Flexible Or Resilient (e.g., Warming Pad) Patents (Class 219/528)
  • Patent number: 8143554
    Abstract: A heating element includes a plurality of folded surfaces which can be resistively heating using electrical current. The heating element can advantageously function both as a heating source and a heat transfer device, as the need for separate fins or other heat dissipation members is eliminated. In some embodiments, the heating element can be included in a fluid heating system. The fluid heating system can include a fluid transfer device configured to deliver a volume or ambient air or other fluid through the heating element. As air moves past the heated folded surface of the heating element, it is heated. Heated air can then be discharged to one or more desired locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Patent number: 8138457
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-type heater designed to allow uniform generation of heat across the entire surface of the heater, comprising an upper component composed of a first outer covering and a first intermediate layer joined together and a lower component composed of a second outer covering and a second intermediate layer joined together, with a heating element being placed between said upper component and lower component and wires laminated onto the two end surfaces of said heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Carbonic Heat Corporation
    Inventor: Tae Suk Seo
  • Patent number: 8137617
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin film heater (2) including a thin film heat-producing resistor, and a first and a second thin film electrodes (22, 24) electrically connected to the thin film heat-producing resistor to apply voltage to the thin film heat-producing resistor. In the thin film heater (2), at least part of the thin film heat-producing resistor is light transmissive. Preferably, the first thin film electrode (22), the thin film heat-producing resistor and the second thin film electrode (24) are laminated in the film thickness direction in the mentioned order. The present invention further provides an analytical instrument (X) provided with the thin film heater (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Arkray, Inc.
    Inventor: Daisuke Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120037611
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an elongated object (1) including a cable (2) being surrounded by an external protection (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, 3e), said external protection comprising at least one protection layer including at least two elongated extruded hollow profiles (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e), each elongated extruded hollow profile comprising at least one elongated empty cavity (32), characterized in that each profile (31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e) of said external protection is a single element along the whole length of the cable portion to be protected, and that the total cross section area of the empty parts of the external protection represents at least 20% of the total cross section area of the external protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: NEXANS
    Inventors: Jan Erik Karlsen, Lars Hennig, Anders Henrik Bla, Hans Kvarme
  • Patent number: 8106338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element for heating at least one surface contacted at times by a user, with a plurality of heating conductors or heating conductor sections that are directly or indirectly connected electrically to one another, at least in part by mutual contact, with at least one heating conductor or heating conductor section which, upon exceeding a permissible maximum temperature, at least temporarily loses its electrical conductivity at least in part. It is provided that the electrical resistance of at least two heating conductors or heating conductor sections is dependent at least in part on its mechanical strain, that these heating conductors or heating conductor sections are electrically connected to one another in parallel, and that they are separated from one another at least in sections by a spacing zone in order to prevent electrical connection between them in spacing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 8101887
    Abstract: The heated steering wheel cover includes a resilient, flexible, substantially annular member having an open bottom portion enabling the substantially annular member to be removably fitted over a vehicle's steering wheel. A heating element is disposed inside of the steering wheel cover. A battery pack is electrically connected to the heating element. A switch is electrically connected to the battery pack and selectively turns the heating element on or off. The battery pack is removably attachable to a portion of the vehicle proximate the steering wheel so that safe operation of the heating element is possible while the vehicle is being driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Rodger M. Pate
  • Patent number: 8076619
    Abstract: A heated stair mat includes a plurality of coextensively shaped mats configured in a staggered arrangement along a plurality of vertical and horizontal walls of the existing steps such that odd ones of the mats cover top surfaces of the existing steps while even ones of the mats cover front surfaces of the existing steps. Each of such mats is provided with a plurality of laterally spanning grooves juxtaposed between the heating elements and formed on top surfaces of the mats respectively. Such grooves have axially opposed open end portions for directing fluids and debris away from the top surface of the mats. The device further includes a plurality of heating elements, a mechanism for rotatably connecting the odd and even mats to each other, and a plurality of ring-shaped couplings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Mason Wingale
  • Patent number: 8078256
    Abstract: The imaging system can comprise a plurality of elongated rails, a scanhead assembly, and a small animal mount assembly. The scanhead assembly is selectively mounted onto a first rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The small-animal mount assembly is selectively mounted onto a second rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the second rail. The second rail being mounted relative to the first rail such that the longitudinal axis of the second rail is at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the first rail. The imaging system can also comprise a needle injection assembly that is selectively mounted onto the third rail and is constructed and arranged for movement in a linear bi-directional manner along the longitudinal axis of the third rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: VisualSonics Inc.
