Abstract: A heating element construction for a mesh mat used in an underfloor heating system. The heating element includes a heater wire having one or more conductors spirally wound around a center strand and an insulating jacket surrounding the conductor. The heater wire is doubled back on itself to provide two counterflow portions which are spirally wrapped around each other. The electric current flows in opposite directions in the two counterflow portions to cancel the electromagnetic field. A braided metal ground shield surrounds the heater wire. A protective outer cover surrounding the ground shield resists abrasion and water.

Abstract: A monitor for use during installation of under floor warming mats to monitor the condition of the electric heating elements. Three lead wires extending from the monitor have alligator clips allowing them to be clipped to the hot, neutral and ground leads of the heating elements. A monitoring circuit generates an audible alarm if the hot or neutral wire is cut or if the ground sheath is electrically connected to either the hot or neutral wire.

Abstract: A snow-melting apparatus prevents ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building. An outer edge section of the roof extends over and beyond an outside wall of the building in an outward direction. A heat conduction device includes a substantially planar body portion formed of a substantially thermally conductive material and having a first side and a second side. The second side is opposite the first side. The first side has a coating with a high emissivity. The first side transfers heat to an inside surface of at least the outer edge section of the roof. A heat source is attached to the body portion of the heat conduction device.

Abstract: A method of preventing ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building includes placing a heating device below the roof. At least one of an ambient outside temperature and a presence of ambient moisture is sensed. An air-borne signal is transmitted dependent upon the sensing step. The heating device is operated dependent upon the air-borne signal.

Abstract: This modular snow melting carpet device for melting snow and ice on pathways comprises a flat sheet of generally rectangular shape, two conducting wires embedded in the sheet and running along the length of the sheet and generally close to their respective length edge. The conducting wires are connected at both of their extremities to a female single pin connector also embedded into the sheet and exposed at the width edges. The device also comprises a plurality of heating elements also embedded into the sheet and parallel connected along said conducting wires and, two male single pin connectors adapted to mate with the female connectors of one edge and connected to a power source. Additionally, an intersection device may comprise two crossover connecting wires embedded into the sheet and electrically insulated from the conducting wires and heating elements.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for preventing ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building includes a heating device placed below the roof. An automatic controller includes a ground fault circuit interrupter in communication with the heating device. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition associated with the heating device. The controller selectively controls operation of the heating device dependent upon the ground fault condition. A transmitter is connected with the controller. The transmitter transmits an air-borne ground fault signal dependent upon the ground fault condition. A remote receiver receives the ground fault signal. The remote receiver provides at least one of a visible indication and an audible indication of the ground fault signal.

Abstract: A surface heating conduit (18) includes a fluid-conducting inner pipe (14), a sheathing tube structure (24) surrounding the fluid-conducting inner pipe (14) serving as a thermal shield for protecting the fluid-conducting inner pipe (14) from external heat influences and which is designed such that, when the surface heating conduit (18) is embedded in a layer (12) of hot mastic asphalt that is cooling down from its working temperature, the sheathing tube structure (24) is destroyed thereby protecting the fluid-conducting inner pipe (14) against thermal influences deleterious to the functionality of the inner pipe.

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 snow melting device for gutters including a snow melting strip positionable within a closed lower end of a gutter. The snow melting strip will serve to melt accumulated snow upon activation to allow proper drainage of water through downspouts of the gutter.

Abstract: An ice and snow melting system includes at least one sensor configured for sensing a temperature or moisture associated with an ambient environment and providing a signal indicative thereof. A heater for melting the ice and snow includes a heater wire, a layer of insulation substantially surrounding the heater wire, and a conductive shield substantially surrounding the layer of insulation. A ground fault circuit interrupter is coupled with the shield of the heater. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition between the heater wire and the conductive shield and provides a signal indicative thereof. An automatic controller is connected to the at least one sensor. The controller includes heater control circuitry receiving each of the sensor signal and the ground fault circuit interrupter signal. The heater control circuitry selectively controls operation of the heater dependent upon the sensor signal and the ground fault circuit interrupter signal.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for preventing ice dams on an outside surface of a roof of a building includes a heating device placed below the roof. An automatic controller includes a ground fault circuit interrupter in communication with the heating device. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition associated with the heating device. The controller selectively controls operation of the heating device dependent upon the ground fault condition. A transmitter is connected with the controller. The transmitter transmits an air-borne ground fault signal dependent upon the ground fault condition. A remote receiver receives the ground fault signal. The remote receiver provides at least one of a visible indication and an audible indication of the ground fault signal.

