Various conductive wire configurations can desirably adjust the resistance of the textile based heating element thereof. Methods of manufacture and use are disclosed in conjunction with the heating apparatus.

Abstract: Human clothing has inner and outer flexible layers that define a space sufficiently large to position a thermal transfer element in any of multiple, non-overlapping positions. The space and the thermal transfer element preferably have cooperating sides of a hook-and-loop attachment. All suitable items of clothing are contemplated, but especially a shirt, jacket or pants that appear to others as a substantially normal garment. Each space has one or more openings, in either the inner or outer layers, and preferably at the shoulders or sides of the torso, or at the pocket areas of pants. The spaces are preferably large, not only relative to the size of a corresponding thermal transfer element, but also to the size of the garment. Thermal transfer elements are preferably disposed in pouches having a thermal insulation on that side, and have only a very thin, thermally transmissive, fabric on the other side.

Abstract: Induction heatable clothing items such as footwear (22) and apparel (160) are provided which include a clothing body having an induction heatable element (36, 108, 112, 114, 116) and preferably having heat retentive material containing phase change material, wherein the element (36, 108, 112, 114, 116) is operable to be heated when subjected to an alternating magnetic field. The clothing items (22, 160) are heated using induction heaters (26, 84). In preferred forms, wireless temperature sensing is used to control heating of the items (22, 160). To this end, the heating elements (36, 108, 112, 114, 116) may be provided with RFID tag/temperature sensor assemblies (58, 60, 110), and the induction heaters (26, 84) are equipped with correlated RFID reader/writer devices (80). Alternately, microwire temperature sensors (120) may be used with the induction heaters (26, 84) having microwire detectors. In other embodiments, temperature monitoring is achieved using impedance detection feedback control.

Abstract: An electrically-heated golf mitten formed of a three-layer fabric body that encases the thumb separately and the other four fingers together, and including a cut-and-sewn nylon shell, cut-and-sewn closed cell foam insulator, and cut-and-sewn fleece liner. A battery pack is mounted on the wrist, and a Velcro™-attachable elastic cuff-strap is stretched around the wrist and battery pack for securement and sealing. The battery pack is connected to heating elements attached inwardly of the closed-cell foam insulator. In use, the battery pack and heating elements are designed for relatively high heat, and the three-layer fabric body with sealing cuff-strap is designed for high heat retention. The heated mitten is also very easy to put on and take off. Thus, a golfer dons the mitten for 5 minute intervals between strokes for flash warming of the hands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical resistance element of the molybdenum silicide type that includes two terminals (1, 2) for the supply of electric current and at least one leg (3) which extends between the terminals and which includes a glow zone. The invention is characterized in that the glow zone has different diameters along different sections (6-11, 14-17) of the leg (3; 4, 5).

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a garment includes a fabric having a channel, a heat conductive wire disposed in the channel, a power source coupled to the heat conductive wire and detachably attached to the garment, and a controller electrically coupled to the power source and detachably attached to the garment, wherein the controller is configured with a heat setting.

Abstract: An electro-thermal vest of the invention includes an outer lining layer, an inner lining layer, an electro-thermal element and a combining element. The inner lining layer has a first lining and a second lining. The electro-thermal element is fixed on the second lining and disposed between the first lining and the second lining. The combining element detachably combines the inner lining layer with the outer lining layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of heating an article, and, more specifically, provides a method of heating an article having a plurality of heating elements separated into a plurality of heating zones utilizing a controller. The method comprises the step of providing power to the heating elements of a first heating zone to heat a portion of the article. The method further comprises the step of monitoring at least one parameter associated with the heating elements to determine when a predetermined event occurs. The method yet further comprises the step of simultaneously discontinuing power to the heating elements of the first heating zone and providing power to the heating elements of a second heating zone upon occurrence of the predetermined event. The predetermined event may be, for example, a period of time and/or a temperature.