    Inventor: Leo Zan
  • Patent number: 8076613
    Abstract: The invention depicts and describes a panel heating device (1) for placing in the area of floors, walls or ceilings, comprising an electrically conductive layer (2), another first layer (3), and electrical supply lines (5, 6). The invention provides that the first layer (3) is made of an electrically insulating and liquid-tight material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ewald Dörken AG
    Inventors: Heinz Peter Raidt, Jörn Schröer
  • Patent number: 8049146
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for welding two polymer parts via fusion using a heater mat knitted from a resistive wire coated with an insulating varnish, the heater mat being given a final shape. The heater mat is resistive wire having a diameter ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm, and has approximately parallelepiped meshes, the dimensions of which range from 1.5×3 mm2 to 2.5×4.5 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Gaz De France
    Inventors: Alain Darut, Dominique Gueugnaut, Aymeric Lopitaux
  • Publication number: 20110259872
    Abstract: A controllable heating pad, having a heating conductor embedded in the heating pad, a sensing conductor embedded in the heating pad, a resistive material providing a distributed electrical path between the heating conductor and the sensing conductor, a first current sensor to sense a current in the heating conductor and a second current sensor to sense a current in the sensing conductor. A method of controlling a temperature of a heating pad, including the steps of: warming the heating pad to at least a first predetermined temperature by use of an adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch, measuring currents through an NTC material or a combination of a PTC material and an NTC material; and maintaining a temperature of the heating pad to within a predetermined temperature range by use of the adjustable on/off signal to the controllable switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Zhijing Wang, Rumao Zhong, Hechuang Duan
  • Patent number: 8035064
    Abstract: The product is basically a heating blanket that is adapted in size to fit around a canister of refrigerant used to recharge heat pumps, air conditioners and refrigerators in a commercial or home setting. The blanket has a heating element within it which heats the canister when placed around the canister. From one corner of the blanket is an electrical cord which runs to a small control unit and then to a plug that fits a common 110 voltage household outlet. The control unit consists of a fitting that is designed to be attached to the valve on the top of the refrigerant canister. This fitting is attached to a pressure sensitive valve that sense the pressure of the refrigerant that passes through the valve. This pressure sensitive valve turns off the flow of electric to the blanket when the gas hits a certain pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Craig Fish
  • Patent number: 8028721
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a heated garden hose that has a flexible hose with an inlet and an outlet. The garden hose has an inlet coupler and an outlet coupler. A heating cable coupler is connected between the inlet and the outlet of the flexible hose. A heating cable has a first end with an electrical plug and extends through the heating cable coupler into the interior of the flexible hose. The heating cable is free floating inside the flexible hose. A thermostat, attached to the exterior portion of the heating cable, controls the heating cable and is designed to turn the heating cable off just above the freezing temperature of water. A clip is inserted into the flexible hose near the outlet to hold the heating cable inside of the flexible hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: K & H Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: James Donald Koskey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8006633
    Abstract: An embroidered electrode (10) consists of embroidered elements (12, 13, 14) of electrically conductive thread sewn on a backing material (11). Within a given element the orientation of stitching is selected to be parallel to the direction in which the element extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Genevieve Bennett, Philip A. H. Clarke, Warren B. Valentine
  • Patent number: 8008606
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composite heating element suitable for heating an article when activated by a power source. The composite heating element comprises a first backing layer and a discontinuous circuit formed of a conductive material disposed on the first backing layer. The discontinuous circuit has terminal ends for electrical connection with the power source and defines at least one gap between the terminal ends. The composite article further comprises a second backing layer spaced from the first backing layer. A trace formed of a conductive material is disposed on the second backing layer. The trace is aligned with the at least one gap for forming a complete circuit when the first and second backing layers at least partially abut each other with the trace extending across the gap and contacting the discontinuous circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: T-Ink, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrance Kaiserman, John Gentile, Anthony Gentile
