Abstract: A lower back heater mat with a leg support comprising a ladder shaped leg support and an electrical heater mat pivotally connected to the leg support. A person with lower back pain lying on the electrical heater mat is forced to elevate his or her legs on the leg support. The leg support and the electrical heater mat fold making allowing for easy transportation.

Abstract: A computer pad is heated for reducing repetitive motion stress and increasing comfort for a user and for providing potential therapeutic treatment by warming the hand(s) and/or wrist(s) of the user while operating a computer input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The pad includes an electrical heating device such as a resistance-type heating element embedded in it. If a mouse is used as the input device, it can be either a stationary mouse or a conventional movably positioned mouse that is operated on the level section of the top surface of the pad's upper layer. If a stationary mouse or a keyboard is utilized, the user's hand(s) and/or wrist(s) can be supported by a suitably shaped area within an elevated section of the working surface of the pad. The lower layer of the pad may conveniently include a non-skid bottom surface.

Abstract: A computer mouse pad is heated for reducing repetitive motion stress for a user and for providing potential therapeutic treatment for the user's hand and wrist while operating a mouse thereon. The pad has a resistance-type heating element which is embedded in the rubber material of the pad. The mouse is either a stationary mouse or a conventional movably positioned mouse and is operated on the level section of the top surface of the pad. If a stationary mouse is utilized, the user's hand and wrist are support by an elevated section of the top surface of the pad. A non-skid surface is on the bottom of the pad. A conventional electric power outlet is utilized as the power source.

Abstract: An arrangement for relieving stress on a connection between external electrical conductors and at least one electric element such as a heating wire that is contained in a generally sheet-shaped, bendable carrier in a vehicle seat has a holding piece and a cowering piece. The ends of internal conductors leading to the electric element are preferably soldered to flat-pin contacts, which are on the ends of the electrical conductors, and which are located in recesses in the holding piece. The holding piece has pins that extend through holes in the carrier and into mating openings in the covering piece. The carrier, the ends of the internal electrical conductors, and the ends of the external electrical conductors are clamped securely into place by being sandwiched between the holding and covering pieces. Pins extend from the holding piece, through holes in the carrier, and into mating openings in the covering piece. The ends of the pins are then heat-flattened to lock the pieces together.

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: A heat storage mat for a bed is constructed to provide a heating intensity, a heat insulation and a cushioning effect which are adjusted to meet various conditions which are required for various parts of the driver's body to insure a comfortable sleep. The heat storage mat includes a plurality of heating elements arranged in a row in a longitudinal direction of the mat. Each of the heating elements is composed of a flat bag filled with a latent heat storage agent and an electric heater unit disposed on an underside of the flat bag. The quantities of the latent heat storage agents associated with the respective heating elements increase successively in a direction from a head side toward a leg side of the mat. A plurality of heat insulating cushions are disposed on upper surfaces of the corresponding bags. The heat insulating cushions have thicknesses which vary in inverse proportion to the quantities of the latent heat storage agents of the respective bags.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the arrangement of one or several connection layers for an electric resistance heating system installed on the film-laminated inside of covering fabrics, said heating system being sealingly connected by bonded or glued additional films, which is assigned to the seat and/or backrest surface, in particular the construction of seat and backrest elements of vehicle seats. The tension release is installed at a distance from the plane of the heat conductors for the attachment of the connection cable, whereby the distance between the plane of the heat conductors, namely of the covering film and the tension release is set by a blank of foamed material that is made of a formed material or some other elastic material and installed at a predetermined location.

Abstract: The heating system for an operating table comprises a multi-layer heating pad (2) having at least one heating segment (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) which is adapted for being electrically heated and which is pervious to X-rays. A control and regulating unit (3) serving to control or regulate the heating current necessary for achieving an adjustable temperature of the heating pad (2) is connected to the heating pad (2). The heating pad (2) is equiped with a heating conductor (16) comprising a resistor (18) having a specific electric resistance and being wound in helical form about a carrier (17) made from an electrically non-conductive material which, regarding its mechanical properties, is rubber-elastic in the temperature range of between T=10.degree. celsius to T=200.degree. celsius. The different layers of the heating pad (2) are intimately bonded to form a composite material.

