Abstract: An electrical three-phase heating cable and system that produces a reduced magnetic field and which uses a cable containing three insulated copper wires, or equivalents, as heating elements. The wires are equidistantly spaced from each other, in triangular configuration, the geometric center of the triangle coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the cable. The wires are twisted in a uniform fashion along the longitudinal axis of the cable. 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 feeder conductors are also twisted to reduce the magnetic field around the feeder.

Abstract: A heat accumulating type heating system and a heat energy storing method therefor which include improvements for heat accumulating, heat storage, heat preservation and use of heat by transferring electric power energy into heat energy in order to obtain an improvement for heating effects of the heating system, saving heat energy, and making a comfortable housing environment. The system has panels defining cavities thereon. Each panel is made of a sample heat accumulating material, and has a low heat conductivity (for example, in concrete or stone materials, 0.002KCalS.sup.-1 Cm.sup.-1 (.degree.C.)). Steam produced by heating water contained in the panel in the initial use is removed through a vent, and heat diffusion and convention in the airtight cavities are smoothly, efficiently achieved. Heat can be generated at night and stored.

Abstract: Modular roofing panels for removing snow and ice from the edge of a roof are interconnected. A defective panel or one damaged by severe weather can be replaced without incurring extensive wiring difficulty. An electrically operated valve element at the edge of the panels can selectively guide water from the roof either over the gutter thus effectively bypassing it, or into the gutter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ice and snow melting system including at least one sensor for sensing a temperature or moisture associated with an ambient environment, and a heater for melting the ice and snow. An automatic controller is connected to each of the heater and the sensor. The controller selectively controls operation of the heater, and includes a remote control interface which is either integral or connected therewith. A remote control is connected to the remote control interface of the controller via two conductors. The remote control is configured to receive a signal from and transmit a signal to the controller. The received signal is indicative of a status indicator associated with the heater and/or controller, and the transmitted signal is used by the controller for the controlled operation of the heater.

Abstract: In order to provide an integral whole unit for continuously measuring the quantity of heat needed to melt snow lying on a road, and prevent freezing of the road; and for controlling a supply of heat to the road for melting the snow lying on the road and for preventing the freezing of the road, it uses a road-simulated device. The road-simulated device is put outdoors while it is snowing, and it is heated and kept at a temperature of -0.degree. C., thus keeping the road-simulated surface free of snows, and preventing the freezing of the road-simulated surface. In this condition the thermal energy required to keep the simulated road surface unfrozen is determined, and every control variable is determined on the basis of this so determined thermal energy.

Abstract: A method of, and an apparatus for, energy saving heating of premises in which people stay temporarily. According to the invention the premises are heated by conventional heating methods up to a temperature which is below comfortable temperature. When a human being stays in the premises, additional heat is supplied by radiation from a heat radiation transmitting device. This device can be heated, e.g. electrically or by gas. Associated with the device is a sensor, which controls the function of the device in respect of human presence in the premises.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid flow controlling member including a primary flow path having a relatively small capacity of containing fluid and a secondary flow path located on a side of the primary flow path and having a relatively large capacity of containing fluid. The primary flow path absorbs part of the flowing fluid and the remaining fluid flows along the surface of the primary flow path in an exposed manner.A difference between the velocities of the exposed fluid flows moving through the primary and secondary flow paths is created so as to define a boundary area for restrictedly controlling at least the exposed flowing fluid on the primary flow path.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ice and snow melting system. At least one sensor is provided, with each sensor being 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 at least two electrical conductors associated therewith. An automatic controller is connected to the at least one sensor, and includes a ground fault circuit interrupter in communication with at least two of the electrical conductors associated with the heater. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition associated with the heater and provides a signal indicative thereof. The controller selectively controls operation of the heater dependent upon the sensor signal and/or the ground fault circuit interrupter signal.