  • Patent number: 7989740
    Abstract: A heating cable includes a bus wire structure that includes a plurality of bus wires. An insulation layer is provided to insulate the plurality of bus wires. A plurality of node areas exposes portions of the bus wires from the insulation. A heating element is wrapped around the bus wire structure in a helical manner. The heating element includes an insulating core and one or more resistance wires wrapped around the core in a helical manner. The heating element is electrically coupled to the nodes of the bus wire structure at the plurality of node areas. The insulating core may be made of a folded-over tape made of a cloth material, such as glass cloth. Pluralities of redundant paths in between two nodes are provided to allow for current to flow in a zone if one of the redundant paths is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Thermon Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wells Whitney, Umesh Sopory
  • Publication number: 20110184502
    Abstract: A heating pad for providing heat that comprises a heating element having an outer covering, an electrical and control assembly, and an inner sheet placed within the outer covering of the heating element. The electrical and control assembly includes a power cord and a controller switch that is attached to the heating element. The inner sheet houses a heating filament thereon. The heating filament has at least one thermostat attached along the heating filament for monitoring the temperature of the filament and at least one thermal fuse attached along the heating filament for preventing the filament from overheating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: BRUDER HEALTHCARE COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark H. BRUDER
  • Patent number: 7964825
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for attaching electrical leads (22, 24) to a heating layer (16) of a heater are provided. An attachment material (50) is thermally sprayed over cords (32) of the electrical leads (22, 24), which are in contact with the heating layer (16) over a contact area (20). The attachment material (50) and the heating layer 16 are further thermally sprayed with a layer (52), which is an isolating material. The thermal sprayed connection between the electrical leads (22, 24) and the heating layer (16) thus provides more intimate contact and an improved electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Elias Russegger, Reinhardt W. Lehnert
  • Patent number: 7935911
    Abstract: The invention relates to constructing a heating mat that employs electrical resistance foils to provide a uniform heat. In embodiments of the invention applicable for providing heat to individuals, the mat provides this uniform heat at a comfortable temperature. The heating mat structure comprises protective layers surrounding the heating element to provide a durable structure that is suitable for industrial and commercial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Arthur Kaesler
  • Publication number: 20110089159
    Abstract: A heat pad assembly includes a pocket and a heat member is received in the pocket. Wires are connected between the controller and the heat member via a through hole defined through a layer of the pocket. The heat member is controlled by operation of the controller. Multiple positioning members are located at a back plate of the pocket and the positioning members are easily connected to and removed from the wearer's cloth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Shu-Lien Chen
  • Publication number: 20110079590
    Abstract: A drying pad includes a pad body, an air-blowing device, and an ultraviolet sterilization device. The pad body is formed into a sheet and is flexible. The pad body is provided with an inlet-air vent, and the top surface of it is provided with a plurality of outlet-air vents. Channels are connected between the inlet-air vent and the respective outlet-air vents. The air-blowing device is provided on the pad body and connected to the inlet-air vent of the pad body. The ultraviolet sterilization device is provided on the pad body. With this arrangement, the present invention is capable of blowing air, drying and sterilizing the feet by ultraviolet lights, so that the feet can be dried sufficiently. Thus, the user will not feel his/her feet uncomfortable, and the skin of feet may not suffer from skin lesion. Further, the operation of the present invention is easy and time-saving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Pi-Fen LIN
  • Patent number: 7919733