Abstract: A garment is provided including an article of clothing to which one or more thermal transfer elements are removably and adjustably secured by the engagement of a first fastener with a second fastener. The character of the first and second fastener allow the location of the thermal transfer element to be adjusted multiple times without significantly weakening the bond between the fasteners. Heat is transferred between the thermal transfer element and the selected body part of the wearer, while the wearer's hands remain unoccupied so that the wearer can participate in other activities while receiving a heat transfer treatment.

Abstract: A heat producing garment with a separate control. The garment comprising a power source and a heating package located at the specific part of the garment and including; a heating device energized by the power; and a control circuit for controlling the heating status of the heating device; and a switch assembly separated from and electrically connected with the heating package allowing control of the on/off status of the heating device. The separation of the control from the garment would allow the heating of the garment to be easily controlled, allow the control to be encased in a hard protection, and allow the control to be replaced if broken.

Abstract: A heating assembly, is disclosed which includes a blanket portion and a control apparatus for electrically heating the blanket portion. The control apparatus generates direct current power of desired wave form to enable the assembly to be used for warming patients without interference of medical equipment as may be used in the process of a surgery. Alternate power sources include battery power and alternating current power transformed by a transformer into direct current power.

Abstract: A heating device includes a warming member, a battery set, and a control mechanism; the warming member consists of a sheaf of highly resistant filaments, and several spaced-apart conductive wires, which are positioned among, wrapped in, and connected in series to the sheaf of highly resistant filaments; front and rearmost ones of the conductive wires are connected to a battery set, and a control mechanism is connected to the battery set for controlling electric current provided by the battery set; the highly resistant filaments will serve as warming portions of the warming member; the warming portions of the warming member are arranged on inner lateral sides of front portions of finger portions of a glove such that when one wears the glove, the warming portions will be on two lateral sides of first and second sections of the wearer's fingers.

Abstract: A method is provided of inductively heating an apparel apparatus having an integrated heating element with copper and ferrous materials that is encased with a liquid material or a phase changing wax material. The apparel is positioned on an induction heating platform for an effective time period and then removed from the platform. Moreover, a method of manufacturing apparel is disclosed by forming the heating element, inserting it into the apparel, and providing consumers a kit with instructions on use of the apparel along with an induction heating platform. Further, the present invention encompasses an apparatus of consumer apparel containing the heating element, for example a pair of shoes worn by a user who stands on the inductive heating platform and then simply walks off with effectively warm shoes.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element, formed, e.g., of die cut metallized textile or plastic sheeting or metal foil, affixed at a surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A air-and-water droplet resistant and water vapor permeable barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon or at least partially impregnated therein, e.g. in a fabric laminate or in a composite formed by application of heat and pressure to at least one layer of a barrier film disposed adjacent thereto, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion, moisture, and or against physical stress due, e.g., to repeated crushing, bending or flexing. Methods of forming electric heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible sheet heater includes the steps of (i) bonding an electrically conductive fabric and an support member formed of a PET film and a layer of acrylic together, ii) stamp-cutting the electrically conductive fabric to form a heating element having a predetermined loop, iii) attaching two electrical terminals to two distal ends of the heating element respectively, iv) bonding a first flexible protective sheet member to one side of the heating element opposite to the PET film, v) removing the PET film from the heating element; and vi) bonding a second flexible protective sheet member to the other side of the heating element opposite to the first flexible protective sheet member so that the heating element is sandwiched between the first and second flexible protective sheet members.

Abstract: A sheet heater structured so that heating wire is fixed to air-passing base material by sewing. This structure can provide a sheet heater that has improved durability of heating wire 2 against the load imposed on the seat during sitting, comfortable feeling of sitting in the seat, and high air-passing capability.

Abstract: A planar heating device contains a two-dimensional, electrically and thermally conducting first member, a number of electrically and thermally conducting second member, and at least an insulating member. The second members are made of a conducting material having an impedance much lower than that of the first member. The second members and the first member are integrally molded or the second members are attached to a major surface of the first member by an appropriate mechanism. The electricity is introduced through the first member via the second members and, by the large contact areas between the first and second members, the electric current is evenly distributed and hot spots are avoided. The insulating members sandwich the other components inside to prevent short circuit or leakage.