Abstract: An in-situ thermal desorption system which combines thermal desorption and vacuum extraction to separate organic compounds from in place contaminated soils is disclosed. A "heating blanket" desorption unit is applied directly to the surface of the hydrocarbon contaminated soil. The heating blanket assembly comprises of four basic components: a surface heating element, a thermal insulating mat, a vacuum collection system, and a vapor barrier. The surface heater, when energized, initiates a thermal front which moves down through the soil by thermal diffusion. As the soil is heated, organic compounds and water vapor are desorbed and removed from the soil matrix. A vapor collection system including a blower is fitted to the vapor barrier to establish a slight negative pressure inside the modular heating blanket units.

Abstract: A snow and ice melt control system is provided to melt snow and ice from a slab, a temperature sensor means are provided at the input and output from the slab, and a differential temperature is generated reflecting the condition of the slab in respect to the ambient temperature. A controller is provided to adjust the amount of heat and heated fluid flowing to the slab to actively respond to environmental conditions to more efficiently melt snow and ice on the slab.

Abstract: A flexible waterproof mat has an elongated serpentine heating element extending throughout the middle thereof. The heating element is divided into portions and the mat is divided into a segments separated by hinges. Each hinge consists of interlocking flat knuckles formed by the mat. Each portion of the heating element is located in each segment of the mat and is provided with fingers that extend through the knuckles. An electrically conductive pintle extends transversely through the interlocking flat knuckles in order to electrically connect the portions of the heating element together.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating of concrete and more specifically to methods used for in-situ thermal desorption of contaminants from concrete, such as PCBs is disclosed. The methods employed heat the concrete at reduced pressure and at a temperature sufficient to volatilize and draw off the contaminant vapors so that the concrete is decontaminated to greater depth than previously obtained, that no concrete waste is created which requires disposal, that the methods produce no secondary liquid waste, that no chemical agents are required, that the decontaminated concrete material can be reused, that the methods are safer for workers because there is no contaminated dust formed during the process and specifically that the process produce a low energy cost per unit area decontamination for the concrete.

Abstract: A no freeze protection device for an outdoor faucet on an exterior wall of a building. The protection device comprises an enclosure to fit about the outdoor faucet. A facility is for mounting the enclosure to the exterior wall about the outdoor faucet. A component is for supplying heat within the enclosure to the outdoor faucet, to prevent water within the outdoor faucet from freezing during cold weather.

Abstract: A thermal walkway cover comprises at least three laminated layers including a middle layer of electrically conductive carbonized rubber, a durable, waterproof, UV-resistant top layer, and an insulating, waterproof bottom layer. Means are provided in to form of electrically conductive strips embedded in the middle layer to heat the middle layer. Connections are provided to a power source. The cover may have one or more edges of a dovetail construction so that cover sections or modules may be connected together to cover a desired walkway area, in which case electrical connections are provided between individual modules.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enclosing and heating a fluid flow control device. The apparatus includes a cover assembly and a heater element. The heater preferably has an elongated body for placement on or adjacent to the ground on which the fluid flow device extends. The method is directed to the use of the apparatus and positioning the heater in order to establish a substantially uniform thermal gradient within the cover in the range of less than two degrees per vertical inch of elevation.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for preventing the accumulation of snow and ice, and having an apertured heating mat in the form of a lattice or web. The heating mat is made of a durable weatherproof insulative polymer so that the mat may be installed on any outdoor surface, such as a driveway, walkway, or rooftop. The apertures within the lattice serve to increase the flexibility of the mat, thus allowing the mat to fit uneven surfaces. In addition, this flexibility allows the mat to be easily rolled up when not in use, the apparatus therefore only occupying minimal storage space. The heating mat is also constructed to be highly resistant to wear and may be left outdoors for the entire snow season, exposed to both the elements and frequent vehicular traffic without losing its effectiveness. Also included is a controller from which the apparatus can be set to a manual mode, in which the apparatus may be manually activated, or an automatic mode, in which the apparatus is automatically activated by snowfall.