    Abstract: A heat trace assembly is provided that includes a heat trace section, an insulation jacket surrounding the heat trace section, and a plurality of standoffs disposed between the heat trace section and the insulation jacket. A corresponding plurality of passageways are formed between the heat trace section and the insulation jacket and between the plurality of standoffs. The standoffs can be a part of the insulation jacket and/or the heat trace section, and the standoffs can furthermore be integrally formed with or separately attached to the insulation jacket and/or the heat trace section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric E. Ellis, Shawn L. Leininger, Peggy Gruenloh, Steve Brncic, Louis P. Steinhauser, Allen Boldt
  • Patent number: 7910860
    Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus including a heat exchanging portion capable of conforming to the outer surface of a heat exchange target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Irvin
  • Publication number: 20110049128
    Abstract: A heating pad is provided. The heating pad includes a heating element and a control circuit operatively connected to the heating element for providing a predetermined level of power thereto. An isolation device interconnects a power source to the control circuit. The isolation device has a first open configuration preventing transmission of electrical power therethrough and a second closed configuration allowing transmission of electrical power therethrough. The control circuit terminates power to the heating element in response to the heating element exceeding a first temperature limit. The isolation device moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to the heating element exceeding a second temperature limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Kwok Wai Chow
  • Patent number: 7884307
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Taiwan Textile Research Institute
    Inventors: Chen-Liang Li, Han-Hsing Hsiung, Ching-Tang Huang, Cheng-Kun Chu
  • Patent number: 7876194
    Abstract: According to a first preferred embodiment, a resistor arrangement with resistor elements is specified whose first electrodes are conductively connected to each other by means of a flexible, conductive connection element that is curved. The connection element has changes in curvature in the regions arranged between two adjacent resistor elements. According to a second preferred embodiment, a resistor arrangement with resistor elements is specified that are connected to each other by a flexible connection element. The resistor elements each have an arrangement of slot-like recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventors: Jan Ihle, Werner Kahr, Helmut Poelzl
  • Publication number: 20110006049
    Abstract: The invention relates to a portable electrical device for melting snow and ice that has accumulated on the surface of a vehicle. During inclement weather, snow, sleet, rain or hail accumulate on all exposed surfaces of the automobile, in particular on the flat surfaces, such as on the roof, the hood, the trunk, or a truck bed of a vehicle. These areas of snow coverage are relatively large and significantly high off the ground, presenting a challenge to clean in terms of time and effort. Frequently, the owners of the vehicles need to use their automobiles early in the morning, when snow or ice that has accumulated over night is at its hardest. Since it is unsafe, and sometimes unlawful, to operate a vehicle that has not been properly snow dusted and deiced, cleaning must be effectuated before a vehicle can be driven on the roads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: JOHN THOMPSON, JR.
  • Patent number: 7862375
    Abstract: The roll-up heating (1) for a floor, or wall, comprises an insulating layer (10), a heating element (11) and a cladding (12). The insulating layer (10) is intended for laying on a floor (2) and the heating element (11) extends between the cladding (12) and the insulating layer (10). The cladding (12) is intended to support a floor covering and comprises a force distribution layer (13) for transmitting a force which is exerted on the cladding (12) in a distributed manner to the insulating layer (10). In as far as (a part of) the heating element (11) is at the location or in the vicinity of the exerted force, the load which will be exerted on it will be lower than the original load, due to the force being transmitted in a distributed manner. This lowers the risk of the heating element (11) being damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Devi A/S
    Inventor: Robert Oosterling
  • Publication number: 20100326981
    Abstract: The Skyline Electric Cover for car is assembled at the front of automobile this is pull with a hook to cover the car and melt the snow or ice. The car is completely cover with the Electric Blanket from the Skyline horizontally up to behind the car trunk and closed with a key with code. For uncovering the automobile the lock is open and the Skyline makes automatically the draw of the electric cover of car inside of itself. The Skyline Cover for cars is assembled behind the automobile for the protection of dust. It has the same system like the electric cover but not electric blanket. The Skyline Electric Cover for airplane melt snow for commercial and military airplanes, it has the electric blanket and also protect de airplanes from ice and snow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Rexhep Hasimi
