Chair, Bed, Or Other Body-supporting Means Patents (Class 219/217)
  • Patent number: 6653607
    Abstract: A heating pad system is useable in one embodiment for warming a person on a support structure. In this embodiment, the heating pad system comprises an upper foam pad, a lower foam pad, and a thermal-electric heating element sandwiched between the upper and lower foam pads. A form-fitting waterproof cover encloses at least a portion of the upper and lower foam pads and the thermal-electric heating element. In one aspect of this embodiment, the heating pad system includes a power unit for providing electrical power to the thermal-electric heating element, the power unit including a control panel having at least one temperature selector, the temperature selector for selecting at least one heating pad temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: American Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Douglas Ellis, Charles C. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 6653605
    Abstract: A system for controlling the heating and temperature monitoring of infant incubators and infant warmers is provided with an incubator or infant warmer space, a heater for heating the space as well as a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor. An input device for input of one or more control setting works in conjunction with a control device connected to the heater and to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The control device forms a control temperature from an input first skin temperature target control setting for a first patient and an input of a second skin temperature target control setting for a second patient and further patients if present and controls the heater based on a difference between the control temperature and an actual temperature value based on a first actual temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor and a second actual temperature sensed by the second temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Harald Alexander Kneuer
  • Patent number: 6649886
    Abstract: A highly flexible and reliable electric heating cloth and method for providing a stable elevated temperature to an environmental site. The heating cloth is comprised of conductive resistive threads which are interwoven with non-conductive threads. One characterizing feature of the cloth is that the diameters of the threads are less than 0.7 mm. Another distinguishing feature is that the conducting resistive threads have thin outer shells containing a matrix of a thermally stable, elastomeric, high temperature polymer and dispersed particles of carbon formed from acetylene and colloidal graphite. A third distinguishing feature is that an arrangement of conductive bus bars and conductive distributing bars in the heating cloth make it possible to divide the cloth into multiple heating zones. A method is disclosed for producing the heating cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: David Kleshchik
  • Publication number: 20030150850
    Abstract: An electrical heating element for heating units of seats and steering wheels is provided. The heating element comprises at least one conductor having at least one core-coated wire that serves as a heat conductor and/or as a contact conductor and/or as a lead for temperature probes. The coating comprises steel and the core comprises copper or a copper alloy, or the coating comprises copper or a copper alloy and the core comprises steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventor: Jochen Michelmann
  • Publication number: 20030121899
    Abstract: A heated patient diagnostic table 10 is provided, including a tabletop 12 and a heater array 14 in communication with the tabletop 12. The heater array 14 includes a conductive polymer coating 16 compatible for use in medical diagnostic imaging systems. The conductive polymer coating 16 is utilized to produce thermal energy capable of heating the tabletop 12 and thereby increase patient comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Andrew Scott Argersinger, Jonathan Mark Butzine
  • Patent number: 6582456
    Abstract: An apparatus for warming a patient includes a patient support surface having an outer cover configured to contact the patient, an electrically conductive fabric located within the cover, and a controller electrically coupled to the conductive fabric to heat the electrically conductive fabric to a selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Hand, Richard L. Borders, Richard H. Heimbrock
  • Publication number: 20030111454
    Abstract: To provide a seat heater and the manufacturing method thereof, having the stable adherent strength between the heating wire and the base cloth for a long time, with a good seat feeling, at a lower cost. The seat heater is comprising, a base cloth mixed with heat bonding filament, and a heating wire having a heat bonding layer and being placed in a predetermined pattern shape, in order to adhere to and be fixed on the base cloth by heat bonding under heat and pressure. Thus the stable adherent strength between the heating wire and the base cloth may be maintained for a long time, with a good seat feeling, at a lower cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: Kurabe Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomokazu Ishiyama, Masatsugu Saito, Yasuhiro Hase, Osamu Koide
  • Patent number: 6580060
    Abstract: A foot warmer mat including an electrical heater element embedded in the mat combined with a heater air circulation emanating from a detachable hood at one end of the mat. A vibrator is also embedded in the mat to stimulate the soles of a user's feet. An automotive electrical adapter is used to power the electrical components to allow controlled activation by a vehicle passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventors: Derrick M. Inman, Carla B. Inman
  • Publication number: 20030102296
    Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: James P. Nelson, Tilak R. Varma, Michael Starozhitsky, Paul J. Storiz, Edward Bulgajewski
  • Patent number: 6559422
