Body-supported (e.g., Human Body) Patents (Class 219/527)
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Patent number: 11723795Abstract: In one form, a projection frame eyelid heater includes a heating element and a frame. The heating element has first and second heat producing areas separated by a distance corresponding to a separation of human eyes and has first and second ends. The heating element produces heat in response to an application of a voltage thereto. The frame includes a left temple attachment portion and a right temple attachment portion each having a respective back portion extending downward and inward, a left eyelid chassis portion, an intermediate chassis portion, and a right eyelid chassis portion, wherein the intermediate chassis portion connects the left eyelid chassis portion and the right eyelid chassis portion. Each of the left eyelid chassis portion and the right eyelid chassis portion is adjustable with respect to the intermediate chassis portion in a direction from the user's nose toward the user's left and right eyes, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: OCuSOFT, Inc.Inventor: John Devine
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Patent number: 11116045Abstract: A heater includes a first conducting pin, a second conducting pin, and a plurality of resistance coils. Each resistance coil includes a first end connected to the first conducting pin and a second end connected to the second conducting pin. At least one resistance coil among the plurality of resistance coils has a continuously variable pitch. In one form, the plurality of resistance coils are connected in a parallel circuit with the first and second conducting pin. A first resistance coil among the plurality of resistance coils may have a diameter that is different than a second resistance coil among the plurality of resistance coils.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Scott Boehmer, Dennis P. Long, Rolando O. Juliano
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Patent number: 11000406Abstract: A heating device includes a heating unit and device electronics. The heating unit is configured to deliver heat to a user's body. The heating unit includes a substrate and a heating element supported by the substrate. The device electronics are coupled to the heating element and are configured to store a first heating profile that includes data indicating how power should be delivered to the heating element over a first period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the heating element according to the first heating profile. The device electronics are configured to wirelessly receive a second heating profile from an external computing device. The second heating profile includes data indicating how power should be delivered to the heating element over a second period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the heating element according to the second heating profile.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Relief Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jonathan Moulton Thomas, Brian James Krieger, Richard Thomas Caligaris, Elizabeth Ann Miracle, Grace Hina Lee
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Patent number: 10840634Abstract: A wiring harness includes wires (10), terminal fittings (20) connected respectively to end parts of the wires (10), and a sheet (30) to which the wires (10) and at least a part of the terminal fittings (20) along which the wires (10) are disposed are sewn by a sewing thread (T). Accordingly, the wires (10) cannot be pulled singly. Further, if the wires (10) are pulled together with the sheet (30), a pulling force is dispersed to the wire (10) and the sheet (30) so that the pulling force on the wire (10) is reduced. In addition, since at least a wire arranging portion (23) of the terminal fitting (20) along which the wire (10) is disposed is sewn to the sheet (30) by the sewing thread (T), detachment of the wire (10) from the terminal fitting (20) is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignees: AutoNetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hisashi Kojima, Yasuo Omori, Shunya Takeuchi
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Patent number: 9949872Abstract: An eye and eyelid cover includes a pair of spaced viewing windows between which, in use, a reservoir of hot water is contained, and a compartment within which a phase change material is contained, the phase change material being molten at the initial temperature of the hot water and solidifying during cooling of the hot water while a treatment procedure is being carried out.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: LABORATORIES THEAInventor: Edmund Thomas Fuller
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Patent number: 9750895Abstract: A venipuncture device may be used for assisting a healthcare provider identify and locate a blood vessel in a patient. According to embodiments, heat is applied to a selected venipuncture site on the patent's limb. A pressure cuff constricts the limb proximal to the venipuncture site, thereby partially occluding blood flow through the blood vessel and engorging the blood vessel and making it more visible to the healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may then carry out various operations on the patient, including but not limited to drawing blood and insertion of an intravenous line.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Inventor: Ziad A. Alsaifi
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Patent number: 9421124Abstract: An eye mask with an internal heating mechanism worn over the eye and sinus regions of the wearer. The eye mask provides heat and pressure to the face. A plurality of heating wires internal to the mask provide heat, the heating wires being driven by temperature and time controls contained in an external enclosure that may also contain batteries or other connections to a power source. The mask may have pockets for weighted pebbles, magnets or other material for adding weight to the mask to bring the heat closer to the face of the wearer. The mask may have a reflective material in an internal layer to reflect heat from the heating wires back to the face of the wearer. The mask may have a memory foam for molding the mask to the contours of the face, bringing heat to a greater portion of the face of the wearer.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Inventors: Michelle E. Carey, Angela T. M. Hays
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Patent number: 9029736Abstract: An electronic personal thermal control apparatus and method may provide heating and cooling for a user. A power source may provide power to a thermal module that is capable of heating or cooling a heat transfer component to a desired temperature. The heating or cooling may be managed by a controller. The components may be placed in a housing. The apparatus may be placed at any suitable position on a user's body, such as the wrist or ankle(s). The housing of the apparatus may be incorporated or combined with clothing, such as wristband(s), apparel, jackets, footwear, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: My Core Control Development, LLCInventor: Edward F. Lavin, Jr.