  • Patent number: 7851729
    Abstract: An electric heating blanket system includes a flexible sheet-like heating element having a substantially uniform watt density output across a surface area thereof, when the heating element is electrically powered. A temperature sensor is coupled to the heating element at a location where the heating element will be in conductive contact with a body when the blanket is draped over the body. The system further includes a temperature controller coupled to the temperature sensor, and an electric power source coupled to the heating element and to the temperature controller, the power source being controlled to provide the watt density output for the heating element according to a temperature sensed by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Augustine Temperature Management LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Augustine, Randall C. Arnold, Rudolf A. Deibel, Scott A. Entenman, Keith J. Leland, Thomas F. Neils
  • Patent number: 7838804
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electric heating element with at least one flat heating resistor to be arranged near a surface to be heated, and at least one electrode that serves to feed a current into the heating resistor and features at least two contact conductor strands that are, at least locally, connected to one another and to the heating resistor, at least in an elongated contacting region. The invention proposes that at least at one location along the electrode and/or the contacting region at which at least one of the contact conductor strands, at least locally, extends parallel to the direction of the electrode, and/or the contacting region, at least one additional contact conductor strand, at least locally, extends at an angle thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Martin Krobok
  • Publication number: 20100288750
    Abstract: A heating pad assembly includes a base made of non-conductive material and a heating circuit made of metallic material with resistance and being a continuous elongate band. Two terminals are connected to the two respective ends of the heating circuit so as to introduce current to the heating circuit. The heating circuit is composed of two heating bands and a connection band. The two heating bands are located in pair and symmetrically. Two first ends of the two heating bands are connected to the two terminals and two second ends of the two heating bands are connected to the connection band. The magnetic waves generated from the two heating bands are in opposite directions and neutralized mutually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Shu -Lien Chen
  • Patent number: 7829822
    Abstract: An electric blanket has a woven web of warp and weft fibers. At least a portion of the warp fibers are electrically conductive. At least a portion of the weft fibers are electrically conductive and interweave with the electrically conductive warp fibers at a first area of the web. A power source in electrical communication with the web applies a voltage to the web that produces a wide area electrical distribution at the first area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Inotec Incorporated
    Inventor: Barry P. Keane
  • Patent number: 7825356
    Abstract: Certain embodiments pertain to a heater for warming a patient's extremity in order to cause vasodilation for facilitating venous catheterization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Augustine Biomedical and Design LLC
    Inventors: Karen Hewes, Scott D. Augustine, Mark C. Albrecht, Randall C. Arnold, Thomas F. Neils
  • Patent number: 7816628
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention, a garment includes a fabric having a channel, a heat conductive wire disposed in the channel, a power source coupled to the heat conductive wire and detachably attached to the garment, and a controller electrically coupled to the power source and detachably attached to the garment, wherein the controller is configured with a heat setting. In another embodiment of the present invention, a method of heating a garment includes providing a fabric, forming a channel, disposing a heat conductive wire within the channel, connecting the heat conductive wire with a power source, wherein the power source is a rechargeable battery, and adjusting the heating of the garment by operating the power source and the heat conductive wire using a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Products of Tomorrow, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Fernandez, Paul McGrath, Frank Cipolla, James Sabastian, Michael J. Keating
  • Patent number: 7781706