Abstract: An ice prevention mat system that includes multiple resilient electrically heatable mats that are positionable to cover a desired pathway and which includes a control circuit for maintaining each of the electrically heatable mats at a temperature sufficient to melt snow falling on the mat as well as to prevent the formation of ice on the mat top surface. Each of the multiple resilient electrically heatable mats has a top surface partially covered a non skid or slip coating as well as light assemblies along the side borders to clearly identify the side edges of the mats.

Abstract: A portable ground thawing panel system for thawing an area of frozen ground to allow digging in the wintertime. The inventive device includes an upper member, a plurality of outer member secured to the upper member, a layer of insulation adjacent the upper member, a divider member adjacent the insulation opposite the upper member, and an electrical heating element secured to the divider member opposite of the insulation. The heating element may be temperature self-regulating or a thermostat may be electrically connected to the heating element.

Abstract: A gauge assembly holds heater wire adjacent to a surface to be heated. The assembly includes a plurality of elongate elements, with each elongate element having two opposite ends. Each opposite end is pivotably connected to a corresponding opposite end of an adjacent elongate element. At least one of the elongate elements retains at least one corresponding portion of the heater wire.

Abstract: A method prevents ice dams on an outside surface of a slanted roof of a building. The building has an outside wall. The roof extends over and beyond the outside wall in an outward direction. The method includes placing a first heating device between the roof and the outside wall. The heating device extends beyond the outside wall in the outward direction. Heat from the heating device is used to melt frozen precipitation on the outside surface of the roof.

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 lightweight flexible electrical heating device for melting snow and ice that may be cut in the field to custom length. The device includes a planar flexible electric heater sandwiched between two vulcanized polymer protective sheets. The heater include an array of resistive heating elements electrically connected in parallel and oriented substantially across the device length, allowing the heater to be cut to any length as needed. Potentially the outside surfaces is equipped with a ribbed non skid pattern that form an array of ribs and channels to increase traction and aid in water drainage.

Abstract: An antenna reflector assembly includes a reflector having a reflecting surface and an electrical heater for heating the reflecting surface. An ambient condition sensor senses an ambient temperature and/or an ambient moisture associated with an ambient environment and applies electrical power to the heater dependent upon the ambient temperature and/or the ambient moisture. A test device is connected to a source of electrical power. The test device includes a circuit breaker for cutting off an input current to the test device when the input current exceeds a predetermined threshold current. A ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition and cuts off an electrical current associated with the ground fault condition. A current indicator senses a current through the heater and provides an indication thereof. At least one voltage indicator senses a voltage and provides an indication thereof.

Abstract: An ice shield for use with an eave of a roof, the roof including a gutter assembly secured in proximity to a downwardly angled and terminating edge of the eave. The shield includes at least one continuously wound roll of a flexible and elongate mat of material which includes a first exposed face and a second reverse side face. The elongate mat is preferably constructed of first and second layers of a durable and rubberized material, capable of convecting heat generated by generally longitudinally extending coils embedded between the layers. The mat is unrolled and positioned atop and along an eave edge location of the roof. An adhesive coating of specified width is applied in longitudinal fashion along the reverse side face and a release tape is applied over the coating to prevent bonding of concentrically wound layers of the roll and prior to a selected length of the roll being unrolled and positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting ice and snow from a precast concrete step includes a selectively controllable heating element removably positioned in the hollow interior of the concrete step. The heating element comprises a conventional exterior flood light adapted to be inserted through an access formed in a side wall of the precast step. A protective member is disposed to cover the access. The protective member is provided with a door to facilitate removal of the heating element.

Abstract: A heated running board assembly for use with a motor vehicle. The heated running board assembly includes a running board and a heater assembly. The running board has a stepping surface and is attached to a motor vehicle. The heater assembly includes a resistive heating element which is embedded within the running board and heats the stepping surface thereof. The heated running board assembly includes a sensor assembly, a timer, and a controller, and is connected through a switch to the motor vehicle battery.