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Patent number: 8986359Abstract: A multi-zone electric heating blanket. The blanket may be shaped to cover the outstretched arms or other body parts of a patient. The blanket includes first and second body part portions and a connecting bridge. The interconnection via the bridge leaves an open gap between the first and second body part portions for unblocked access to the patient. A power controller may supply power to heating elements in both body part portions based on a temperature sensor in one of the body part portions.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Augustine Temperature Management LLCInventors: Scott D. Augustine, Ryan S. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Keith J. Leland, Joshua P. Waldman, Rudolf A. Deibel, Thomas F. Neils
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Patent number: 8916806Abstract: A heating pad assembly includes a pad and a heating plate is connected in the pad. A receptacle and a temperature control button unit are connected to the pad. The heating pad, the receptacle and the temperature control button unit are electrically connected to each other by wires. Electric power is provided to the heating pad assembly via the receptacle, and the temperature control button unit controls the operation of the heating pad. A fastening strip is cooperated with the pad to secure the pad to desired portion of the user's body.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Inventor: Chien-Chou Chen
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Publication number: 20140138374Abstract: A heating pad assembly includes a pad and a heating plate is connected in the pad. A receptacle and a temperature control button unit are connected to the pad. The heating pad, the receptacle and the temperature control button unit are electrically connected to each other by wires. Electric power is provided to the heating pad assembly via the receptacle, and the temperature control button unit controls the operation of the heating pad. A fastening strip is cooperated with the pad to secure the pad to desired portion of the user's body.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventor: CHIEN-CHOU CHEN
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Patent number: 8624164Abstract: A blanket for warming patients during surgery and other medical procedures. The blanket includes one or more temperature sensors and a shut-off timer to prevent prolonged exposure of excessive heat to a patient. Embodiments of the present invention provide a safety feature that cuts power to a heating blanket after a certain period of time has elapsed, irrespective of the feedback provided by a temperature sensor concerning the blanket temperature. That period of time is longer than it takes for the blanket to reach its threshold temperature but shorter than it takes to cause thermal burn injury.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Augustine Temperature Management LLCInventors: Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entenman, Keith J. Leland
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Publication number: 20120318781Abstract: An electronic personal thermal control apparatus and method may provide heating and cooling for a user. A power source may provide power to a thermal module that is capable of heating or cooling a heat transfer component to a desired temperature. The heating or cooling may be managed by a controller. The components may be placed in a housing. The apparatus may be placed at any suitable position on a user's body, such as the wrist or ankle(s). The housing of the apparatus may be incorporated or combined with clothing, such as wristband(s), apparel, jackets, footwear, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: My Core Control, LLCInventor: Edward F. Lavin, JR.