    Abstract: Provided is a conductive composition formed of a mixture of liquid silicone rubber and conductive carbon black wherein a weight ratio between the liquid silicon rubber and the conductive carbon black is 100:1-15, or a conductive composition formed of a mixture of liquid silicon rubber and graphite powder wherein a weight ratio between the liquid silicon rubber and the graphite powder is 100:10-150. A carbon flexible heating structure is manufactured by mixing a conductive composition formed of liquid silicon rubber and a filler, agitating a mixture of the liquid silicon rubber and conductive carbon black by adding a diluent at a rate of 1-100% with respect to the weight of the liquid silicon rubber, and molding the mixture into a particular shape and curing the molded mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Centech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sanggu Park
  • Patent number: 7777156
    Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element, e.g., including a bus, formed, e.g., of die cut metallized textile or plastic sheeting or metal foil, affixed at a surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A air-and-water droplet resistant and water vapor permeable barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon or at least partially impregnated therein, e.g. in a fabric laminate or in a composite formed by application of heat and pressure to at least one layer of a barrier film disposed adjacent thereto, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion, moisture, and or against physical stress due, e.g., to repeated crushing, bending or flexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: MMI-IPCO, LLC
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vincent Doyle, III
  • Patent number: 7772528
    Abstract: A heated body mat realized by an assembly covered by a protective enclosure. The assembly has a major dimension (e.g., length) and includes a heat reflecting layer disposed between a top foam panel and a bottom foam panel. A resistive heater element is arranged in a single loop that provides coverage over a substantial part of the area of the mat. A plurality of thermostats (preferably 3 or more) are integrated as part of the loop and arranged in a series configuration being spaced apart along the major dimension of the assembly. Each one of said thermostats is normally closed and opens at one or more predetermined threshold temperatures to thereby open the current path loop realized by the resistive heater element. In use, electric power is supplied to the resistive heater element to generate heat that is emitted from the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventors: Symone Lewin, Gordon B. Bart
  • Patent number: 7767936
    Abstract: A breathable electrical heater element for a topical application device such as a wound dressing or a therapeutic heating pad is disclosed. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a track pattern onto a porous metallised fabric (e.g. nickel coated woven polyester). The heater element has a skin or wound contact layer laminated to the front face of the heater element. An adhesive layer is laminated to the back face of the heater element. The adhesive layer forms an overhang to provide an adhesive border around the wound contact layer to adhere the device to the skin of a patient. Therapeutically active drugs (optionally microencapsulated) may be incorporated into the skin or wound contact layer. Operation of the heater element causes the skin or wound contact layer to release the active drugs to the skin or wound of the patient. Appropriate control of the temperature of the heater element allows control of the release of the active drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Nel Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7767939
    Abstract: A heater element for formed components is disclosed, along with the final formed component itself. The heater element is produced by photochemically etching a suitable heater track pattern from porous metallised fabric such a nickel coated woven polyester. The heater element is located within a mould. Thermo-formable material is then applied to the mould and the final component is shaped according to the shape of the mould. The final component has a heater element located within it. The component may have microencapsulated agents for initiation by operation of the heater element. Furthermore, the final component may have one or more digital images printed onto the surface for the purposes of decoration or personalisation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: NEL Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7763833
    Abstract: An electrical resistance heating element of the sort suitable for use in de-icing an aircraft surface includes a foil patterned with a plurality of holes. The holes are in a first patterned region that extends in a first direction from a first end to an opposite second end. The holes define multiple electrical paths between the two ends. The holes, which may vary in size, are configured and dimensioned such that the multiple electrical paths in areas away from lateral edges of said first patterned region are all non-parallel to the first direction. In other words, the electrical paths do not follow a straight line from the first and second ends, but rather must wend their way around the overlapping holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Goodrich Corp.