    Abstract: An expandable chamber support system for vehicle seat and mattress applications includes an expandable chamber constructed from facing sheets of flexible impermeable material that are sealed along their marginal edges. One of the sheets is formed of electrically conductive an elastomeric membrane that is electrically resistance heated while providing a source of pressure support for an occupant supported by the expandable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Ctex Seat Comfort Limited
    Inventor: Steven Burt
  • Patent number: 6552310
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heating cable mat (1) comprising a net-shaped supporting element (2) and a heating cable (4) which is arranged on the supporting element. The surface (3) of the supporting element is adhesive, and the heating cable (4) is arranged in abutment against the supporting element (2). To further fix the heating cable (4), a second net-shaped supporting element (10) is arranged adjacent to the heating cable mat so that the heating cable (4) is located between the two supporting elements (2, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Raychem HTS Nordic AB
    Inventors: Roland Hulldin, Micael Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6541737
    Abstract: A temperature detector for an air-conditioned vehicle seat with seat heating and/or seat ventilation is disclosed. To ensure accurate temperature measurement for regulation purposes close to the surface of the seat cushion while eliminating purely local temperature peaks, the temperature detector is provided with a flat, extended heat absorption surface, which is preferably formed by a thin, flexible layer of good thermal conductivity in which a temperature sensor in button or disc form is firmly embedded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Harun Eksin, Johannes Hummel, Karl Pfahler, Lothar Renner
  • Patent number: 6540303
    Abstract: A flexible cover for a vehicle seat, the cover having an inside face against which a conductive thread is fixed by means of a flexible assembly thread forming a seam of chain stitches, which seam does not pass through the cover and is not visible on its outside face, the assembly thread penetrating into the thickness of the cover and surrounding the conductive thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'Automobile SA
    Inventor: Pablo Mosquera
  • Publication number: 20030024924
    Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for heating a vehicle seat including a heating element for heating the vehicle seat, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature created by the heating element, a control unit connected to the heating element and including a feed line for feeding a current to the heating element if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is below a predetermined desired temperature, a communicator for receiving information from an external source, an external operating unit separated from the control unit, at least one functioning unit connected to the external operating unit, the external operating unit including programmed logic for generating information based on the state of the functional unit and a programmed function transmitting the information, and a transmission channel for transmitting the information from the external operating unit to the control unit whereby the control unit can be operated by means of that information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventor: Tommy Fristedt
  • Publication number: 20020185483
    Abstract: A heating element that can be incorporated into a molded foam article closely adjacent to the outer cover sheet without showing any evidence that a heating element is encapsulated within the foam portion of the article and provides essentially the same relatively softness and “feel” that would be obtained if the heating element was not part of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Check, William R. Parnis, Thomas A. Stuef
  • Patent number: 6489595
    Abstract: A heating element that can be incorporated into a molded foam article closely adjacent to the outer cover sheet without showing any evidence that a heating element is encapsulated within the foam portion of the article and provides essentially the same relatively softness and “feel” that would be obtained if the heating element was not part of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Check Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Check, William R. Parnis, Thomas A. Stuef
  • Publication number: 20020170902
    Abstract: A heating element that can be incorporated into a molded foam article closely adjacent to the outer cover sheet without showing any evidence that a heating element is encapsulated within the foam portion of the article and provides essentially the same relatively softness and “feel” that would be obtained if the heating element was not part of the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Robert Check, Willilam R. Parnis, Thomas A. Stuef
  • Publication number: 20020056709
    Abstract: An expandable chamber support system for vehicle seat and mattress applications includes an expandable chamber constructed from facing sheets of flexible impermeable material that are sealed along their marginal edges. One of the sheets is formed of electrically conductive an elastomeric membrane that is electrically resistance heated while providing a source of pressure support for an occupant supported by the expandable chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen John Burt
  • Patent number: 6353207
    Abstract: An expandable chamber support system for vehicle seat and mattress applications includes an expandable chamber constructed from facing sheets of flexible impermeable material that are sealed along their marginal edges. An upper one of the sheets is formed of electrically conductive elastomeric membrane that is electrically resistance heated while cooperating with a lower one of the sheets to provide pressure support for an occupant supported by the expandable chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Ctex Seat Comfort Ltd.
