Abstract: A disposable blanket for one-time patient use for warming a patient includes a heating matrix associated with a sheet of plastic film and a circuit printed on one side of the sheet of plastic film, a cover, and a connecting mechanism for connecting the heating matrix with a power source. The power source for the blanket can be supplied by rechargeable batteries, a wall outlet, or a cigarette lighter. The blanket is thrown away after use.

Abstract: A garment having resistance type heaters mounted thereon which are battery powered to supply heat to the wearer thereof. The heaters are fabric heaters employing conductive yarns which, when energized, provide additional warmth to a person wearing a garment on which the heaters are connected.

Abstract: An overheat event location module for use with an existing overheat detection system in an aircraft. The module is non-intrusively connected to the overheat detection system, yet senses currents in the system. The module, by way of the sensed currents is able to distinguish true overheat events from false events (normally created in a test mode) and normal non-overheat conditions. The module is able to respond to the occurrence of an overheat event by measuring the currents in the sensing cable loop, then using the measured currents to produce an estimate of the position in the loop at which the overheat event occurred. Conveniently the module records both the fact of the event and its location, such that subsequent maintenance actions are facilitated.

Abstract: A method for the transport of liquid in a textile or porous structure, whereby the liquid is forced to travel through the textile with the aid of electric pulses applied to a conductor or semi-conductor which is woven onto, or in some other fashion applied to, each side of the material which may be a single textile or several layers of textiles which together form a laminate.

Abstract: A hand warming device for use in ones jacket or pants pocket, being portable, and having controllable heating. Uses for the device include warming the hand before touching others as in handshakes.

Abstract: A solar heated sleeping apparatus has a sleeping bag having a rectangular lower portion and a rectangular upper portion wherein the lower and upper portions are partially connected on corresponding edges and partially fastened by a zipper along the remaining edges thereof. The sleeping apparatus includes a plurality of heating elements disposed within an inner liner of the upper portion. The apparatus further includes a solar cell mounted to a flexible panel and being removably coupled to the sleeping bag. The flexible panel with the solar cell may be removed from the sleeping bag and positioned at a selected angle upon adjustable support legs for receiving solar rays thereon. Solar energy received by the solar cell is connected to an inverter for recharging a battery. A control unit coupled to the battery and to the heating coils allows selected heating coils to be energized for heating the sleeping bag.

Abstract: An elongated heating element for an electric blanket comprising a first conductor means to provide heat for the blanket and extending lengthwise of the element, a second conductor means extending lengthwise of the element, and a meltdown layer between the first and second conductor means which is selected, designed and constructed or otherwise formed so as to display an NTC, and including electronic controller set to detect a change in the resistance of the meltdown layer to provide a means of changing the power supply to the first conductor means (providing heat to the blanket), to prevent destruction of the melt down layer(.), the element further including a meltdown detection circuit for detecting meltdown of the meltdown layer and for terminating power to the first conductor means in the event that the control means fails and the meltdown layer heats up to a pre-determined degree.

Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by knitting or weaving, to form a fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element in the form of a conductive yarn is incorporated into the fabric prebody, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric. Conductive elements are provided for connecting the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: An electrical heating pad for use with an ungrounded source voltage comprises a heating element arranged in the heating pad and defining a substantially coplanar plane and a fabric outer cover co-planarly enclosing the heating element. The heating element includes a first core made of an insulating material; a first conductive element wound around the first core using the first core as an axis; a second core made of an insulating material arranged in surrounding relation to the first core and the first conductive element; and a second conductive element wound around the second core using the second core as an axis. The first and second conductive elements are connected to each other at one ends and are connected to the ungrounded source voltage at the other ends to at least partially cancel out magnetic field generated from each conductive element. There is at least one shield layer located at one side of the coplanar plane defined by the heating element for substantially shielding electric field.

