Abstract: A heating unit for use in heating pallets. The heating unit includes side modules and a lid module. Modules include cover layers. Modules may include a pliable electrical heating element is disposed between the first and the second cover layers and configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy and to distribute the heat energy. The pliable electrical heating element includes a heat generating element for converting electrical current to heat energy and a heat spreading element comprising carbon thermally coupled to the heat generating element. Modules may further include a thermal insulation layer. Modules may include a receiving power connector electrically connected to the heat generating element. Modules may include a seam formed in a fashion that facilitates folding of the modules in a fashion which allows support members to support a module on an edge of the module.

Abstract: Modular mats connected physically and electrically with heating wires in the mats to melt snow and/or ice that would otherwise settle or form on the mats. Mats may be added or subtracted to increase or decrease the size of the total carpet of mats while maintaining an electrical circuit in the mats connected to a power supply. Transformer to reduce voltage. Weight sensor to activate or de-activate the electrical power supply.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for preventing the accumulation of snow, ice, frost, hail or the like from obstructing the flow of primary air, air or the exhaust of sewer gas into or out of a building. The apparatus is also suitable to prevent leaves, animals or other debris from becoming trapped within the air flow pipes of the building. The apparatus has a screen which may be electrically connected to a heating device. The apparatus may further be attached to a thermostat to automatically turn the heating device on or off at preset temperatures. The apparatus may be incorporated into new pipes or may be attached onto existing pipes.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a clothes dryer having a dryness sensing device and method of use comprising at least two electrically conductive sensor bars placed closely together but not touching one another so that articles in the dryer can contact two of the sensor bars at the same time. At least one sensor bar is electrically connected to an electrical current source and at least one sensor bar is electrically connected to an electrical ground. A microcontroller is electrically connected between the electrical current source and the electrical ground so as to be capable of measuring the voltage across the sensor bars when the sensor bars are contacted by the articles being dried. The microcontroller is configured so as to determine the dryness of the articles by calculating the electrical resistance of the articles by using the value of the voltage across the sensor bars and the value of the current through the sensor bars.

Abstract: A gutter and roof protection system comprises a gutter cover and an attached heating element. The gutter cover is installed between a lower edge of a sloped roof and a gutter attached to the roof. The gutter cover includes at least one elongated slot. The heating element is placed within the elongated slot and then connected to a suitable source of electricity so as to melt snow and ice which accumulates on or near the gutter cover. The slot retains the heating element and prevents it from moving without the use of fasteners. The slot also positions the heating element so that it is generally flush relative to a surface of the gutter cover so the heating element doesn't impede the flow of water or collect debris.

Abstract: The grounded modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, a heat spreading layer, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker. The modular heated covers are grounded for safety using the conductive heat spreading layer.

Abstract: A flooring board with a tongue and a groove, including a covering layer, a base plate, and an embedded foil between the covering layer and the base plate. The embedded foil is provided with electrical connecting means for obtaining an effect upon the foil via a connected electric voltage. The electrical connecting means includes a first common connecting means having a first portion positioned on an under side of the groove and a second portion positioned on an upper side of the tongue which are connected by at least one line. The electrical connecting means also includes a second common connecting means having a first portion positioned on an under side of the tongue and a second portion positioned on an upper side of the groove which are connected by at least one line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a panel heating device (1) for placing in the floor area, comprising an electrically conductive layer and electrical supply lines. In order to provide a floor heating system having a low overall height while simultaneously damping noises, the invention provides that at least one sound-damping layer (7) is provided.

Abstract: Heating cable comprising a first insulated conductor (1) and a second insulated conductor (2), which are located in a common sheath (4,5,6), wherein the first conductor (1) consists of electrical resistance material and the second conductor (2) consists of electrical resistance material or a material of high conductivity and wherein the first and second conductors (1,2) comprise first end regions (1b,2b) and second end regions (1c,2c) of a material of high conductivity and wherein end regions (1c,2c) of the first and second conductors (1,2) are electrically interconnected.

Abstract: An autonomous deployment system is herein for functional utilization in the physical placement and deployment of a heating or thermal mat(s). The system is designed to enhance human productivity and ease deployment of the prior art thermal radiating or generating devices for the removal and or inhibition of accumulation of snow and ice. The deployment system as can be designed to operate autonomously with automatic controls and sensors to control both the thermal system and the technology of controlling a deployment system. The system is well suited to autonomously deploy and retract rolled membranes and or flexible materials out over a flat or sloped surface area. The inherent flexibility of the mat allows it to traverse gently curved surfaces.