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Patent number: 8278606Abstract: A pocketable body warmer includes: a metallic exterior casing with a metal plate being formed in the shape of a tube having a closed bottom end and an open opposite end; and a plastic interior casing with an outer contour being formed to be inserted in the metallic exterior casing. The interior casing is provided with a battery storage portion and a battery is loaded in the battery storage portion. Also, a heater is thermally connected to the metallic exterior casing for heating the metallic exterior casing.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shoichi Toya, Toshiki Nakasho, Takuo Nomi
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Patent number: 8217318Abstract: The invention is a submersible hand warmer apparatus for warming a diver's gloved hands. The apparatus includes a sleeve having a center portion with an elongate chamber with a right access port and a left access port; and right and left sleeve portions with elastic cuffs. The cuffs can be stretched allowing the diver's gloved hands access to the chamber, and then retract, forming a seal against the diver's arms. The chamber is sized for enough heat transfer fluid, such as water, so that the temperature of the diver's hands is raised to at least 54° F. upon immersion of his hands in the water. The apparatus also includes a heating component; an energy source, such as a battery; a housing which provides structural support; an insulation that slows the loss of heat to the cold ambient water; and a controller that controls the rate that energy is consumed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Jody Wood-Putnam, Marshall L Nuckols, Kenneth Price
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Patent number: 8138457Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-type heater designed to allow uniform generation of heat across the entire surface of the heater, comprising an upper component composed of a first outer covering and a first intermediate layer joined together and a lower component composed of a second outer covering and a second intermediate layer joined together, with a heating element being placed between said upper component and lower component and wires laminated onto the two end surfaces of said heating element.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2006Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Carbonic Heat CorporationInventor: Tae Suk Seo
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Patent number: 8097832Abstract: A heating device for an article specially worn in the water activities includes a magnetic unit, a power source unit, an inductive unit, a control unit, a heating unit, and a display unit. In this device, the magnetic unit is to generate a magnetic output. The power source unit is to provide a power source needed by the device. The inductive unit, induced by the magnetic force of the magnetic unit, generates an inductive signal output. The control unit, electrically connected to the power source unit and the inductive unit, generates a control signal output by receiving an inductive signal output from the inductive unit. The heating unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is driven by the control signal output from the control unit to process a heating procedure.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Petatech International Co., LtdInventors: Chia-Chin Huang, Chiun Tseng
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Patent number: 7977608Abstract: A panel heating system including a support and a heating layer, which contains electrically conductive plastic, with the heating layer configured from a flexible film and the support is flexible. A heatable object is provided, such as, a panel healing system. A method for producing the heating system, in which a heating layer containing electrically conductive plastic is joined to a support. The heating layer is formed by the application of an electrically conductive, in particular expandable or expanded, plastic material to the support, and the subsequent curing of the plastic material on the support. A seat occupancy recognition system is provided that contains elements including electrically conductive plastic. A seat having a seat occupancy recognition system, in addition to a seat occupancy recognition method, according to which a change in the resistance of an electrically conductive plastic material is detected as a result of a weight load on the material.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: BrainCOM AGInventors: Michael Diemer, Stephan Diemer
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Patent number: 7884307Abstract: An electric heating textile is provided. The electric heating textile includes an electric heating layer, plural heat-insulating layers and a protective layer. The electric heating layer includes at least one conductive yarn capable of generating heat and plural aromatic polyamide fibers. The heat-insulating layers are under the electric heating layer. The protective layer is on the electric heating layer. A method for manufacturing the electric heating textile is also disclosed in the specification.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Taiwan Textile Research InstituteInventors: Chen-Liang Li, Han-Hsing Hsiung, Ching-Tang Huang, Cheng-Kun Chu
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Patent number: 7816628Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a garment includes a fabric having a channel, a heat conductive wire disposed in the channel, a power source coupled to the heat conductive wire and detachably attached to the garment, and a controller electrically coupled to the power source and detachably attached to the garment, wherein the controller is configured with a heat setting. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of heating a garment includes providing a fabric, forming a channel, disposing a heat conductive wire within the channel, connecting the heat conductive wire with a power source, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery, and adjusting the heating of the garment by operating the power source and the heat conductive wire using a controller.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2006Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Products of Tomorrow, Inc.Inventors: Juan Fernandez, Paul McGrath, Frank Cipolla, James Sabastian, Michael J. Keating