Abstract: A lagging device, comprises a flexible and insulating pad; anode plate and cathode plate arranged in parallel on the top surface of the pad; a plurality of PTC ceramic resistor arranged cross the anode plate and the cathode plate. Each resistor has anode and cathode in contact with the anode plate and the cathode plate, respectively. The lagging device further has an isolation layer covering at least the topside of the pad. The inventive lagging device can be easily applied to curve surface.

Abstract: A heat exchanger that is useable in a wearable fluid heater is disclosed. Mechanisms may be used with or comprised in embodiments of the heat exchanger for purging gas from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heating appliance such as an electric heating blanket having a control circuit which controls the application of power to the heating element of the blanket based on the condition of the heating element. The circuit senses the voltage at the end of the heating element in order to determine if the heating element has a short or an open circuit condition therein. Under normal conditions, the sensed voltage will be above a predetermined threshold value. If the sensed voltage falls below the threshold value, the control circuit shuts off power to the heating element. The control circuit will keep power off until the fault condition has been corrected and power has been removed and reapplied to the control circuit.

Abstract: A cable connector for a direct heating cable system for a pipeline (4) where a direct heating cable is connected to the pipeline at two remote points, the cable (3) comprising a cone (1) connected to the end, the cone (1) comprising means for connecting releasably a bolt (9) coaxially to the cone (1), a pulling wire (7) being secured to the bolt (9) adapted to pull the cone (1) and the cable (3) into a connector (2) secured to the pipeline and having an inner shape corresponding with the outer shape of the cone (1), the connector (2) being adapted to lock the cone (1) to the connector (2) and release the pulling wire (7) from the cone (1).

Abstract: A heating element (2) for an electrically heated panel (22) is provided having a heating conductor (4), a first temperature sensing conductor (6) and a second temperature sensing conductor (8). The first temperature sensing conductor (6) and the second temperature sensing conductor (8) are separated via a layer of material whose impedance varies with temperature. The second temperature sensing connector (8) is straight tinsel conductor whilst the first temperature sensing conductor (6) and the heating conductor (4) are helical wound in opposite senses about the axis of the heating element (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a plane heating element and a manufacturing method thereof, particularly the plane heating element without external electromagnetic waves and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein magnetic fields formed by the currents that flow through heat generation lines and an input terminal are eliminated to thus get rid of electromagnetic frequencies(EMF) harmful to the human body.

Abstract: An electric blanket includes a heating element extending through the blanket so that, upon receiving electric current from a power source, the element heats the blanket. A regulator circuit is connected to the element. It is configured to measure the resistance of the element and to control delivery of the electric current from the power source to the element responsively to the resistance so that the element heats to a desired temperature.

Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by knitting or weaving, to form a fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element in the form of a conductive yarn is incorporated into the fabric prebody, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric. Conductive elements are provided for connecting the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A form fitting heating surface for children's safety car seats having a contoured deformable apertured shape that is adaptable within a car seat on which the child is positioned. The heating surface is electrically connected to the automobile's power supply and is thermostatically controlled. Attachment elements adjustably extend from the heating surface for engagement over a portion of the car seat holding the heating surface insert in place within.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight and easy to use flexible heating mat for melting snow and ice that can be cut in the field to custom length or to accommodate direction changes or avoid obstructions. The heating mat includes one or more planar flexible heaters sandwiched between two vulcanized polymer protective sheets. The heating mat may be activated remotely or manually and can be powered from either end of the heating mat. Nonskid patterns ate typically included in heating mats used on driveways and walkways.

Abstract: A plane heating element is provided which features reduced external electromagnetic waves. The plane heating element includes an upper input terminal and a lower input terminal in which upper wires and lower wires are spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and the currents through the respective wires flow oppositely to each other. First heat generation wires are connected to the upper input terminal at predetermined spaced intervals and have the same directed current flow as that of the upper input terminal. Second heat generation wires are connected to the upper input terminal at spaced intervals and have the oppositely directed current flow to that of the first heat generation wires.

