Flexible Or Resilient (e.g., Warming Pad) Patents (Class 219/528)
  • Patent number: 7388173
    Abstract: Heating cable comprising a first insulated conductor (1) and a second insulated conductor (2), which are located in a common sheath (4,5,6), wherein the first conductor (1) consists of electrical resistance material and the second conductor (2) consists of electrical resistance material or a material of high conductivity and wherein the first and second conductors (1,2) comprise first end regions (1b,2b) and second end regions (1c,2c) of a material of high conductivity and wherein end regions (1c,2c) of the first and second conductors (1,2) are electrically interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Arne Sundal, Jon Snesrud
  • Patent number: 7388176
    Abstract: A heating device includes a case having a plurality of openings and a plurality of slits are defined in bars of the case so that a plurality of heating boards are engaged with the slits of the case at an equal distance. A power control device is connected to the case and includes a power line having a plurality of male connectors. Each heating board includes a heating layer sandwiched between two isolation plates. Two wires are connected to the heating layer and each wire has female connectors, which are connected with the male connectors of the power line. The heating layers of the heating boards dispense heat evenly from the openings of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Song Chen
  • Patent number: 7378621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical resistance element of the molybdenum silicide type that includes two terminals (1, 2) for the supply of electric current and at least one leg (3) which extends between the terminals and which includes a glow zone. The invention is characterized in that the glow zone has different diameters along different sections (6-11, 14-17) of the leg (3; 4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property AB
    Inventor: Lars Göran Johansson
  • Patent number: 7375308
    Abstract: Disclosed is a breathable heater element for a garment or for the lining of a garment such as an outdoor jacket, e.g. a waterproof jacket. The heater element is formed from porous metallised fabric such a nickel plated woven polyester fabric by photochemical etching of a suitable track pattern onto the metallised fabric. The formed heater element is then laminated into a lining. The material of the lining may be impregnated with microencapsulated functional chemicals such as fragrances, perfumes, antimicrobials or insect repellents. The microcapsules release their contents on activation due to heat generated by the heater element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: NEL Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Patrick Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20080110876
    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: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Shuh-Tsai Yang
  • Patent number: 7361868
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electrical heating device, especially for motor vehicles, including a closed frame (2) which include rails (3, 4) and cross rails (5, 6), heating elements (7) which include elements made of electrically conductive plastic layers (18) having PCT effect, which are arranged between contact plates (15, 16), heat-conducting secondary surface elements (8) that can be overflown by air and at least one electrically conductive spring element (9), wherein the heating elements (7) and the secondary surface elements (8) are alternatingly arranged next to one another and are braced against each other by the rails (3, 4) and a spring element (9) placed centrally which replaces the secondary surface element (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Behr GmbH & Co. KG, Behr France S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Jürgen Otto, Michel Brun, Yannik Laumonnerie, Grégory Lucas, Pascal Miss, Mathieu Mougey, Christophe Schmittheisler
  • Patent number: 7358460
    Abstract: An autonomous deployment system is herein for functional utilization in the physical placement and deployment of a heating or thermal mat(s). The system is designed to enhance human productivity and ease deployment of the prior art thermal radiating or generating devices for the removal and or inhibition of accumulation of snow and ice. The deployment system as can be designed to operate autonomously with automatic controls and sensors to control both the thermal system and the technology of controlling a deployment system. The system is well suited to autonomously deploy and retract rolled membranes and or flexible materials out over a flat or sloped surface area. The inherent flexibility of the mat allows it to traverse gently curved surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventors: William H. Hoffman, Sandra R. Ruhl
  • Patent number: 7336892
    Abstract: It is provided that a reflection plate of semiconductor heat treatment, which is resistant to cracks or deformations by controlling the adsorption of foreign materials and the production of reaction. Said reflection plate 1 for semiconductor heat treatment is composed of a disk-shaped or ring-shaped plate of optically transmissible material and a plate 2 of inorganic material hermetically enclosed in said disk-shaped or ring-shaped plate, in which said plate of inorganic material has at least one side in contact with said plate of optically transmissible material, said at least one side 2a having a surface roughness of Ra 0.1 to 10.0 ?m, said at least one side 2a formed grooves 2c therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Covalent Materials Corporation, Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Shimanuki, Hiroyuki Honma, Norihiko Saito, Hideyuki Yokoyama, Takanori Saito, Ken Nakao
  • Patent number: 7329843
    Abstract: An electrical heating unit is presented for use in a heating device for heating an object to a required temperature and enabling maintaining this temperature of the object. The heating unit may have the following configuration: first and second elements each made of a material with a specific resistivity in a range of about 0.01-0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: HTTP-Hypothermia Therapy Ltd.
