Comprising Coating Printed Or Deposited On Core Sheath Or Support Means Patents (Class 219/543)
  • Patent number: 8536496
    Abstract: A layered heater is provided that comprises at least one resistive layer defining a circuit configuration, the circuit configuration comprising at least one resistive trace oriented relative to a heating target and comprising a material having temperature coefficient characteristics such that the resistive trace provides power commensurate with demands of the heating target. In one form, resistive traces of the resistive layer are a PTC material having a relatively high TCR and are oriented approximately perpendicular to a primary heating direction. In another form, resistive traces of the resistive layer are an NTC material having a relatively high BETA coefficient and are oriented approximately parallel to a primary heating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin Ptasienski, James McMillin, Rolando O. Juliano, Gregory J. Lammert
  • Patent number: 8530793
    Abstract: Disclosed is a warm window system that utilizes individual buss bars that are placed within the space between an inside window pane and an outside window pane and creates sufficient physical force to create an electrical contact on the tin oxide layer on the inside surface of the inside pane of glass. The buss bars have a modulus of elasticity to ensure sufficient electrical contact with the tin oxide layer to prevent the formation of hot spots and securely hold the buss bars in place. Both a z buss bar and c buss bar are also disclosed that are capable of generating a sufficient amount of reactive force to create a secure contact with a tin oxide layer on the interior surface of an interior pane of glass in a warm window system to hold the buss bar in place and provide a large contact surface area to provide sufficient electrical contact with the tin oxide layer to prevent hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Energized Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Steven X. Johnson, Dave Lundahl
  • Patent number: 8525079
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flat heating element in particular for heating surfaces in contact with the user in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical conductor. According to the invention, the electrical conductivity of at least one of these electrical conductors is at least temporarily reduced if the temperature thereof at least locally exceeds a permissible maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Publication number: 20130222510
    Abstract: A resistance heating composition including a silicon emulsion particle, a carbon nanotube, and an aqueous medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong-ouk KIM, Dong-earn KIM, Ha-Jin KIM, Sung-hoon PARK, Min-jong BAE, Yoon-chul SON, Sang-eui LEE, Kun-mo CHU, In-taek HAN
  • Patent number: 8519304
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and structure are provided for implementing selective rework for chip stacks. A backside metal layer to create resistive heating is added to a chip backside in a chip stack. A rework tool applies a predefined current to the backside metal layer to reflow solder connections and enables separating selected chips in the chip stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki
  • Patent number: 8481897
    Abstract: A printed circuit board or card (1) has an electric circuit (1a) and at least one electrically insulated conductive heating wire (2), the heating wire (2) being wire-printed on or in the printed circuit board or card. Heating wire (2) can be connected at connection points (4) to a voltage source (not shown) to be provided on or in the printed circuit board or card (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Jumatech, GmbH
    Inventor: Markus Wöelfel
  • Patent number: 8481898
    Abstract: Systems and methods for PTC materials are described. In one example, a PTC constant wattage heater provides two or more self regulating heating modes. The PTC constant wattage heater may provide self regulating temperature and current control at lower expense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Parker
  • Patent number: 8461495
    Abstract: The present invention places an electronic controller and/or a triac in a frame, a cover, a chase, or a mounting member of a heated glass panel assembly, where the panel has a conductive coating dispose on it. By placing the controller in the panel frame, the cover, the chase, or the mounting member, field wiring of the panel assembly is greatly reduced, wire lengths are standardized, production glazing, wiring, and pre-testing are facilitated, and installation time and complexity are minimized. By placing the triac in thermal contact with the panel frame, the cover, the chase, or the mounting member, the heat from the triac may be used to complement the heat supplied by the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Engineered Glass Products, LLC.