Abstract: An electric blanket used with a source voltage has a control device connected to the source voltage to control the source voltage in response to a predetermined temperature setting and a heating pad having a heating element arranged in the heating pad and connected to the output of the control device to generate heat. The heating element includes a first core, a first conductive element spirally wound around the first core, a second core arranged in surrounding relation to the first core and the first conductive element and a second conductive element spirally wound around the second core. The first ends of the first and second conductive elements are connected to the output of the control device and the second ends are connected to each other to define a conductive loop. The heating element further comprises an outer cover that covers the second core and the second conductive element and shields the internal components from external environment.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element in the form of a flexible, preferably stretchable, electricity-conducting film disposed 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. Methods of forming electric heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: A heating assembly, for use as an electric blanket or personal heating pad, includes a flexible heating panel and an electric circuit for heating the panel. An electrical heating element is mounted directly on the panel and includes inner and outer coaxial coil conductors separated by an electrically insulating layer and surrounded by an outer electrically insulating layer. A two-core flexible electric cable connects the heating element to the power supply, and to an electric control switch for controlling operation of the heating element, a fuse being located in the circuit to be actuated in the event of a short circuit occurring between the conductors of the heating element, due to breakdown of the inner insulating layer. The electric circuit also includes a device for controlling the temperature of the heating element.

Abstract: An internally temperature controlled heat blanket. The heat blanket includes an outer layer of protecting foam fiberglass that affords operator safety, a layer of closed cell silicone foam which provides thermal and electrical insulation, a layer of thermally conductive mesh, another layer of thermally conductive silicone with holes cut into it, the holes containing positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating elements, another layer of conductive mesh, a layer of thermally conductive silicone, and an inner layer of moderately conductive cured silicone or foam.

Abstract: A heating pad for animals consisting of a plastic housing and an electric heating element. The base of the housing contains conical supports upon which the heating element rests. The heating element is supported in the housing to provide air gaps above and below the heating element, allowing an even temperature throughout the housing. This prevents regions of localized heat on the top of the bed, and also prevent unnecessary heating of the base. This temperature is regulated by a thermostat that shuts down the heating element if the temperature of the air within the chamber exceeds the preset limit. The conical supports also provide structural support, preventing the top of the bed from collapsing on top of the heating element when subject to the weight of an animal.

Abstract: A disposable blanket for warming a patient including a power cord with a plug connected to the blanket, a second cord connected to the power cord and the blanket; a wire matrix connected to the power cord and the second cord; a power source; and a thermocouple. The blanket is plugged into a portable case containing the power source. The blanket is thrown away after use.

Abstract: A heating cord utilizes a non-heating core conductor that is wrapped with a high temperature insulator. The high temperature insulator is wrapped with a heat resistant insulator, wherein the heat resistant insulator is spirally wound with a heat generating wire. Finally, an insulation sheath covers entire embodiment forming a heat-generating cord. The core conductor and the heat generating wire are connected, forming a single electronic circuit wherein the electric current flowing along the core conductor flows in the opposite direction of the electric current flowing along the heat generating wire. As a result, the opposing electromagnetic fields generated by the opposing flows of electric current neutralize each other and function to reduce electromagnetic field emissions generally known to be harmful to humans. The present design allows safe operation well above the approximate 100 watt limitation inherent in designs that utilize resistive, heating-generating core elements.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing low frequency electromagnetic fields in an electric blanket includes an input, a rectifier filter, and a pair of closely spaced resistance wires. The input is connected to a 60 Hz AC power source to supply power to the electric blanket. The rectifier filter rectifies the input signal and filters out any high order components. The rectifier filter provides a filtered DC signal to apply across the paired resistance wires. In one embodiment, the device and method includes an output for connecting to a conventional electric blanket where the rectifier filter provides a filtered DC signal to the output.

Abstract: A new heating band device for providing both heat and pressure to sore muscles and sprains. The inventive device includes an elongate elastomeric band member for wrapping around a body part and an elongate heating coil member embedded in a serpentine arrangement within the band member. A hook member secures the heating band device in place on the body part. A temperature control switch selectively controls the heat output of the heating coil member.