Abstract: A flexible heater in which a heating element in the form of a tape is wrapped around a support member in the form of a flat sheet. The tape, which exhibits flexibility and toughness, has a composition composed of conductive sintered ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The flexible heater is suitable for heating an upholstered seat, e.g. an automobile seat.

Abstract: A toilet seat has a heater connected to a controller for supplying heating current thereto via a first cable. A thermo-sensor in the toilet seat provides temperature signals to the controller via a second cable. The controller terminates the current to the heater upon the termination of signals from the thermo-sensor. The wires of the second cable have a diameter larger than those of the first cable, so that the wires of the second cable, which provide the temperature signal to the controller, will fail due to bending stresses upon repeated raising and lowering of the toilet seat, before the wires of the first cable. This will cause the controller to terminate the supply of current to the heater.

Abstract: A heating apparatus comprises a closed vessel having thermally conducting walls and containing a gas that is heated by one or more electrical heating elements in the vessel. The vessel is received in a duct through which air is blown. The air is heated by the heat transferred to the vessel walls by the gas in the vessel. Pressure and thermostatic switches in the circuit of the heating element communicate with the gas in the vessel and provide a double-safety, over-temperature power shut-off. The heating apparatus may be used to blow hot air into water in a tub through hoses leading to inlet openings or to an air distribution mat placed in the tub. The bubbles of hot air heat the water and produce strong agitation. A special raft receives the air distribution mat, which heats water in the raft by bubbling hot air through it. The heating apparatus can also be used for space heating, warming and drying towels and clothes, hair drying and grooming animals.

Abstract: A lavatory seat device includes lavatory seat accommodating a heater and a thermo-sensor for detecting a temperature thereof. First lead wires supply an electric current to the heater. Second lead wires convey a signal from the thermo-sensor. A control circuit controls the heater in response to the thermo-sensor in such a manner that the current supply of the heater is interrupted when the signal from the thermo-sensor becomes a set value or the cutting of the second lead wires is detected. A case has the control circuit therein. A first pivot portion of the lavatory seat has a hole through which the first and second lead wires extend. A second pivot portion of the case is fitting with the first pivot portion to pivot the lavatory seat. A holder holds the first and second lead wires in such a manner that the cutting of the first lead cannot occur prior to the cutting of the second lead wire.

Abstract: A heater for a water bed including an elongated PTC cable having conductors by a carbon loaded polymer material with the cable being tortuously disposed with closely spaced parallel lengths supported in a coplanar sandwiched relationship by adhesively coated sheets of polyester and aluminum, the sheets and cable being sealed in a polyvinyl chloride envelope.

Abstract: A device for warming at least a portion of the top surface of a bucky table of a mammography machine is provided. The device has two substantially parallel, spaced apart, heat-conductive plates adapted to be removably placed onto the table. A heating pad is placed between the two plates for warming at least a portion of the upper surface of the table. Means are provided for releasably holding the plates together so that the heating pad can be placed between the plates and removed therefrom.

Abstract: A heatable turntable is provided for efficiently warming and serving food. A deck is rotatably mounted on a base. Electrical current is supplied from a power supply in the deck to thermal pads located in the deck via wires connected to sliding pole pieces attached to the base and deck. Individual thermostat is provided for each thermal pad to prevent overheating when a pad is unoccupied. Each thermal pad is located within a recess in the deck such that each pad extends out of the recess to permit air to flow between the deck and an object placed on the pad, whereby efficient heat exchange is promoted. Also, each thermal pad has a heating element comprising a resistance plate sandwiched between two mica insulation plates. The heating surface of each pad can be concave shaped towards this sandwich and has a lower lip which compresses the sandwich towards the heating surface. In addition, the sandwich is biased towards the concave heating surface by a screw actuated bracket.

Abstract: A crib apparatus is arranged wherein the crib includes a crib rear wall, a forward crib wall, a headboard wall, and a foot board wall orthogonally mounted relative to a top floor, wherein the top floor is spaced from a bottom floor defining a mattress cavity therebetween, wherein the mattress cavity includes an entrance opening, with a door coextensively and pivotally mounted relative to the entrance opening. A mattress is slidably mounted within a mattress support plate, with the mattress support plate including a plurality of pivotal legs extending downwardly relative from the mattress plate for support of the mattress for cleaning and maintenance of the mattress during use. Modifications of the invention includes heated support cavities mounted within the cylindrical cavities for support of infant food and fluid nursing bottle members.