    Inventor: Steven John Burt
  • Patent number: 6307180
    Abstract: A toilet seat comprises a resistive wire sewn to a support material such as a fibrous mat. The wire is preferably sewn in an annular pattern or a sinuated pattern disposed throughout the seat. The heating element can be contained within a toilet seat core, which can have a shell molded thereon to form a toilet seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Watlow Polymer Technologies
    Inventors: Theodore Von Arx, Clifford D. Tweedy, John W. Schlesselman, Ronald E. Papenfuss
  • Publication number: 20010030186
    Abstract: The invention relates to a heater (1) with electrical heating elements (15-18) for waterbeds (2), which is arranged between a bed frame (4) and a safety film (5), and which controls the temperature of a metal plate (11) placed under the safety film (5) of a waterbed core (9) lying thereupon, wherein the heating elements (15-18) are connected in a heat-conducting manner with the bottom side (11a) of the metal plate (11) in a flat casing (14) via a readily heat-conducting layer (27). The object of the invention is to provide a heater that consistently prevents the metal plate (11) from overheating, and ensures a reliable control of the waterbed core (9) at varying heat transmission conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Tasso Schielke
  • Publication number: 20010027973
    Abstract: A two-dimensional heating element, especially for seat heaters in the motor vehicle sector, having a textile base material and contact conductors and heating conductors which are electrically conductive and touch one another. The contact conductors delimit heating areas. The heating conductors are laid effectively in the direction of stitch wales and orthogonal to the stitch wales in such a way that there are at least two zones functioning at least as a main heating area and at least as a secondary heating area with different heating capacities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Applicant: I.G. Bauerhin GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Michelmann
  • Patent number: 6294758
    Abstract: A heat radiator for emitting infrared radiation to the human body has a heat source which is energized to emit infrared radiation, whose penetration depth into the human body is to near warmth sensing points of the human body, and an insulator for covering the surface of the heat source to be directed toward the human body. The free surface of the insulator forms a surface for contacting with the human body and the thickness of the insulator is less than the penetration depth of the infrared radiation into the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Toto Ltd
    Inventors: Shiotani Masao, Hiroi Kazunori, Haraga Hisato, Fukushima Takenori, Kataoka Yumiko, Tanaka Shingo, Tsuboi Hiroshi, Ando Shigeru
  • Patent number: 6294768
    Abstract: A flexible, heated, non-allergenic mat particularly adapted for use with animals has a flexible layer of recycled crumb rubber formed under heat and pressure with resin. A reflective sheet is disposed in the flexible layer for reflecting heat. A wire forming a heating element is disposed in the flexible layer above the reflective sheet for heating the mat in response to an applied electric current. A plug and socket may be formed in an edge of the flexible layer so that adjacent mats may be electrically coupled to form a larger heated surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Recycling Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Ehrenfried Liebich
  • Patent number: 6242713
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plane heating element and a manufacturing method thereof, particularly the plane heating element without external electromagnetic waves and a manufacturing method thereof, wherein magnetic fields formed by the currents that flow through heat generation lines and an input terminal are eliminated to thus get rid of electromagnetic frequencies(EMF) harmful to the human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Solco Biomedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seo-Kon Kim, Kun-Ho Yang, Sung-Nam Ju, Cheol-Sang Kim, Young-Joung Yoo, Jae-Soon Hwang
  • Patent number: 6220659
    Abstract: A heated seat assembly especially suitable for outdoor use. A heater insert is positioned in the hollow of the seat cushion and includes a substrate member and a thin film heating element positioned on the substrate member. The heater insert is inserted into the hollow of the cushion through a slot in the rear edge of the cushion to position the thin film heating element within the hollow of the cushion beneath the seating surface. The heater insert is held in position by positioning of the forward edge of the substrate member in a crevice defined interiorly of the cushion proximate the front end of the cushion and by adhesive securement of a handle portion of the heater insert against an outer face of the rear edge of the cushion. Leads extend from terminals of the heating element to a plug in the handle portion of the insert which may be accessed by a plug of a pigtail cord extending from a junction box positioned on a riser surface of a grandstand immediately behind the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: Keith McDowell, Erich Bernhardt, Bernard Herold, III