Abstract: A road heater comprising (1) a linear heater which is comprised of a linear heating element and a flexible electrically insulating layer formed on the entire periphery of the linear heating element, and (2) an outer textile structure such as a braid which covers the entire periphery of the linear heater. The road heater has a compressive yield load (Lc) of at least 1,000 kg. The outer textile structure is made of a thermoplastic synthetic fiber, preferably, a polyester monofilament, having a melting point of at least 200.degree. C. and a single fiber fineness of at least 1,000 deniers. The linear heating element preferably comprises a flexible heat-generating mixed spun yarn composed of stainless steel fibers and heat-resistant electrically non-conductive fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for remediation of near surface soils, pavements and other surfaces using a radiant heating plate, an insulating layer, and a vapor barrier above the radiant heating plate and below the insulation. The radiant heating plate transfers thermal energy to the surface primarily by radiation and therefore need not be in contact with the surface over large areas. The radiant heating plate may also serve as a vacuum barrier for collecting contaminant vapors emanating from the subsurface soil.

Abstract: An unmanned snow prevention and removal system is provided which prevents or eliminates the accummulation of falling snow in selected ingress and egress passageways on the ground, such as sidewalks and driveways. An array of disposed parallel linear cooperative panels is provided covering such passageways upon which the accumulated falling snow is caught, and is subsequently intermittently and automatically thrown off such panels on wither side of their respective lengths by their sweeping motion through an arc of a circle from an initial near horizontal intersecting position by an electrical motor drive. Removal of accumulated snow from the panel array during their sweeping-throw and return motion as a result of the snow sliding downward of the panels is assisted by the provision of electrical heater elements disposed along the full length thereof and contained within the body of each panel which enables the accumulated snow to slide off the panel more readily.

Abstract: A device and method for melting ice and snow from walkways and steps is described. The device includes a rigid block of heat-conducting plastic suitable for mounting on steps. An electrical heating element provides heat. The heat is distributed to the entire block and melts the snow or ice on the surface.

Abstract: A device for ensuring free flow to roof rainwater outlets, especially on flat roofs, in connection with ice formation. The device comprises a feed means (1) in the form of at least one channel member (2) extending outwards from a gully (4) and being provided with a plurality of side inlet openings (6) along its length, and a heating cable (11) arranged within the channel member (2) and which is arranged to be thermostatically connected within a chosen temperature interval, to melt ice which has formed around the gully (4). The temperature interval of the thermostat suitably is ca. 2.degree. C. and this interval preferably is displaceable within a chosen temperature range, e.g. between -5.degree. C. and 0.degree. C. Alternatively, the thermostat records the surface temperature of the roof covering and connects the heating cable (11) when the temperature rises and passes 0.degree. C.

Abstract: A heated floor construction includes a supporting structure or an existing floor construction (1), a number of components (4) of sheet material (2), at least one electric heating cable (5) and a device (REG) for regulation of the heat dissipation of the heating cable. The heating cable is disposed in at least one channel (7) between the different sheet components. The channel has a width adapted to the largest diameter of the electric heating cable (5). The width of the sheet components (4) approximately corresponds to the predetermined cable spacing (cc-distance) minus the largest diameter of the heating cable, and the corners (11) of the sheet components (4) at the ends where the heating cable (5) changes direction are bevelled or cut-off. The channel is limited below by the floor construction (1). The sheet components are laid out on and fixed to the supporting or existing floor construction in such a way that the heating cable can be laid directly in the channel.

Abstract: A device for heating a mirror so as to prevent the formation of fog thereon. There is a generally planar electric heating element for the back surface of the mirror, and an electrostatic shield which is mountable between the heating element and the reflective coating on the mirror, so as to prevent the development of an electrostatic charge between the element and coating. The electrostatic shield may be provided by a layer of high resistance conductive ink printed on a sheet of insulation; the conductive material is connected to ground potential as provided by the neutral lead of a household AC power supply. The heating element may also be provided by high resistance conductive ink printed on a sheet of insulation, with low resistance ink being printed over this to provide a power distribution/return network.

Abstract: A snow melting device which includes a plurality of heating bodies arranged at intervals perpendicularly to the direction of traffic running and pedestrians walking on the road, each heating body including a planar heat generating element having at least a load bearing side thereof coated with a protective layer and having a terminal for connection to a power source.

