Abstract: An HVAC comfort system operates in a cabin of a vehicle. A plurality of vehicle status parameters are measured including a cabin temperature and a seat occupancy configuration. The method detects whether the vehicle status parameters correspond to a predetermined override state. When the vehicle status parameters correspond to the predetermined override state, then a respective mandated setting is automatically activated. Unless prevented by the mandated setting, one of a plurality of HVAC modes is automatically selected in response to the cabin temperature and other inputs, wherein the HVAC modes include an extremity heating mode and a panel circulation mode. The extremity heating mode is comprised of automatic activation of a touchpoint heated surface and other outputs in response to the seat occupancy configuration.

Abstract: A seat heater (10) that is provided on a seat (1) including a seat cushion (2) and a seat back (3) includes a first heating element (12U) provided in an upper section (3Lu) of a backrest (3L) in the seat back (3) and a second heating element (12L) provided in a lower section (3Ll) of the backrest (3L) in the seat back (3). In addition, a heat generation density of the first heating element (12U) is lower than a heat generation density of the second heating element (12L).

Abstract: A heated underbody supports including heated mattresses, heated mattress overlays and heated pads, and methods of using heated underbody supports, for therapeutic warming. The heated underbody supports include a heater assembly and a layer of compressible support material. The heater assembly includes a flexible heating element , first and second bus bars, and a temperature sensor. The flexible heating element is a conductive fabric which can be adapted to stretch into a 3-dimensional compound curve without wrinkling or folding while maintain electrical conductivity, and wherein the heating element is adapted to return to the planar shape when pressure is removed. The flexible heating element may include a fabric which is coated with a conductive or semi-conductive polymer. The heated underbody support may also include a water resistant shell which may encase the heater assembly and the compressible support material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic mattress heating apparatus which automatically heats a mattress selectively or completely. An automatic mattress heating apparatus which automatically heats a part or the entirety of a heated area of a mattress according to the number of sleeping persons or the positions of the sleeping persons. The automatic mattress heating apparatus is safely and conveniently used while properly providing heat according to the number of sleeping persons or the positions of the sleeping persons without waste of energy.

Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.

Abstract: An electric heating blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element and a shell. The shell covers the heating blanket an includes two sheets of flexible material welded together.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a seat heater for a seat is provided. The method includes determining a timer value by a heated seat control module. The timer value is based on at least a current heater setting of the seat heater. The method includes sending the timer value to a timer. The timer counts down from the timer value and sends a timer expired signal to the heated seat control module if the amount of time indicated by the timer value has expired. The method includes determining a modified heater setting if the heated seat control module receives the time expired signal. The modified heater setting indicates a reduced level of heat provided to the seat heater. The method includes sending a notification signal to a signal generation module. The notification signal includes the modified heater setting.

Abstract: The heating apparatus comprises a stratified and flattened body, said body comprising, from the centre outwards, two first layers of laminar electricity conducting elements coupled together by interposing one centre layer of first laminar insulating means; two second layers of second laminar insulating means covering said two first layers; at least one third layer of laminar means covering said second layers, said second layers comprising sheets of adhesive material that can be removed by pulling them from said first layers.

Abstract: A more comfortable seat is provided by detecting whether or not a person is in a seat. A seat has a heating element 1, a seat surface temperature detector 5 that is situated below a seat surface cover and that detects the temperature of the seat surface, and a seating determination unit 6 for determining whether or not a seat is occupied. A determination is made as to whether or not a seat is occupied according to an amount of temperature change detected by the seat surface temperature detector 5 for a predetermined period of time, whereby a determination can be readily made as to whether or not a person is seated. When no one is seated, application of power to the heating element 1 is stopped, and the like, which in turn contributes to energy saving and enhancement of fuel efficiency.

Abstract: A seat heating device of the invention includes a cover covering a rear side of a seat back through a bottom side of a seat part and a heater being flexible and disposed behind the cover and between the cover and the seat. With this configuration, radiant heating of lower legs and feet of a back seat passenger is realized with a single heater.

Abstract: A surface structure (1) that is at least partially electrically conductively coated by a conductor coating (11), and which can be connected to an electric power source by at least one electric connecting conductor (2). The connecting conductor (2) electrically contacts the conductor coating (11) at at least one solder point (3), and the conductive coating (11) is thickened at least at one contact zone (4) in the area of the solder point (3) as opposed to other areas (7) of the surface structure (1).