    Inventor: Peter F. Gerhardinger
  • Patent number: 8428445
    Abstract: A thermally sprayed gas heater comprises a gas flow apparatus that propels a gas through a housing; and a thermally sprayed heater bonded to a surface of the apparatus, the heater positioned to heat the gas flow in the housing. In other aspects, a heater system for a turbulent flow gas duct comprises a duct having a gas flow channel, the channel having a shaped surface providing turbulent gas flow in the channel, and a thermally sprayed heater positioned to heat the gas flow in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Thermoceramix, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard C. Abbott
  • Patent number: 8403974
    Abstract: A medical warming system includes a plurality of heating elements respectively adapted to be disposed closed to various parts of a plurality of patients' bodies, a first group of sensors disposed at the proximity of the heating elements and configured for measuring the temperatures of the heating elements, a second group of sensors adapted to be disposed at the various parts of the patients' bodies and configured for measuring the temperatures of the various parts of the patients' bodies, and a controller being in communication with the first group and the second group of sensors. The controller is configured for receiving temperature data from the sensors and controlling the temperature of each heating element accordingly. Each heating element includes a conductive layer made from a nano-thickness material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventors: Geng Li, Cho Yee Joey Chow, Chih Lin I, Edward S. Yang
  • Publication number: 20130068754
    Abstract: A layered heater is provided that includes at least one resistive layer having a resistive circuit pattern, the resistive circuit pattern defining a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the thickness varies along the length of the resistive circuit pattern and/or the width of the resistive circuit pattern for a variable watt density. The present disclosure also provides layered heaters having a resistive circuit pattern with a variable thickness along with a variable width and/or spacing of the resistive circuit pattern in order to produce a variable watt density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: WATLOW ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
  • Patent number: 8395091
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a heating a element includes modifying the surface state of a substrate in order to obtain at least one smooth area of low roughness and at least one rough area having a higher roughness; applying a highly electrically conductive material to these various areas; and connecting smooth area(s) of the conductive material to an electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: H.E.F.
    Inventors: Philippe Maurin-Perrier, Benoit Terme, Christophe Heau
  • Patent number: 8395093
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment utilizes metal coated high strain fabric reinforcement including but not limited to fiberglass, cotton fiber, or other materials that can undergo deformation, and various resin or elastomer compounds to create a conductive polymer whose resistivity and resistance remain essentially constant under a strain of approximately 0-150% or more. Additionally, the preferred embodiment utilizes a method of imprinting, depositing, etching, or embossing a design or pattern of conductive metal on fabric used in composites. The use of designs of conductive metals wrapped around a deformable core and the unique features of elastomeric polymers allows for their use as a flexible circuit board, formable heaters, and other various uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Cornerstone Research Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Auffinger, III, Michael Richard Maddux, Kristopher Karl Aber, Brandon Charles Kirby
  • Patent number: 8395095
    Abstract: An electrothermal transfer device includes a substrate, a plurality of electrothermal components and a heating circuit. The electrothermal components are disposed on a surface of the substrate and arranged in a pattern. The heating circuit is electrically connected to the electrothermal components. In an electrothermal transfer method, at first, a transfer substrate is disposed on a workpiece substrate. Then, the electrothermal transfer device is disposed on the transfer substrate so that the electrothermal components contact with the transfer substrate. Thereafter, the heating circuit is used to heat the electrothermal transfer components so that the transfer substrate is heated to be transferred to the workpiece substrate. The electrothermal transfer device and the electrothermal transfer method can reduce cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: E Ink Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Chun Yeh, Yao-Chou Tsai, Henry Wang, Sung-Hui Huang
  • Patent number: 8362401
    Abstract: A toner-fixing heater includes a substrate elongated in a first direction, a resistor formed on the substrate, a wiring portion connected with the resistor, and a protective film covering the resistor. The resistor includes two belt-like portions elongated in the first direction and spaced away from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The resistor or the wiring portion includes a conductive portion for passing an electric current in the second direction. The conductive portion may have an edge extending in nonparallel to the first direction and the second direction, or may include a first layer and a second layer formed on the first layer, where the first layer is closer to the substrate than the second layer, and the edges of the second layer are located inward of the edges of the first layer as viewed in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Aritaki, Shinobu Obata, Teruhisa Sako
  • Patent number: 8336314
    Abstract: A nozzle arrangement for use in a gas thruster is presented. At least one heater micro structure (20) is arranged in a stagnation chamber (12) of the gas thruster. The heater microstructure (20) comprises a core of silicon or a silicon compound coated by a surface metal or metal compound coating. The heater microstructure (20) is manufactured in silicon or a silicon compound and covered by a surface metal coating. The heater microstructure (20) is mounted in the stagnation chamber (12) before or after the coverage of the surface metal or metal compound coating. The coverage is performed by heating the heater microstructure and flowing a gas comprising low quantities of a metal compound. The compound decomposes at the heated heater microstructure (20), forming the surface metal or metal compound coating. The same principles of coating can be used for repairing the heater microstructure (20) in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: NanoSpace AB