Abstract: An improved heater wire and electro-thermal controller suitable for use in electric heating appliances such as electric blankets and heating pads. The heater wire is formed with a first conductor for heat generation and a second conductor for sensing. The first conductor and second conductor are wound as coaxial spirals with an insulation material electrically isolating the two conductors. The two spirals are counter-wound with respect to one another to insure that the turns cross, albeit on separate planes, several times per inch. With the conductors thus formed, if the insulation separating the conductors fails, the first and second conductors will come into electrical contact to facilitate detection of this hazardous condition. The controller of the present invention includes an electronic control unit a sensor input circuit, a heater driver circuit and a user interface circuit.

Abstract: An low-voltage heating system that produces a reduced magnetic field and which uses insulated copper wires, or equivalents, as heating elements. Its low operating temperature, robustness and safety enable the system to be installed in floors and walls for the general heating of buildings, and in outdoor pavements, for snow-melting purposes. The feeder busbars are configured to reduce the magnetic field around the feeder. A monitoring network continually checks the integrity of the heating system.

Abstract: An electric blanket using an AC to DC converter circuit either alone or in combination with a shield mesh that surrounds the heating wire to substantially reduce the electromagnetic field produced by the heating wire. The electric blanket has a heating element having a conductive wire and a shielding component, in which the conductive wire is placed between the shielding component to substantially encase the conductive wire. To discharge any build up of electrical charges, the shielding component is coupled to the ground. The electric blanket also has a control device for use with the alternating electrical current. The control device has a temperature control circuit that controls the current flow pursuant to the temperature setting. A converter device used in the electric blanket is electrically connected to the outputs of the control device.

Abstract: A heater includes a first heat-generating conductor, a second heat-generating conductor and a shield conductor. The first heat-generating conductor and the second heat-generating conductor are integrally covered with the shield conductor. One end of the first heat-generating conductor and one end of the second heat-generating conductor are electrically connected to each other. When a current is applied from the other end of the first heat-generating conductor, the current flows in the first heat-generating conductor and the second heat-generating conductor in opposite directions. A negative potential -Vn is applied to the shield conductor from a negative potential generating circuit. A positive potential terminal connecting circuit is composed of two diodes. One of the diodes has its anode connected to the positive potential terminal of the negative potential generating circuit and its cathode connected to a first line.

Abstract: An electrical safety circuit for discontinuing the operating power to an electrical device when overheat conditions are present. The safety circuit includes a conductive element in thermal proximity to at least one of the circuit elements of the electrical device that is energized by the operating power. The conductive element is structured so as to quickly break in response to high temperatures. A switching circuit is included which responds to a break in the conductive element by discontinuing the operating power to the electrical device.

Abstract: A safety-assuring control device for an electric blanket which includes a PTC heater includes an integrated circuit microcontroller unit having first and second safety circuit inputs and an output connected to a control input of an electrically controlled heater switch. A neon tube is connected between the primary safety link return conductor of the heater and the first safety circuit input, to indicate whether there is a first type of fault in the PTC heater. A connection between the second safety circuit input and the secondary safety link return conductor of the PTC heater is provided which indicates whether there is a second type of fault in the heater. The microcontroller unit includes a preliminary fault detection circuit for supplying a limited power test signal in a test mode to the heater for a predetermined period of time prior to a full power operation of the heater.

Abstract: A heating pad controller is provided which varies the duty cycle during which power is applied to a heating pad heating element. In one embodiment according to the present invention, an oscillator circuit is used to vary the off-time of the duty cycle, with the on-time portion being fixed. User control of the off-time is provided by way of a rotary control knob connected to a potentiometer. The potentiometer is part of the oscillator circuit and is used to vary the resistance through which a capacitor in the oscillator circuit charges up. The output of the oscillator circuit is used to control the gate of a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), which acts as a power switch through which power is applied to the heating element. During power up, the oscillator circuit is overridden and a continuous control signal is applied to the SCR to provide constant power to the heating element to thereby achieve rapid heating.