Abstract: Areal shapable heating element (2) covered by electro-insulation foil (3), with metal heat-conductive layer (4) placed above whereof, is placed on the seating part of the bench (1). The set is covered from the top and side of the bench (1) by carpet decorative layer (5).

Abstract: An electric auxiliary heating unit reliably avoids temperature overshoots of the heated air. To this end, the temperature of the air flowing into the heating is determined and converted into a heating power for controlling the heating elements. This is preferably done via a stored characteristic field via which a plurality of vehicle parameters, such as the vehicle speed, the opening condition of the convertible top, etc., can be taken into account. Also the temperature of the incoming air can be derived from temperature values which are already available in the vehicle. A user-friendly electric heating can be realized very easily in this way. Temperature fluctuations in the heated air can be avoided reliably and easily even in the case of dynamically varying operating conditions of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A radiant therapeutic heating apparatus may include a radiant heat generating layer having a plane surface including an infrared radiator adapted to radiate heat evenly from its surface, a pair of flexible electrically insulating and radiation-permeable layers located adjacent and covering opposite sides of the layer, a thermal insulation layer disposed against and covering one of the electrically insulating layers, and a sealed radiation permeable envelope enclosing the heating apparatus. The flexible heat generating layer may include a fiberglass material impregnated with a resistive material, which material may provide a surface temperature, when current is conducted therethrough, of no greater than about 54 degrees Celsius. Current limiting thermostats may be provided to prevent energy and temperature spikes. A stiffening element may help protect the components, and may orient portions of a user's body (such as, e.g., but not limited to, the wrist for repetitive strain injuries) in a therapeutic position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat heater, which is used for applications in the range of heating voltages of up to 1000 V, produces attainable powers of up to 2 kW/m2 and is characterized by the fact that the electrical resistance required for the heating is formed by an electrically conductive cellulose nonwoven. Metallic contacts which are incorporated ensure the connection of the conductive cellulose nonwoven to a voltage source. Polymer films applied on both sides provide mechanical and electrical protection and prevent the ingress of moisture into the cellulose nonwoven.

Abstract: A vehicle heating system using a PTC heater is provided, which includes an input unit for inputting set temperatures of a driver seat and a passenger seat, a control unit outputting PWM control signals so as to control respective outputs of a left heat source portion and a right heat source portion formed in the PTC heater based on the set temperatures input through the input unit, and a power supply unit supplying power to the left heat source portion and the right heat source portion, respectively, in accordance with the PWM control signals output from the control unit.

Abstract: A temperature-controllable heated seat includes: a housing providing a certain amount of internal space; heating wires disposed within the housing, having bent portions repeated from one end portion to the other end portion of the housing, and heating the housing upon receiving power; and a thermostat unit disposed at a periphery of the heating wires and controlling power supply to the heating wires such that the temperature of the housing does not exceed a pre-set temperature value.

Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-type heater designed to allow uniform generation of heat across the entire surface of the heater, comprising an upper component composed of a first outer covering and a first intermediate layer joined together and a lower component composed of a second outer covering and a second intermediate layer joined together, with a heating element being placed between said upper component and lower component and wires laminated onto the two end surfaces of said heating element.

Abstract: A seat heater includes a base sheet, a plurality of sheet heating elements disposed on the base sheet, and two sheet electrodes coupled to each of the sheet heating elements. Each of the sheet heating elements has a rectangular shape with a long side of not more than 9 cm and a short side of not more than 5 cm. Each of the sheet electrodes is disposed on each of the sheet heating elements substantially along the entire short side of the sheet heating element.

Abstract: A planar heating device and a seat equipped with the device include: first and second warming heaters (1, 2) connected in parallel with electric power source (4); thermistor (5); thermostat (6) connected in series with second warming heater (2); a heating part, i.e., first warming heater (1), that heats thermistor (5) and thermostat (6); and controller (3) to control temperatures of first and second warming heaters (1, 2) in accordance with temperature information from thermistor (5). For a period until thermostat (6) turns off, quick-heating property is improved by energizing first and second warming heaters (1, 2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element for heating at least one surface contacted at times by a user, with a plurality of heating conductors or heating conductor sections that are directly or indirectly connected electrically to one another, at least in part by mutual contact, with at least one heating conductor or heating conductor section which, upon exceeding a permissible maximum temperature, at least temporarily loses its electrical conductivity at least in part. It is provided that the electrical resistance of at least two heating conductors or heating conductor sections is dependent at least in part on its mechanical strain, that these heating conductors or heating conductor sections are electrically connected to one another in parallel, and that they are separated from one another at least in sections by a spacing zone in order to prevent electrical connection between them in spacing zone.