Abstract: A driveway heating system for maintaining outdoor paved surfaces free of snow and ice comprising a plurality of electric heating devices placed along the outdoor paved surfaces adapted to melt snow and ice therefrom in the event of a snow storm. The heating device includes a housing defined in part by exterior panels, wherein the exterior panels facing toward the pavement structure are constructed of high thermal conducting material, and the exterior panels facing away from the pavement structure are constructed of thermal insulating material designed to maximize heat transfer to the pavement structure. The housing of the heating device serves to contain an electrically powered heat source. When the heating device is activated, the heat released from the heat source raises the temperature of the exterior panels with high thermal conductivity to transfer the heat to the surrounding pavement structures, whereupon the heat radiates outwardly to melt snow and ice from anticipated sections of the paved surfaces.

Abstract: A method is provided for heating the surface of a material such as a floor, wall, roof, or countertop. The method comprises providing a laminated heater element, disposing the heater element at a predetermined depth in the material and energizing the element at prescribed intervals and temperatures which are effective to heat the surface of the material.

Abstract: A reflector assembly in a satellite system includes a reflector having a reflecting surface. At least one sensor is configured for sensing a temperature of the reflecting surface or moisture associated with the reflecting surface. Each sensor is configured to provide a signal indicative of the sensing. A heater is configured for heating the reflecting surface. The heater includes a heater wire, a layer of insulation substantially surrounding the heater wire, and a conductive shield substantially surrounding the layer of insulation. A ground fault circuit interrupter is coupled with the shield of the heater. The ground fault circuit interrupter is configured for detecting a ground fault condition between the heater wire and the conductive shield and providing a signal indicative thereof. An automatic controller is connected to the at least one sensor. The controller includes heater control circuitry receiving each of the sensor signal and the ground fault circuit interrupter signal.

Abstract: An antenna reflector assembly includes a reflector having a reflecting surface and an electrical heater having a first terminal and a second terminal. The electrical heater is configured for heating the reflecting surface. A remote monitor and test device is disposed at a location remote from the reflector. The remote monitor and test device is configured for being connected to a source of electrical power. The remote monitor and test device includes a line voltage node electrically connected to the first terminal of the heater, and one of a neutral node and a ground node electrically connected to the second terminal of the heater. A ground fault circuit interrupter is configured for detecting a ground fault condition and cutting off an electrical current associated with the ground fault condition. A current sensor is configured for detecting an electrical current exceeding a predetermined current level and transmitting a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A sub-floor system for installing a monolithic slab using precast cementitious sub-floor panel sections. The panel sections are placed over the spaced-apart, parallel joists of the floor frame. Each panel has beveled edges which abut the beveled edges of its adjacent panels. The beveled edges between adjacent panel sections thus define a V-shaped seam area. Importantly, the panels are dimensioned such that the beveled panel edges running parallel to the joists are substantially on center over the joists. This allows for the insertion of anchors through the seam areas and into the joists. The anchors are only partially implanted into the joists so that the anchor heads project upwardly between the panel sections. The seam areas are then filled with an adhesive filler material, resulting in a high strength monolithic slab.

Abstract: An annularly shaped housing extension is adapted to be inserted into the top of a coupling, the bottom of which is fitted on to the top end of a sewer vent pipe, the housing containing heating cable which, when energized, causes the transfer of heat from the heating cable to an inner sleeve of the housing which becomes a defacto extension of the vent pipe.

Abstract: A heating/cooling system includes a plurality of solid panels which form part of a wall or floor. The panels are in the form of heating/cooling modules and incorporate a heat exchange element within the panel and in thermal contact with the material, e.g. chipboard, fibreboard or plywood, forming the panel. The panels can be provided with, for example, tongue and groove formations so that they can engage with like panels or with "industry-standard" panels which do not incorporate heat exchange elements.

Abstract: A method is provided for heating the surface of a material such as a floor, wall, roof, or countertop. The method comprises providing a laminated heater element, disposing the heater element at a predetermined depth in the material and energizing the element at prescribed intervals and temperatures which are effective to heat the surface of the material.

Abstract: An ice and snow melting system includes at least one sensor configured for sensing a temperature or moisture associated with an ambient environment and providing a signal indicative thereof. A heater for melting the ice and snow includes a heater wire, a layer of insulation substantially surrounding the heater wire, and a conductive shield substantially surrounding the layer of insulation. A ground fault circuit interrupter is coupled with the shield of the heater. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition between the heater wire and the conductive shield and provides a signal indicative thereof. An automatic controller is connected to the at least one sensor. The controller includes heater control circuitry receiving each of the sensor signal and the ground fault circuit interrupter signal. The heater control circuitry selectively controls operation of the heater dependent upon the sensor signal and the ground fault circuit interrupter signal.