    Inventors: James T. Hindel, Alan J. Fahrner, James A. Mullen
  • Publication number: 20100175824
    Abstract: Provided herein is a self-adhesive radiant heat underlayment that may be utilized in flooring and/or outdoor applications. The heating underlayment has an adhesive backing that allows for conveniently adhering a flexible heating element place prior to applying a material over the top surface thereof. In one arrangement, a mesh grounding layer is provided to ground the flexible heating element to reduce unintended electrical tripping of the installed underlayment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: PROTECTO WRAP COMPANY
    Inventors: John R. Hopkins, Timothy Roger Schettler
  • Publication number: 20100126978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved heating pad adapted for personal use to warm the owner's feet while seated at a desk. It has a bi layer ground insulation system to save energy and keep the temperature of contact materials far below the applicable fire regulations. It has an occupancy sensing capability linked to a shut off switch enhancing the safety margin. It's electrical power consumption is under 1500 W with most common usage in the 90-135 W range. These features make it ideal for use at the workplace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Phyllis Dawn Semmes
  • Patent number: 7723651
    Abstract: A heating pad is disclosed. The heating pad has a heating line received in a bag, wherein a plurality of heat preservation elements are slipped over the heating line; when the heating pad is electrified, a controller controls the temperature of the heating line for heat applying on a human body; when a electric source is turned off, the heating line stops being heated up, the heat preservation elements keeps on scattering heat outwards to extend the time of heat applying. The heat preservation elements can be ceramic pipes able to emit far infrared ray, so that during heat applying, the ceramic pipes can emit far infrared ray to get an effect of health care.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Shuh-Tsai Yang
  • Patent number: 7716815
    Abstract: The present invention is a process for fabricating a cloth-like heating element with two pairs of electrical conductors and parallel circuits which are formed via a severing process. A pair of electrical conductors, which looks as a twin belt aligned in parallel, is fabricated on both edges of the heating element by the weaving process; Severing predetermined portions of the inner electrical conductor in order to increase the electrical resistance of heating wires, the pertinent heating wires are connected in series circuitry with each side of the outer electrical conductors; and the heating element is completed when the said process of series linkage is continuously carried out in parallel alignment in accordance with predetermined design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Bariaq Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Tae Moon Kim
  • Patent number: 7718923
    Abstract: A sunshade for an automobile placed upon a dashboard in the interior of the vehicle provides a reflective outer surface to deflect heat and sunlight through the windshield into a vehicle during hot weather conditions and also provides the outer surface with heat strip elements when enabled during cold weather to provide a radiant heat to the windshield to prevent ice build-up on the windshield maintaining a clear windshield during freezing temperatures, the heat strip elements drawings a low voltage current from a rechargeable battery supply or a 12 volt DC power from a cigarette lighter plug, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventors: Scott P. Hansen, Mary J. Hunt-Hansen
  • Publication number: 20100116808
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric heating material. Said electric heating material comprises a substrate and an electric heating layer substantially homogeneously attached to said substrate. Said electric heating layer is obtained from an electric heating coating that contains an electric heating base material and a binder. Said electric heating base material is selected from the group consisting of natural graphite, artificial graphite or conductive carbon black; said binder is selected from the group consisting of acrylic resin, epoxy resin, polyurethane, melamine, gelatin, carboxymethyl cellulose, or polyvinyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the substrate is paper. Said electric heating material can be applied to make an electric heating laminate floor the temperature of the surface of which can be heated to 15-70° C. within 5 minutes when a 220 V power source is supplied, and this temperature can be kept consistent for a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Boquan Wang
  • Publication number: 20100116818
    Abstract: The invention provides a flexible hot plate and cooking unit, with a temperature differential of at least 40° C. between the two sides of the unit comprising a heating element sandwiched between an upper and a lower layer of flexible material wherein said upper layer provides a temperature along its upper surface of at least 80° C. for heating an object placed thereon, and said lower layer is provided with a plurality of insulating air passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Raphael Gabbay
  • Patent number: 7714256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element for heating at least one surface contacted at times by a user, with a plurality of heating conductors or heating conductor sections that are directly or indirectly connected electrically to one another, at least in part by mutual contact, with at least one heating conductor or heating conductor section which, upon exceeding a permissible maximum temperature, at least temporarily loses its electrical conductivity at least in part. It is provided that the electrical resistance of at least two heating conductors or heating conductor sections is dependent at least in part on its mechanical strain, that these heating conductors or heating conductor sections are electrically connected to one another in parallel, and that they are separated from one another at least in sections by a spacing zone in order to prevent electrical connection between them in spacing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 7709770
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: HTTP—Hypothermia Therapy Ltd.
    Inventor: David Bikhovsky