With Terminal Or Connector Means (e.g., To External Circuit Means) Patents (Class 219/541)
  • Patent number: 7442904
    Abstract: A metal sheathed heater includes a thermostat, a means for mounting the thermostat in a secure location, and a joint interconnecting the thermostat with a source of power and a lead wire of the metal sheathed heater. The joint is a type that is moisture and abrasion resistant, mechanically strong, and electrically insulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kirby
  • Patent number: 7432472
    Abstract: A flooring board with a tongue and a groove, including a covering layer, a base plate, and an embedded foil between the covering layer and the base plate. The embedded foil is provided with electrical connecting means for obtaining an effect upon the foil via a connected electric voltage. The electrical connecting means includes a first common connecting means having a first portion positioned on an under side of the groove and a second portion positioned on an upper side of the tongue which are connected by at least one line. The electrical connecting means also includes a second common connecting means having a first portion positioned on an under side of the tongue and a second portion positioned on an upper side of the groove which are connected by at least one line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Pilgrimsfalken AB
    Inventor: Jan Åkerlind
  • Patent number: 7429720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric radiating pipe capable of enhancing a heating efficiency in such a manner that a mixture of a porous operation medium and a volatile operation fluid is filled in a radiation pipe, and a porous operation medium is fast heated based on a viscosity difference, and a densely filled operation fluid is phase-changed to a high temperature vapor or a high temperature liquid based on a heated operation medium. In a radiating pipe that includes a certain shaped pipe body, and a heat wire passing through to the interior of the pipe body wherein both ends of the pipe body are sealed by a plugging cap, there is provided an electric radiating pipe that includes a porous non-flammable operation medium and volatile operation fluid being mixed and being filled into the interior of the pipe body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Inventor: Hyung-Gon Kim
  • Publication number: 20080223848
    Abstract: The invention relates to conductive materials particularly to serve as a heater. Heating means formed by or with electrically conductive materials are known and particularly effective for its flexibility is that sold under the British, Community and US Registered Trade Mark INDITHERM. Conductive rails are used to provide electrical connection to a source of power that need to have a commensurate flexibility, and the object of the invention is to ensure the maintenance of power to the full length of the conductive rail. This objective, is met by a construction comprising spaced first rails for the supply and return of electrical power, the said rails having a flexibility compatible with the semi-conductive material, and there being a supplementary rail attached to each first rail along the length thereof, the supplementary rails being flexible and having strength characteristics greater than those of the first rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Colin Roy Tarry
  • Patent number: 7423239
    Abstract: A laminated panel element that includes at least two rigid panes, for example glass panes, bonded to each other on their surfaces, which are each provided, over their whole surface, with an electrically conductive coating that can be heated by application of a voltage via electrodes. One of the two rigid panes is provided with a cut-out allowing the passage of external electrical connections that are in electrical contact with the two coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventor: Detlef Mann
  • Patent number: 7423242
    Abstract: Oven for non-metal melting, in particular silicon melting, with a housing enclosing an interior, at least one mould arranged in the interior for receiving a non-metal melt, at least one electrical heating device enclosing, at least partially, the at least one mould for influencing the temperature of the non-metal melt, and a power supply device connected in an electrically conductive manner to the at least one heating device for providing the heating device with a time-variable current I(t), wherein the current I(t) has a frequency of 0.1 Hz to 1000 Hz and the current I(t) is of a magnitude sufficient for setting a predetermined temperature of the non-metal melt, the currents in the plurality, where necessary, of heaters having a defined phase position in respect of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Deutsche Solar AG
    Inventors: Marc Dietrich, Bernhard Freudenberg, Armin Müller, Jens Seidel, Josef Stenzenberger
  • Publication number: 20080202108
