Cloth Or Other Fabric Patents (Class 219/529)
  • Patent number: 7064302
    Abstract: A connection endpiece placed on a resistor element provided with at least one layer of electrically-conductive fibers, the endpiece serving to connect a power supply wire electrically to the resistor element. The endpiece includes at least one metal plate having a top face for connection to the power supply wire, and provided with at least one rigid metal connector member of substantially flat shape arranged at a first end of the metal plate and connected to at least one layer of electrically-conductive fibers of the resistor element, the top face of the metal plate being covered in a removable anti-adhesive covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Daniel Brunner, André Amari
  • 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: 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: 7053344
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: James Surjan, Fred A. Kish, Tilak R. Varma, Edward Bulgajewski, by Antoinette Chiovatero
  • Patent number: 7049557
    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: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Alfred R. DeAngelis, David Bruce Wilson
  • Patent number: 7041943
    Abstract: An electrical heating element for heating units of seats and steering wheels is provided. The heating element comprises at least one conductor having at least one core-coated wire that serves as a heat conductor and/or as a contact conductor and/or as a lead for temperature probes. The coating comprises steel and the core comprises copper or a copper alloy, or the coating comprises copper or a copper alloy and the core comprises steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: I G Bauerhin GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Michelmann
  • Patent number: 7038170
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Shawn Davis, Keith M. Blackwell
  • Patent number: 7038177
    Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by knitting or weaving, to form a fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element in the form of a conductive yarn is incorporated into the fabric prebody, e.g., laid in, e.g., in the knit-welt or tuck-welt configuration, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric. Conductive elements are provided for connecting the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Moshe Rock
  • Patent number: 7034256
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Richard D. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7034251
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. DeAngelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
  • Patent number: 7015425
    Abstract: A gas cylinder includes a cylindrically-shaped main wall having a liner, a facing and insulation located between the liner and the facing. First and second electric, self-regulating heating elements are positioned between the liner and the insulation. The liner is provided with first and second pockets and the first and second heating elements are located within the pockets. The first heating element has a higher wattage density than the second heating element and the first heating element is located below the second heating element. A sealed conduit enclosure contains a terminal block connecting a power input cable to the first and second heating elements. A planar top wall is located at the top of the main wall and has an opening for passage of a regulator of the gas cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: B H Thermal Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Neal, Doug Dietz, Daniel R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7009155
    Abstract: The far-infrared heating device has a far-infrared element and two pieces of cloth. The far-infrared element has a wire grid and two membranes. The wire grid is connected to a power supply. When electricity is fed to the wire grid, the wire grid generates heat that passes through the membranes, and the heat becomes far-infrared rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Inventor: Chi-Cheng Fan
  • Patent number: 6979806
    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: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Alfred R. DeAngelis, David Bruce Wilson
  • Patent number: 6969831
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Parker, Patricia A. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6967309
    Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a heating pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element and a patient support portion. The heating element can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features. The radiolucent features can include conductive paths supported by a flexible substrate. The conductive paths can include conductive yarns oriented in linear and/or non-linear patterns on the flexible substrate. In one aspect of this embodiment, the conductive yarns can include conductive strands having a metallic plating, such as silver plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: American HealthCare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Wyatt, Kent D. Ellis, Kenneth S. Siegner, Jack Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 6963055
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Patent number: 6921878
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ado Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Wei Liao
  • Patent number: 6914216
