Flexible Or Resilient (e.g., Warming Pad) Patents (Class 219/528)
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Patent number: 7053344Abstract: A self-regulating flexible heater for automobiles and other vehicles which is comprised of a breathable substrate (10) to which is applied a coating (14) of a conductive material and a coating (12) of positive temperature coefficient material.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2000Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Illinois Tool Works IncInventors: James Surjan, Fred A. Kish, Tilak R. Varma, Edward Bulgajewski, by Antoinette Chiovatero
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Patent number: 7049560Abstract: A tape heater includes an electric heating wire disposed on a surface of a heat-resistant, flexible substrate strip. The electric heating wire and the substrate strip are wrapped with a heat-resistant resin wrap.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Nichias CorporationInventors: Keiichi Fukuda, Yoshiyuki Motoyoshi
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Patent number: 7045743Abstract: Vehicle heating systems such as portable vehicle cushions, steering wheel covers, and other interior surfaces include a direct current heating circuit for producing heat when activated; a surface material covering the heating circuit to isolate the heating circuit from direct contact by a vehicle occupant or object resting against the surface material; and a pressure switch located below the surface material and connected to the heating circuit to activate the heating circuit during application of sufficient pressure on the pressure switch by a vehicle occupant resting against the surface material at a location proximate the pressure switch, insufficient pressure being applied to the pressure switch deactivating the heating circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Inventor: Ki-Woong Park
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Patent number: 7038170Abstract: A warming blanket incorporating channeled areas for accepting heat and sensor wires. The inventive blanket includes an arrangement of seam structures defining channels housing substantially discrete elongate heating and sensing elements arranged in a substantially similar pattern within the blanket interior.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Shawn Davis, Keith M. Blackwell
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Patent number: 7034251Abstract: A warming blanket 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: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. DeAngelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
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Patent number: 7034256Abstract: A popcorn heating device includes a bag member, a receptacle removably connectable therewith and having a top portion including inner and outer layers and a medially disposed heat-retaining layer. The device further includes a mechanism for electrically heating the receptacle and the bag member. The heating mechanism includes a base member having at least one electrical conductor including a plurality of conducting posts. The base member further includes a first switch for toggling at least one electrical conductor between on and off positions and a second switch for controlling the temperature of at least one electrical conductor. A plurality of heating elements are electrically coupled to the plurality of conducting posts and a plug provided for electrically coupling the base member to a power source.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventor: Richard D. Phillips
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Patent number: 7022950Abstract: A heating article including a covering and a thermal warming device for generating heat in the heating article. The covering may be in the form of a blanket or an article of clothing. The covering and the thermal warming device may be separable from each other. The covering may be disposable or reusable. The thermal warming device may be reusable.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventors: William S. Haas, William J. Haas
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Patent number: 6987928Abstract: A recirculated heated air mat system melts snow and ice from driveways or roofs, preventing its accumulation. The driveway sized, hollow mat of tough, pliable rubber, plastic is resistant to tearing and abrasion. A recirculating air electric heater provides heated air to the mat. The mat contains baffles directing heated air sinuously through the substantial portion of the mat, and an internal wall forms a cooled air return path along the upper end for recirculating the air to the heater. For a two-car garage, two pads are provided. The second pad may be identical to the first pad. Heated air is directed between the first and second mats and returned through the cooled air return path by separate removable ducts between heating air paths and cooled air return paths. The system may be modular, being assembled from identical mats and ducts. A large single mat for a roof is provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Inventor: Chris Shields
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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: 6963055Abstract: Electric resistance heating/warming composite fabric articles have a fabric layer having a first surface and an opposite, second surface, and an electric resistance heating/warming element in the form of a conductive yarn mounted upon first surface of the fabric layer, e.g. in embroidery stitching, and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, at least adjacent to the first or second surface of the fabric layer. Methods of forming electric resistance heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
