Abstract: The present invention provides a diesel filter system and a fuel heating device comprising a PTC heating element and a rod-shaped heat conductor which is in thermal contact with PTC heating element. The rod-shaped heat conductor comprises at least two tubular parts arranged in parallel. The PTC heating element is located between said at least two tubular parts. The system and device according to the invention is of compact constructional design and can therefore be installed in different kinds. The invention increases the rate of flow and allows for a high heat transfer from the PTC heating element to fuel.

Abstract: An open forklift truck is provided having an elongated windshield that protects the operator from wind chills experienced when operating the truck in a cold storage environment. The windshield is a laminate having a plurality of heating elements disposed therein that are electrically connected to a control and are energized when the windshield falls below a predetermined temperature to prevent condensation from accumulating on the windshield when the truck is moved into a warmer environment. Accordingly, both sides of the windshield are maintained at a temperature greater than the dew point of the warmer environment.

Abstract: A heating appliance such as an electric heating blanket having a control circuit which controls the application of power to the heating element of the blanket based on the condition of the heating element. The circuit senses the voltage at the end of the heating element in order to determine if the heating element has a short or an open circuit condition therein. Under normal conditions, the sensed voltage will be above a predetermined threshold value. If the sensed voltage falls below the threshold value, the control circuit shuts off power to the heating element. The control circuit will keep power off until the fault condition has been corrected and power has been removed and reapplied to the control circuit.

Abstract: A compact, inexpensive self-regulating heater for heating a surface to a prescribed temperature. A first embodiment comprises a PTC ceramic heating element which is conductively bonded directly to heavy copper (or brass) electrodes, which conduct both heat and electricity with low resistance and present a smooth, extended heat transfer surface. At least one of the electrodes (on at least one side of the PTC element) is configured for maximum surface area in contact with the article being heated. The preferred methods of manufacture of this invention result in the electrodes being prestressed in tension while the ceramic element is prestressed in compression at room temperature. Upon heating, during use, these stresses tend to disappear as the electrodes expand.

Abstract: This invention is a flexible heater or cooler which includes a flexible, conformal, thermally conductive container filled with thermally conductive material. A thermal element within the container or in contact with the outside of the container provides heat to the container or removes heat from the container. The thermal element is powered by a low voltage direct current electrical source. A sensor for determining the temperature of the thermally conductive material is also included. The thermal element, electrical source, and sensor are in communication by connectors with a solid state continuous temperature controller. In operation, the electrical source provides power to the thermal element, thereby heating or cooling the thermally conductive material within the container. The temperature in the container is determined by the sensor and the controller controls the power delivery to the thermal element in response to the setting on the controller and the temperature in the container.

Abstract: Air heater with PTC heating element with semiconductor switch, the semiconductor switch (5) without the housing being located in the heating tube (9) in the immediate vicinity of the PTC heating element (15).

Abstract: A current-limiting resistor is connected between a power-supply line and a heater provided near the oxygen-detecting element of limiting-current type oxygen sensor. A power MOSFET is connected between the heater and a ground line. The resistor and the heater have such resistances that a current I2 flowing through the resistor and the heater when the heater has a resistance R2 is about I1{square root}{square root over ((R1/R2))}, where I1 is a current flowing through the resistor and the heater when the heater has a resistance R1.

Abstract: An overheat event location module for use with an existing overheat detection system in an aircraft. The module is non-intrusively connected to the overheat detection system, yet senses currents in the system. The module, by way of the sensed currents is able to distinguish true overheat events from false events (normally created in a test mode) and normal non-overheat conditions. The module is able to respond to the occurrence of an overheat event by measuring the currents in the sensing cable loop, then using the measured currents to produce an estimate of the position in the loop at which the overheat event occurred. Conveniently the module records both the fact of the event and its location, such that subsequent maintenance actions are facilitated.

Abstract: An elongated heating element for an electric blanket comprising a first conductor means to provide heat for the blanket and extending lengthwise of the element, a second conductor means extending lengthwise of the element, and a meltdown layer between the first and second conductor means which is selected, designed and constructed or otherwise formed so as to display an NTC, and including electronic controller set to detect a change in the resistance of the meltdown layer to provide a means of changing the power supply to the first conductor means (providing heat to the blanket), to prevent destruction of the melt down layer(.), the element further including a meltdown detection circuit for detecting meltdown of the meltdown layer and for terminating power to the first conductor means in the event that the control means fails and the meltdown layer heats up to a pre-determined degree.