    Inventors: Sergay Bikhovsky, legal representative, Dorith Bar-Adon, David Bikhovsky, deceased
  • Patent number: 7329835
    Abstract: A three-dimensional heating element particularly intended for use in a steering-wheel. The three-dimensional heating element includes a heating composite having a heating element bonded between two films, one or both of which includes a heat shrinkable material. A covering material is placed over the heating composite. The film closest to the covering material includes a plastic material which forms a barrier preventing gaseous, liquid and/or solid chemicals from attacking the heating conductor when the heating element is applied to the steering-wheel. A foam material may be introduced in the space between the composite and covering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: I.G. Bauerhin GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Hilmer
  • Patent number: 7285748
    Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Nelson, Tilak R. Varma, Michael Starozhitsky, Paul J. Storiz, Edward Bulgajewski
  • Patent number: 7268325
    Abstract: A method of making a flexible sheet heater includes the steps of (i) bonding an electrically conductive fabric and an support member formed of a PET film and a layer of acrylic together, ii) stamp-cutting the electrically conductive fabric to form a heating element having a predetermined loop, iii) attaching two electrical terminals to two distal ends of the heating element respectively, iv) bonding a first flexible protective sheet member to one side of the heating element opposite to the PET film, v) removing the PET film from the heating element; and vi) bonding a second flexible protective sheet member to the other side of the heating element opposite to the first flexible protective sheet member so that the heating element is sandwiched between the first and second flexible protective sheet members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Linkwin Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Chuang
  • Patent number: 7253378
    Abstract: A base sheet is spanned over a lower roller, and an upper roller pulls a cover sheet along a path and presses it against the base sheet at the lower roller. A preheater housing along the path upstream of the rollers is formed with a chamber open toward the path. A radiant heater in the chamber is directed transversely at the path so as to heat the cover sheet passing along the path. A sensor along the path adjacent the chamber detects atmosphere around the chamber and generates an output when the detected atmosphere indicates an unsafe hot condition of the cover sheet. A shutter can shift between a retracted position offset from the chamber and an advanced position closing the chamber. A controller connected to the sensor shifts the shutter from the retracted position to the advanced position when the output is generated by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Detlev Gertitschke, Bernd Zoller, Jörg Knüppel
  • Patent number: 7244914
    Abstract: A sheet heater structured so that heating wire is fixed to air-passing base material by sewing. This structure can provide a sheet heater that has improved durability of heating wire 2 against the load imposed on the seat during sitting, comfortable feeling of sitting in the seat, and high air-passing capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Yoneyama, Naohito Asami, Akira Shiratake, Norio Abe, Kazumi Nagayama
  • Patent number: 7230213
    Abstract: The modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection in an outdoor environment, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: David Naylor
  • Patent number: 7227100
    Abstract: A warmer includes: a main casing adapted for storing a wiper box therein; a drawer casing slidably engaged in the main casing and operatively withdrawn outwardly for storing a fluid container including nursing bottle or beverage cup in the drawer casing; and a heating device provided in the casing for warming a wet tissue or wiper in the wiper box stored in the main casing and for warming the fluid container in the drawer casing; whereby when the warming of the fluid container is unnecessary, the drawer casing may be pushed inwardly into the main casing just for warming the wiper box only and also for saving the volume of the complete warmer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Tsang-Hung Hsu
  • Patent number: 7228067
    Abstract: A direct-heating column assembly for chromatography, includes at least one capillary column and at least one element made of electrically conductive material in contact with the capillary column. The element includes a plurality of filaments woven together to form a tubular mesh that uniformly envelops the outer surface of the capillary column both in radial and longitudinal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Thermo Finnigan Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Magni, Giacinto Zilioli, Riccardo Facchetti
  • Patent number: 7224256
    Abstract: A sensor system has an AlN substrate, a W layer on the substrate, a signal source adapted to apply an electrical actuating signal to the W layer, and a sensor adapted to sense the response of the W layer. The W layer can comprise a thin film, with various types of optional protective layers over the film. Applications include sensing temperature, fluid flow rates, fluid levels, pressure and chemical environments. For a planar heater, the W layer comprises a plurality of conductive strands distributed on the substrate, with the strands generally parallel and serpentine shaped for a rectangular substrate, and extending along respective lines of longitude that merge at opposite poles of the substrate for a circular substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Heetronix
    Inventor: James D. Parsons
  • Patent number: 7223941
    Abstract: A heating system has been incorporated into the commercial space fixture of a plastic chair mat to provide a space-saving heating system. The material for the plastic mat is chosen based on its thermal and electrical properties to provide necessary safety and support convenience for occupied rolling office chairs. Materials include vinyl, acrylic, and polyethylene. The heating elements are placed into the body of the plastic material, which is connected to conventional electrical elements, such as power source, GFIs, thermostats, and safety shut offs, outside the plastic mat. Other more complicated electronics, such as an anti-static mechanism, may be included as needed by the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Walker IP and Business Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: David Walker, Gail Sherman