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reductant supply system for a waste gas cleaning catalyst (1) of an internal combustion engine, particularly a motor vehicle, comprising a reductant tank (3) for the storage of reductants, at least one electrically heatable fluid duct (6, 8) for the conveyance of reductant from the reductant tank (3) to a waste gas cleaning catalyst (1), a pump (5) to pump the reductant via the fluid duct (6, 8) from the reductant tank (3) to the waste gas cleaning catalyst (1), and a plug-in connection (10, 11) for connecting sections of the fluid duct (6, 8) in a fluid-conveying manner and/or connecting the fluid duct in a fluid-conveying manner to a component of the reductant supply system, wherein the plug-in connection additionally forms an electric connection line (12, 13, 14) which in operation conveys an electrical heating current for heating of the fluid duct (6, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Jurgen Stritzinger, Gerhard Thome, Roland Starck, Armia Lang, Lutz Ziegler, Markus Niklasch
  • Patent number: 7408133
    Abstract: A method of thermally coupling a flow tube or like component to a thermal sensor comprises bonding the component to the thermal sensor such that thermally conductive portions formed on the component are thermally coupled to corresponding sensing/heating elements disposed on the thermal sensor. The method can be employed to form a capillary mass flow sensor system. Thermally conductive portions, such as metal bands, can be formed on the outer surface of a capillary tube for bonding with corresponding resistive heat sensing and heating elements disposed on the substrate of a micro mass flow sensor. Bonding metal pads can be formed on the sensor surface preparatory to solder bonding the tube metal bands to the resistive sensing and heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Higashi, Ernest A. Satren
  • Patent number: 7405378
    Abstract: A warming blanket for use by individuals is provided. The warming blanket has an integrated heat coil which can be heated up by a pair of attached battery packs. Each of the battery packs is removably attached and includes at least one battery. The warming blanket is ideally used as an extra safety feature for vehicles in case the vehicle is stranded during very cold or very bad weather, such as a snowstorm, in which warmth may play a crucial role in the survival of individuals within the vehicle. In addition, the warming blanket will assist in saving lives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ernestine Marie Whitlow
  • Patent number: 7402776
    Abstract: Described is a device and system for heating an electronic mobile device. The system includes a mobile electronic device including a power supply arrangement and a removable heating arrangement detachably coupled to the mobile electronic device. When the heating arrangement is coupled to the mobile electronic device, the arrangement draws power from the power supply arrangement to generate heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alton Smith, Gregory Carras, Hayden Eastman, Keith Linker, Andrew M. Doorty
  • Publication number: 20080156476
    Abstract: A heat exchange system selectably controls the temperature of a fluid being delivered to a patient's body by a pump device. The heat exchange system includes a thermal element and a heat exchanger that is removably coupled under pressure to the thermal element. The heat exchanger includes a first half made from thermally conductive material that correspondingly mates with the thermal element, a second half made from thermally conductive material opposite the first half, and an internal heat exchange zone existing between the first half and the second half, wherein fluid flows therethrough. The thermal element of the heat exchange system may controllably and safely warm and/or cool the fluid prior to delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: SMISSON-CARTLEDGE BIOMEDICAL LLC
    Inventors: Hugh F. Smisson, Richard G. Cartledge, David C. Field, Michael L. Koltz, Frederick J. York
  • Patent number: 7394044
    Abstract: A device for exchanging heat for motor vehicles, having at least one first component connected to an electrical power supply and whose temperature varies dependent on current flowing through the component, at least one second component including at least one first and at least one second part element each of which are at least indirectly conductively connected to the first component, wherein at least one part element includes a first connecting means and at least one electrical contact means which is at least indirectly conductively connected to at least one part element of at least one second component and serves to connect an electrical power supply wherein the contact means includes at least one second connecting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Behr France Rouffach SAS
    Inventors: Michel Brun, Maxime Mundel, Pascal Miss, Stèphane Jaoaen, Christophe Schmittheisler, Mathieu Mougey, Jean-Blaise Hils, Claude Lengert
  • 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: 7372007
    Abstract: An electrical heater bundle has heater elements, each including a metal tube, an electrical resistance coil within the tube, a conductor pin connected to the coil and protruding from an end of the tube, and an electrical insulation powder surrounding the coil within the tube. A conical cavity is located in the insulation powder at the end of the tube, the cavity extending from an inner diameter of the tube to the conductor pin. The cavity is filled with an epoxy that is cured in place. The insulation powder may have an infiltrated layer at the cavity that is an uncured liquid silicone. The heater elements are mounted to a header plate, and the elements associated with the three different phases of electrical power may protrude past the header plate at different distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Gaumer Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack L. McClanahan, Craig S. Tiras, Jackie G. Fannin