Abstract: A method of operating a resistance heating element and a device for carrying out the method are described. During a first step, the resistance of a resistor of the resistance heating element is determined at a known base temperature. In a second step, the resistance setpoint value is determined as a function of resistance of the resistor at the known base temperature and known temperature coefficients. The resistance heating element is activated by approximately setting the resistance setpoint value in order to heat the resistance heating element to the given setpoint temperature.

Abstract: The heater is formed from a substrate layer, a feeder buss layer, a dielectric layer, a PTF (polymer thick film) conductor or main buss layer, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor layer and an external laminated adhesive layer. All of the layers are substantially coextensive. The feeder buss layer, dielectric layer, main buss layer and PTC thermistor layers are preferably screen printed or otherwise selectively applied. The feeder buss layer includes first and second external electrical terminals formed on a single side thereof, and a buss for providing electrical communication from the first terminal to a connector diagonally removed from the second terminal. The connector and the second terminal provide electrical communication to diagonally opposed corners of the PTF conductor or main buss layer thereby providing relatively uniform current path distances through the thermistor layer.

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.

Abstract: A water heater having a water tank and multiple electric resistance heating elements extending into the water tank for heating water in the tank. The water heater includes a proportional band temperature controller for conducting electric power to the electric resistance heating elements in bursts. Each burst of electric power is followed by a period during which the temperature controller does not conduct power to the electric resistance heating element. In one embodiment, each burst of electrical power lasts for about 95% or less of a cycle comprised of one burst of electric power followed by the period during which the temperature controller does not conduct electric power. Further, activation of the heating elements by the controller is carried out in a sequential or other timed or controlled fashion to permit uniform heating of the water in the tank.

Abstract: A ceramic heater of required heating properties is made available in that adjusting elements made solid in an electric conductive element are added other than electric conductive elements of an heating resistor in a ceramic heater. Accordingly, resistance temperature coefficient is changed, not largely changing other properties of heating materials.

Abstract: The invention provides polymeric PTC compositions and electrical PTC devices with a high voltage capability and improved electrical stability. The polymeric PTC compositions are readily blended and generally do not require cross-linking, particularly radiation induced cross-linking in order to manufacture useful products.

Abstract: A heater controller uses measured power source voltage and either stored data that characterizes an electric resistance heater or current measurements to compute the fraction of time that the heater should be connected to the power source, thereby compensating the electric resistance heater against variations in the AC line voltage such that the heater power remains constant with line voltage variations, even for different nominal line voltages.

Abstract: It includes a housing (1) within which a resistor (3) is arranged connected to two connections (2) projecting through the bottom of the housing (1), further provided with an aluminum plate (5) serving as a radiator which is held inside at the top of the housing (1), held by strips (6) in the latter. The housing (1) and the aluminum plate (5) are provided with a hole (7) through which a wick may pass to project through the mouth of a container holding liquid product to be vaporized, by heating the wick through the resistor. A frame-like spacer element (8) is arranged on the housing (1) with fixing means to the housing (1), defining a supporting surface for a tablet (12), which tablet may be spaced to a greater or lesser extent by means of the spacer element (8) in order for said tablet (12) to be reached at all times by the appropriate heat to be full efficiently vaporized. The heating device may be used for both liquid and solid products.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for controlling the heating current of a seat heater as a function of temperature is described. The circuit has a temperature sensing element that is integrated into an assigned logic circuit. The method optimizes a seat heating control arrangement by using variable heating phase durations.

Abstract: An exothermic body, capable of efficiently conducting heat from a planar thermistor element with positive temperature characteristic, has a pair of comb-shaped electrodes formed by a sputtering or plating method with thickness less than 10 &mgr;m on one of main surfaces of the thermistor element.

Abstract: An integrated thermal buckling micro switch is made by using electromechanical technology to integrate sensors and actuators on a single chip. An epitaxial chip is used and etched to form a mesa structure on a thin silicon film, whereon at least a thermal sensing element and a heating element are disposed. When an output signal of the thermal sensing element is greater than a pre-set critical value in a control circuit, the heating element is driven to heat, so that the thin silicon film will create a thermal buckling effect that makes the mesa structure touch at least one contact point on the baseboard to cut off or effectuate the circuit. On the contrary, when heating is ceased, the mesa structure will return back to the original normal state, and thereby, switching and controlling an external load can be achieved.

Abstract: Use of PTC circuit protection devices in motor vehicle wiring systems. The devices can replace some or all of the fuses conventionally used. Preferred devices contain PTC conductive polymers. Because the PTC devices can be reset without physical access to them, the wiring system can be arranged more efficiently and more economically. For example, the size of at least some of the wires of the harness can in many case be reduced.