Abstract: A device (1.1) for the radiation of scalp hair (2) using infrared radiation (10.3), wherein the infrared radiation (10.3) is generated by at least one linear-shaped infrared lamp (3.1) with a reflector system (4). In a first exemplary embodiment, a first reflector (6.1) is allocated to the infrared lamp (3.1) on the longitudinal side, wherein the infrared lamp (3.1) basically forms an optical collection line of the first reflector (6.1). The first reflector (6.1) with a first reflection side (9.1) and a second reflector (6.2) with a second reflection side (9.2) are placed facing each other, wherein the infrared lamp (3.1) is enclosed by the first and the second reflector (6.1, 6.2), by at least 360° altogether.

Abstract: A seat assembly including a seat cushion, a heating element, a heating circuit, a occupant sensing circuit, and an isolation circuit. The seat cushion has a seating surface, the heating element is adjacent the seating surface and is formed of electrically conductive material. The heating circuit is coupled to the heating element for supplying electrical current to the heating element for generating heat. The occupant sensing circuit is also coupled to the heating element for sensing the presence of an occupant near the heating element. The isolation circuit is interposed between the heating circuit and the heating element for isolating the heating circuit from the occupant sensing circuit.

Abstract: A forming method of a toilet seat which is integrally formed with an embedded heating wire uses primarily a plastic material or glass fiber reinforced plastic to embed a heating wire in a toilet seat, forming the toilet seat which is integrally formed with the embedded heating wire. The toilet seat which is integrally formed with the embedded heating wire is characterized in that the said toilet seat is embedded with the heating wire which contacts with the toilet seat without leaving a gap, thereby forming the integrally formed toilet seat.

Abstract: A heated construction box includes a heater constructed for generating heat within the construction box when connected to a power source. The construction box may include a dehumidifier, extendable supports and/or a retractable power cord assembly, as well as a cooled compartment, a hot plate and/or a microwave oven for heating or cooling solvent, paint, lacquer, epoxy, sealant, caulk, tar and the like, or food and beverage.

Abstract: A toilet seat heating device is installed between a toilet cover and a bowl to provide a warming function when people use the toilet. The toilet seat heating device includes a base plate which is provided with a carbon fiber on the hotline, an upper seat and a cooling fin which is provided between the base plate and the upper seat. An upper side of the base plate is provided with an annular groove into which the carbon fiber on the hotline is provided to contact with the cooling fin. When the carbon fiber on the hotline is energized, the cooling fin can quickly absorb heat energy of the carbon fiber on the hotline and then conduct the heat energy upward to the upper seat, thereby providing a warm and comfortable toilet seat.

Abstract: A heated seat comprising: a cushion with one or more trench areas; a heater comprising: a carrier with a periphery, the carrier further including: a first electrically functional layer that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier; and a second electrically functional layer that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion; and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge and a second side edge, and each side edge includes a cutout, and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other forming a neck portion; wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device over the neck portion of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment device to the cushion so that the neck portion is pulled into the trench; wherein the neck portion is free of the second electricall

Abstract: An embroidered electrode (10) consists of embroidered elements (12, 13, 14) of electrically conductive thread sewn on a backing material (11). Within a given element the orientation of stitching is selected to be parallel to the direction in which the element extends.

Abstract: A seat assembly and a method of controlling temperature of a seat assembly. The seat assembly may include a seat bottom configured to move between a first position and a second position. A flexible duct provides air to the seat bottom. The flexible duct has a housing defining an air passage and a plurality of support members disposed in the air passage. The flexible duct moves when the seat bottom moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A panel heating system including a support and a heating layer, which contains electrically conductive plastic, with the heating layer configured from a flexible film and the support is flexible. A heatable object is provided, such as, a panel healing system. A method for producing the heating system, in which a heating layer containing electrically conductive plastic is joined to a support. The heating layer is formed by the application of an electrically conductive, in particular expandable or expanded, plastic material to the support, and the subsequent curing of the plastic material on the support. A seat occupancy recognition system is provided that contains elements including electrically conductive plastic. A seat having a seat occupancy recognition system, in addition to a seat occupancy recognition method, according to which a change in the resistance of an electrically conductive plastic material is detected as a result of a weight load on the material.