  • Publication number: 20080105671
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a pipe prior to performing a welding operation, an interpass welding operation, or a hydrogen bake-out operation is provided. The heating apparatus comprises at least one heating collar placed on one side of a pipe weld joint and a control mechanism for controlling the thermal energy transferred from the heating apparatus to the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Colin Regan
  • Patent number: 7365286
    Abstract: A heater assembly includes a heater housing with strain relief features for wires associated with electronic components, such as a thermistor and/or thermal cut-off (TCO) device, coupled to a heating element. The heater assembly may be used in a fixing device or fuser in an image forming apparatus including, but not limited to, printers, copiers, faxes, multifunctional devices or all-in-one devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Creteau, Jerry Wayne Smith
  • Publication number: 20080083744
    Abstract: A microheater for heating at least one target area, the microheater comprising a substrate, a resistive material adjacent to the substrate and connector traces connected to the resistive material. The microheater is formed so that when a predetermined current flows through the resistive material, the target area is heated to a substantially isothermal temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Orlando E. Ruiz, Patricia A. Beck, Janice H. Nickel
  • Patent number: 7355147
    Abstract: A floating ice removal device with a disk shaped upper cover, a disk shaped lower cover and a heat emitting cup. An electric circuit board is mounted on an inner bottom of the lower cover, and a helical heat emitting wire is mounted on the inner top surface of the upper cover in a contact mode, and the cup having a heat emitting source is mounted on the outer bottom surface of the lower cover. An electric power line is extended in from the bottom of the heat emitting cup to connect the circuit board to supply electric power, so that the helical heat emitting wire keeps the surface temperature of the upper cover above 5 degrees Celsius, so that the surface of the entire ice removal will not be covered by snow or ice, while the heat emitting cup can emit heat under the water for removing ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 7351935
    Abstract: A method for producing a ceramic heater. Firing is conducted such that an element green body in which at least a portion containing a conductive ceramic that is to become a heating element after firing is held on a powder or green body of an insulating ceramic that is to become a substrate after firing. The ceramic heater includes the substrate and the heating element. The method includes a molding step, a holding step, and a firing step as defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Konishi
  • Patent number: 7348521
    Abstract: Provided is an electric oven. The electric oven includes a cavity having an electric component room, a light wave generating unit mounted on a top surface of the cavity, the light wave generating unit including a halogen heater emitting heat and light and a connector coupled to opposite ends of the halogen heater, and a heat discharge unit enclosing and cooling the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Woo Lee, Wan Soo Kim, Yong Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7335855
    Abstract: An electric PCB heating component for a heating electric component is coupleable to an electronic circuit board. The PCB heating component includes a fastening element, a heating element for generating thermal energy, and a heating body. The heating body emits thermal energy via a heat radiating surface. For a low cost PCB heating component, the heating element is a PTC heating element. A plurality of heating projections of the heating element cooperate to form a relatively large heat radiating surface such that thermal energy can be emitted in a substantially directional mode. The heating projections can be convection or radiation elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: DBK David + Baader GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich von der Lühe, William Muirhead
  • Publication number: 20080041842
    Abstract: A connector for incorporation into a heater system for inlet struts includes a body having a tapered forward end and an opposite rear end. A plurality of forward electrical terminals are formed on the outer surface of the tapered end. A plurality of rearward electrical terminals are formed on the rear end of the body. The rearward electrical terminals are in electrical connection with the forward electrical terminals. The forward electrical terminals on the tapered end are in electrical contact with a plurality of electrical contacts connected to heating elements formed in a heating mat. The heating mat entirely envelops the connector. The heater mat is formed within a substantially rigid outer shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Phillip Emerson Alexander, David R. Lyders, John Vontell, George Alan Salisbury