Abstract: In order to protect electrical devices against overheating, a thermal fuse is provided which is fitted inside a housing of the electrical device to be protected. The thermal fuse, which consists of low-melting point metal, is provided directly next to a critical element of the electrical device, such as a PTC thermistor, is preferably of U-shaped or V-shaped design, and is arranged such that its vertex is directly next to the critical element.

Abstract: An electric blanket includes a heating element extending through the blanket so that, upon receiving electric current from a power source, the element heats the blanket. A regulator circuit is connected to the element. It is configured to measure the resistance of the element and to control delivery of the electric current from the power source to the element responsively to the resistance so that the element heats to a desired temperature.

Abstract: In the microwave oven having a high voltage driving part with a high voltage transformer, a switching unit applies electric power to the high voltage driving part. In the switching unit, when switched on, an operational contact firstly comes in contact with a first contact coupled with a PTC thermistor and secondly with a second contact after a given time period, and a driving unit generates driving force and turns on/off the switching unit. Since the switching unit and driving unit may be simply installed to effectively eliminate the inrush current, assembly and work efficiencies are improved according to a simpler wiring process, and also, the total manufacturing cost for the microwave oven is reduced.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a thermal reactor is disclosed that addresses many of the problems in the art. In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed control system, a plurality of temperature controllers are employed. Each temperature controller employs one or more dynamic models that are optimized for a given temperature range. The temperature range over which a particular controller is optimized is preferably generally exclusive of the temperature ranges over which other controllers of the plurality of temperature controllers are optimized. In accordance with another aspect of the control system, the control system employs enhanced ramp trajectory logic. In accordance with another aspect of the control system, the control system employs a virtual temperature sensor in the event of a hardware failure of the corresponding non-virtual temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electrical resistance or heater includes an electrical resistive track provided on an insulating substrate. Two predetermined sections of the track have a predetermined current carrying capacity and are bridged by a glass, ceramic, or glass ceramic material. The configuration of the track and the glass material are such that at a predetermined temperature, the leakage current between the track sections rises to the extent that it causes a current to flow through one or both of the sections which is substantially above its current carrying capability, whereby one section fails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature compensated timer for a heating appliance that heats a food item during a heating cycle. The timer includes a coil having first and second terminals and presenting a resistance between the terminals that is a function of temperature changes of the coil. A timing circuit is coupled to the first and second terminals of the coil. The timing circuit operates to drive a current through the coil to maintain a heating cycle and to generate a delay signal a delay time after the heating cycle is initiated. The delay time has a value that is a function of the resistance of the coil. The delay signal is operable to remove the current from the coil to terminate the heating cycle.

Abstract: An image heating apparatus has a heater for generating heat when an electric power is supplied from a commercial power source to the heater, a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of the heater, a control wave number setting circuit for setting a control wave number of the electric power to be supplied to the heater, and an electric power controlling circuit for controlling the electric power supplied to the heater in accordance with a detected temperature from the temperature detecting element and the control wave number set by the control wave number setting circuit.

Abstract: A power-saving controller for an image-forming apparatus activates a power-saving mode when the image-forming apparatus is operated with a power-saving key while standing by, and controls a fixer to have a target temperature selected by a user beforehand, which is lower than a target temperature of the fixer obtained when the image-forming apparatus stands by. After a predetermined period elapses, when the selected temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the power-saving controller controls the fixer to have the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A heating element, preferably for oblong plate-shaped sensors for measuring oxygen concentration in internal combustion engine exhaust gas, has a conductive heating strip at one end of the heating element and electrical conductors which are connected electrically to the conductive heating strip and which supply the heating current and provide connection to the other end of the heating element. The positive temperature coefficient of the resistor material of the conductive heating strip is lower than the positive temperature coefficient of the material of at least one section of the conductors.

Abstract: A temperature sensing and limiting device is described for use in a radiant electric heater (8) incorporating at least one heating element (14). The device comprises an elongate tubular housing (1) adapted to at least partly traverse the heater so as to be heated externally by the heating element. A component (4) is provided within the housing and provides an electrical parameter which changes as a function of temperature. At least a thermal-sensing portion (11) of a thermally-responsive bimetallic cut-out device (10) is provided within the housing (1), the cut-out device being adapted to deenergize the heater (8) at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A PTC thermistor element for a heating device has a main body of a layered structure having a thinner layer and a thicker layer, sandwiched between electrodes formed on the main outer surfaces facing away from each other. The thinner layer has a thickness 0.05-0.43 times that of the thicker layer and is made of a PTC thermistor material with a Curie temperature which is lower than that of the thicker layer by 20.degree. C. or more. The center of heat generation is thus shifted towards the electrode formed on the thinner layer, and a heating plate contacting it can be effectively heated.