  • Patent number: 6218644
    Abstract: A footwear/outerwear heater with a battery cord that includes one or more wires of a first type of wire having a relatively high conductivity, but relatively low tensile strength. The cord also includes one or more wires of a second type of wire having a relatively high tensile strength, but a relatively low conductivity. The wires are positioned adjacent to each other in a sequence where one or more wires of the first type of wire, are sandwiched between two wires of the second type of wire. In another embodiment of the invention, the two types of wire are arranged in concentric forms or braided together. The cord is connected to a heating element that includes a resistive layer positioned between a bottom conductive layer and a top conductive layer. The top conductive layer has multiple segments. Power is selectively applied to the segments to control the amount of heat generated by the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Macher & Zorn OEG
    Inventors: Heinz Zorn, Di Gerhard Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6194687
    Abstract: A form fitting heating surface for children's safety car seats having a contoured deformable apertured shape that is adaptable within a car seat on which the child is positioned. The heating surface is electrically connected to the automobile's power supply and is thermostatically controlled. Attachment elements adjustably extend from the heating surface for engagement over a portion of the car seat holding the heating surface insert in place within.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Matthew Joseph, Christopher Joseph, Michael B. Joseph
  • Patent number: 6189487
    Abstract: A heated bed for dogs, cats or other animals which can provide a selected amount of heat to the animal depending upon environmental temperatures. The bed includes a hollow blanket casing within which is disposed at least three layers of foam insulation material placed one on top of another. A removable heating element is interposed between two adjacent layers of the foam material and supplies heat to the animal resting on the bed. The amount of heat delivered to the animal is regulated by selectively positioning the heating element between different adjacent layers of the foam material. The heating element is connected to a power source via a step down transformer which converts high voltage energy into lower voltage energy to minimize the danger of serious shock to the animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Donald B. Owen, Thomas K. Reusche
  • Patent number: 6175098
    Abstract: A plane heating element is provided which features reduced external electromagnetic waves. The plane heating element includes an upper input terminal and a lower input terminal in which upper wires and lower wires are spaced apart at a predetermined interval, and the currents through the respective wires flow oppositely to each other. First heat generation wires are connected to the upper input terminal at predetermined spaced intervals and have the same directed current flow as that of the upper input terminal. Second heat generation wires are connected to the upper input terminal at spaced intervals and have the oppositely directed current flow to that of the first heat generation wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Solco Biomedical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seo-Kon Kim, Kun-Ho Yang, Sung-Nam Ju, Cheol-Sang Kim, Young-Joung Yoo, Jae-Soon Hwang
  • Patent number: 6150642
    Abstract: The seat heater includes at least one electric sheet-type heating element (10) made of flexible high-resistivity material to which the main electrodes (13A, 13B) are connected. In order to minimize the time during which the seat is perceived as being cold without any notable increase in overall power requirements, the seat heater is equipped with an additional feature (18A, 18B) for heating basically at least a partial area (SH) of the sheet-type heating element (10) with increased heating density, and a switch device for changing from heating the partial area (SH) with the additional feature (18A, 18B) to overall homogeneous heating of the sheet-type heating element (10) with regular heating density through the main electrodes (13A, 13) or the main electrodes (13A, 13B) and the additional feature (18A, 18B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: W.E.T Automotive System AG
    Inventors: Michael Weiss, Markus Hugenschmidt, Ralf Carle
  • Patent number: 6150633
    Abstract: A heating element for heating a water-bed comprising a metal support plate having a high coefficient of thermal conductivity, a heat source attached to the metal support plate and having an electrically resistive conductor which emits heat when electricity passes through it, and an electrical insulator for insulating the heat source from the metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Faber Electronics B.V.