    Inventors: Tor-Arne Gronland, Pelle Ransten, Hakan Johansson, Johan Bejhed
  • Publication number: 20120298804
    Abstract: An electrothermal heater mat (3) is provided for an ice protection system for an aircraft (1) or the like. The heater mat (3) is a laminated heater mat and comprises dielectric layers (50-58), a heater element (501) and a temperature sensor (507). Each dielectric layer (50-58) comprises thermoplastic material, and the temperature sensor (507) comprises a sprayed metal track (5010, 5012) deposited on a substrate (50, 5019) comprising thermoplastic material. The substrate may be one of the dielectric layers (50) or a separate carrier (5019) which is smaller than the dielectric layers (50-58).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Stuart Martin Lewis, Peter English, Nicholas John Winter
  • Publication number: 20120298803
    Abstract: An electrothermal heater (2) for an ice protection system for an aircraft (1) or the like is provided with improved protection against lightning strikes. The heater (2) comprises a laminated heater mat (3) formed from dielectric layers (51-54) and a heater element (501). A first connector (41) has a first end (415) which is embedded in the heater mat (3) and is electrically connected to the heater element (501) and a second end which extends away from the heater mat for connection to a heater control unit (6). The heater mat (3) further includes first and second conductive ground planes (71, 72) and the first end (415) of the first connector (41) is positioned between the first and second ground planes so as to be shielded thereby and so as to reduce the current induced therein during a lightning strike.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Peter English, Stuart Martin Lewis, Nicholas John Winter
  • Publication number: 20120292307
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heating glass including a glass; a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer formed on one surface of the glass; and a thermal conductive pattern formed on the transparent conductive oxide layer, and a method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Su-Jin Kim, Hyeon Choi, Ki-Hwan Kim, Young-Jun Hong, In-Seok Hwang, Dong-Wook Lee, Sang-Ki Chun
  • Patent number: 8304701
    Abstract: A resistive heating element 30 has a higher molybdenum carbide content in a central portion 35 than in a peripheral portion 34. Since molybdenum carbides have a low temperature coefficient of resistance compared to molybdenum, the amount of heat generated in the central portion 35 of the resistive heating element 30 does not increase as much as in the peripheral portion 34 even when the temperature is increased, and the increase in difference in temperature between the peripheral portion 34 and the central portion 35 can be suppressed. In other words, generation of hot spots near the center can be suppressed and a good uniform heating property in a wide range of operation temperatures can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Akatsuka, Yoshinobu Goto
  • Publication number: 20120261404
    Abstract: The present invention provides a heating element, including a transparent substrate, an adhesive agent layer provided on at least one side of the transparent substrate, a conductive heat emitting line provided on the adhesive agent layer, a coating film capsulating the conductive heat emitting line and an upper side of the adhesive agent layer not covered by the heat emitting line, a bus bar electrically connected to the conductive heat emitting line, and a power part connected to the bus bar, and a manufacturing method thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: Hyeon Choi, Su-Jin Kim, Ki-Hwan Kim, Young-Jun Hong
  • Patent number: 8278602
    Abstract: A heating element includes a base material and a heater disposed on the base material, which can be deformed to accommodate a part of the heater. A steering wheel equipped with the heating element is free from surface protrusions caused by the heater. Employment of a linear heater reduces connections between the heater and power supply lines, and a high connecting reliability is obtained. The steering wheel includes the heating element and the power lines, and connections between the heating element and the power lines are disposed in the boss portion of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is further provided with a temperature detector, a temperature detector heater and a temperature controller, and the detector and the detector heater are disposed in the boss portion. Thus, a steering wheel with a good grip and a good appearance can be provided at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Yoneyama, Naohito Asami, Akira Shiratake, Norio Abe, Kazumi Nagayama
  • Patent number: 8278607
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a heating apparatus. The heating apparatus includes a plurality of heating bars, electric wires, and connection members. Each of the heating bars has a conductive carbon heating element and an insulating outer coat surrounding the carbon heating element. The electric wires are connected to respective ends of each of the heating bars to enable electricity to flow to the carbon heating elements. Each of the connection members includes insertion portions and at least one seating portion. The insertion portions have respective tip portions which are configured to pass through any of the electric wires and to be inserted into any of the carbon heating elements of the heating bars. The seating portion is provided at the upper ends of the insertion portions to be seated on the electric wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GTouch Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeong Deok Choh
  • Patent number: 8278609