Abstract: A heating cable for maintaining pipes and related equipment at temperatures above freezing or at elevated process temperatures. The heating cable includes a pair of elongated electrode wires each coated with a layer of insulating material. The layer of insulating material is partially stripped off the wires at spaced, alternating locations. A resistive heater wire is helically wound around a yarn of fibrous insulating material to form an elongated resistor core. The elongated resistor core is spirally wound around the electrode wires and is brought into electrical contact with the electrode wires at the alternating locations where the wires are partially stripped. A second layer of insulating material covers the elongated resistor core and forms an outer surface for the cable.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature or other characteristic of semiconductor processing tools by measuring current flow to the tool is provided. In one embodiment, a current sensor is provided for measuring current flow to the heat source and generating an electrical signal proportional to the current flow. The current sensor includes a noise filter for reducing noise in the electrical signal induced by stray emf signals present around the processing tool. A controller, responsive to the electrical signal generated by the current sensor, is provided for controlling the processing tool. In this manner, the controller can, for example, allow for early detection of heat source failures or degradation. When such a condition is detected, the controller may, for instance, signal an audible or visual warning or shut down the processing tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating a seat comprising a heating element (2) connected to a control unit (1), which is arranged to feed a current (I) through the heating element (2) comprising the detection of the current temperature (T) in connection to the heating element (2) and the control of the temperature (T) by feeding said current (I) through the heating element (2) if said current temperature (T) falls below a predetermined desired temperature (T.sub.B). The invention is characterized in that it comprises determining an additional value (.increment.T.sub.B) of said desired temperature (T.sub.B) and adding said additional value (.increment.T.sub.B) to said predetermined desired temperature (T.sub.B) in connection with said control by means of the invention. An improved temperature control for a heatable seat is provided, in particular intended for motor vehicles.

Abstract: An actuation device comprising:at least two thermal actuators (5A,5B) electrically supplied, each thermal actuator (5A,5B) comprising relevant thrust means (4A,6A,4B,6B) being movable to perform a predetermined stroke;at least a working means (12) moved by means of said thermal actuators (5A,5B) and connected with the thrust means (4B,6B) of one of said thermal actuators (5A,5B);where said working means (12;12A;18) is able to take at least three different steady working positions (I,II,III) in function of the presence of supply to a first (5B) or a second (5A) or both said thermal actuators (5A,5B).According to the invention, said first thermal actuator (5B) is free to move with respect to said second thermal actuator (5A) and means (6A,11) are provided for transferring the thrust produced by the second thermal actuator (5A) to the first thermal actuator (5B), and causing a change in the reciprocal positioning of one thermal actuator with respect to the other.

Abstract: A system for and a method of controlling the temperature of an object (22). Temperature sensors (30) are placed on the object (22) in abutting zones (24) substantially covering a surface of the object (22), so as to detect a temperature in each of the respective zones (24). Temperature adjusting elements (28) are spaced from and thermally coupled to the object (22), to adjust the temperatures of corresponding ones of the respective zones (24). Temperature control circuits (32, 34, 36), responsive to temperatures detected by respective ones of the temperature sensors (30), control the corresponding ones of the temperature adjusting elements (28) to maintain the temperatures of the respective zones (24) within a preset temperature range. When the object (22) is in a cold environment and is to be maintained at a warmer temperature, the temperature adjusting elements (28) are heating elements.

Abstract: A PTC-element to be used as a protective device against overcurrent or overvoltage, of which the volume resistivity does not substantially differ before and after a high temperature processing, such as reflowing of solder, and can be preserved even after having been subjected to repeated tripping, which contains a non-conductive crystalline polymer and a particulate conductor material dispersed in the non-conducting crystalline polymer, wherein the particulate conductor material includes electro-conductive particles having irregular surface contours.

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

Abstract: The heater is formed from a substrate layer, a feeder buss layer, a dielectric layer, a PTF (polymer thick film) conductor or main buss layer, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor layer and an external laminated adhesive layer. All of the layers are substantially coextensive. The feeder buss layer, dielectric layer, main buss layer and PTC thermistor layers are preferably screen printed or otherwise selectively applied. The feeder buss layer includes first and second external electrical terminals formed on a single side thereof, and a buss for providing electrical communication from the first terminal to a connector diagonally removed from the second terminal. The connector and the second terminal provide electrical communication to diagonally opposed corners of the PTF conductor or main buss layer thereby providing relatively uniform current path distances through the thermistor layer.