Abstract: A snow and ice melting blanket device positioned on a surface and connected to a power source for melting snow and ice accumulating atop the surface. The snow and ice melting blanket device includes a tarpaulin including a top layer, a bottom layer and a third conductive middle layer positioned between the top and bottom layers. A device for sensing a temperature of the tarpaulin is connected to the tarpaulin. A sensing device is connected between the conductive middle layer and the power source for sensing a weight of snow and ice accumulated atop the tarpaulin. The sensing device acts to connect the power source to supply an electrical charge to the conductive middle layer upon sensing a predetermined weight of snow and ice accumulated atop the tarpaulin causing the conductive middle layer and tarpaulin to heat up and melt the accumulated snow and ice thereby keeping the tarpaulin free of snow and ice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heated mat assembly for preventing snow and ice accumulation on a driveway. The device comprises a substantially rectangular, rubber pad having planar upper and lower surfaces and four peripheral edges. Disposed between the upper and lower surfaces are a plurality of inner layers preferably constructed with a fiberglass cloth. Embedded within the inner layers are a plurality of heating elements in communication with a thermostat and power cord for selectively activating the heating elements upon the thermostat detecting a temperature below a predetermined value. Along the entire length of opposing edges of the pad are a pair of troughs for draining water from the upper surface directly onto a street. Adjacent each trough are a pair of straps having a grommet at a distal end thereof for receiving a fastener means to anchor the pad to the soil immediately adjacent the driveway.

Abstract: A method of heating a surface in which a wire mesh or netting heating element is spread evenly over or just under an area to be heated, and through which an electrical current is driven. The two ends of the heating element are connected to the secondary terminals of a transformer, which converts the supply voltage to a low and safe level.

Abstract: System and device for heating a floor includes an inner pipe disposed in an outer pipe, the space between the inner and outer pipes can be filled with water or a thermal medium fluid. A heated fluid or an electric heater inside the inner pipe transfers heat through the inner pipe to the water or thermal medium fluid. With the inner and outer pipes oriented in the vertical, the heat in the water or thermal medium fluid can by convection pass up to a top of these pipes which top being placed just below the floor passes heat to the floor.

Abstract: A radiating pipe disposed in a floor for heating the floor includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe, a heating cable passing through the inner pipe and the space between the inner pipe and the outer pipe being an empty air space. Optionally, materials such as sand, rock particles, a mixture or sand and rock particles, and concrete can be sealed in the empty air space. The inner pipe and the outer pipe can or at least one such pipe can be a copper pipe and the two pipes can be formed as an integral structure.

Abstract: A method is provided for heating the surface of a material such as a floor, wall, roof, or countertop. The method comprises providing a laminated heater element, disposing the heater element at a predetermined depth in the material and energizing the element at prescribed intervals and temperatures which are effective to heat the surface of the material.

Abstract: Powerline-frequency electrical (joule) heating of soils using a high efficiency electrode configuration and power phase arrangement. The electrode configuration consists of several heating or current injection electrodes around the periphery of a volume of soil to be heated, all electrodes being connected to one phase of a multi-phase or a single-phase power system, and a return or extraction electrode or electrodes located inside the volume to be heated being connected to the remaining phases of the multi-phase power system or to the neutral side of the single-phase power source. This electrode configuration and power phase arrangement can be utilized anywhere where powerline frequency soil heating is applicable and thus has many potential uses including removal of volatile organic compounds such as gasoline and tricholorethylene (TCE) from contaminated areas.

Abstract: A method for thawing frozen road culverts. The first step involves positioning an electrically conductive cable in a road culvert prior to an ice blockage occurring. A connection end of the electrically conductive cable is anchored in an accessible location. The second step involves connecting a power source to the connection end of the electrically conductive cable after an ice blockage of the road culvert has occurred and supplying power to the electrically conductive cable, such that energy generated by power flowing through the electrically conductive cable causes a flow path to be created through the ice blockage in the road culvert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically conductive fluid or semifluid material for covering a surface and suitable in particular for radiant heating. Said material contains, in characteristic manner, in a binder for surface covering: 20% to 80% by weight of conductive fillers constituted by a flaky inorganic medium coated by a powder based on a double oxide or on a mixture of double oxides; said double oxide(s) satisfying the formula A.sub.x B.sub.1-x O.sub.1/2(5-x), in which 0<x<1, A is selected from Ge, Sn, Pb; and B is selected from As, Sb, and Bi. The present invention also provides the use of said conductive fillers for making such electrically conductive fluid or semifluid materials, and the use of said fluid or semifluid materials.