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Patent number: 7709770Abstract: A heating device is presented for surface heating of a body so as to maintain a required temperature of the body. The heating device comprises an electrical heating element and a power source for supplying a required voltage thereto. The heating element comprises first and second conductors, wherein the first conductor is made of a material with relatively high specific resistivity as compared to that of the second conductor, and the second conductor is made of a material with high heat conductivity. The first and second conductors are accommodated in spaced-apart parallel relationship along their lengths such that, when they are connected to the power source, electric currents flow in the conductors in opposite directions, and magnetic fields created in the vicinity of the first and second conductors are completely compensated. The first conductor thus serves as a heater and the second conductor as a heat diffuser.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: HTTP—Hypothermia Therapy Ltd.Inventor: David Bikhovsky
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Publication number: 20100089897Abstract: A heatable garment includes a front and back panel having an opening there between for receiving a wearer's head. The front and back panels include a first and second layer of material. A plurality of sealed enclosures is formed between the first and second layers. At least one of the plurality of enclosures is disposed on the front panel and the back panels. The plurality of enclosures each includes a heating device having a source of energy for producing heat. The enclosures are sealed to retain the heating devices therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Harvey T. Bart
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Patent number: 7618588Abstract: An integrate device includes a heater thermally coupled to a plurality of flow-through tubes to perform thermally-driven chemical reactions. A wire mesh heater is wrapped around each of multiple flow-through tubes, thereby creating a thermal interface between the mesh and the tubes. Each end of the wire mesh is coupled to an electrical contact. The electrical contacts are preferable positioned at an exterior portion of the integrated device to be easily placed in electrical contact with a voltage source. As current passes through the mesh, heat is produced. The heat passes from the mesh to each of the flow-through tubes via the thermal interface. The flow-through tubes can be fluidically coupled to a sample preparation module. The sample preparation module, the flow-through tubes, and the heater can be integrated within a single integrated device that provides automated sample preparation and thermally-driven chemical reactions for a variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Microfluidic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Chun-Wah (Phil) Lin, Bob Yuan
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Patent number: 7482558Abstract: A thermotherapy device is operated as an incubator or as an open care unit. The care unit has a bed for receiving newborns, which can be closed with a hood (3). At least one heat radiation source (4) is provided. The hood (3) is located between the bed and the heat radiation source (4) when the thermotherapy device is closed and the hood is at least partially transparent to the radiation originating from the heat radiation source (4). The device allows only a small temperature drop during the transfer from the open mode of operation into the closed mode of operation and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Dräger Medical AG & Co. KGInventor: Jochim Koch
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Patent number: 7439474Abstract: A climate control pad includes a pad body having a climate treating surface and an air circulating circuit formed thereon for preserving a volume of air within the air circulating circuit in a circulating manner, and a heat generating element, which is a fiber heating wire, disposed in the air circulating circuit for generating heat to increase the temperature of the air within the air circulating circuit so as to evenly distribute the heat from the heat generating element on the climate treating surface of the pad body. In addition, the pad body is adapted to incorporate with a cooling source to provide a cooling air towards the climate treating surface of the pad body.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Inventor: Charlie Huang
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Publication number: 20080189826Abstract: An electrically-heated golf mitten formed of a three-layer fabric body that encases the thumb separately and the other four fingers together, and including a cut-and-sewn nylon shell, cut-and-sewn closed cell foam insulator, and cut-and-sewn fleece liner. A battery pack is mounted on the wrist, and a Velcro™-attachable elastic cuff-strap is stretched around the wrist and battery pack for securement and sealing. The battery pack is connected to heating elements attached inwardly of the closed-cell foam insulator. In use, the battery pack and heating elements are designed for relatively high heat, and the three-layer fabric body with sealing cuff-strap is designed for high heat retention. The heated mitten is also very easy to put on and take off. Thus, a golfer dons the mitten for 5 minute intervals between strokes for flash warming of the hands.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: George Dilli
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Patent number: 7250586Abstract: A surface heating system consists of a support and a heating layer that contains an electrically conductive plastic. The heating layer is formed by a flexible film. A heatable object made as such a surface heating system. A method for producing a surface heating system, where a heating layer containing an electrically conductive plastic bonded to a support, and where the heating layer is formed by initially applying an electrically conductive, especially a foam plastic material onto the support and then hardening the plastic material on the support. Alternatively, the method produces a surface heating system with a heating layer of an electrically conductive plastic is bonded to a support. The heating layer is produced from an electrically conductive, especially a foam plastic material, and then arranged on the support. Another alternative of the method consists of bonding a heating layer with an electrically conductive plastic to a support. A fabric is produced as the support.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Braincom AGInventors: Stephan Diemer, Michael Diemer
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Patent number: 7161118Abstract: A device for warming a toilet seat includes a heatable section removably attachable to a toilet lid via an adhesive layer. The present invention further includes flexible heating elements formed from heat-absorbing material and a cover that protects a user from such elements. The device is activated when the toilet lid is in the closed position via a switch connected to the cover. The activating mechanism further includes a control panel that includes a temperature control lever. A power supply mechanism is electrically coupled to the activating mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Inventors: David M. Modeste, Sr., David M. Modeste, Jr.