Abstract: An electric water heater is provided which includes a polymeric body having an elongated hollow and an inlet opening and an outlet opening in communication with the hollow for flowing water to pass therethrough. An electrical resistance heater having a heating element of a material exhibiting a positive temperature coefficient of resistance is disposed in the hollow of the polymeric body and in heat transfer communication with water flowing through the hollow. An electrical source supplies electrical power to the heating element to generate heat. A controller senses current flow through the heating element and determines a resistance related value, such as current or resistance of the heating element. The controller also determines a first derivative of the resistance related value over time, and determines a second derivative of the resistance related value over time, and controls power supply to the heating element as a function of the first and second derivatives and/or absolute resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is a temperature measurement device for furnace heating elements, a furnace utilizing the temperature measurement device and a method for measuring a temperature of the heating element utilizing the temperature measurement device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to control a heated area for a glass surface on a motor vehicle. The method and system sense the ambient temperature, determine whether the vehicle charging system is operating within a first predetermined voltage level, and disable the heated area if the charging system voltage is outside the first predetermined level.

Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes electric heating devices to accelerate a rise in temperature of air for heating a passenger compartment by accelerating a rise in temperature of warm water used to heat the air and by directly heating the air. Electric heating devices are built into a heat exchanger for heating so that the devices can release heat into surrounding air through radiating fins. When the system is in a heating operation region and the temperature of warm water available to flow through the heat exchanger is below a set temperature T.sub.2, the electric heating devices are turned on. A blower for blowing heating air into a passenger compartment through the heat exchanger is stopped, and a warm water valve is opened to allow the warm water to flow through the heat exchanger, whereupon heat from the electric heating devices is released through the radiating fins into the warm water inside the heat exchanger. When the temperature of the warm water rises above the set temperature T.sub.

Abstract: An improved mounting apparatus for the attachment of a filament heater between electric conduction plates of a space heater device comprises a first electric conduction plate, a second electric conduction plate, a plurality of filament heaters positioned between the electric conduction plates, a plurality of electric conduction rings positioned on opposite sides of each of the filament heaters, and a seat having a receiving trough for receiving the electric conduction plates and the filament heaters therein. Each of the electric conduction plates includes a suitable mounting hole therein. An elastic pressing piece extends around the mounting holes so as to exert a compressing force upon the respective electric conduction rings on the filament heaters. The seat includes suitable pillars that can receive screws so as to secure the electric conduction plates and the filament heaters within the seat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for temperature sensing and for detecting cracks or breakage of a windshield. A resistance element is connected to the windshield and a resistance monitoring circuit is connected to the resistance element for monitoring an electrical property of the resistance element. A physical integrity monitoring device can be connected to the resistance monitoring circuit for determining the physical integrity of the windshield based upon the monitored electrical property of the resistance element. Also, a temperature calculator can be used to determine a temperature based upon the monitored electrical property associated with the resistance element and upon a relationship between resistance and temperature that has been stored in a memory device.

Abstract: A method for heating a medium in a heating apparatus comprising establishing a setpoint temperature for the medium, determining thermal characteristics of the heating apparatus and the medium during a first mode of operation, the thermal characteristics establishing an idle-on pulse duration for raising the temperature of the medium a first amount, generating at a move-to-idle temperature a move-to-idle pulse of heat having a move-to-idle pulse duration, the move-to-idle pulse duration being sufficient to raise the temperature of the medium to a temperature above the setpoint temperature, wherein the move-to-idle pulse duration is derived from the idle-on pulse duration and the deviation between the setpoint temperature and the move-to-idle temperature.

Abstract: A method for calibrating the temperature of an epitaxy reactor includes the steps of preparing a reference wafer having undergone on at least one of its surfaces an implant of a doping followed by an activation annealing to form a diffused layer; measuring the sheet resistance of the diffused layer at one point on the surface of the wafer; placing the reference wafer in the epitaxy reactor, the reactor being set at a desired temperature and having a neutral gas flowing therein; and measuring the sheet resistance at the same point and calculating the difference between the two values of sheet resistance, this difference representing the thermal cycle undergone by the reference wafer during its stay in the epitaxy reactor.

Abstract: A heat-exchanging core portion includes a plurality of tubes arranged in parallel and a plurality of fin members disposed between a pair of adjacent tubes. While an electric heat emitting unit is constructed by supporting a heat emitting body including a heat emitting element inside a frame through a fin member. The electric heat emitting unit is installed into a space, which is defined in the heat-exchanging core portion, having a predetermined distance after the heat-exchanging core portion is assembled and integrally brazed while defining the space.

Abstract: An electric heating system comprising at least two electric heating resistors, the heating power of which being adjusted by a control device comprising a plurality of controllers each one of which has one of the electric heating resistor associated with it, wherein the control range of the control means is distributed over the controllers and wherein a different control range is associated to each controller.