Abstract: An ice dam melting system includes a heat cell which is placed on a roof and which includes an upper panel, a lower panel which is spaced apart from the upper panel, and a conduit which extends in the space between the upper and lower panels. A heat generating mechanism is disposed in the conduit to provide heat to the heat cell.

Abstract: A snow-melting apparatus of an electromagnetic induction heating type, comprises: a high frequency power source; a pair of conductive cables wound in at least one turn around a segment of each rail and through through-holes which are formed through side walls of the rail, the segment of the rail being defined between two through-holes; and a lead wire interconnecting the power source and the conductive cable, for supplying current from the power source to the conductive cable, thereby heating the rail by the flow of electromagnetic ally induced current in the rail segment.

Abstract: A snow and ice removal apparatus. The apparatus has a plurality of filament containers. Each filament container has a hollow interior and a heating element disposed within the interior. The filament container radiates heat when the heating element is energized. A mechanism for coupling together a plurality of filament containers is included to define a heat generation pathway. The pathway is adapted to melt snow or ice when energized. A mechanism is also included for transmitting energy to the heat generation pathway. Lastly, a controller is provided for manually and automatically adjusting the application of energy to the heat generation pathway.

Abstract: A heated mat structure provides a plurality of thin heated mats, each releasably interconnected in electrical parallel through an electrical powering system providing low voltage current. Each heated mat comprises relatively thin rectilinear laminated structure, having a rigid back panel with fastening means for positional maintenance, supporting a thin heating lamina having an element formed of electrically resistive metallic foil imbedded in plastic sheet material which in turn supports an outer surfacing lamina having an exposed surface of high friction material to prevent slipping. The laminae may carry plastic sheet material between adjacent surfaces and about peripheral edges to aid interconnection and isolation. All adjacent structural surfaces are mechanically joined. Each pad provides an electrical connector communicating spacedly from interconnection with its foil heating element.

Abstract: A heating pad for pets and livestock that includes a plastic surface and an envelope containing a reflective insulation upon which is mounted an electric heating circuit. The reflective insulation includes layers of foil and bubble insulation to store, distribute and direct the heat upward towards the animal while reducing heat loss through the ground or mounting surface. A temperature sensitive switch is provided to conserve energy by permitting power flow between maximum and minimum temperatures, while a lamp is provided to indicate when the unit is drawing energy. The disclosure includes a modification to permit the unit to be used as a fluid storage and warming shelf.

Abstract: An elongate channel member is arranged for mounting to a front wall of an awning to direct rainwater therefrom. The channel is arranged to include spaced lug members, having support apertures to each receive a fastener for securement of the channel to the awning member.

Abstract: A snow mat series is positioned in surrounding relationship relative to an associated automotive vehicle to effect melting of snow surrounding the vehicle to accommodate access thereto. The apparatus is positioned along a portion of the vehicle as required. The mats may be formed of a rigid housing construction or of a cellular construction that permits the melting snow to be directed through the cellular matrix of each mat.

Abstract: An insulating, substantially rectilinear, laminated building panel containing a reflective outer layer, an intermediate shatter shield, and an inner insulating layer. The inner insulating layer consists essentially of soda-lime glass, and it contains at least three evacuated chambers with reflective interior surfaces.

Abstract: An electric heating device is provided by the use of an electrical conductor or resistance element which is formed in the shape of a cable harness and encased in a polymer cement block. The conductor can be metal, alloy, or carbon fibre and the cement block, which has good electrical insulating and good heat conducting properties, is composed of approximately 75%-95% by weight of inorganic or mineral filler and 5%-25% of a polymer or plastics material. The electrical element is wound in harness form so that the required wattage is dissipated within the block without the requirement of any type of thermostatic control. Further by the selection of pigments and various combinations of mineral or inorganic material, heating devices can be produced having any desired size, shape or decorative texture.