Abstract: There is provided a laminated sheet heater whose mounting space is small, a lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater that requires only a small mounting space and provides high reliability of electrical connection between a heater element and a lead wire, a heater-equipped battery structure provided with the laminated sheet heater or the lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater, and a heater unit. In a first lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater, a foil heater element includes a heater terminal portion protruding into a film void part in a planar direction of a laminated sheet heater. A lead core wire of a lead wire includes a lead terminal portion crimp-connected to a heater terminal portion by a crimping member so that the lead core wire is placed in contact with the surface of the heater terminal portion within a film void part in the planar direction of the laminated sheet heater.

Abstract: An electrode unit for detecting whether a seat is occupied or not (occupancy conditions) is embedded in a seat of an automotive vehicle together with an electrically powered seat heater. Both of the electrode unit and the seat heater are flat, and the electrode unit is laminated on the heat heater. The electrode unit is composed of an upper electrode, a lower electrode and an insulating film disposed between both electrodes. The occupancy conditions are detected based on changes in a capacitance between the upper electrode and a member grounded to a vehicle body. To reduce a capacitance between the upper electrode and seat heater and to thereby improve sensitivity of the detection of the occupancy conditions, an alternating voltage that alternates in accordance with an alternating voltage supplied to the upper electrode is supplied to the lower electrode.

Abstract: A yarn (100) comprising one or more bundles (110, 120, 130), each of said one or more bundles comprising at least thirty metal fibres is described. The metal fibres (140) comprise stainless steel and a metal which is electrically more conductive than stainless steel. The yarn is twisted with a predetermined number of torsions per meter, said predetermined number of torsions per meter is smaller than 80 per meter and larger than 10 per meter. By doing so, an improved flexlife of the yarn can be obtained.

Abstract: A patient activated temperature-controlled surface is disclosed. The patient activated temperature controlled surface includes a floor, a temperature source capable of supplying heat, cold, or both to the floor, and an actuator element for turning on and off the temperature source. The actuator element is activated and deactivated by the presence or absence, respectively, of the weight of the patient either directly or indirectly upon the actuator element. An animal bed is also disclosed. A method for providing comfort to a patient employing the patient activated temperature-controlled surface of this invention is also provided.

Abstract: A built-in heating device for a bed mattress including a base plate, a heater coupled with an upper surface of the base plate such that the heater is spaced apart from the base plate, a side member formed along an upper edge of the base plate without coming into contact with the heater, and a net-type protection cover coupled with an upper portion of the side member, wherein a plurality of support members is coupled to an upper portion of a side of the side member while being bent into the shape of as seen in a side view and separated from the upper surface of the protection cover, so as to, when the heating device is installed between bed springs in the bed mattress and pressure is applied onto the upper surface of the protection cover, prevent the protection cover from being damaged.

Abstract: A ceramic heater, heat exchange unit, and warm water washing toilet seat are provided having excellent temperature rise characteristics and a shortened heating time to reach a predetermined water temperature. A ceramic heater having a pattern watt density of 50 W/cm2 and above, and a surface watt density of 25 W/cm2 and above has a short start-up time and excellent temperature rise characteristics. Further, the thickness of a core is reduced to between 0.5 mm and 1.9 mm (circular tube thickness is between 1 mm and 2.4 mm), which enables efficient transfer of heat from the ceramic heater to water flowing in the circular tube. Accordingly, a gap between a heat exchanger and the ceramic heater is not necessarily narrowed, such that air bubbles are not likely trapped and breakage of the ceramic heater by thermal shock can be suppressed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a polymer resistor capable of being formed thin and exhibiting low resistance, thereby providing a polymer heating element in which the flexibility and usability and reliability of a planar heating element at the time of attachment to an appliance are improved while reducing the cost. The polymer heating element includes an electrically insulating base substrate 2, at least a pair of electrodes 3, 3? made of a plurality of thin metal wires formed on the electrically insulating base substrate 2, a polymer resistor 4 which is not in direct contact with the pair of electrodes 3, 3? and which has PTC characteristics, and conductive layers 5, 5? which are in contact with both the electrodes 3, 3? and the polymer resistor 4, in which the conductive layers 5, 5? include at least a resin component, a conductor component and an additive component.

Abstract: An electric heating blanket system includes a flexible sheet-like heating element having a substantially uniform watt density output across a surface area thereof, when the heating element is electrically powered. A temperature sensor is coupled to the heating element at a location where the heating element will be in conductive contact with a body when the blanket is draped over the body. The system further includes a temperature controller coupled to the temperature sensor, and an electric power source coupled to the heating element and to the temperature controller, the power source being controlled to provide the watt density output for the heating element according to a temperature sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electric heating element with at least one flat heating resistor to be arranged near a surface to be heated, and at least one electrode that serves to feed a current into the heating resistor and features at least two contact conductor strands that are, at least locally, connected to one another and to the heating resistor, at least in an elongated contacting region. The invention proposes that at least at one location along the electrode and/or the contacting region at which at least one of the contact conductor strands, at least locally, extends parallel to the direction of the electrode, and/or the contacting region, at least one additional contact conductor strand, at least locally, extends at an angle thereto.