Abstract: A seat cushion heated by an electrical resistance heating element sandwiched between two seat cushion sections is covered by a flexible sheet cover integral with two web projections projecting from an edge of the cushion and spaced apart lengthwise of such cushion edge a distance for reception of a hand therebetween, and a battery housing tube elongated lengthwise of such cushion edge arranged substantially parallel thereto, having ears projecting from the side of the battery housing tube nearer the cushion, spaced apart lengthwise of the tube a distance corresponding to the spacing of the web projections and secured to the web projections, a cap for closing one end of the battery housing tube and openable for insertion of a battery into the housing tube and the other end of the housing tube being closed by a cover including a rotary switch for energizing the electrical resistance heating element by a battery in the battery housing tube.

Abstract: A waterbed mattress apparatus adapted to increase waterbed heting mat efficiency. The apparatus includes a waterbed mattress having a mat receiving opening therein and mat receiving pocket having an open end and a closed end, the open end sealed to the mat receiving opening and situated inside the mattress. The pocket has a flotation device to cause the receiving pocket to float in the fluid contained by the mattress.

Abstract: A protection device for a waterbed protects the water bladder and water heater from damage due to overheating when a dangerous condition, such as an insufficient level of water within the bladder or an element of the waterbed surroundings interposed between the bladder and the water heater, arises. The protection device employs a detector in the form of two capacitance plates placed adjacent to the water bladder and connected to a circuit which is operative to prevent power from being supplied to the water heater upon detection of a dangerous condition. The capacitance of the detector plates varies with the level of the water within the bladder and with the presence of a surrounding element between the bladder and heater.

Abstract: A device which supports a user's leg during treatment of the user's foot or leg includes a base and a pedestal assembly which support a channel-like element. The pedestal assembly and the channel-like element are adjustable for height and for angular orientation so the elements of the device are oriented and positioned to be most comfortable for each patient. Two liquid-accommodating containers are mounted in the top surface of the base, with one container on either side of the pedestal.

Abstract: A heated seat comprises a molded body, a covering fabric and a first foil lining supported by the molded body, a meandering heating wire disposed in a plane adjacent the covering fabric, the heating wire being covered by a second foil. A connecting cable delivers electric current to the heating wire. The heating wire is connected to the connecting cable on a connecting plate which is disposed at a distance from the plane of the heating wire. A structural block made of a pliant material, such as a foam material, is disposed between the plane of the heating wire and the connecting plate. The connecting plate is at an angle to the plane of the heating wire and the structural block is wedge-shaped in cross-section.

Abstract: An incandescent heating unit uses a low wattage incandescent light bulb to warm the occupant of a metal chair. The light bulb generates heat which is absorbed by the metal and radiated to the occupant. A dispersion disk spaced between the bulb and the chair prevents the formation of a hot spot in the portion of the chair nearest the bulb.

Abstract: A seat heating device for automotive vehicles including a sheet containing a network of electrically conducting lead wires and connected to the lining cap covering the sheet, wherein said electric network is divided into heating boxes while leaving between two adjacent boxes an intermediate zone extending throughout the width of the sheet and devoid of conductor lead wires, any two adjacent boxes being electrically connected by lead wires extending out of the sheet and forming separate loops, the sheet being adapted to be sewn to the lining cap along a seam within the intermediate zone and said loops being high enough to be outside of the sewing zone when they are spread out in the plane of the sheet.

Abstract: An electrically heated portable seat for automobiles includes a flexible and liquid-impervious container having spaced top and bottom surfaces, a sponge-like material bonded to the inner surface of the container, a liquid absorbed in the sponge-like material, and an electrical heating element for heating the liquid inside of the container. The seat is plugged into a wall outlet in a house just before its use. After the seat is warmed up, it is carried to a car and placed on the car seat.

Abstract: A method and a device for adjusting the heat flow at heating seats having heat generators (3) in the form of for example heating conductors placed in coils. The direction of the heat flow between the sitting surface of the seat and the heat generator (3) is sensed and power is supplied to the heat generator (3) when the direction of the heat flow is from the sitting surface into the chair.