Abstract: The process for on-track neutralization of the rails of a railway consists in causing to move past continuously along the rails (R2) at least one heating element (12), measuring continuously the value of the temperature of the rails before heating, measuring the value of the speed of movement past of the heating elements in relation to the rails, measuring the value of the change in the temperature of the rails after heating until the moment of their on-track fixing and controlling the heating of the heating elements (12) as a function of the said values.

Abstract: A heater blanket for use in soil remediation utilizes a rigid construction which isolates the heater elements from air, water, and contaminant vapors which could act to oxidize, embrittle or otherwise degrade the integrity of the electrical heaters. A rigid structural frame is constructed from a support frame of parallel members which are rigidly connected to a series of support tubes perpendicular thereto. The support tubes enclose and protect the heater elements. One or more heater modules thus constructed may be easily transported to a selected site.

Abstract: This invention comprises a surface heating blanket assembly useful for soil remediation. The assembly principally comprises a metallic furnace belt with tubular electric heating elements inserted between the rungs thereof and making low resistance contact therewith. The furnace belt heater is capable of being rolled and dragged, and flexibly conforms to the earth's surface for maximum heat transfer to the soil. A layer of permeable insulation and an impermeable sheet may be placed on top of the heater. A vacuum may be pulled under the impermeable layer by means of a hole therethrough connected to a vacuum pump.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method by which an opening into a lateral pipe connection for a pipeline into which a liner is being installed may be sealed and protectively lined. The invention features a bushing which is emplaced in the lateral connection by use of an expandable mandrel and a control means. The bushing includes an integral heating element for softening the thermoplastic material from which the bushing is formed. O-rings are positioned between the bushing and the lateral pipe to form a seal.

Abstract: A soil heater assembly (SHA) utilizes for example, two or more, 5 ft by 10 ft heating sections rigidly bolted together. Each section contains three NICHROME heating elements encased in ceramic beads which are floatingly pinned to a 4-inch thick ceramic fiber insulation encased in NEXTEL cloth. The heating elements run across the entire length and width of the SHA, spaced approximately three inches apart. The heating sections are pinned to their respective 5 ft by 10 ft stainless steel support frame, which is made out of structural angles and flat bars, with pins running through the four-inch ceramic fiber insulation. Since the insulation is somewhat compressible and the pins are slideable therethrough, i.e. not fixed, the heater elements can move or "float" vertically to accommodate surface irregularities of the soil. Both heating sections and support frames are then positioned side-by-side on the ground, bolted together, and covered by another four inches of fiber insulation.

Abstract: The outer wall (19) of a heated room. In a variant, the air is heated by contact with the wall (19), which then is equipped with a Coanda effect air circulation (21). The air (24) is preheated before entering the room.

Abstract: An electric heating attachment for electrically heating the exterior portion of a sewer vent of a building to keep the vent from clogging from snow and/or ice and frost that may accumulate on the building roof. The attachment has an elongated rod insertable into the vent a with an electric heating tape extending along the length thereof. Laterally extending arms on an upper portion of the rod engage the top edge of the vent to limit the extent of the insertion of the rod into the vent. The section of the rod extending above the lateral arms terminates in a hoop portion having a portion of the heating tape extending therealong to heat the area immediately above the sewer vent to keep this area open to the atmosphere by melting the snow and/or ice above the vent.

Abstract: A metal facade construction having a heating device acting as a building heating system in a supporting structure located on the inside of the building can be obtained by arranging, on the supporting structure, heating cables in grooves of the metal profiles forming the supporting structure. These heating cables contain, inside an insulated enclosure, a temperature-sensitive heating conductor material which, in the event of a local temperature increase in a specfic portion of the heating cable, increases its specific resistance in that portion and thereby reduces the heating capacity in order to reduce its temperature in that heating cable portion, so that the heating cable exhibits a self-regulation property over its entire length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for heating, by infrared radiation, fixed on a wall 3 or beneath the ceiling of a room of a building, comprising a flat infrared radiation emitter constituted by a sheet 5 made of an electrically conducting material connected to a source 15, 16 of supply of low-voltage electric current, characterized in that the electrically conducting sheet 5 forms part of at least one composite band 4 and it is coated, on its face turned towards the interior of the room to be heated, with a thin black layer, with high emissive power, and, on the opposite side, with a sheet 8 forming reflector of the infrared radiation in the direction of the interior of the room.