    Abstract: A digital control wet heating type of electric blanket for heating air, comprised of a mattress containing a tenacious, air permeable cotton cloth consistently paved with hearing wires, cotton strip on the heating wires, a compression strip passing through the cotton fabric to compress the cotton strip on the heating wires, multiple temperature sensors provided between cotton fabric and cotton strip, a temperature protection circuit disposed to the heating wires, signals from sensor and protection circuit being externally connected to a digital control box; and the mattress being sealed and placed into a surface fluffed flannelette cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Mao-Sung Chen
  • Patent number: 6914217
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventor: Tommy Fristedt
  • Patent number: 6900416
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Petry Erik
  • Patent number: 6897408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Tai Lai Sporting Goods Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Lai Wu
  • Patent number: 6888112
    Abstract: A woven fibrous article that generates heat upon application of electrical power has a woven fibrous body consisting of a set of non-conductive warp yarns and a set of non-conductive filling or weft yarns. One of the set of non-conductive warp yarns and the set of non-conductive filling or weft yarns, in one or more first regions, consists of relatively more coarse yarns and in one or more second regions consists of relatively more fine yarns with electrical conductor elements extending generally along the second regions of the woven fibrous body to connect the plurality of spaced apart electrical conductance heating elements in a parallel electrical circuit to a source of electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Malden Hills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Patent number: 6884965
    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: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Nelson, Tilak R. Varma, Michael Starozhitsky, Paul J. Storiz, Edward Bulgajewski
  • Patent number: 6875963
    Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element in the form of a flexible, preferably stretchable, electricity-conducting film disposed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warning 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. Methods of forming electric heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Patent number: 6852956
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Patent number: 6838647
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Peter Nägele
  • Publication number: 20040182854
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the process for making cloth-like woven heater and its structure of heating element which is wound around a yarn to thereby take a shape of coil spring, and so exhibits excellent and durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Tae-Moon Kim
  • Patent number: 6787740
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fabricating an integrally bladed rotor which comprises providing a hub section, preferably formed from a titanium based alloy, and welding an airfoil, also preferably formed from a titanium based alloy, to the hub section. The method further comprises partially aging and cooling the hub section prior to welding and aging the airfoil and the weld joint between the airfoil and the hub section subsequent to welding. The post welding aging step is preferably carried out using a novel encapsulated local airfoil heating device having a plurality of heating elements woven into a jacket made from a high temperature cloth material. The method of the present invention may also be used to repair integrally bladed rotors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Smith, Janet Stanley, David S. Murphy, Robert W. Baumgarten, Thomas DeMichael, Stephen L. Mayers
  • Patent number: 6770854
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Inotec Incorporated
    Inventor: Barry P. Keane
  • Publication number: 20040144771
    Abstract: A method for producing a uniformly heated electric heating cloth comprising the steps of forming heating threads by dissolving a thermoplastic polymer in an organic solvent, adding an industrial carbon which is produced from acetylene to form a first mixture, grinding the mixture of industrial carbon and thermoplastic polymer, adding a colloidal graphite to form a second mixture, grinding the second mixture, coating threads with the second mixture in a spinneret, heating the coated threads to remove the organic solvent; and interweaving the coated heating threads with non-conducting threads in a perpendicular direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: David Kleshchik
  • Patent number: 6762394
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Thomas Hobby
  • Publication number: 20040124187
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: TA LAI SPORTING GOODS ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ming-Lai Wu
  • Publication number: 20040118831
    Abstract: This invention provides, e.g., temperature regulated clothing with a thermoelectric module that can be configured to transfer heat to or from the inside of the clothing. The clothing can include, e.g., a control system to maintain a desired internal clothing temperature. The clothing can have, e.g., a circulating coolant system to enhance the rate and/or efficiency of heat transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: Phoenix Consultants, Ltd
    Inventor: Richard Martin
  • Patent number: 6753514
    Abstract: A sheet member with a heater wire comprises a sheet-like base cloth and a cylindrical containing portion containing the heater wire therein and attached at one surface of the base cloth in a meandering shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Atex Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Harashima