Abstract: A flooring system includes a plurality of connectable sheet elements that have heating wires embedded therein. The sheet elements include starting sections, ending sections, middle sections and corners sections with the thermostat having long wires for connection to the starting and ending sheets. The sheet elements can be used in a bathroom or the like. The floor system of the present invention is installed underneath tile floors to heat the tile floor.

Abstract: A floor heating system including a sub-floor, a plurality of fasteners, a first heater conductor assembly and a second heater conductor assembly. The first conductor assembly including a first resistive conductor having a first length, first and second ends, and two low resistance conductors. The two low resistance conductors being respectively connected to each of the first and second ends. The second heater conductor assembly including a second resistive conductor having a second length, first and second ends, and two low resistance conductors. The two low resistance conductors being respectively connected to each of the first and second ends of the second resistive conductor. The low resistance conductor that is connected to the first end of the first resistive conductor being connected in a serial fashion to the low resistance conductor that is connected to the first end of the second resistive conductor. The first length being approximately a first integer multiple of the second length.

Abstract: A revolving door deicer/dryer system including a floor grate having a bottom side and a heating system associated with the bottom side of the floor grate. The heating system includes at least one shaped plate and at least one heating element serpentinely routed on the at least one shaped plate.

Abstract: A method for making a transparent electrothermal body includes: a) plating ITO (indium tin oxide) onto a surface of a transparent substrate to form an ITO film, and b) printing a conducting material onto a surface of the ITO film to form two connecting portions each electrically connected to the ITO film, thereby forming a transparent electrothermal body. Thus, the transparent electrothermal body includes a circuit made of ITO material having greater transparency to form a conducting film that allows passage of the electric current, thereby enhancing the transparency of the electrothermal body, and thereby increasing the versatility of the electrothermal body.

Abstract: An electric heating device based on a ribbon of crystalline metal foil with high specific resistance, which is additionally treated to increase its plasticity and/or additionally coated with a mold release agent to enhance compatibility of the ribbon and insulating envelope. The ribbon combines high electrical resistance, high stability, sufficient mechanical strength and relative cheapness with very important properties including significant plasticity and compatibility with insulating polymers, including rubber and silicone. The above compatibility provides high reliability and life span. Different structures for flexible and rigid heaters on the basis of this ribbon are described, as are different applications.

Abstract: One or more heating elements comprise a heating element. One or more elongated beams comprise an elongated beam. The heating element is coupled with the elongated beam and induces a time-varying thermal gradient in the elongated beam to cause one or more oscillations of one or more of the one or more elongated beams.

Abstract: An electrical resistance heating element has an axially elongated flat carbon fiber tow, which includes a multiplicity of continuous axially parallel carbon filaments. The tow is sandwiched between two layers of polyester sheet material and bonded to only one of the layers. The other of the layers overlies the tow in direct contacting engagement with and unconnected relation to the tow and is connected to longitudinally extending marginal portions of the one layer along transversely opposite sides of the tow. The heating element may be produced by a continuous forming process.

Abstract: An insulating glazed element including at least two glass sheets, separated from each other by a space and joined at their periphery by a seal, and at least one section. The glazed element has at least one heating border on at least one face of at least one glass sheet, and the border is covered by the section and joined to the section by a heat-conducting seal.

Abstract: A system for removing snow and ice from a surface that includes a fan and a heating element contained within a hollow cavity open at one end, and a hollow duct positioned above the hollow cavity. The hollow duct is open at both ends; one end is positioned directly above the open end of the hollow cavity, while the other end leads back into the hollow cavity through a hole on the other side of the heating element contained therein. The fan blows air past the heating element and out the open end of the hollow cavity. The heated air melts any snow or ice with which it comes into contact. At least some of the heated air that does not contact any snow or ice is drawn into and through the hollow duct, and back into the hollow cavity where it may be reused.

Abstract: The modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection in an outdoor environment, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker.