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Patent number: 6969831Abstract: A substrate for a heating pad, blanket or throw includes one or more heating elements and one or more securing loops disposed at a securing end of the substrate. Each of the securing loops is of sufficient diameter to encircle and secure the substrate in a scrolled configuration.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth R. Parker, Patricia A. Bassett
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Patent number: 6897417Abstract: Each mat of a plurality of mats has an electrical resistance heater embedded therein between a layer of vinyl and a layer of cloth-like material. The mats are located in a motor vehicle and are connected to the power system of the motor vehicle via a cigarette lighter-type attachment and are controlled by a control element. Each mat has a crown and a gutter so water generated by melting snow or ice is controlled and prevented from running off the mat.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventors: Donald E. Usselman, Jeanne K. Usselman
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Patent number: 6770848Abstract: A temperature control device comprising a heater element and a power source. The heater element having a conductive ink affixed to a substrate. The power source connected to the conductive ink to supply power to said conductive ink, thereby heating the heater element.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventors: William S. Haas, William J. Haas
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Publication number: 20040026409Abstract: A heating device is presented for surface heating of a body so as to maintain a required temperature of the body. The heating device comprises an electrical heating element and a power source for supplying a required voltage thereto. The heating element comprises first and second conductors, wherein the first conductor is made of a material with relatively high specific resistivity as compared to that of the second conductor, and the second conductor is made of a material with high heat conductivity. The first and second conductors are accommodated in spaced-apart parallel relationship along their lengths such that, when they are connected to the power source, electric currents flow in the conductors in opposite directions, and magnetic fields created in the vicinity of the first and second conductors are completely compensated. The first conductor thus serves as a heater and the second conductor as a heat diffuser.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: David Bikhovsky
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Publication number: 20030230565Abstract: A heating unit is presented for use in a heating device for surface heating of a body to enable maintaining a required temperature of the body. The heating unit is composed of first and second elements each made of a material with a specific resistivity in a range of about 0.01-0.01 Ohm·mm2/m, thereby enabling substantial flatness and flexibility of the heating unit. The first and second adjacent elements are accommodated in spaced-apart planes, are electrically insulated from each other, and have different resistance and different surface areas as compared to each other. The first element having the relatively high resistance and the relatively low surface area serves as a heater, and the second element, which is located closer to the body, when the heating unit is in the operation, serves as a distributor of heat created by the first element when connected to a power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Applicant: HTTP-HYPOTHERMIA THERAPY LTD.Inventor: David Bikovsky
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Patent number: 6649873Abstract: A temperature-controlled heated garment for providing heat to the torso of the user when needed. The temperature-controlled heated garment includes a garment member having multiple layers of material and also having at least one heating element connection outlet and being adapted to be worn about a torso of a user; and also includes heating elements being disposed between the multiple layers of material and throughout the garment member and being connected to the at least one heating element connection outlet; and further includes a heat-producing assembly including a housing member being connected to the at least one heating element connection outlet and being fastenable with fasteners to the garment.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Inventors: Jose Cintron, Jr., Carmen M. Cintron
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Patent number: 6555798Abstract: A heating apparatus of a hot-heat treatment device using a semiconductor device includes a heating element positioned in a heating cap for heating a transmission cover after being conducted when electric power is supplied thereto; a circuit board electrically connected with the heating element, for controlling a voltage and a temperature; and a fixing unit for integrally fixing the heating element within the heating cap. Since the light bulb in the heating structure of the heating cap for pressurizing and fomenting the diseased part of the body of the user as in the conventional art is replaced with a semiconductor device. Accordingly, its case is prevented from deforming and the lead wire is prevented from breaking due to heat, so that a high-quality product can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Migun Medical Instrument Co., Ltd.Inventor: Sang-bok Lee
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Patent number: 6501055Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by joining stitch and loop yarns to form a fabric prebody, with the loop yarn overlaying the stitch yarn at a technical face and forming loops at a technical back of the fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element, e.g., in the form of a conductive yarn, is incorporated into the fabric prebody at symmetrical and/or asymmetrical spaced-apart intervals as the stitch yarn, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric and conductor elements, e.g. located along edge regions, connect the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power. The technical face and/or the technical back of the fabric body may have fleece formed by finishing in a manner to avoid damage to electrical conductance of the electrical resistance heating elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
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Patent number: 6373034Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by joining stitch and loop yarns to form a fabric body, with the loop yarn overlaying the stitch yarn at a technical face and forming loops at a technical back of the fabric body. An electrical resistance heating element, e.g., in the form of a conductive yarn, is incorporated into the fabric body at symmetrical and/or asymmetrical spaced-apart intervals as the stitch yarn, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric and conductor elements, e.g. located along edge regions, connect the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power. The technical face and/or the technical back of the fabric body may have fleece formed by finishing in a manner to avoid damage to electrical conductance of the electrical resistance heating elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