  • Patent number: 7326885
    Abstract: A hotplate with a stainless steel top plate to support a vessel. The stainless steel top plate has an upper surface with a substantially centrally located depression having a depth and area generally sufficient to absorb upward crowning of the top plate when heated. A heating unit is in a heat transfer relation with the stainless steel top plate, and a base unit is connected to the heating plate assembly; however, the base unit is not fastened directly to the stainless steel top plate, so that the stainless steel top plate can expand more uniformly when heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: Mark D. Lockwood, Peter Riniker, James R. Edwards
  • Patent number: 7326886
    Abstract: A simple and practical wafer support member which holds vacuum tight comprises a plate-shaped ceramic body having one main surface of a mount surface on which a wafer is mounted and a penetrating via hole from one main surface to the other main surface, a conductive layer provided on the mount surface, a connection conductive layer provided on an inner surface of the via hole so as to be connected to the conductive layer, a buried conductive layer which is buried in the plate-shaped ceramic body so as to be connected to the connection conductive layer, and a conducting terminal having one end and the other end and arranged apart from the via hole Of the plate-shaped ceramic body so that it is connected to the buried conductive layer in the vicinity of its one end and the other end protrudes from the other main surface of the ceramic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Hironori Inoue
  • Patent number: 7324746
    Abstract: A temperature regulator has two headers connected to both ends of a heat receiving tube in which gas flows. The heat receiving tube has a heating element at the outer periphery thereof and a mixer accommodated therein to cause turbulent flow of gas passing through the heat receiving tube. The headers each have fins radially attached thereto, thereby ensuring strength of the headers and improving heat exchange efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Espec Corp.
    Inventors: Hideki Tanaka, Kimio Yoshizumi, Hitoshi Ando, Akiko Kuse
  • Patent number: 7301126
    Abstract: A panel element with a toughened pane, provided with a total surface coating, which is electrically conducting and heated by applying an electrical voltage by electrodes. A partial zone of the coating is electrically separated by a separating line. Specifically, an inner surface zone of the coating is separated electrically, by at least one peripheral separating line, from an external edge region of the coating, and the electrodes are placed inside the surface zone surrounded by the peripheral separating line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventor: Detlef Mann
  • Patent number: 7291816
    Abstract: A method for making a transparent electrothermal body includes: a) plating ITO (indium tin oxide) onto a surface of a transparent substrate to form an ITO film, and b) printing a conducting material onto a surface of the ITO film to form two connecting portions each electrically connected to the ITO film, thereby forming a transparent electrothermal body. Thus, the transparent electrothermal body includes a circuit made of ITO material having greater transparency to form a conducting film that allows passage of the electric current, thereby enhancing the transparency of the electrothermal body, and thereby increasing the versatility of the electrothermal body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Shu-Lien Chen
  • Patent number: 7288749
    Abstract: An electric heating device based on a ribbon of crystalline metal foil with high specific resistance, which is additionally treated to increase its plasticity and/or additionally coated with a mold release agent to enhance compatibility of the ribbon and insulating envelope. The ribbon combines high electrical resistance, high stability, sufficient mechanical strength and relative cheapness with very important properties including significant plasticity and compatibility with insulating polymers, including rubber and silicone. The above compatibility provides high reliability and life span. Different structures for flexible and rigid heaters on the basis of this ribbon are described, as are different applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: Vladimir Kominar, Irina Loktev, Igor Papirov
  • Patent number: 7288748
    Abstract: PTC electrical heating devices are disclosed which are suitable to vaporize air treatment chemicals from an impregnated slab, such as insect repellents. In one form an electrical contact to a PTC heater element is provided with a bowl-shaped contact head to reduce the risk of edges of the contact cracking the heater element. In other forms peg and recess structures interact with apertures on a heat transfer plate to facilitate assembly of the parts of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventor: Raechell Maria Thuot