  • Patent number: 7211772
    Abstract: A patterned foil sheet heating element has a first discrete region patterned with a first plurality of holes forming multiple conductive ribbons and having a first sheet resistivity. It also has a second discrete region patterned with a second plurality of holes forming multiple conductive ribbons and having a second sheet resistivity. At least some of the multiple conductive ribbons in the first discrete region are in electrical continuity with at least some of the multiple conductive ribbons in the second discrete region, and the first discrete region and the second discrete region both adjoin a first junction strip of the foil heating element. An electrothermal heating assembly may be formed using such a patterned foil sheet sandwiched between two layers of material which may be thermally conductive and electrical insulative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Carpino, II, James A. Mullen
  • Patent number: 7212718
    Abstract: A heat-treatment apparatus according to the present invention comprises a sheet-like heating body, which is bent like a letter “U”, and a heat equalizing plate constituted by a metal plate bonded to a heat generating part of the sheet-like heating body. The heat equalizing plate is bonded to the inner surface of the sheet-like heating body bent like a letter “U”. Alternatively, a fluorocarbon resin is coated on the surface of the heat equalizing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryuichiro Sato
  • Patent number: 7205505
    Abstract: A system for recognizing the occupancy of a seat, containing elements made of electrically conducting synthetic material, especially strips made of electrically conductive polyurethane. A seat equipped with the system. A method for recognizing seat occupancy whereby an alteration in resistance of the electrically conductive material occurring in a change of weight is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Braincom AG
    Inventors: Michael Diemer, Stefan Diemer
  • Patent number: 7205510
    Abstract: There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Shaun Howick
  • Patent number: 7205504
    Abstract: An interlayer composite includes a plastic sheet having a predetermined outer shape and a major surface; a pair of bus bars, and an adhesive layer securing the bus bars directly on the major surface of the plastic sheet in a fixed relationship to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Bartrug, Allen R. Hawk, Robert N. Pinchok, James H. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7202443
    Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element, formed, e.g., of die cut, metallized textile or plastic sheeting or metal foil, affixed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Patent number: 7202444
    Abstract: A heating device includes a conductive layer on an electrically insulated substrate. The substrate and conductive layer have a plurality of cross-like apertures therethrough. The conductive layer includes busses and traces extending from the busses, the traces surrounding the apertures. A resistive or thermistor layer is provided over the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Edward F. Bulgajewski
  • Patent number: 7196293
    Abstract: An electric adapter for providing output power to an accessory includes an adapter housing having a projection configured for insertion into a DC power accessory port, the projection carrying an electrical input conductor, a power outlet cord extending from the housing, a manually operable power switch mounted on the housing, the switch operable to electrically connect the electrical input conductor to the power outlet cord, and a timer circuit contained within the housing and configured to electrically disconnect the input conductor from the power outlet cord after a predetermined cycle time period, without removing the projection from the DC power accessory port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Britto
  • Patent number: 7193179
    Abstract: A channeled under floor heating element incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive channeled under floor heating element includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Joshua D. Horvath, Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Shawn Davis, Keith M. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7193191
    Abstract: An under floor heating element incorporating a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Joshua D. Horvath, Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. Deangelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
  • Patent number: 7189944
    Abstract: A warming mattress and mattress pad incorporating an insert layer or sheet with a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. Deangelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
  • Patent number: 7187854
    Abstract: A surface heating system comprising a sealed enclosure formed by connected top, bottom and side walls, at least one of the walls being in heat exchange relationship with a surface to be heated, a heat source connected in heat exchange relationship with the enclosure, at least one heat absorbing body located within the enclosure, and a heat conducting fluid filling the enclosure and surrounding the at least one heat absorbing body, the heat conducting fluid transferring heat from the heat source to the top wall and to the at least one heat absorbing body, the at least one heat absorbing body using at least part of the heat received from the heat conducting fluid to store energy such as to be able to release the energy over an extended period of time in the form of heat transferred to the top wall through the heat conducting fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Yvan Sauvageau, Renaud Caya
  • Patent number: 7183524