    Abstract: A method and device for soldering plural electrical connections, in which contact elements have to be soldered to soldered-connection faces positioned on a non-metallic glazing. In the method a soldering tool is used to emit a magnetic field towards the solder spots to heat these by induction. The magnitude and shape of the soldering tool is sized according to the surface area over which plural solder spots that have to be heated simultaneously in a soldering operation are situated. At the same time, the frequency of an AC voltage applied to the loop or to the coil is tailored to the connection geometry and set to 150 kHz at most. Thus, for a high work rate, markedly better heating of the components that need to be soldered is obtained because the low-frequency field lines have a greater depth of penetration into the bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventor: Bernhard Reul
  • Patent number: 8258443
    Abstract: A heating unit for use in heating buckets or barrels. The heating unit includes a first pliable cover layer and a second pliable cover layer. A pliable electrical heating element is disposed between the first and the second cover layers and configured to convert electrical energy to heat energy and to distribute the heat energy. The pliable electrical heating element includes a heat generating element for converting electrical current to heat energy and a heat spreading element comprising carbon thermally coupled to the heat generating element. The heating unit further includes a thermal insulation layer. The heating unit includes a receiving power connector electrically connected to the heat generating element. The heating unit further includes one or more fasteners allowing the heating unit to be wrapped around a bucket or barrel and secured by the one or more fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: 417 and 7/8, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Caterina, David Naylor
  • Patent number: 8253071
    Abstract: This invention relates to a flat heating element (20), in particular for heating surfaces in contact with the user in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising at least one electrical conductor (25). According to the invention, the electrical conductivity of at least one of these electrical conductors (25) is at least temporarily reduced if the temperature thereof at least locally exceeds a permissible maximum temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Weiss
  • Patent number: 8247747
    Abstract: A plasticating barrel is provided with a primary heating system having at least one laminated ceramic heater, where the ceramic heater has an electrical insulating layer interposed between the ceramic heater layer and an outer wall of the barrel, and the longitudinal length of the ceramic heater is arranged over a portion of the barrel length. A secondary heating system may also be provided and overlaps, at least in part, the primary heating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Xaloy, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Taylor, Richard D. Palmer, Bruce E. Hyllberg, Timothy W. Womer
  • Patent number: 8203105
    Abstract: Embodiments involve a food warmer that uses a nano thickness heating material as the heating element. The heating element has a fast response and is energy efficient. The temperature of the food warmer can be precisely controlled. The food warmer may be used to heat cold food to a desired temperature, maintain a temperature of already heated food, and/or cook uncooked food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventors: Geng Li, Joey Cho Yee Chow, Chih Lin I, Edward S. Yang
  • Patent number: 8193475
    Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a heating element adapted to be disposed on a substrate. The heating element includes electrodes and a multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness disposed between the substrate and electrodes. The multi-layer conductive coating has a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating element at high temperatures. The multi-layer conductive coating may be produced by spray pyrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Materials Enterprises Company Limited
    Inventors: Wing Yiu Yeung, Keith Mario Torpy
  • Patent number: 8168924
    Abstract: The invention provides an overheat protection control component for a liquid heating vessel which includes a control body (1); a single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is provided on the upper face of the control body (1), wherein the single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is two integrated and relatively independent actuating units which are formed on a piece of bimetallic strip, and the outer kick limb (3) of either said actuating unit will produce an actuating movement downwards when an overheat state occurs; two groups of switch contacts (6) are also provided on the control body (1), wherein either group of switch contacts (6) cooperate with the outer kick limb (3) of a corresponding actuating unit, and the outer kick limb (3), when producing a downward actuating movement, will open a corresponding group of switch contacts (6) and cut off the power supply of the heater for the liquid heating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Zhejiang Jiatai Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qiang Yang, Hesheng Zheng, Yu Yan
  • Patent number: 8115139
    Abstract: An infrared sensor with an electrically heatable sensor housing. The housing including a heating device in the form of a strip conductor-like electric heating track, which is controlled by a control device, and applied onto a ceramic substrate. The ceramic substrate comprises an electrically insulated ceramic material providing adequate thermal conductivity and preferably forming the bottom of the sensor housing, and carrying at least one infrared sensor element, e.g., a thermopile sensor. The ceramic substrate having electric strip conductors serving as a contact surface for a corresponding (not-shown) housing cover and through-hole contacts serving as electrical connections between the top side and the bottom side of the ceramic substrate. The electric heating tracks and strip conductors in a preferred embodiment comprise thick-film tracks. The infrared sensor being suitable for a measuring tip of an intra-auricular infrared thermometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kaz USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Scharf, Stefan Neth, Bernhard Kraus
  • Patent number: 8104167