  • Patent number: 7282679
    Abstract: In order to make it possible to produce a secure and permanent contact connection between an electrical conductor made from a soft material, in particular an aluminum conductor, and a contact element made from a harder material, the conductor is encapsulated at least partially in a contact region by an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material is harder than the soft material of the conductor. The electrically conductive material is applied with the aid of a thermal spraying process, with the result that there is a pressure-free electrical connection between the soft material and the sprayed-on material. Electrical contact is made with the contact element indirectly via the sprayed-on material. The thermal encapsulation by the spraying in the contact region makes it possible for a reliable electrical contact to be made even in the case of soft materials having a tendency towards cold flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Leoni Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Gerhard Reichinger
  • Patent number: 7282678
    Abstract: An electric heating module includes an electric heater (10), a heat pipe (20) having an evaporating section (22) thermally attached to the electric heater and a condensing section (24), and at least one heat radiator (30, 40) thermally attached to the condensing section. The electric heater includes a pair of electrode plates (12, 14) and a heating element (16) sandwiched between and electrically connecting the electrode plates. An insulation frame (19) encloses the electrode plates therein for electrically insulating the electric heater from the heat radiator. For the non-linear PTC heating element, the electric heater can rapidly heat up to and stay at a desired stable temperature. The heat pipe can transfer heat from the electric heater to the heat radiator rapidly and timely by phase change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Foxconn Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Nien Tung, Chuen-Shu Hou, Chih-Hao Yang
  • Patent number: 7280749
    Abstract: A radiation source including a base, a curved reflector attached to the base, pins passing through the base and within the reflector, and a filament of high emissivity material helically wound about the pins and having opposing ends electrically connected to the pins so that upon passage of electrical energy through the filament, the filament becomes electrically heated and emits infrared radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Ion Optics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter G. Loges, James T. Daly, V. Mark Villafuerte, Christopher J. von Benken
  • Patent number: 7277628
    Abstract: A heater (10) for installation on a potable water tank (12). The heater (10) comprises a blanket (14) including an electrical resistance heating element (16) and a connection pad (18) for electrically connecting the heating element (16) to lead lines (20) to an aircraft power source (22). The water tank (12) is typically positioned under the cabin floor or other locations on an aircraft which are susceptible to cold temperatures, moisture invasion, and pressure drops/rises caused by changing altitudes. The heater (10) maintains the tank (12) at an acceptable temperature range and prevents freezing of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Giamati
  • Patent number: 7271369
    Abstract: An improved PTC device and method of manufacturing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device and method incorporates an improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material manufactured by: (a) heating a ceramic material to a sufficiently high temperature to induce the ceramic material's PTC properties; (b) grinding the ceramic PTC material into a powder; (c) mixing the ceramic PTC material powder with a metal material powder so as to produce a metal-ceramic composite material powder; and (d) sintering the composite material powder at a temperature between 600° and 950° C. In alternative embodiments, an improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacturing such a structure is disclosed. In various embodiments, a PTC device made in accordance with the improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacture may or may not incorporate the improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material disclosed herein, but may use conventional ceramic-based PTC materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: AEM, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiang-Ming Li, Xiaopeng Yang, Liwu Wang, Daniel H. Chang
  • Patent number: 7265323
    Abstract: An electrically conductive heated glass panel assembly, control system, and method for producing panels are provided to warm objects and to insure unobstructed viewing through glass by removing moisture. An integrated connection circuit interconnects glass sheets, which have a low emissivity conductive coating deposited thereon. The circuit includes copper bus bars that are disposed onto the conductive coating through the use of a circularly rotating or an inline heating head and mask apparatus. A metallic tab, which extends from the glass sheet's peripheral edge, is disposed onto each conductive metal bus bar for external electrical connectivity. Two types of glazing channels are offered to interconnect multiple panels to external circuits and controls. A solid-state controller may be provided to obtain sensor control signals so as to drive a triac circuit that provides current flow through the panel for the desired heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Engineered Glass Products, LLC