Abstract: A heating system has been incorporated into the commercial space fixture of a plastic chair mat to provide a space-saving heating system. The material for the plastic mat is chosen based on its thermal and electrical properties to provide necessary safety and support convenience for occupied rolling office chairs. Materials include vinyl, acrylic, and polyethylene. The heating elements are placed into the body of the plastic material, which is connected to conventional electrical elements, such as power source, GFIs, thermostats, and safety shut offs, outside the plastic mat. Other more complicated electronics, such as an anti-static mechanism, may be included as needed by the environment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying heated sealants, such as molten polymeric material, to surfaces such as for filling cracks in pavement surfaces. Aspects of the invention include block cutting assembly, heated dispensing hose, and crack filling applicator head. By way of example, the block cutting assembly comprises a ram device for driving sealant blocks against a heated cutting member which severs the blocks to speed liquefaction within the heated sealant chamber. An associated enclosure incorporates a loading door preferably configured for operation in response to the position of the ram device. The heated dispensing hose may comprise a heating element running through the interior of the hose to heat sealants as they pass through the hose. The crack filling applicator head comprises a dispensing tube upon which a sealing chamber is coupled for retaining a quantity of liquid sealant proximal to the pavement surface being filled.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for detecting and eliminating the buildup of snow and/or ice on the viewable face of an LED traffic signal lens. The circuit measures the ambient temperature within the LED signal, and when the temperature falls to a level where snow and/or ice accumulation can occur, the circuit begins looking for snow and/or ice buildup on the lens of the LED signal. An infrared LED transmits a signal which is reflected when snow or ice is present on the lens of the traffic signal. When the reflected signal is received by an infrared receiver, it sends a signal to a microcontroller, which analyzes the signal to determine if it is a valid signal. If it is, a heater is turned on until the ice and snow are removed.

Abstract: The modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection in an outdoor environment, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit or on a single 240 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing snow and ice from a roof includes a plurality of heating panels fastened to a rooftop surface. Each heating panel is formed from water-impermeable material and includes top and bottom surfaces formed from heat-resistant material. A plurality of elongated thermal-conductive heating elements are sandwiched medially of the top and bottom surfaces. A control panel is electrically coupled to one of the heating panels and a power cord is electrically coupled to an external power supply source. The present invention further includes a mechanism for electrically coupling the heating panels to each other and a mechanism for removably attaching the heating panels to the roof. A thermal sensor is operably connected to the control panel and the heating panels for monitoring an operating temperature of the heating elements.

Abstract: A gutter guard includes a first inclined section for insertion below shingles of a roof; a second inclined section; and a securing section securing a front end of the gutter guard to a gutter of the roof. A first S-shaped drainage section connects the first inclined section to the second inclined section, and is positioned above an open end of the gutter for draining water thereinto. A second drainage section connects the second inclined section with the securing section, and is positioned above the open end of the gutter for draining water thereinto. The drainage sections each include a forwardly facing convex surface around which water travels, and openings at positions below the convex surfaces through which water exits into the gutter. A heating wire is positioned in the S-shaped drainage section.

Abstract: A high voltage circuit breaker with a gas-insulated tank is provided. Enclosed with the tank is an elongated heater having at least one heating element enclosed in an outer tube. The heater is located coaxially within the tank and is surrounded by the insulating gas.

Abstract: The 12 Volts DC powered cooker to be installed by the vehicle's manufacturers or the vehicle's owner. The unit will heat liquid temperature to 100° C. and will switch off at temperature greater than 100° C. The switching and temperature monitoring is controlled by an electronic unit. The electronic controlled unit that switches on the heating glow plug to heat liquid to 100° C. and switches off when the liquid is above 100 C. A safety switch also turn the heating glow plug off when the temperature exceeds 200 C. or when the unit is not in an upright position.

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: Disclosed is herein an air hypocaust structure for cooling and/or heating dwellings. In winter, hot air is supplied into a space between an upper and a base plate constituting the air hypocaust structure to heat the dwelling according to a convection and a radiation mechanism. In summer, cold air is supplied to the space between the upper and base plate to cool the dwelling according to the convection mechanism. A plurality of support legs and guide plates are installed between the upper and base plate, and the support legs and guide plates may be integrally formed on the lower side of the upper plate or may be separately produced to be assembled with the upper plate. A hole is formed at a lower end of each of the support legs, and projections each having a sharp tip at an end thereof and corresponding in position to the support legs are formed on the upper side of the base plate.

Abstract: A method modifies friction between an object and ice or snow. The method utilizes a heating element to apply a pulse of thermal energy to an interface between the object and the ice or snow; the first pulse is sufficient to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface. Water forming the interfacial layer refreezes to form a bond between the object and the ice or snow. The steps of the method may be repeated to form a second bond between the object and the ice or snow.