Abstract: An improved plastic heating element of the type including comprising an elongate web of flexible, electrically conductive plastic, having two electrodes embedded therein extending longitudinally adjacent each side edge. An electrically insulating adhesive layer covers the surfaces of the heating element.

Abstract: A method is provided for heating the surface of an antenna dish. In the method, a heater element consisting of a fabric layer composed of conductive fibers is incorporated into a composite that forms the surface of the antenna dish or the entire antenna dish. The heater element is attached to a power source, which energizes the element to heat the surface of the dish.

Abstract: A heating panel has a substrate with a resistive heating material disposed thereon. The substrate can be metal with an insulating layer disposed between the substrate and the heating layer. Alternatively, the substrate can be glass ceramic. The heating layer has electrodes on opposite edges connected to different phases of a multiphase power source. Another electrode on the heating layer can be connected to a neutral of the power source. Capacitive currents caused in the substrate or a metal object on the substrate by the different phases cancel each other. Thus, leakage current through a conductor connected between the substrate and ground is minimized. The heating panel can be adapted for two phase or three phase systems. Power to the panels is controlled by solid state switches or relays. Zero crossing drivers sense supply voltages and operate the switches to balance currents in the panels.

Abstract: A method is provided for heating the surface of a material such as a floor, wall, roof, or countertop. The method comprises providing a laminated heater element, disposing the heater element at a predetermined depth in the material and energizing the element at prescribed intervals and temperatures which are effective to heat the surface of the material.

Abstract: An electrical heating system thin enough to be installed under finished flooring. A meshwork mat constructed in a leno configuration receives an electric heating element which is threaded through aligned openings in the twisted strands of the warp strands. The strands of the mat and the intersections between the criss-crossing warp and weft strands are coated with a polymeric fusing material. The heating element is arranged in side by side runs to minimize the electromagnetic field effects. Connecting runs between adjacent pairs of side by side runs are arranged linearly end to end. A return wire is extended adjacent to and side by side with the connecting runs.

Abstract: An installation for melting of snow or ice, e.g. at roof downpipes on flat roofs, in gutters and the like, comprising a heating means (11), a temperature sensor means (4,6) and a control unit (1) for connecting and disconnecting the heating means (11) in dependence on sensed temperature. The temperature sensor means comprises a first temperature sensor (4) for sensing the surface temperature at the place of snow or ice melting, and a second temperature sensor (6) for sensing the air temperature at the topical place.

Abstract: A heated gutter system for preventing the build up of ice and snow on and in a roof gutter. The roof gutter includes a bottom wall, an upper wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of opposing ends. The upper and front walls have a space therebetween. A plurality of support brackets are positioned in the gutter along the length of the same. Each of the support brackets has a groove formed therein which is positioned adjacent the rear wall of the gutter. The groove in each of the brackets is aligned with the grooves in the other brackets. A heating element extends along the length of the gutter in between the grooves in each of the bracket.

Abstract: An electric heating unit comprises a heat-insulating main body consisting primarily of a heat-insulating material and formed with a groove in a surface thereof, and a heating element provided in the groove and shaped in the form of waves with an amplitude greater than the width of the groove, the heating element having at widthwise opposite sides thereof bent portions extending into the main body from groove-defining opposite side walls thereof and thereby integrally supported by the main body. A bottom-forming member of refractory material made separately from the main body covers the bottom of the groove and is supported by the main body integrally therewith so that the surface of the member toward the opening of the groove is exposed from the main body. The heating element is disposed closer to the groove opening than the bottom-forming member and integrally supported by the main body so as to be in contact with portions of the surface of the member.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating rooms with electrically heated hot water tube, and a method therefor are disclosed. The apparatus for heating rooms with electrically heated hot water tube and a method therefor are constituted such that an electrically heating line made of copper and having a diameter of 0.3-0.5 mm is inserted into a hot water tube throughout the entire length thereof, so that the heating effect of the copper wire would replace the boiler and the hot water circulating means, thereby heating the rooms with a simple structure and with a convenience without loss of thermal energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the transportation of fluid materials or particulate matter Apparatus for use in the transportation of fluid materials or particulate matter in a container for use with container handling equipment, such as an ISO 20 foot container (50). The apparatus comprises body means (52) removably fittable in such a container (50) for defining a volume for containing a fluid material or particulate matter when fitted in such a container. The body means is provided with adjusting means (66) for selectively varying said volume.

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