    Inventors: Peter F. Gerhardinger, Randall L. Bauman, Dillon R. Ashton
  • Patent number: 7265322
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic pane provided with embedded electrical conductors, in particular a window pane, in which the conductors are joined to a surface of a plastic sheet that subsequently receives another layer of plastic by injection molding from the rear for the purpose of forming a pane body. In the process the material of the plastic sheet and the injection-molded plastic are joined together directly by mutual adhesion, and the surface of the plastic sheet that is located on the opposite side from the conductors forms one of the outer faces of the finished pane. The electrical conductors are formed by furnishing the surface of the plastic sheet with at least one metal wire which is to be exposed to the rear injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Freeglass GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerald Aengenheyster, Luc-Henry Blanche
  • Patent number: 7262388
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for reducing condensation on the inner surface of a vehicle light cover, and preventing or deicing ice build up on the exterior of the cover. In an embodiment, a heater is mounted to a carrier and the heat produced by the heater prevents the occurrence of condensation on the inner surface of the light cover or build up of ice on the outer surface. In an embodiment, one or more vents may be provided in the carrier and one or more corresponding holes may be provided in the heater so as to increase the flow of air across the inner surface of the light cover. A controller may be provided to control activation of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Cary Moreth, Edward F. Bulgajewski, Erik Arnold
  • Patent number: 7250586
    Abstract: A surface heating system consists of a support and a heating layer that contains an electrically conductive plastic. The heating layer is formed by a flexible film. A heatable object made as such a surface heating system. A method for producing a surface heating system, where a heating layer containing an electrically conductive plastic bonded to a support, and where the heating layer is formed by initially applying an electrically conductive, especially a foam plastic material onto the support and then hardening the plastic material on the support. Alternatively, the method produces a surface heating system with a heating layer of an electrically conductive plastic is bonded to a support. The heating layer is produced from an electrically conductive, especially a foam plastic material, and then arranged on the support. Another alternative of the method consists of bonding a heating layer with an electrically conductive plastic to a support. A fabric is produced as the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Braincom AG
    Inventors: Stephan Diemer, Michael Diemer
  • Patent number: 7247819
    Abstract: A substrate heating apparatus is provided, including a base group including a plurality of bases, which are arranged substantially into a plate with a gap interposed between the bases, and which form a substrate mounting surface. A resistance heating element provided for at least one of the bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Goto, Hideyoshi Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 7241975
    Abstract: Resistive igniter systems are provided that comprise a metal substrate with an associated resistive igniter element in electrical connection through braze applied to the metal substrate. Igniter systems of the invention can enable significantly simplified manufacturing as well as notably higher yield production of more robust igniters. In preferred systems, the braze material is applied to the metal substrate prior to adjoining the igniter and metal substrate, which can enable application of a relatively precise amount of braze in a defined area of the metal substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics and Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Hamel, Taehwan Yu, Louis Castriotta, III, Jack F. Eckalbar, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7230214
    Abstract: A metal sheathed heater utilizes splice connections that connects ends of a heater cable with ends of a lead wire. Each splice connection has a connector that connects core wires of the lead wires and heater cable together. Heat shrinkable tubing surrounds the connector and ends of the heater cable and lead wires. An adhesive is interposed between the heat shrinkable tubing and heater cable and lead wire ends to bond with the heat shrinkable tubing and complete the splice connection. The metal sheath of the heater can be formed with an enlarged diameter portion to account for the heat shrinkable tubing surrounding the lead wire and heater cable ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Kirby