Abstract: A sheet-like thermal sensing element includes a carbon fiber mixed paper and resin layers laminated on both surfaces of the carbon fiber mixed paper. Electrodes are provided along opposite two sides of the carbon fiber mixed paper. A temperature change can be detected by detecting the change of resistance value of the carbon fiber mixed paper. A sheet-like heater is also disclosed, the heater including a pair of carbon fiber mixed papers separated by an insulating sheet and surrounded by resin. Each of the carbon fiber mixed papers include electrodes thereon. The sheet like heater can both generate heat and detect temperature change for precise heating control. Also disclosed is a method of making both the sheet-like heater and sheet-like thermal sensing element involving producing the carbon fiber mixed paper, electrode formation, laminating the mixed papers together and resin encapsulation.

Abstract: One or more portions of an inflatable thermal blanket that is sized sufficiently to fully cover a patient are gathered and maintained in a non-inflated condition by a closure such that a thermally-controlled inflating medium admitted into the blanket is prevented from being admitted into the gathered portion(s), thereby leaving a primary part of the patient covered and exposing a part of the patient for medical attention. Thereafter the closure can be released to permit the inflating medium to be admitted into the gathered portion such that the gathered portion self-erects and assumes an inflated condition. The released thermal blanket covers the entire patient and bathes the patient in the inflating medium. The closure can be provided as an elongated tape strip with a central perforation that can be separated.

Abstract: Heating pads using positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistance material are subject to fire risk if one of the conductor wires between which the PTC material extends should break and produce an electric arc. Protection by fuse and a fuse-blowing circuit responsive to fire detection must allow for an immense inrush of current when the cold pad is turned on. A heat setting control using a microprocessor can reduce the fuse rating by chopping the a.c. heating current for a short start-up period following with full-on feed until the heat setting is reached. The presence of a microprocessor allows response to a safety circuit that detects a break in a heater feed or return conductor before much excess heat develops, so that the microprocessor can turn off the heater switch. That response is so quick that it can be confirmed by repeated detection after very short pauses before the heater switch (a triac) is turned off.

Abstract: An improved electrothermal apparatus includes a stranded heater wire having a plurality of strands, the number of which vary as a function of position to provide a varying output power density. The stranded heater wire is disposed within a blanket which is conformable to the item to be heated. The heater wire is broken into a number of zones, with each zone having a varying number of strands. The strands of the wire are soldered or crimped together at the beginning of each zone. A controller provides electrical energy to the heater assembly.

Abstract: An electric blanket system which runs from an AC power input, and does not use a transformer; but the power supply is rectified and regulated, to reduce the AC component of current by 90% or more (preferably 99% or more). The blanket itself uses a field-cancelling resistor layout, to achieve a further reduction of 95% or more (preferably 99% or more). The combination of these techniques provides a reasonably cheap way to bring the low-frequency magnetic field strength down to acceptable levels.

Abstract: An electric blanket includes a heating element comprising inner and outer coaxial coil conductors separated by an electrically insulating layer and connected by a diode. A control assembly is connected to the heating element by a simple two-core flexible electrical cable and incorporates a thyristor and a thyristor control circuit to vary the supply of current to the heating element. Protective diodes are connected in parallel with the main heating conductor and also in parallel with the thyristor. Should the heating element overheat the insulating layer breaks down causing a short circuit between the conductors and the surge of current allowed by the protective diodes causes a fuse to blow. The conductor is always in series with the protective diodes so that in the event of transient breakdown of one of the diodes the resistance of the conductor prevents fuse operation.

Abstract: A dynamic temperature control to selectively generate one of a plurality of discrete voltage level temperature control signals for use with a fluid circulating system operable in a heating or cooling state including a control panel to select the system operating parameters including operating temperature of the fluid and at least one temperature sensor, the dynamic temperature control comprises logic circuitry to receive temperature input signals from the control panel and temperature sensor and to generate one of the plurality of discrete voltage level temperature control signals proportional to the difference between the input signals from the control panel and the temperature sensor to control the operating temperature of the fluid circulated through the fluid circulating system.