Abstract: A far infrared ray radiating mattress has a three layer structure including a lower layer of plate-like resilient and foamed synthetic resin, a middle layer of foamed synthetic resin corrugated in a longitudinal direction and having a plurality of protrusions provided on the upper surface thereof; a sheet-like far infrared ray radiating heater is provided on the three layer structure; and a cover is provided so that the three layer structure and the sheet-like heater are surrounded thereby.

Abstract: A seat heater for integrated assembly into car seats has at least two or several segments and faces, respectively, of any desired shaping. The heater includes several flat, electrically interconnected resilient heating elements (1.1/1.2) either forming a coherent heating face (1) or conforming to the section-wise individual seat configuration, especially the shaping thereof, with the connection between the individual heating elements (1.1/1.2) being respectively established by a low-strength electrical conductor (3) and the electrical conductor (3) being guided in an insulating resilient sheathing (6) of silicone rubber or the like engaging, at both ends, in partial lengths, each of the heating elements (1.1/1.2 et seq).

Abstract: A closed type heating apparatus including a base plate to be placed on a floor or a bed, a space defining member having supports in the form of a pillar; a straight wall or a curved wall and an upper plate having a number of openings formed therein; and a heat conducting top plate placed on the upper plate. By combining different kinds of supports, there is formed a desired air passage within a closed space formed by the base plate and the upper plate. A heater unit including a ceramic heater and a blower is arranged in the air passage to generate a heated air stream such that the heating apparatus produces a desired temperature distribution.

Abstract: A heater adapted for placement under the mattress of a waterbed consists of a flexible laminated pad having an upper layer of resistive elements embedded in electrical insulating material, and several subjacent layers of heat-reflective and thermal insulating materials. All of the layers are encased in a protective waterproof sheath. The pad may be connected in parallel with one or more similar pads and a heat sensor may be associated with each pad. In one embodiment, a control circuit is provided for supplying power to all of the pads simultaneously when all of the heat sensors detect that the temperature of the mattress has dropped below a predetermined value. In another embodiment, power may be supplied to each pad independently of the other pads.

Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a waterbed and preventing overheating of a waterbed heater. The system places temperature control sensing means and/or replaceable thermal fuse means in thermal contact with a waterbed heater mounted on thermally conducting means, and thus prevents overheating of the waterbed heater and waterbed.

Abstract: A foot drying assembly of the type designed to be positioned on a supporting surface such as the ground or floor and including a support platform having an apertured grid structure dimensioned and configured for placement of both feet simultaneously thereon. A blower assembly directs a forced flow of air into interruptive relation with a heater structure and there beyond into an air chamber which includes a plurality of air guides specifically structured to proportion the quantity of air delivered to the various portions of the air chamber such that heated air will rise from the air chamber and pass through the overlying grid structure to engage and envelope the bottom and sides of the feet placed thereon. An additional air vent is disposed in the path of fluid flow so as to pass heated air over the toes, front and top portion of the feet for drying thereof.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrically heating vehicle seats by using at least one meandering, insulated heat conductor covered on both sides by thermoplastic foil is disclosed. The heat conductor is spread over a bearing thermoplastic foil and covered with an identical foil. A firmly integrated heating element is then formed by applying heat and pressure. The heat conductors are located in meandering channels which are laid out according to a predetermined plan without any bending to the foils. The heating elements manufactured in this manner are combined with the cushion cores of the seat to be heated. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal deformation stability of the heat conductor insulation exceeds that of the foils by approximately 50%.

Abstract: A heating bed for therapeutic heat treatment. The heating bed includes a container for accommodating a sand filling which may be heated to a predetermined temperature via a heating device. The sand filling is covered by a cover which is preferably made of textile material.

Abstract: A normally flat horizontal blanket-type waterbed heater unit having top and bottom laminates of thin flexible dielectric sheet plastic material and an elongate electric resistance element arranged and sealingly engaged between the laminates. A power supply cord connects with opposite ends of the element and extends from the unit. The unit further includes a normally open safety switch connected with and between related ends of sections of the element. The switch includes spaced terminals atop the bottom laminate, a contact bar above the terminals and below the top laminate and a resilient insulating support part between the laminates and adjacent the terminals and bar. The part normally yieldingly holds the bar and adjacent portion of the top laminate spaced above the terminals. The unit is arranged atop a water bed mattress supporting platform and below the bottom wall of a sheet plastic waterbed mattress bladder.