Abstract: A battery operated heated jacket, with removable body and sleeves and hood, the jacket with a removable liner, the liner further detachable from itself at the attachment of the sleeves and the hood, the attachment comprised of quick connects, the jacket comprised of a pocket containing a control box, the box containing a microprocessor, power source, heating controls, and media player, the hood comprised of earphones communicating with the media player, a detachable wire connecting the media player to the headphones.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element, formed, e.g., of die cut, metallized textile or plastic sheeting or metal foil, affixed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion.

Abstract: A channeled under floor heating element incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive channeled under floor heating element includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern.

Abstract: A warming mattress and mattress pad incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive mattress and mattress pad includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern within the mattress or mattress pad interior.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

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: An electrothermal article including a fabric member defining an inner space. A connector is disposed outwardly of the inner space in the fabric member and has conductive first and second terminals. A plurality of elongated flat heating elements is disposed in the inner space in the fabric member. Each of the elongated flat heating elements has first and second end portions. The first end portions of the elongated flat heating elements are grouped into a first bundle and are connected electrically to the first terminal of the connector. The second end portions of the elongated flat heating elements are grouped into a second bundle and are connected electrically to the second terminal of the connector.

Abstract: A heater mat for using the Joule effect to heat an aerodynamic surface. The heater mat is provided with a resistor element including at least two substantially parallel segments of electrically-conductive fibers disposed on the aerodynamic surface. The segments come from a single strip of electrically-conductive fibers, with two adjacent segments being obtained by folding a portion of the single strip at least twice.

Abstract: A de-icing, snow melting and warming system is taught which utilizes a heatsink (20) consisting of a number of board strips disposed in a planer array positioned within a building structure between its exterior and interior surface. The heatsink board strips have a gap (24) therebetween in which a heating cable (42) is positioned in a continuous serpentine manner and held in place with loop clamps (44). A gap filler (48) encases the heating cable including the enclosed gap forming a homogenous closure. A low voltage power transformer (54) is attached to electrical mains providing electrical voltage reduction to the heating cable of 30 volts or less, and controls and self diagnostics regulate the power and detect anomalies within the system.

Abstract: An electric load control device of a heating unit of a heating blanket comprises an actuating unit; a power supply for supplying power to the device; a microprocessor as a control center of the device for generating at least one pulse signal; the microprocessor being actuated by the actuating unit; and a driving unit; the driving unit receiving the at least one pulse signal from the microprocessor for actuating the heating unit to generate heat to heat the heating blanket; the driving unit serving to actuate the heating unit. An actuation time period of the heating unit is controlled by the pulses from the driving unit. In the driving unit, the negative parts of the pulses from the microprocessor are converted into positive pulses so that all the pulses become positive pulses; after the pulses pass through the driving unit, only selective positive pulses are passed.

Abstract: The invention provides a linear and/or plane heating element, and a thawing mat, and a hot mat comprising the linear and/or plane heating element that provides necessary heat quantity at low electric power without burning fossil fuel and the like. A heating element is provided produced by coating laminated polyester on a plane painted by paint that adds nickel-indium compound oxide to the upper surface of polyester film to solderlessly connect electrodes to both ends to connect a power supply to the electrodes. The present invention provides a thawing mat and hot mat that entirely and uniformly coat the heating element having high conductivity and heating efficiency by adding nickel-indium compound oxide having high conductivity and heating efficiency to thermally deposit. Thus, maintenance cost and electricity expense can be saved, and both high quality and social cost can be achieved.

Abstract: A warming blanket incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive blanket includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern within the blanket interior.

Abstract: A heated ear guard, for warming the ears of the user, having a pair of reflector assemblies and a headband extending between the reflector assemblies for positioning the reflector assemblies over the ears of the user. Each reflector assembly has an open end, a light bulb, and orients light from the light bulb toward the open end. When the open end is positioned over the ears the light bulbs radiate heat to the ears. The reflector assemblies may include a translucent peripheral ring that encircles the open end and allows some light to escape thereat to enhance the visibility of the user.