Abstract: A window of a double glazing system includes a window frame formed in a wall of a room, a sash fitted in the window frame and an outer glazing mounted in the sash, all of which are conventional. A second glazing is mounted to the sash and at an interior position relative to the outer glazing, so as to form an air circulation space between the second and outer glazings. The second glazing is heated by a transparent electrical resistance layer formed thereon and apertures are formed in the sash to create an air circulation path from the outside, through the air circulation space into the room. As a result, fresh air circulating into the room is heated by the heated second glazing.

Abstract: A truck trailer or similar bulk storage area is heated by providing electrical resistance heaters in longitudinally-extending metal ducts extending from and to a short distance below the floor level. Electrical sheet resistance heaters are attached to the underside of the metal plate forming the duct top, each duct is placed between a longitudinally-extending pair of wooden floor boards, and a pair of ducts are placed side-by-side near each edge of the trailer bed or floor of the storage area.

Abstract: A flexible hosing for circulation of a heat transfer fluid to effect heat exchange within a concrete or other type of slab. An inner wall comprising nylon, rayon or other similar material forms an inner wall of the hosing to resist corrosive attack by the heat transfer fluid. A locator wire is embedded within the hosing for transmission of a locating signal so that the position of the hosing within the slab may be accurately determined. The wire may also serve as an electrical resistance heating element should the heat transfer fluid become frozen, or should it be desired that the heat exchange system be operated without an external boiler or other heat source.

Abstract: A surface coating with heater cable, for the heating of surface structures such as ships' decks, or floors. The coating consists of a foundation layer of a plastic material which forms a base for the heater cable (2), a conducting layer (4) of a plastic material where particles of metal or similar thermically-conducting particles (5) are sealed inside, and a covering layer (6) of a material with significantly lower thermic conductivity, than the conducting layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for air-conditioning premises, with exchange of heat energy by low temperature infrared radiation, comprising a flat element for exchanging heat energy by low temperature infrared radiation, extending parallel to a wall of the room, at a distance therefrom, wherein it comprises, between the heat exchanger element and the wall, an element reflecting the low temperature infrared radiation and, towards the interior of this room, a sheet stretched across the room, made of a material behaving in diathermic manner with respect to the low temperature infrared radiation, the heat exchanger element, the element reflecting the radiation and the sheet being hooked, along their edges, to walls of the room.

Abstract: An electrically heated sauna oven comprising a housing, a number of stone elements, particularly soap rock elements, and electric resistor elements, and the electric power supplied therein is controlled by means of a control unit. The stone elements are slabs mutually alike slabs of a regular shape, which are adjacently attached to the housing. The housing is formed of a plate-like underlay, which is vertically attached to the sauna wall. The electric resistor elements are fitted inside each stone element.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizing a flexible web construction, including a series of electrical heating resistance elements directed therethrough. The mat includes a ribbed upper surface overlying a ribbed bottom surface. The upper surface includes sloping side walls positioned medially about a central ridge to direct fluid downwardly from an upper surface of the mat. Hollow chambers are optionally formed throughout the mat longitudinally thereof overlying the electric coils to cushion the coils and simultaneously produce heat chambers for maintaining a constant temperature throughout the web construction. Further, fiber optic cables may be included in side chambers longitudinally coextensive with side edges of the web to illuminate boundary portions of the web for individuals during limited light conditions.

Abstract: An under floorcovering heating systems for positioning below a floorcovering is provided. The systems include pads having a heat conducting substrate within which is positioned solid conductor resistance heating wires in a serpentine manner for heating the substrate. The wire is covered by at least one layer of material providing electrical insulation and strong mechanical strength, jacketed by an electrically conductive "self-healing" ("self-curing") strong layer of material for the purposes of grounding and protecting the system. Also provided are electrical connecting mechanisms for connecting the resistance wire to a source of electricity including mechanisms connected to the jacketed conductive material for grounding the system.