Abstract: A recirculated heated air mat system melts snow and ice from driveways or roofs, preventing its accumulation. The driveway sized, hollow mat of tough, pliable rubber, plastic is resistant to tearing and abrasion. A recirculating air electric heater provides heated air to the mat. The mat contains baffles directing heated air sinuously through the substantial portion of the mat, and an internal wall forms a cooled air return path along the upper end for recirculating the air to the heater. For a two-car garage, two pads are provided. The second pad may be identical to the first pad. Heated air is directed between the first and second mats and returned through the cooled air return path by separate removable ducts between heating air paths and cooled air return paths. The system may be modular, being assembled from identical mats and ducts. A large single mat for a roof is provided.

Abstract: A heater including a plurality of first dielectric vanes and a plurality of second dielectric vanes arranged about a longitudinal axis, each first dielectric vane and second dielectric vane having a plurality of wire guiding grooves, a heater wire structure wound around the first and second dielectric vanes in wire guiding grooves, and wherein the heater wire structure substantially avoids contact with bottoms of the wire guiding grooves of the second dielectric vanes.

Abstract: A snow melting system including a controller, a first heater supplying heat under the control of the controller, the first heater supplying heat at a power density, a moisture detection apparatus located apart from the first heater, the moisture detection apparatus communicatively coupled to the controller and a second heater located proximate to the moisture detection apparatus, the controller directing power to the second heater at an other power density, the other power density substantially the same as the power density.

Abstract: A paver having a paving screed and at least one working component which is heated by at least one electric heating element and a smoothing plate, with the heating element being secured in heat tampering condition at a heating area of the working component. The heating element is a planar heating element with at least one heating coil being a heating conductor which is wound in a spiral around a planar carrier, and the peripheral form of the carrier material and/or the winding density or the winding course of the heating conductor is adapted to produce a predetermined heating picture in the heating area.

Abstract: A heated guard for rain gutters includes a cap which deflects debris from the interior of the gutter. A plurality of mounting brackets are positioned within the interior of the gutter in a laterally spaced apart relationship, and are connected with an associated roof fascia. Each of the mounting brackets has an upper portion supporting the cap, and a forward portion with a horizontal slot. A hat-shaped channel extends between the mounting brackets, has a U-shaped base received in the slot of the mounting brackets, and is attached to the mounting brackets and positioned under the cap. An elongate electric heater element is positioned in the base portion of the channel, and is positively retained therein and covered by the cap. The heater element is connected with a source of electrical power to heat the heater element, the channel and the cap to melt snow and ice thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus melts snow off a person's footwear without the need for the wearer to take off the footwear. In particular, the apparatus is for melting ice and snow off the footwear, for example shoes, boots or sneakers, of the wearer by a directed and accurately disseminated heat flow. The heat flow is directed in a manner which facilitates the removal, deposition and collection of melting snow and ice from shoes of a wearer at a desired location, e.g., in a threshold or landing, adjacent an entry/exit door of a residence or commercial building before such snow and ice and any contaminant therein can be tracked into the building.

Abstract: A heating system providing a heated surface for use on or in a driveway, roadway, walkway, patio, deck, stairs or the like, principally for outdoor use but usable as well for indoor use. The heating system includes a form suitably retained on an existing surface, at least one block disposed within the form, the block being molded principally of recycled rubber, thereby providing a frictional surface to prevent or minimize slipping. The heating system also includes heating elements for heating the block, thereby providing substantially improved moisture absorption and evaporation along with substantially improved melting capacity for ice or snow, and the block being removably disposed in the form for substantially easier and convenient repair, thus avoiding the necessity for digging up any concrete, asphalt or other materials.

Abstract: A cut-to-length heating system including a heating cable having a first conductor with a first resistivity and a second conductor with a second resistivity. The heating cable having a first end and a second end with the first conductor being electrically connected to the second conductor at the first end. The first resistivity substantially higher than the second resistivity. An average power limiting device electrically connecting the first conductor and the second conductor at the second end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating element which can also absorb gas, especially a heating element usable as an interior material for buildings which serves both as a heater and an absorber capable of absorbing harmful gas present in the room. This heating element comprises: a molded product comprising a high-temperature carbonized charcoal which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 800° C. or above; and at least two electrodes which can energize the molded product, wherein current is applied to the electrodes to generate heat. The molded product comprising a high-temperature carbonized charcoal, which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 800° C. or above is excellent as a heating element and, at the same time, has an excellent capacity capable of adsorbing various gases. Mixing a low-temperature carbonized charcoal, which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 500° C.

Abstract: Each mat of a plurality of mats has an electrical resistance heater embedded therein between a layer of vinyl and a layer of cloth-like material. The mats are located in a motor vehicle and are connected to the power system of the motor vehicle via a cigarette lighter-type attachment and are controlled by a control element. Each mat has a crown and a gutter so water generated by melting snow or ice is controlled and prevented from running off the mat.