    Abstract: The modular heated cover is disclosed with a first pliable outer layer and a second pliable outer layer, wherein the outer layers provide durable protection in an outdoor environment, an electrical heating element between the first and the second outer layers, the electrical heating element configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy, and a thermal insulation layer positioned above the active electrical heating element. Beneficially, such a device provides radiant heat, weather isolation, temperature insulation, and solar heat absorption efficiently and cost effectively. The modular heated cover quickly and efficiently removes ice, snow, and frost from surfaces, and penetrates soil and other material to thaw the material to a suitable depth. A plurality of modular heated covers can be connected on a single 120 Volt circuit or on a single 240 Volt circuit protected by a 20 Amp breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: David Naylor, Dan Alex Hillesheim
  • Patent number: 7180033
    Abstract: An electric blanket or pad arrangement has a flexible pad (10) upon which a heating element (12) is mounted, the heating element (12) being connected, by a two core cable (16), to a control circuit (18), the heating element (12) including a dual element region (20) having a first, inner conductor (26), a second outer conductor (30), an inner insulating material layer (28) provided between the first and second conductors (26, 30), and an outer insulating material layer (32) encasing the second conductor (30), the inner insulating material layer (28) having a lower melting point than the outer insulating material layer (30), and a connecting element (22) having at least a third conductor (36) providing a series electrical connection between the first and second conductors (26, 30) at one end (12a) of the dual element region (20) of the heating element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Imetec SpA
    Inventor: Arturo Morgandi
  • Patent number: 7180032
    Abstract: A warming mattress and mattress pad incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive mattress and mattress pad includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern within the mattress or mattress pad interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Shawn Davis, Keith M. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7176419
    Abstract: A heating pad system useable in one embodiment for warming a person on a support structure. In this embodiment, the heating pad system comprises an upper foam pad, a lower foam pad, and a thermal-electric heating element sandwiched between the upper and lower foam pads. A form-fitting waterproof cover encloses at least a portion of the upper and lower foam pads and the thermal-electric heating element. In one aspect of this embodiment, the heating pad system includes a power unit for providing electrical power to the thermal-electric heating element, the power unit including a control panel having at least one temperature selector, the temperature selector for selecting at least one heating pad temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: American Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Douglas Ellis, Charles C. Wyatt
  • Patent number: 7176421
    Abstract: A heater for heating a rigid fluid line or hose for freeze protection. The heater has a base made of an outer base layer, a middle base layer attached to the outer base layer; and an inner base layer attached to the middle base layer. The inner base layer can be uncured silicone (before assembly processing). A resistance wire is wound around an electrically non-conductive core and located on the inner base layer. The resistance wire can be a high gauge wire providing for a small moment of flexure. A cover includes an inner cover layer covering said resistance wire. This inner cover layer can be uncured silicone (before assembly processing). A middle cover layer is attached to the inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer is attached to the inner cover layer. The outer cover layer protects the heater from abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: TransDigm Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rudolph Silva, David Lau
  • Patent number: 7173223
    Abstract: The invention provides a flexible electro-heating apparatus and fabrication thereof. The electro-heating apparatus, according to the invention, includes a fabric-type heating device, at least one pair of terminals, and a power supply. The heating device is formed by at least M first yarns which each first yarn substantially consists of first textile fibers and metal fibers or metallic fibers. N first yarns of the M first yarns are woven through the heating device from a first side of the heating device to a second side of the beating device. Each pair of terminals is respectively and oppositely disposed on the first side and the second side of the heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tex-Ray Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Jung Kuo, Yang Shun-Tung, Lu Fan-De
  • Patent number: 7170033
    Abstract: A heating mat 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: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Arthur Kaesler
  • Patent number: 7138612
    Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Karen M. Green, Alfred R DeAngelis, Earle Wolynes
  • Patent number: 7135036
    Abstract: A heating pad includes an envelope containing a heating unit and a phase change material which encloses the heating unit. The heating unit includes a metal plate and a resistance heating element attached to the metal plate. Flexible strips are disposed within the envelope by attachment to the envelope, and the metal plate is positioned within the envelope through the strips. A pair of electrodes are connected to the heating element and extend outwardly of the envelope. The phase change material can undergo a phase change process through the heating unit so that no external heat source is needed to heat the phase change material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Steven Yue
  • Patent number: 7131187