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Patent number: 6953911Abstract: A composite laminate useable in the manufacture of articles having a member responsive to electrical stimuli, e.g. changes transmission, and/or is heated, as current passes through the member includes a pair of spaced bus bars adhesively secured to a major surface of a plastic sheet in a spaced relationship to one another. Each of the bus bars includes, among other things, an end portion having a protective sleeve and an air barrier to prevent air from moving between the inner surfaces of the protective sleeve and the underlying surface of the end portion of the bus bar. A method of making the composite laminate is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Bruce A. Bartrug, Allen R. Hawk, Robert N. Pinchok, James H. Schwartz
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Patent number: 6943320Abstract: A heating system providing a heated surface for use on or in a driveway, roadway, walkway, patio, deck, stairs or the like, principally for outdoor use but usable as well for indoor use. The heating system includes a form suitably retained on an existing surface, at least one block disposed within the form, the block being molded principally of recycled rubber, thereby providing a frictional surface to prevent or minimize slipping. The heating system also includes heating elements for heating the block, thereby providing substantially improved moisture absorption and evaporation along with substantially improved melting capacity for ice or snow, and the block being removably disposed in the form for substantially easier and convenient repair, thus avoiding the necessity for digging up any concrete, asphalt or other materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Inventor: Steven T. M. Bavett
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Patent number: 6933469Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and/or a thermally responsive state-changing device.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: American HealthCare Products, Inc.Inventors: Kent D. Ellis, Kenneth S. Siegner, Charles C. Wyatt, Jack Wilkerson
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Patent number: 6924467Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 8, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: American HealthCare Products, Inc.Inventors: Kent Douglas Ellis, Charles C. Wyatt
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Patent number: 6921880Abstract: An apparatus (10) for warming a vessel (12), such as a baby bottle with milk or formula therein, includes a panel of expandable material (14) having a number of flexible heating elements (26) embedded therein. The expandable material includes an outer layer of neoprene rubber (46) and an inner layer of stretchable polyester material (28), such as lycra. The heating elements (26) are finger-like in construction and can flexibly adjust relative to one another to closely accommodate and conform to a baby bottle (12) inserted into the apparatus (10). The heating elements (26) are made of an electrically resistive material and receive electricity from a power supply.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Inventor: Russell Berger
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Patent number: 6921878Abstract: A warmth-keeping structure of cold cathode lamp comprises a cold cathode lamp, a soft electric heating component and two insulating components. The soft electric heating component is wound around the surface of the cold cathode lamp. Two ends of the soft electric heating component are joined at two sides of the cold cathode lamp with the two insulating components slipped onto the joint portions, respectively. Through holes are formed on the insulating components so that different power sources can be provided for the soft electric heating component and the cold cathode lamp via conducting wires. The soft electric heating component can heat the cold cathode lamp in advance before the cold cathode lamp radiates to let the cold cathode lamp raise its ambient temperature in a few seconds and keep a fixed working temperature, hence stabilizing the brightness thereof and dissipating less power.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Ado Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shu Wei Liao
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Patent number: 6914217Abstract: The invention is a device for heating a seat (3) comprising a heating element (2) connected to a control unit (1) which is arranged to feed a current (I) through the heating element (2), a detector unit (6) in connection to the heating element (2) connected to the control unit (1) with current (I) being fed when the measured temperature value falls below a predetermined desired value (TB). The invention is characterized in that the detector unit (6) comprises at least one first temperature sensor (7) on or in the vicinity of the heating element (2) with at least one further temperature sensor (8) at a predetermined distance from the heating element (2). By means of the invention a more even heating of the seat is obtained with an increased comfort for a person sitting in the seat.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive ABInventor: Tommy Fristedt
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Patent number: 6909074Abstract: A portable device for providing a heated surface to melt snow and ice therefrom includes a reservoir having a top surface provided with an opening, a plurality of apertures, and a mechanism for conveniently heating fluid disposed within the reservoir. The heating mechanism is operably connected to the reservoir, a plurality of mats removably attachable to each other along a substantially rectilinear path and a plurality of flexible conduits in fluid communication with the reservoir and the plurality of mats. The heating mechanism includes a plurality of programmable sensors for selectively activating the device when a temperature falls below a desired temperature threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2004Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Inventor: Gary M. Bradley