Abstract: A hidden heat strip for providing heat at the edge of a roof to prevent formation of ice. Each heat strip comprises a plurality of triangular-shaped assemblies having a heat cable inserted from under the assemblies and positioned adjacent to a notched front panel. Support clips extend from a bottom portion and a vented top panel is disposed above the heat cable. Spaced-apart reinforcement ribs are located between side panels of the assemblies to support shingles and prevent sagging. The heat strip is placed between rows of shingles and is not easily observed from the ground level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for thermally modifying an ice-to-object interface. One system includes a power supply configured to generate a magnitude of power. The magnitude of the power is sufficient to melt an interfacial layer of ice at the interface; typically the interfacial layer has a thickness in a range one micron to one millimeter. A controller may be used to limit the duration in which power supply generates the magnitude of the power, to limit unneeded heat energy dissipation into the environment. Modulating the pulsed heating energy to the interface modifies a coefficient of friction between the object and the ice.

Abstract: An outdoor-use heating mat system includes at least one heating mat. At least one heating mat of the system includes a first structural layer, a heating element, a plurality of intermediate strips, a second structural layer, and at least one of a cord and a plug. The first and second structural layers each are both durable and electrically insulating. The first such layer has a plurality of first layer edges associated therewith. The heating element positioned above the first structural layer. The plurality of intermediate strips are mounted upon the first structural layer. Each intermediate strip is positioned proximate at least one of one the first layer edge and the heating element. The second structural layer is mounted to the plurality of intermediate strips opposite the first structural layer.

Abstract: One or more dispensing conveyances (1) have outlet apertures (2) or conveying and dispensing heated water to surfaces of roofs (3) and other structural surfaces selectively when ice and snow is being accumulated or has accumulated thereon. The water is heated with an electric-resistance (7, 10) or optionally with a fuel-flame heater (8, 11), which can be a tank heater or a tankless geyser water heater. Electric-resistance members can be positioned inside of heat-resistant tubular conveyances proximate the outlet apertures. A programmable control unit (18) can be included for programmable heat, flow rate and flow time.

Abstract: Heating apparatus comprising a body of conducting material having oppositely directed surfaces extending between the edges, a channel formed one of the surfaces and defined by a pair of walls upstanding from the one surface, and a cover cooperating with the walls to define an enclosed passageway to receive a heating cable.

Abstract: An aircraft floor panel (10) comprising a plurality of layers (18) cured together to form a lower support level (20) and an upper heater level (22), and a metal face sheet (16) for protecting the underlying layers (18) from floor-traffic related damage. A pressure sensitive adhesive (32) (or other adhesive which retains elasticity after bonding) is used to bond the metal face sheet (16) to the underlying support/heater layers (18) so that the different rates of thermal expansion can be accommodated during curing and cooling steps of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An outdoor-use heating mat system includes at least one heating mat. At least one heating mat of the system includes a first structural layer, a heating element, a plurality of intermediate strips, a second structural layer, and at least one of a cord and a plug. The first and second structural layers each are both durable and electrically insulating. The first such layer has a plurality of first layer edges associated therewith. The heating element positioned above the first structural layer. The plurality of intermediate strips are mounted upon the first structural layer. Each intermediate strip is positioned proximate at least one of one the first layer edge and the heating element. The second structural layer is mounted to the plurality of intermediate strips opposite the first structural layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating element which can also absorb gas, especially a heating element usable as an interior material for buildings which serves both as a heater and an absorber capable of absorbing harmful gas present in the room. This heating element comprises: a molded product comprising a high-temperature carbonized charcoal which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 800° C. or above; and at least two electrodes which can energize the molded product, wherein current is applied to the electrodes to generate heat. The molded product comprising a high-temperature carbonized charcoal, which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 800° C. or above is excellent as a heating element and, at the same time, has an excellent capacity capable of adsorbing various gases. Mixing a low-temperature carbonized charcoal, which has been carbonized at a temperature of about 500° C.

Abstract: A heated bridge deck (20) uses electrodes (24, 26) embedded within conductive concrete and connected to a power source to remove snow and ice accumulation. A cement-based mixture containing optimal amounts of conductive materials is molded into pre-formed slabs (22) placed atop the paved surface of a bridge deck. Alternatively, the conductive concrete may be cast in place on top of an existing bridge deck. A control unit with temperature and moisture sensors may be coupled to the heated bridge deck.