  • Patent number: 7211152
    Abstract: A heating element CVD system wherein one or a plurality of connection terminal holders is placed in the processing container, and each of the connection terminal holders holds a plurality of connection terminals. Each of the connection terminals connects the heating element to the electric power supply mechanism electrically such that a connection region of the heating element connected to the connection terminal is not exposed to a space in the processing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Anelva Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Ishibashi, Masahiko Tanaka, Minoru Karasawa, Hideki Sunayama, Kazutaka Yamada, Hideki Matsumura, Atsushi Masuda
  • 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: 7205506
    Abstract: A glow plug having a heat range indicated by a colored insulating ring. The insulating ring, along with first and second washers, insulates a central electrode from a glow plug body. Electrical insulation is provided by anodizing the insulating ring. A colored anodizing is used on the insulating ring which is visible from the top of the glow plug, which colored anodizing is indicative of the heat range of the glow plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Steven B. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7196288
    Abstract: A flexible heating element for a vehicle seat or the like includes at least one flexible heating resistor element and at least two flexible supply electrodes arranged at a distance from each other and at least partly embedding the heating resistor element between them to form a layered structure. The flexible heating resistor is formed of a material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. The layered structure includes a plurality of recesses formed therein defining a plurality of webs, the webs and recesses resulting in a net-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Michael Weiss, Stefan Ultsch
  • Patent number: 7180031
    Abstract: A power connection apparatus of a vehicle is provided that includes a pair of substantially flat electrical conductor strips each having a first end and a second end. The first ends are adapted to be electrically coupled to integrated heater conductors in an automobile glazing. A film forms a protective coating over an intermediate section of the pair of electrical conductor strips. The film insulates and maintains a spaced relationship between the pair of substantially flat electrical conductors. A pair of wires is electrically coupled to the second ends. A first protective overmold seal is formed over the second ends of the pair of substantially flat electrical conductor strips for sealing the electric coupling of the second ends of electrical conductor strips and the wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Loibl, Marcus Tanksley, Larry Agius, Robert W. Hatcher, Thomas M. Cleary
  • Patent number: 7164103
    Abstract: An electrical resistance heating element having a glow zone and two power supply terminals. The glow zone of the element is tubular. A tubular union is provided between each of the power supply terminals and a respective end of the glow zone, wherein the inner diameter of the union is smaller than the inner diameter of the glow zone. A transition region extends between each union and a respective glow zone end and has a progressively decreasing wall thickness in the direction from the union toward the glow zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Sandvik Intellectual Property Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Jan Andersson, Emil Eriksson, Jörgen Sahlström
  • Patent number: 7154072
    Abstract: An open coil resistance heater assembly is made for universal mounting between left and right hand installations in an appliance or other equipment. The heater assembly has its coils arranged symmetrically about a bisecting plane of the heater assembly and/or a center line of its terminal assembly aligned with the bisecting plane. The symmetrical coil arrangement and/or bisected terminal assembly allow the heater to be used in right hand or left hand installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Sherrill, H. Keith Howard
  • Patent number: 7138604
    Abstract: A sensor may comprise a first electrode and a second electrode in mutual ionic communication with an electrolyte, a first socket disposed near a rear portion of a sensor element, a first lead disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode and in physical contact with the first socket and configured for electrical communication with a first terminal element, a second socket disposed near the rear portion of the sensor element, and a second lead disposed in electrical communication with the second electrode and in physical contact with the second socket and configured for electrical communication with a second terminal element. The first socket is disposed through at least one of an edge and an end of the sensor element, and the second socket is disposed through at least one of the edge and the end of the sensor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kaius K. Polikarpus, Walter T. Symons, Charles Scott Nelson, Rick D. Kerr