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Patent number: 6906293Abstract: A combined sensor arid heating element includes a sensor mat having several active regions interconnected by flexible connection strips. The flexible connection strips each include two carrier foils laminated together having contact arrangements arranged in the active regions at the inside of the carrier foils. Each flexible connection strips further include a heat conductor directly applied to an outer side of one of the carrier foils.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: I.E.E. International Electronics & Engineering S.ar.LInventors: Marc Schmiz, Paul Schockmel
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Patent number: 6900416Abstract: A grease gun holder includes a body and a closure flap. The body is provided with compartments to carry a grease gun and a spare grease cartridge. The body and flap are provided with heating elements to maintain the grease in a warmed, readily usable condition in cooler environments.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Inventor: Petry Erik
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Patent number: 6897408Abstract: The present invention is related to an electrically conductive and heating wire containing fabric. The fabric is made of metal yarn and natural fiber. After a yarn covering process (covering metal yarn with short staple yarn), a circular loom is used to weave circular hollow heating wire containing fabric in the desired dimensions (0.1 cm˜5 cm). After that, the heating wire containing fabric is pressed into flat shape. Then, the fabric is covered with natural long fiber or short staple, such as wool and rabbit fur. The wire containing fabric will be made into different types of products according to user demand (like rehabilitation equipment or insulating clothes). Thus, convenience is provided for use of the product and wide range of applications can be found for the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Tai Lai Sporting Goods Enterprises Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Lai Wu
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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: 6891136Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: HTTP-Hypothermia Therapy Ltd.Inventors: David Bikovsky, Dorith Bar-Adon
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Patent number: 6888111Abstract: An apparatus for use with a variety of clothes is disclosed. The apparatus is an elastic band with a plurality of internal heating elements that is incorporated into various items of clothing, with a user having the capability of turning on the elastic band to different heating levels. The elastic band is heated by at least one battery located within an incorporated battery compartment.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Inventor: Luree Tobin
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Patent number: 6884965Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: James P. Nelson, Tilak R. Varma, Michael Starozhitsky, Paul J. Storiz, Edward Bulgajewski
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Patent number: 6875954Abstract: A hidden heat strip for providing heat at the edge of a roof to prevent formation of ice. Each heat strip comprises a plurality of triangular-shaped assemblies having a heat cable inserted from under the assemblies and positioned adjacent to a notched front panel. Support clips extend from a bottom portion and a vented top panel is disposed above the heat cable. Spaced-apart reinforcement ribs are located between side panels of the assemblies to support shingles and prevent sagging. The heat strip is placed between rows of shingles and is not easily observed from the ground level.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Inventors: Richard S. DeBenedetto, Thomas F. Johnson
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Patent number: 6861623Abstract: A heated hair curler includes a first portion having a heating element and an electric terminal in circuit with the heating element. A second portion is attached to the first portion in heat exchange relationship with it and is reconfigurable with respect to the first portion so as to alter the overall length of the hair curler. There are intermeshing elongate fingers that slide upon one another as the curler is reconfigured.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Hang Shun Hing Company LimitedInventor: Kin Man Wong
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Patent number: 6855915Abstract: An outdoor-use heating mat system includes at least one heating mat. At least one heating mat of the system includes a first structural layer, a heating element, a plurality of intermediate strips, a second structural layer, and at least one of a cord and a plug. The first and second structural layers each are both durable and electrically insulating. The first such layer has a plurality of first layer edges associated therewith. The heating element positioned above the first structural layer. The plurality of intermediate strips are mounted upon the first structural layer. Each intermediate strip is positioned proximate at least one of one the first layer edge and the heating element. The second structural layer is mounted to the plurality of intermediate strips opposite the first structural layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Inventor: Michael Gehring