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Patent number: 6353207Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Ctex Seat Comfort Ltd.Inventor: Steven John Burt
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Patent number: 6353211Abstract: An electric heating device includes a heating member, a closure unit and an electric wire unit. The heating member is formed as a flexible sheet with opposite first and second end portions. The heating member has upper and lower dielectric layers and an electric heating film layer which is disposed between the upper and lower dielectric layers and which generates heat when supplied with electric power. The closure unit is provided on the first and second end portions of the heating member for connecting the first and second end portions to each other so as to form the heating member into a tubular body and so as to retain a tubular shape of the heating member. The electric wire unit is connected electrically to the electric heating film layer, and is adapted to be connected electrically to an electric power source.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Inventor: Ching-Song Chen
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Patent number: 6329638Abstract: A heat vest system that includes a garment wearable by the user having strategically located vibration and heating elements which is worn by the user such that the heating and vibration elements are correctly positioned for a therapeutic effect. To increase the therapeutic effect, the system includes a control device in connection with the vibration and heating elements of the garment which allows the user to separately adjust the heat and vibration generated by each of the heating and vibration elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Vicky W. Bloodworth
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Patent number: 6320161Abstract: A hand warming device for use in ones jacket or pants pocket, being portable, and having controllable heating. Uses for the device include warming the hand before touching others as in handshakes.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: Howard O. Hansen, Jr.
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Patent number: 6294758Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Toto LtdInventors: Shiotani Masao, Hiroi Kazunori, Haraga Hisato, Fukushima Takenori, Kataoka Yumiko, Tanaka Shingo, Tsuboi Hiroshi, Ando Shigeru
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Patent number: 6218644Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Macher & Zorn OEGInventors: Heinz Zorn, Di Gerhard Schreiner
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Patent number: 6147332Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive ABInventors: Lennart Holmberg, Kenneth Skogward, Goran Forslund
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Patent number: 6078025Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Chiu Man Yeung
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Patent number: 5986243Abstract: A personal outdoor heating system that includes an electric cover that is powered by a power pack that has re-chargeable batteries. The electric cover has a defined footprint or wiring layout that is within the central portion of the cover. The footprint is selected to provide a desired comfort zone for a user(s). The power pack has a single receptacle to input power to the power pack to recharge the batteries and for output of power to the cover. Power to the cover is selectable between a high setting and a normal setting. A control module of the power pack has a recharging circuit for charging the batteries and a power circuit for supplying power to the cover.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Thermo Gear, Inc.Inventor: Melvin F. Campf
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Patent number: 5973302Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 12, 1996Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Chris Petrosino
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Patent number: 5893991Abstract: A new Battery Operated Heating System for a Vest or a Jacket for warming the user in cold weather or for therapeutic reasons. The inventive device includes a garment vest having a right side and a left side and longitudinal heating elements. In use, after the garment vest 11 is made to include all of the elements comprising the present invention, the garment vest 11 is worn and the batteries are installed and electrically connected to the right power outlet and return 13 and the left power outlet and return 15. The garment vest 11 is equipped with a plurality of separate control settings where the right side 12 is controlled separate from the left side 14 and the right side 12 can be set at one setting while the left side 14 is at another setting.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1996Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Inventor: Bertha L. Newell
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Patent number: 5871526Abstract: A light-weight portable temperature control system which includes form fitting disposable therapy pads for selected body parts having serpentine fluid channels therethrough, a programmable microprocessor for controlling the temperature type and length of cycle, quick disconnects for the therapy pad, a thermoelectric cooler with a liquid heat exchanger and a pump for circulating the fluid through the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventors: Roselle Gibbs, Stuart Horn, Yale Kadesky, Buford Walters
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Patent number: 5866881Abstract: A multi-layer jacket with convection heating mechanism including a jacket having a pair of long sleeves and a front closeable opening. Also included is a heater coil adapted to produce heat upon the receipt of power. A convection fan is positioned adjacent the heat coil and is adapted to draw air from air inlet apertures of the jacket and further produce a heated air current upon the receipt of power. Further provided is a convection tube having a first end situated adjacent the heater coil opposite the convection fan for receiving the heated air current from the heater coil and convection fan. The convection tube is serpentinely situated throughout the jacket for distributing the heated air current throughout an interior of the jacket. Finally, a heater control mechanism is provided for allowing a user to control the amount of heat generated by the heater coil and the convection fan.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Inventor: James D. Jones, III