Abstract: A heating apparatus to heat the pillow area of a bed including a radiant heater panel having a mounting frame to position the panel in superposed relation to such pillow area, and an electric controller for regulating the temperature of the heater panel.

Abstract: A vehicle seat heater includes a main body adapted to be mounted on at least one of a seat cushion part or seat back part of a vehicle seat and provided with a pair of electric warming heaters. A thermally insulated temperature control unit located remotely from the heater main body is provided for stopping energization of the heating elements when the temperature of the seat heater main body exceeds a predetermined level. The control unit includes a pair of auxiliary electric heaters each respectively coupled to a different one of the warming heaters for simultaneous energization therewith and a pair of thermostatic switches coupled in series, with each thermostatic switch being in heat exchange relationship with a different one of the auxiliary heaters for stopping the flow of electricity to the auxiliary heater and warming heater coupled thereto. The thermostat switches and auxiliary heaters are disposed within casing or housing and connected to the respective warming heaters by lead wires.

Abstract: It has been found that in heating pads for seats, preferably car-seats, in which the heating pad (1 and 2) covers both seat and back-rest, an energy recoil from the back-rest may occur. The invention reduces said recoil by dimensioning the resistance wire (11) in the section (4 and 6) of the heating pad (1 and 2) covering the seat and of the resistance wire (10) in the section (3 and 5) of the heating pad (1 and 2) covering the back-rest in such a way that the ratio between the resistance of the first-mentioned resistance wire (11) and that of the last-mentioned resistance wire (10) increases when current flows through.

Abstract: A massaging and heating pad combination for application to the body in which both massaging vibration intensity and temperature may be controlled, primarily intended for use in the relief of the pain and discomfort of cramps and muscle tension and other suffering attendant to the menstrual cycle.

Abstract: A combination elongate soft resilient foamed polymer body, so constructed and configured as to lie along the side of the body of a human user, and a heater enclosing the polymer body, the heater being formed of fabric and including electrically insulated resistance heating lines extending substantially the length of and along the sides of the foamed polymer body, for warming a human user during sleep is disclosed.

Abstract: A heated bed module for use by animals, consists of a box-like unit having an animal supporting top panel and a shallow liquid containing chamber immediately below the top panel. A thermostatically controlled heater is installed below the liquid chamber with suitable support and insulation and access is provided for filling and draining the chamber. The unit is completely self-contained and used alone or coupled to other units to make a heated assembly for any size of animal.

Abstract: A heater for a car seat including a base and a back rest, the heater having at least one heating coil adjusted for connection to a power source and including a multi-ply fabric with at least one outer protective layer of union, a second layer and a third layer with a low thermal transfer value, the heating coil being arranged in and laminated with the second layer and being arranged in one plane in zigzag on a circle to form a star shaped configuration, the heater being a unit in the form of a seat cover detachably encasing the base and back rest.

Abstract: An electric bed heating device for attachment to the understructure of a bed for supplying heat to a sleeper includes an electric heating element mounted below a metallic plate thermally insulated on its upper side and having a lower face shaped to radially downwardly direct heat. In one embodiment the heating element is directly supported by vertical fins extending downwardly and radially outwardly from the lower face of the plate with the fins and heating element being exposed. In another arrangement a serially slit lower metallic plate is spaced below the first mentioned plate to allow flow of air therebetween. The lower plate supports an electric heating element in the path of the air flow. The slits in the lower plate form offset air inlet and outlet openings. The plates are aligned and attached to the bed structure by a central fastener binding the plates together. The upper face of the lower plate is roughened and blackened to enhance heat absorption.