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Patent number: 6852956Abstract: An electric heating/warming element consists of a water-resistant, vapor permeable bladder containing an electrical heating/warming circuit that generates heat when attached to a source of electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
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Patent number: 6840955Abstract: A thermal apparatus includes a wrap adapted to be secured to the body surface of a user. At least one temperature sensor is mounted to the wrap to measure an actual temperature of the body surface, and at least one thermoelectric device is mounted to the wrap to selectively deliver heat to and remove heat from the body surface. The thermal apparatus further includes a control unit mountable to the wrap. The control unit receives the actual temperature of the body surface from the temperature sensor and communicates with the thermoelectric device to operate the thermoelectric device as one of a heater and a cooler, thereby achieving a desired temperature of the body surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Inventor: Robert J. Ein
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Patent number: 6841757Abstract: A liner for an article of footwear, particularly a ski-boot, comprises a thermally formable material which can be selectively heated by means of an insert comprising electrical resistance heating elements. The latter in turn are sandwiched between heat spreading material.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Tecnica SpAInventors: Antonello Marega, Giorgio Grandin, Robin Dempsey Caird, Timothy Edgar Nicholl
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Patent number: 6838647Abstract: A surface-heating element for a curved surface and method of producing a heating element is provided. The heating element includes a continuous, planar conductor arranged along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of turns connected by regions being generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The conductor including end portions each having a terminal for receiving electrical current. The heating element also includes a film applied to one side of the conductor and configured to substantially follow an outer contour of the conductor. The film and the conductor form a continuous web generally centered about the longitudinal axis, and at least one turn connecting two generally transverse regions extends beyond the continuous web. The heating element may also include an adhesive layer on the other side of the heating element sealingly engaging the film.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AGInventor: Peter Nägele
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Patent number: 6822204Abstract: An RFID-based induction heating/vending system for quickly and efficiently heating, vending, and recollecting stadium seats (10) or other objects. The system includes a plurality of objects each including an induction-heatable body (22), a charging/vending station (12) for heating and vending the objects; a self-serve warming station (14) that may be used by consumers to reheat their objects; and a check-out station (16) that automatically collects objects from consumers after use.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Thermal Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Brian L. Clothier
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Patent number: 6822200Abstract: A method for controlling a heating plant as well as a control system for such a plant. More specifically the invention relates to the control of a heating plant adapted for local heating of surfaces to avoid ice and snow on such surfaces, and in particular controlling street heating plant or point heating plants (for rails), provided with one or several heating elements; so that a low power consumption is obtained. The control system is provided with at least one remotely operated unit (4) adapted to be controlled in such a manner that consumed energy is controlled in dependence of meteorological data representing present and anticipated temperatures and amounts of precipitation.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventors: Christian Grosch, Jan Grosch
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Publication number: 20040217110Abstract: A heating blanket includes a body operable to generate heat from power supplied by two leads. The body includes a support ply having a hole for receiving the lead so that a portion of the body may secure the lead to the blanket and protect the coupling of the lead to the blanket. The body also includes a heating element coupled to a stretchable matt. When the matt is stretched, the heating element stretches in the same direction and can continue to generate heat. Consequently, the body of the heating blanket can maintain sufficient contact with a composite assembly as a contour of the composite assembly's surface changes, and the blanket can adequately cure regions of an assembly that would otherwise be difficult to cure. Because the hole is in the support ply, the support ply reinforces the entire circumference of the hole. Consequently, the portion of the body can protect the coupling of the leads to the body of the blanket through multiple uses of the blanket.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventor: Brent Gray
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Publication number: 20040195227Abstract: Vehicle heating systems such as portable vehicle cushions, steering wheel covers, and other interior surfaces include a direct current heating circuit for producing heat when activated; a surface material covering the heating circuit to isolate the heating circuit from direct contact by a vehicle occupant or object resting against the surface material; and a pressure switch located below the surface material and connected to the heating circuit to activate the heating circuit during application of sufficient pressure on the pressure switch by a vehicle occupant resting against the surface material at a location proximate the pressure switch, insufficient pressure being applied to the pressure switch deactivating the heating circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Ki-Woong Park