  • Publication number: 20040094534
    Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
  • Patent number: 6737610
    Abstract: A resistive heating conductor having at least one strand, a first electrical insulation surrounding the resistive heating element, a sensor conductor helically disposed around the first electrical insulation and a second electrical insulation surrounding both the sensor conductor and the first electrical insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Dekko Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Horn, Steven L. Hardin
  • Patent number: 6734404
    Abstract: A wire-based heating element is provided having first and second portions twisted about each other such that magnetic flux emitted from one portion is substantially cancelled by magnetic flux emitted from the other portion. A bonding material that fixedly connects the two portions of the heating element and restricts their movement relative to each other to thereby maximize the cancellation of magnetic flux. A substrate-based heating element is also provided having traces on opposed sides of a substrate and overlying each other to cancel magnetic flux. Electrical connection pads are located on the same side of the substrate, and the second trace extends passed the first trace to connect to the second connection pad. A lead connected to the first connection pad overlies the portion of the second trace that extends to the second connection pad to thereby cancel magnetic flux emissions from this portion of the second trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Hays
  • Publication number: 20040065659
    Abstract: A heating pad includes a multi-filament carbon fibre heating element, or a flat carbon film heating element, and a pair of sheets adhered to one another with the heating element held in position therebetween by the sheets. The heating element is configured in a serpentine form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Heat Station International Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Tung Hoi Tse
  • Patent number: 6713733
    Abstract: A soft and flexible heater utilizes electrically conductive threads or fibers as heating media. The conductive fibers are encapsulated by negative temperature coefficient (NTC) material, forming temperature sensing heating cables. One or more heating cables can be formed into heaters of various configurations including tapes, sleeves or sheets providing simultaneous heat radiation and local overheat protection. Such heaters may be connected in different combinations, in parallel or in series. The heater may contain continuous positive temperature coefficient (PTC) temperature sensors to precisely control the temperature in the heater. Such temperature sensors can be made of electrically conductive fibers, metal wires or fiber optical filaments. When required by the heater design, the electrically conductive threads/fibers may have a polymer base, which acts as a Thermal-Cut-Off (TCO) at predetermined temperatures. Electrically conductive fibers comprised of such polymer base can melt between 110° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Thermosoft International Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Kochman, Dmitry Kochman
  • Patent number: 6713724
    Abstract: An electrically operated heating device, such as an electric blanket, mattress pad, heating pad or throw having a pliable member, includes heating elements located within an interior defined by the pliable member which are configured to prevent breakage or disconnection of the heating elements in the event the pliable member is subjected to a concentrated load that applies tension to the heating elements. The interior of the pliable member includes a series of passages within which the heating elements are located. The heating elements have a non-linear configuration such that the overall length of the heating element contained within each passage has a length greater than that of the passage, which enables the heating elements to stretch and flex when the blanket portion is subjected to a concentrated load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Perfect Fit Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheldon P. Carr, Richard Zimmerer
  • Publication number: 20040045955
    Abstract: Electric heating/warning 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, conductive 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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Publication number: 20040035854
    Abstract: An electric heating wire and applications thereof with the electric wire consists of a core made from a plurality strands of graphite fibers. The core is wound by an oblate insulation layer which has two wing flaps on the left and right sides for stitching and anchoring use. The core of the electric wire that consists of graphite fiber can generate heat when energized. The electric wire thus made may be anchored on blankets quickly to form an electric blanket, and can prevent rupture resulting from fatigue caused by temperature variations. The electric wire and the electric blanket thus formed have improved safety when in use and have a greater durability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Chung-Chi Cheng, Wen-Chang Shin, Maxwell Hsu
  • Patent number: 6689989