Abstract: A bed heater with two spaced, perforated, non-metallic plates between which there is arranged spaced loops of an insulated cover-type resistance heating fuse wire. At least some side area between the plates is open allowing lateral movement of air to prevent overheating. Power is supplied through a parallel SCR and diode circuit controlled by an R-C circuit including a temperature responsive resistor and a light responsive resistor.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a warm environment within a cold environment, comprising a table having a surface member, heating means disposed beneath the surface member, an insulating layer disposed between the surface member and the heating means, and a skirt member secured to the surface member and depending therefrom, defining the warm environment, whereby persons sitting at the table are partially enveloped by the skirt and thereby kept comfortably warm, despite substantially cooler temperatures in the cold environment.

Abstract: A planar heat generator comprising a linear heat generator provided with an insulating cover, a pair of insulating intermediate layers provided on opposite sides of the heat generator and heat sealed to each other via the heat generator, and a pair of outer insulating sheets provided on the outer sides of the respective intermediate layer and heat sealed to each other via the intermediate layers, the intermediate layers and outer insulating sheets being made of the same material, the insulating cover of the linear heat generator being made of a material having a slightly higher thermal deformation temperature than the intermediate layers and outer insulating sheets and flattened in a state covering the heat generator through plastic deformation caused by application of pressure and heat at the time of the heat seal.

Abstract: A thermally controlled mattress construction including a mattress body designed to support a person lying on top thereof. A removable pillow top for the mattress body, removably fastened along the peripheral edges, incorporates a thermally controlled liner as an integral but removable part thereof. The liner is removably fastened to the bottom of the top surface by a fastener extending along the lower peripheral edge of the pillow top, and also the pillow top is removably fastened to the mattress body by a fastener extending along its peripheral edge. This arrangement provides for removal of the liner for repair of maintenance or other reasons. In one embodiment, the thermally controlled liner includes an electrical heater, which can incorporate two separately controllable heaters, one for each half side of the mattress. In a second embodiment, the thermally controlled liner includes therein an array of tubing, through which either heated or cooled fluid is pumped to selectively heat or cool the pillow top.

Abstract: A warming room whose flexible, electric blanket-like wall or walls, floor and ceiling generate surface heat to provide uniform warmth in the area which they enclose. Portions of the warming room comprise one or more warming walls or barriers to increase the temperature of an indoor area and enhance the comfort of its occupants. Using the invention, people lower thermostat settings in portions of rooms, offices or other buildings which are not occupied while they occupy the warmer area within the warming room or adjacent to a warming barrier or enclosure made of warming barriers.

Abstract: The combination of a water bed structure comprising a horizontal platform, a water-filled flotation mattress with a bottom wall atop the platform and a retainer projecting upwardly from the platform and supporting the perimeter of the mattress, and a heater system maintaining the mattress at a set operating temperature including a resistance heater between the platform and said bottom wall and spaced inward from the retainer; temperature control means for the heater including a control unit at the exterior of the bed structure, a service cord between the unit and a power source, an elongate flexible electrical loom having inner and outer end portions and including an outer jacket, a pair of power lines coextensive therewith and a pair of current conductors coextensive with the inner portion thereof, a temperature sensing device within the central portion of the loom and connected between the conductors, the inner ends of the lines connect with the heater, the outer ends of the lines and conductors are connect

Abstract: A mounting fixture to mount a box-like electric heater control unit on the lower rigid wooden frame structure of a box-spring to support the control unit adjacent one side of the box-spring above the plane of the frame structure for convenient visual monitoring and manual operation; the box spring includes resilient and flexible spring and pad structure overlying the frame to support a heater and a mattress and which affords no suitable structure for mounting a heater control unit; the fixture is a unitary sheet metal part with a lower frame engaging portion, an upper control unit mounting portion and an intermediate portion orienting the upper portion above and laterally outward of the lower portion; the control unit is a box-like unit having a rear wall with fastener receiving openings, a manually engageable control part and elongate power cords extending to an electric heater above the box spring and to a remote power source; the upper portion of the bracket has a flat surface opposing the rear wall of the

Abstract: An anabolic recovery unit for small animals having a rectangular frame with side walls, end walls and a top surface, the bottom edges of the walls being in a common plane forming a base on which the frame rests, a rectangular shelf supported within the frame below the top and having means of varying the spacing between the shelf and the lower surface of the frame top, and a electric heating element supported on the frame whereby the top of the frame is maintained at a selectable temperature beneficial to small animals lying on the frame top.