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Publication number: 20040188418Abstract: Heating devices are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The ratio of the weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers to the weight of the base resin host is between about 0.20 and 0.40. The micron conductive powders are formed from non-metals, such as carbon, graphite, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from metals such as stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, that may also be metallic plated, or the like, or from a combination of non-metal, plated, or in combination with, metal powders. The micron conductor fibers preferably are of nickel plated carbon fiber, stainless steel fiber, copper fiber, silver fiber, or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Integral Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Aisenbrey
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Patent number: 6794609Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a prosthetic device, including a pointer region, an electrically conductive touch pad supported by the pointer region and configured for selectively contacting a touch-screen display, and an electric heating circuit which is configured to selectively heat the electrically conductive touch pad in response to an actuation of a switch. Also provided is a method for using a prosthetic device including using prosthesis of a user to support at least a portion of the prosthetic device that includes an electrically conductive touch pad, warming the electrically conductive touch pad in response to a user input to the prosthetic device, and selectively contacting the touch-screen display using the electrically conductive touch pad in response to a user manipulation of the prosthetic device.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Loren Mart
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Patent number: 6794610Abstract: A heating blanket reduces the possibility of electrical arcing by providing a series of individual heating elements each carrying a low current.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: Leonard I. Horey, Armando Alvite
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Publication number: 20040178186Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable warming cloth for containers using office equipment such as USB or IEEE1394 (Fire Wire) plugs as heating source. The present invention mainly comprises a USB plug or IEEE1394 plug, power source wire, electric heating plates and a cloth. The USB or IEEE1394 plug can be plugged to USB or IEEE1394 receptacle or other transition plug at any time. The power source wire is pliable and designed with a connecting point at the rear part for connection of heating plates, a LED indicating power button in the middle and a USB and IEEE1394 plug at the front part. The heating plates use direct current and are secured inside the cloth. A concealed connecting stand is found at the lower part of the electric heating plates for connecting of power source wire. The cloth is made of soft material with adhesive tapes on both sides and apart from the electric heating plates found inside, it is also designed in advance with a side opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventor: William Lu
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Publication number: 20040164066Abstract: A thermal garment that utilizes an electrically-conductive, all metal mesh fabric for the uniform distribution of heat throughout the surface area of the garment, thus permitting freedom of movement without sacrifice to the structural integrity of the fabric, a seemingly prevalent prior art disadvantage recognized in thermal garments incorporating electrical heating wires and/or metalized textile fabrics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Ancil Ford, Burnette Ford
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Publication number: 20040149732Abstract: There are provided such a heat-generating body for warming foot in that a heat-generating composition is used that can retain the shape thereof irrespective of the pressure inside the container bag upon using by application to a foot, a footgear or a sock, the heat-generating composition is prevented from migration by fixing a part or a whole thereof inside the packing material, and it is well fit to the shape of the foot upon application to warm the prescribed part effectively for a long period of time, and such a process for producing a heat-generating body for warming foot in that the heat generation reaction of the heat-generating composition is suppressed to prevent loss due to the heat-generating reaction during production, quality deterioration of the heat-generating composition, and various problems associated with solidification of the heat-generating composition, a transferring and laminating method, such as printing, coating, such as mold-through forming, gravure printing, is employed, the non-viscType: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Kaoru Usui, Michio Aida, Hisao Kimura, Masato Nakamura, Yoshikazu Sakamaki, Toshihiro Dodo