    Abstract: An electric blanket connectable to a power source is provided. The electric blanket includes first and second heating wires connected in series and a monitoring wire positioned therebetween. The monitoring wire is engageable with at least one of the heating wires in response to a predetermined temperature. The cutout interconnects the heating wires to a power source. A monitoring circuit triggers the cutout so as to disconnect the heating wires from the power source in response to engagement of the monitoring wire with one of the heating wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: Harold W. Irwin, Sr., Kin Sang Cheng, John Crawford
  • Patent number: 6664512
    Abstract: Heat losses from electric heating pads, blankets and pillows are reduced by aligning heat reflective strips or coatings over the top of a heating wire arranged inside the pads, blankets and pillows. By reducing heat losses, lower wattage can be applied to the heating wire to transfer the same amount of heat to a user as equivalent higher wattage blankets which do not have the heat reflective strips. By lowering the applied wattage, a more efficient blanket results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard I. Horey, Armando Alvite
  • Patent number: 6649886
    Abstract: A highly flexible and reliable electric heating cloth and method for providing a stable elevated temperature to an environmental site. The heating cloth is comprised of conductive resistive threads which are interwoven with non-conductive threads. One characterizing feature of the cloth is that the diameters of the threads are less than 0.7 mm. Another distinguishing feature is that the conducting resistive threads have thin outer shells containing a matrix of a thermally stable, elastomeric, high temperature polymer and dispersed particles of carbon formed from acetylene and colloidal graphite. A third distinguishing feature is that an arrangement of conductive bus bars and conductive distributing bars in the heating cloth make it possible to divide the cloth into multiple heating zones. A method is disclosed for producing the heating cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: David Kleshchik
  • Publication number: 20030189037
    Abstract: A soft and flexible heater utilizes electrically conductive threads or fibers as heating media. The conductive fibers are encapsulated by negative temperature coefficient (NTC) material, forming temperature sensing heating cables. One or more heating cables can be formed into heaters of various configurations including tapes, sleeves or sheets providing simultaneous heat radiation and local overheat protection. Such heaters may be connected in different combinations, in parallel or in series. The heater may contain continuous positive temperature coefficient (PTC) temperature sensors to precisely control the temperature in the heater. Such temperature sensors can be made of electrically conductive fibers, metal wires or fiber optical filaments. When required by the heater design, the electrically conductive threads/fibers may have a polymer base, which acts as a Thermal-Cut-Off (TCO) at predetermined temperatures. Electrically conductive fibers comprised of such polymer base can melt between 110° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: THERMOSOFT INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric Kochman, Dmitry Kochman
  • Patent number: 6629396
    Abstract: A manufacture or cell (20) formed by a closed case (21) of fabric material (23) in which a multiple number of meltable plastic pellets (24) are disposed and with which an electrical line (25), here in the form of lines (25-1, 25-2), combine in an interwoven assembly. Heat is applied to the pellets (24) via the electrical line (25) to melt them into a mass of substance that solidifies into a solid wall or thickness while concurrently adhering to the fabric material (23) so that the resulting structure is in a cast condition, transformed from its flexible state prior to application of the heat to pellets (24) into a wall-like member. The cell (20) is useful in application of constructing a habitable temporary living housing or shelter for victims arising out of a catastrophe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Gevorg Avetisyan
  • Patent number: 6627861
    Abstract: A thermoconductive rubber patch includes a thermoconductive rubber piece which is encased by an insulating casing and is made of rubber, carbon black granules and metal granules. The thermoconductive rubber piece is provided with an electric circuit and is capable of generating heat at the time when an electric current flows over the electric circuit. The thermoconductive rubber piece has a resistance, with the magnitude of the resistance being dependent on a ratio by which the carbon black granules and the metal granules are contained in the thermoconductive rubber piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Sheng-Chung Yang
  • Patent number: 6617550
    Abstract: An electrically heated blanket which is able to adjust temperature by means of a controller comprising a main blanket body composing of fabrics, two heater cables arranged over the main blanket body which form a configuration of a concave or a U-letter in a plan view. The two heater cables are arranged adjacent and in parallel to each other, beginning ends thereof being connected to the controller and the terminal ends thereof being connected to each other in which electric current flows in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshiji Sowa, Hiroaki Sowa
  • Publication number: 20030164364
    Abstract: A kettle (10) is provided with LEDs (30) in the base (19) of the kettle that project through holes (18) or groups of holes (36) directly on to a power supply stand (16) to provide an indication that the kettle is switched on and yield a pleasing aesthetic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventor: Stewart Gordon