    Abstract: A heating element that can be incorporated into a molded foam article closely adjacent to the outer cover sheet without showing any evidence that a heating element is encapsulated within the foam portion of the article and provides essentially the same relatively softness and “feel” that would be obtained if the heating element was not part of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Check Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Check, William R. Parnis, Thomas A. Stuef
  • Patent number: 7119304
    Abstract: A rechargeable, reusable heated hand grip for use on a ski pole, shovel or other cold weather hand-held tool or object is provided. The hand grip includes a bushing for receiving the end of a tubular object and retaining the object within a bore in the central core of the hand grip, which compresses around the bushing for tight engagement. A wire-wound heating element is wrapped around the exterior surface of the central core and an outer housing surrounds the heating element and the central core. The bore houses a pair of lithium-ion batteries connected in series, a switch with the switch control protruding from the top of the grip, and a printed circuit board connected to the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Marcy Meyers
  • Patent number: 7115844
    Abstract: A flexible electric circuit, for example an electric heater, comprises a metallised fabric (14) the metal of which is photochemically etched to form the circuit (16), the fabric preferably being porous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: NEL Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7105782
    Abstract: An electrothermal article including a fabric member defining an inner space. A connector is disposed outwardly of the inner space in the fabric member and has conductive first and second terminals. A plurality of elongated flat heating elements is disposed in the inner space in the fabric member. Each of the elongated flat heating elements has first and second end portions. The first end portions of the elongated flat heating elements are grouped into a first bundle and are connected electrically to the first terminal of the connector. The second end portions of the elongated flat heating elements are grouped into a second bundle and are connected electrically to the second terminal of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Steven Yue
  • Patent number: 7104706
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device having at least a first heating element 102 for heating at least one protective sleeve 105, 602 arranged around at least a first uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. Said sleeve 105, 602 being arranged to shrink when exposed to heat to form a protecting member tightly enclosing said uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. The at least first heating element is flexible, and arranged to take at least a first open state and a second substantially closed state. Said first open state is suitable for inserting and removing said protecting sleeve and fiber into and out off said heating device. Said heating element, in said second state, substantially surrounds said sleeve to form an enclosure around said sleeve, so that said heating element radiates heat around substantially the complete circumference of said sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Dag Bergstrsöm, Hans Johansson, Moshen Janbakhsh, Torsten Lund
  • Patent number: 7071446
    Abstract: A de-icing, snow melting and warming system is taught which utilizes a heatsink (20) consisting of a number of board strips disposed in a planer array positioned within a building structure between its exterior and interior surface. The heatsink board strips have a gap (24) therebetween in which a heating cable (42) is positioned in a continuous serpentine manner and held in place with loop clamps (44). A gap filler (48) encases the heating cable including the enclosed gap forming a homogenous closure. A low voltage power transformer (54) is attached to electrical mains providing electrical voltage reduction to the heating cable of 30 volts or less, and controls and self diagnostics regulate the power and detect anomalies within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Steven D. Bench
  • Patent number: 7064299
    Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Karen M. Green, Alfred R DeAngelis, Earle Wolynes
  • Patent number: 7064294
    Abstract: An electric load control device of a heating unit of a heating blanket comprises an actuating unit; a power supply for supplying power to the device; a microprocessor as a control center of the device for generating at least one pulse signal; the microprocessor being actuated by the actuating unit; and a driving unit; the driving unit receiving the at least one pulse signal from the microprocessor for actuating the heating unit to generate heat to heat the heating blanket; the driving unit serving to actuate the heating unit. An actuation time period of the heating unit is controlled by the pulses from the driving unit. In the driving unit, the negative parts of the pulses from the microprocessor are converted into positive pulses so that all the pulses become positive pulses; after the pulses pass through the driving unit, only selective positive pulses are passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Shu Chih Wu
  • Patent number: 7060950
    Abstract: The invention provides a linear and/or plane heating element, and a thawing mat, and a hot mat comprising the linear and/or plane heating element that provides necessary heat quantity at low electric power without burning fossil fuel and the like. A heating element is provided produced by coating laminated polyester on a plane painted by paint that adds nickel-indium compound oxide to the upper surface of polyester film to solderlessly connect electrodes to both ends to connect a power supply to the electrodes. The present invention provides a thawing mat and hot mat that entirely and uniformly coat the heating element having high conductivity and heating efficiency by adding nickel-indium compound oxide having high conductivity and heating efficiency to thermally deposit. Thus, maintenance cost and electricity expense can be saved, and both high quality and social cost can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Masaaki Harita
  • Patent number: RE39946
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Edward J. Blok, Prasad Khadkikar