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Patent number: 6770854Abstract: Electric blankets and methods and systems for making electric blankets are provided. Certain electric blanket embodiments include a laminated scrim blanket with a heating element embedded therein. Other embodiments provide an electric blanket formed from conductive fibers. Another embodiment includes a central circuit that controls the position of electricity to an electric blanket responsively to temperature rate of change. A further embodiment includes a machine for inserting a heating element within passageways of a blanket shell.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Inotec IncorporatedInventor: Barry P. Keane
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Patent number: 6768086Abstract: A warming blanket having a temperature sensing element for sensing the temperature of the warming blanket. The temperature sensor may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element that is threaded throughout the blanket. In one embodiment, the temperature sensing element runs perpendicular or transverse to the heating wires in the warming blanket, permitting the temperature sensing element to measure an average blanket temperature. In another embodiment, the heating element is supplied as a pair of buss wires extending along opposite sides of the warming blanket and having a number of heating wires extending therebetween. In this embodiment, the temperature sensing elements may run either parallel to or transverse to the heating elements. Temperature changes/signals in the temperature sensing element are sent to a microprocessor, which in turn changes the wattage of the heating elements to prevent overheating of the warming blanket.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventors: W. Mark Sullivan, Mitchell Brewer, Wayne Dearman, Armando Alvite
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Patent number: 6762395Abstract: A heat transfer material comprised of a polymeric material and a nitride or oxide is provided and is thermally conductive, but electrically non-conductive. The polymeric material may be silicone rubber, and the nitride or oxide may be aluminum nitride, boron nitride, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide or beryllium oxide. The material is made flexible by adding plasticizer and remains flexible after an extended period of use. A dielectric jacket for an electrical heating cable is thermally conductive and remains flexible so that it can be reused. The heat transfer material can be used on heating devices such as steam tubes and panels, where the heat transfer material does not bond to or adhere to the heated surface, which allows the heating device to be reused.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Thermon Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Chandrakant M. Yagnik, Roy E. Barth, R. Knox Pitzer
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Patent number: 6762394Abstract: The invention relates to a heated steering wheel having a steering wheel rim with a heating device arranged on the steering wheel rim. A shell has two or more shell parts that each extend at least part of the way around the periphery of the steering wheel rim in radial cross-section. The shell parts are joined together by an adhesive intentionally applied only to mutually contacting surfaces of said shell parts. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a heated steering wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.Inventor: Raymond Thomas Hobby
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Patent number: 6754565Abstract: A device for implementing control or regulating functions in a motor vehicle having at least one control unit, at least one peripheral element, and at least one control module. The peripheral element is connected to the control unit and receives and/or sends signals, and the control or regulating functions are implemented by a triggering and/or analysis of the signals of the peripheral element. The device also includes at least one control module connected between the control unit and the peripheral element, the control module being composed of an electronic unit and a flexible extension, and the peripheral element being contacted to the flexible extension.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Michael Horbelt, Andre Owerfeldt
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Publication number: 20040112891Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Kent Douglas Ellis, Charles C. Wyatt
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Patent number: 6740856Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure a preformed heating member is disclosed, the preformed heating element comprising: a first layer having a conductive layer for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat, the conductive layer being disposed on a sheet of formable film; and an outer layer disposed over the conductive layer; and a second structural layer adhered to the first layer, wherein the preformed heating element is capable of being configure to be positioned over a corresponding location.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Rondald H. Haag
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Patent number: 6737611Abstract: A floor heating bendable, electrically conductive, thermoplastic mat having at least two electrodes arranged along each side edge of the mat. The mat includes a material composition whose volume resistivity increases substantially with an increase of temperature of the material composition below 30° C. The material composition comprises a semicrystalline polymer and an electrically conductive filler material. The polymer has a crystalline melting point which exceeds a normal working temperature of the mat but is below 99° C. and whose softening temperature (Vicat) is in a range of 45-70° C. The mat is self regulating regarding temperature and power for floor heating.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Polyohm ABInventors: Ulf Ek, Claes-Goran Gustafsson, Kai Kangassalo