    Inventor: Abram Jan Boertjens
  • Patent number: 6147332
    Abstract: A heatable seat includes a heat-producing component with an electrical conductor and a connection for current seating organs. The heat-producing component is arranged in connection to a tool for shaping the heatable seat. The tool includes at least one magnet, and the heat-producing component includes magnetic material for detachable attachment to the at least one magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventors: Lennart Holmberg, Kenneth Skogward, Goran Forslund
  • Patent number: 6127655
    Abstract: A heated baby stroller comprises a seat body including a seat portion and a backrest portion. A child receiving recessed area is formed by the seat and backrest portions. An insulating padding is disposed within said child receiving recessed area. An electrical heating element is substantially positioned between the insulating padding and a protective cover substantially extending about the seat and backrest portions. The electrical heating element is surrounded by an insulating layer and a heating block is formed in such a manner that the padding and the insulating layer with the heating element are enveloped by a sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Linda A. Humes, William J. Humes
  • Patent number: 6124578
    Abstract: A warmer for treatment of the feet, neck, and lower back area includes a frame for holding a bladder. An open-cell foam-filled cushion is disposed within the bladder and a cover having opposite ends secured to the frame overlies the bladder so that the bladder holds its shape regardless of its orientation. An opening in a top wall of the bladder allows the charging of water into the bladder. The water fills the bladder and occupies the interstitial spaces of the cushion. The frame includes a flat base that is inclined slightly relative to a horizontal support surface and that flat base supports the bladder. The foam-filled bladder conforms to the soles of feet when the warmer is used as a foot rest. When used as a pillow, the bladder conforms to a person's head and neck, and it conforms to the lower back region when the warmer is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Russell R. Elliot
  • Patent number: 6093910
    Abstract: A heated vehicle seat is brought forth which includes a first bus bar of conductive ink applied to either the vehicle seat cushion or to its cover. The conductive ink can be applied directly to the seat cushion or cover, or the conductive ink can be applied to a noncellulosic fabric substrate which is then connected with the seat cushion or cover. A second bus bar of conductive ink is also applied. Between and connecting the two bus bars is a resistive pattern of a conductive ink. The heated vehicle seat has a high thermal reaction time and generates heat at a position closer to the vehicle seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Tachi-S Engineering, USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brian McClintock, David W. Gaines
  • Patent number: 6084209
    Abstract: A heating pad for animals consisting of a plastic housing and an electric heating element. The base of the housing contains conical supports upon which the heating element rests. The heating element is supported in the housing to provide air gaps above and below the heating element, allowing an even temperature throughout the housing. This prevents regions of localized heat on the top of the bed, and also prevent unnecessary heating of the base. This temperature is regulated by a thermostat that shuts down the heating element if the temperature of the air within the chamber exceeds the preset limit. The conical supports also provide structural support, preventing the top of the bed from collapsing on top of the heating element when subject to the weight of an animal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Donald B. Owen, Joe Blahnik
  • Patent number: 6078025
    Abstract: An article of clothing includes a body having a rear panel and electrical warming pads sewed to the panel for warming the wearer of the article of clothing. Each warming pad is a flexible sheet heating element. An electronic control circuit is used to control the temperature of the heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Chiu Man Yeung
  • Patent number: 6064037
    Abstract: An air conditioning device for a seat comprises an air-permeable base body which is fitted under a seat surface, and a heating element fitted in the base body, or between the seat surface and the base body. The base body and the heating element are mat-shaped. They are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and have substantially equal surface areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive System A.G.
    Inventors: Michael Weiss, Hans-Georg Rauh, Gunter Lorenzen, Ferdinand Schuller
  • Patent number: 6059819
    Abstract: A therapeutic device for the inhibition of inflammatory diseases in biological tissue and a body part of user. The therapeutic device includes a body member having a work surface and a leading edge. A leading edge is positioned adjacent to the user so that the user extends at least a portion of the body part across the leading edge when working at repetitive motion task on the work surface. The therapeutic device further includes a plurality of lights for generating at least one beam of light positionable on the body part of the user when the user extends the body part across the leading edge. The light beam has a wave length and an intensity sufficient to inhibit the inflammation of the biological tissue in the body part of the user on which the beam of light is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6004418
    Abstract: The method of producing a cushion assembly includes bonding a foam pad to a cover material with a heat-activatable adhesive layer and an electrically conductive layer therebetween. The cover material is placed in a contoured mold with the adhesive layer and the electrically conductive layer placed thereover and in heat transfer relationship to each other. The foam pad is placed thereover and the electrically conductive layer is energized to heat and activate the heat-activatable adhesive layer to allow bonding between the foam pad, the cover material and the electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Charles D. Ginman, Kenneth R. Parrish
  • Patent number: 5973302
    Abstract: An environment control apparatus having a shell adapted to be placed adjacent to a portable device and a heating element positioned to heat the shell and the adjacently positioned portable device. The heating element includes structure for receiving power from a power source and is selected to maintain the portable device at a temperature above a predetermined minimum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Chris Petrosino