Abstract: Diverse methods for eliminating potentially harmful periodically varying electrical and magnetic fields which emanate from electric blankets, heating pads, and other electrical appliances intended for use proximate to the human body. One approach entails the use of a self-shielding coaxial cable as the heating element with core and sheath connected electrically in flux-cancelling fashion to minimize emanated magnetic and electrical fields. Another approach involves the use of heating elements, may otherwise be of currently conventional construction, powered with filtered dc to avoid potentially harmful alternating fields and produce harmless stationary fields instead. Ground integrity assurance means are also provided to avoid the emanation from the blanket or appliance of alternating electric fields which might otherwise result from connection to an improperly polarized alternating current source.

Abstract: A coaxial-type heater cable is described for significantly reducing both electromagnetic and electrostatic field while maintaining a flexible heater cable structure by enclosing coaxial arranged inner and outer conductors with a conductive polymer layer that is in electrical contract with the outer conductor. The outer conductor is helically wrapped around the inner conductor with the number of turns per unit length selected to significantly reduce the electromagnetic field emanating from the heater cable while the conductive polymer layer significantly attenuates any electrostatic field that would otherwise fringe through spaces between successive turns of the outer conductor. The heater cable can be of the self-regulating type using a PTC material in electrical contact with and between the inner and outer conductors.

Abstract: An electric heating appliance which is provided with a connecting terminal selecting circuit for the purpose of generating heat in an electric heater in a negative cycle of a commercial AC power source no matter which pole of a plug is connected to a grounding electrode of the power source when the plug is inserted into a plug socket of the power source, the connecting terminal selecting circuit consisting of a delay switch circuit adapted to insulate a heater circuit from the power source for a predetermined period of time when a power source switch is turned on, a heater potential detecting circuit adapted to detect the grounding electrode of the power source, and a change-over switch circuit adapted to connect the anode of an electric power controlling rectifying element for controlling the electric heater to the grounding electrode of the AC power source in accordance with an output signal from the heater potential detecting circuit.

Abstract: An electric powered device and method includes of a power control system (24), an alternating current to direct current converter (30) and a direct current filtering system (36). After the incoming power has been processed by these sections, the power is provided for use at the load for the intended function of the electrical system (FIG. 1). The by-pass capacitors (38) provide additional protection by grounding extraneous alternating currents at ground potential (42). The principle method here is to hold the current as steady and constant as possible to maintain a constant electromagnetic field. This process renders electromagnetic fields safe from potential hazards. Whenever current levels need to be changed for control purposes, the rates of this change are reduced as much as possible in order to reduce any stresses imposed upon any biological systems immersed in the electromagnetic field generated by the device in use.

Abstract: The harmful effects which build up in the bloodstream and in body fluids owing to cyclotron resonance caused by mains-powered heating appliances such as electric blankets are reduced by powering the appliance through a single-phase full-wave rectifier which converts 60 Hz ac into heating power that is 81% dc and 18% ac at 120 Hz. The rectifier can be incorporated in the blanket or within the housing of a switch, plug or power socket.

Abstract: An electric heating pad is provided with an anisotropic stiffening member that provides considerable rigidity in a first direction and considerable flexibility in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The stiffening member is provided with many elongate parallel corrugations, ridges or channels to provide unidirectional stiffness in the direction of the long axis of the channels. When the heating pad is used in a vertical position with the channels running vertically, the pad is prevented from collapsing or folding over on itself by the stiffening member while it is flexible in the horizontal direction to conform to a body part. This feature is especially useful for heating an aching back while sitting upright. The pad is also useful for wrapping around a limb and is provided with a strap for that purpose.

Abstract: A heated comfort product such as an electrical blanket having an elongate electrical resistance element is connected in a particular manner to an AC power line by connecting the ends of conductors used in the element at a common end to respective AC power lines so as to achieve reduced or non-detectable electromagnetic and/or electrostatic radiating fields from the comfort product.