Abstract: Linear-type sheathed heaters are arranged substantially in parallel with each other in a case body. Regions near the ends of the outer peripheral surface of each of the sheathed heaters are held by elastic holding members so as to move in the axial direction. A cylindrical space is formed between the outer peripheral surface of each of the sheathed heater and the case body. A space is provided that communicates the cylindrical spaces.

Abstract: A heated collapsible article of furniture is provided. The article of furniture has a collapsible frame movable from an open orientation to a collapsed orientation. A heating element is formed integrally with the article of furniture and is configured for converting electrical energy to thermal energy. A rechargeable electrical storage device is couple to the heating element and configured to receive electrical energy photovoltaically and provide the electrical energy to the heating element.

Abstract: A vehicle heating apparatus which directly detects an anomaly in temperature sensors for a heated portion of a vehicle or other device, including first and second front thermistors and first and second rear thermistors in front and rear seats, respectively, and a heater controller which stops a front heater group when a difference between temperatures detected respectively by the first and second front thermistors reaches a predetermined threshold value and which stops a rear heater group when a difference between temperatures detected respectively by the first and second rear thermistors reaches a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a garment includes a fabric having a channel, a heat conductive wire disposed in the channel, a power source coupled to the heat conductive wire and detachably attached to the garment, and a controller electrically coupled to the power source and detachably attached to the garment, wherein the controller is configured with a heat setting. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of heating a garment includes providing a fabric, forming a channel, disposing a heat conductive wire within the channel, connecting the heat conductive wire with a power source, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery, and adjusting the heating of the garment by operating the power source and the heat conductive wire using a controller.

Abstract: A heating device having a layer containing electrically conductive plastic. The layer exhibits adhesive characteristics at least in some sections on at least one side. A heatable object equipped with a heating device of this type. The layer containing electrically conductive plastic is connected to at least one component of an object. A. radiant heating system including a support and a heating layer containing electrically conductive plastic, whereby the heating layer is formed by a flexible film and the support is also flexible. Methods to produce such products and apparatus.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a highly durable sheet-heating element that has flexibility for making a seat more comfortable, that alleviates load stress for a heater wire while being seated, and that prevents the heater wire from being disconnected. Since a sheet-heating element related to the invention has a configuration in which a base member (11) of a sheet-heating element (10) is made of a flexible non-woven, it is possible to obtain flexibility for making the seat more comfortable. Also, since a surface of the base member (11) is subjected to a calender process so as to harden the surface, it is possible to stably obtain a hardness of for preventing a heater wire (12) from being disconnected when the load stress occurs while being seated. Accordingly, it is possible to make the seat more comfortable and to obtain high durability for preventing the heater wire (12) from being disconnected when the load stress occurs while being seated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.

Abstract: There is disclosed a control system for operating automotive vehicle components. The control system typically includes at least a control module programmed with instructions for controlling a heater, a ventilator or both.

Abstract: A heated body mat realized by an assembly covered by a protective enclosure. The assembly has a major dimension (e.g., length) and includes a heat reflecting layer disposed between a top foam panel and a bottom foam panel. A resistive heater element is arranged in a single loop that provides coverage over a substantial part of the area of the mat. A plurality of thermostats (preferably 3 or more) are integrated as part of the loop and arranged in a series configuration being spaced apart along the major dimension of the assembly. Each one of said thermostats is normally closed and opens at one or more predetermined threshold temperatures to thereby open the current path loop realized by the resistive heater element. In use, electric power is supplied to the resistive heater element to generate heat that is emitted from the mat.

Abstract: A heating device comprises a heater having a first surface and a second surface, with the second surface being generally opposite of the first surface. The heater is configured to receive an electrical current and convert it to heat. The heating device additionally includes at least one heat transfer assembly positioned along the first and/or second surface of the heater. In one embodiment, the heat transfer assembly includes a plurality of fins that generally define a plurality of fin spaces through which fluids may pass. In some arrangements, the heating device comprises an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the heater and one or more of the heat transfer assemblies. Heat generated by the heater is transferred to the fins of the heat transfer assembly. In addition, fluids passing through the fin spaces are selectively heated when electrical current is provided to the heater.