  • Patent number: 5948303
    Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for a bed includes at least one heating element, mounted in a resting surface on a mattress of the bed for warming at least a first are(a of the resting area. A temperature sensor is located to detect the temperature of the first area of the resting area, and transmits the information to a central control unit. The central control unit includes a central processing unit which is interconnected with both the heating element and the temperature sensor to adjust the temperature in the first, area of the resting area as desired. The central control unit is also connected to a timer to permit programming of temperature changes as desired. An occupant sensor in the resting surface of the mattress will detect the presence and absence of an occupant, and transmit this information to the central control unit for processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Lynn D. Larson
  • Patent number: 5928548
    Abstract: An electric heater intended for heating foam-moulded cushions, for instance for vehicle seats or mattresses. The heater consists of an electric conductor, e.g. an insulated or non-insulated metal wire, which is configured into the shape of one or several bands of closely juxtaposed bights, each one of which comprises a loop and an open portion facing away from the associated loop, substantially all open portions being interconnected by means of local interconnections, e.g. by means of glue, plastic welds or seams, whereby one or several bands of coherent patterns are formed, said patterns intended to be positioned in a mould for casting of cushions, such that the heater to an essential extent becomes anchored in the cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Tocksfors Verkstads AB
    Inventor: Goran Johansson
  • Patent number: 5915783
    Abstract: A heated seat assembly especially suitable for outdoor use. A heater insert is positioned in the hollow of the seat cushion and includes a substrate member and a thin film heating element positioned on the substrate member. The heater insert is inserted into the hollow of the cushion through a slot in the rear edge of the cushion to position the thin film heating element within the hollow of the cushion beneath the seating surface. The heater insert is held in position by positioning of the forward edge of the substrate member in a crevice defined interiorly of the cushion proximate the front end of the cushion and by adhesive securement of a handle portion of the heater insert against an outer face of the rear edge of the cushion. Leads extend from terminals of the heating element to a plug in the handle portion of the insert which may be accessed by a plug of a pigtail cord extending from a junction box positioned on a riser surface of a grandstand immediately behind the seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: American Seating Company
    Inventors: Keith McDowell, Erich Bernhardt, Bernard Herold, III
  • Patent number: 5889923
    Abstract: A stone bed includes: a stone mat having a wood frame which a sheet is covered around, the wood frame wherein a copper plate, a protective insulating material, a plane carbon heating element, a first protection film, a second protection film, an electromagnetic wave shielding, a third protection film, a far infrared ray nonwoven fabric, and a natural stone are sequentially laid from a bottom, the wood frame having controllers and anion emitters on its both top ends, the controller comprising a power display unit, a selection switch, a temperature control switch, and a temperature display lamp, and a power input cord which is shielding processed; and a bed body having a top surface which the stone mat is mounted on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Nam Yong Lee, Hyung Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 5820829
    Abstract: A hand-operated polymerizer for the polymerization of synthetic materials, such as dental plastics. The polymerizer has a housing in which a light source and a fan are disposed, and which includes a light-emitting opening for emitting the light generated by the light source. The housing contains openings for permitting cooling air to enter the housing and for allowing heated air to exit the housing. In order to prevent the operator of the polymerizer from being impaired by heated air when operating the polymerizer, at least one air-conducting member is provided, wherein the position of the air-conducting member is changeable relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Schodel, Steffen Oppawsky
  • Patent number: 5811760
    Abstract: A heating device for water beds comprises a plurality of electrical resistance conductors arranged between a bed frame and a safety foil, means for controlling the conductors in dependence on the desired temperature of a water core locatable under the safety foil, a plurality of ceramic plates arranged so that the conductors are burnt-in the ceramic plates, a bending resistant metal plate having a lower side, the ceramic plates being glued to the lower side of the metal plate by an adhesive having high thermal conductivity, and a base plate having poor thermal conductivity and placeable on the bed frame, the metal plate being arranged on the base plate in a form-locking manner with an air gap for the ceramic plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Vontana Wasserbetten GmbH
    Inventor: Willem Siebelink
  • Patent number: 5780820
    Abstract: A film-like heater which has a graphite film made of a polymer film baked at a temperature higher than 2,000 .degree. C. and having a good thermal conductivity, a good flexibility and a good resistance to high temperature, so that it is applicable to a thin face heat-retaining or heating means having various designs such as a seat heater fittable to a body shape, a vapor deposition boat operable at a high temperature and a compact heating device or apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daido Komyoji, Takao Inoue, Naomi Nishiki, Junji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5723845
    Abstract: An automotive seat assembly 10 comprising a seat 12 and a seat back 14 with a fabric cover 16 comprising non-conductive polyester fibers 18 woven together and electrically conductive pure carbon elements 22 woven into the fibers 18 and extending between braided copper strands defining electrodes 20. Each of the conductive elements 22 consists of a single and homogeneous composition of pure carbon to create heat in response to electrical current and presenting a bare surface in contact with the surrounding fibers 18 to emit the heat directly from the bare surface to heat the surrounding enviroment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A. Partington, John P. Slaven