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a resistance film heating apparatus comprising: acid washing and cleaning the surface of a base material; heating and activating the base material; spraying a liquid resistance material on the surface; testing by the four-point method the actual heating power of the surface high-density resistance film on the cooled down base material in accord with a designed heating power, and correcting the characteristics of the designed conductive electrodes, thereby ensuring that the heating power is with the designed heating power; printing the corrected value of conductive silver slurry in a predetermined manner on the base material; sintering and solidifying the conductive silver slurry in a baking process so as to form electrodes; testing again after the electrodes cooling down naturally, and mending the electrodes using the conductive silver slurry and adjusting the baking temperature in accord with the designed heating power, and forming an eligible finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: I Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 8084722
    Abstract: A controllable thermal warming device for delivering heat to an object by radio frequency signal. The controllable thermal warming device may include a thermal ink heating element comprising a substrate and a conductive ink fixedly disposed on the substrate, a power source operatively coupled to the conductive ink, the power source adapted to deliver a voltage to the conductive ink to cause the conductive ink to radiate heat, a controller operatively coupled to the power source and the conductive ink, the controller adapted to control the voltage delivered to the conductive ink and to detect an operating characteristic of the conductive ink and adjust the voltage in response to the operating characteristic, and means for controlling the controller by radio frequency. The controllable thermal warming device may also include a sensor to provide the operating characteristic to the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventors: William S. Haas, William J. Haas
  • Patent number: 8076613
    Abstract: The invention depicts and describes a panel heating device (1) for placing in the area of floors, walls or ceilings, comprising an electrically conductive layer (2), another first layer (3), and electrical supply lines (5, 6). The invention provides that the first layer (3) is made of an electrically insulating and liquid-tight material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ewald Dörken AG
    Inventors: Heinz Peter Raidt, Jörn Schröer
  • Patent number: 8062743
    Abstract: A method of producing particles containing metal oxide is disclosed that includes heating metal-containing particles to oxidize metal in at least an outer shell of the particles; cooling oxidized particles; collecting the particles; and providing a distance of at least 300 mm between entry of the particles into the flame and collection of the particles. Particles may be oxidized to provide a metal oxide shell over an unoxidized metal core. A semiconductive layer of particles on a substrate may be formed by feeding, to a hot zone, such preoxidized particles; heating the particles to render the particles at least partially molten; and depositing the particles onto the substrate. The oxidation process may provide metal oxide particles in which different metals having different valencies are present in different proportions. The valencies and proportions may be selected to provide n- or p-type semiconductor layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Atmos Ltd
    Inventor: Jeffery Boardman
  • Patent number: 8039774
    Abstract: A heating system in the form of a multi-layer, yet relatively thin and flexible panel. The panel contains a number of layers including first, second and third electrically insulating layers. A first electrically conductive resistive layer (heater layer) is sandwiched between the first and second insulating layers. A second electrically conductive resistive layer (resistive neutral plane layer) is sandwiched between the second and third insulating layers. The heater layer has a neutral electrical connection and a live electrical connection. The neutral and live electrical connections are electrically connected to each other at the panel only by electrically resistive material of the heater layer extending between the neutral and live electrical connections. The resistive neutral plane layer has a neutral electrical connection electrically connected with the neutral connection of the heater layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventor: Ashish Dubey
  • Patent number: 8017891
    Abstract: A plastic material sheet for use in vacuum thermoforming is formed of polymer material. Electrically conductive resistance elements, at least a portion of which are situated within sheet, conduct electrical current to heat the sheet. The elements are generally parallel to each other. They may be straight, have a generally zigzag configuration, a generally serpentine configuration, an arcuate configuration, or a grid-like configuration. The elements may each have a section that extends substantially beyond the edge of the sheet. They may be frangible. They may be embedded deeply within the sheet or may be situated proximate a surface of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Nevin
  • Patent number: 8006633
    Abstract: An embroidered electrode (10) consists of embroidered elements (12, 13, 14) of electrically conductive thread sewn on a backing material (11). Within a given element the orientation of stitching is selected to be parallel to the direction in which the element extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Genevieve Bennett, Philip A. H. Clarke, Warren B. Valentine
  • Patent number: 8008607
    Abstract: Methods of forming a layered heater are provided that comprise at least one resistive layer comprising a resistive circuit pattern, the resistive circuit pattern defining a length, a thickness, and a spacing, wherein the thickness varies along the length of the trace of the resistive circuit pattern for a variable watt density. The methods include achieving the variable thickness by varying a dispensing rate of a conductive ink used to form the resistive circuit pattern, varying the feed rate of a target surface relative to the dispensing of the ink, and overwriting a volume of conductive ink on top of a previously formed trace of the resistive circuit pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kevin Ptasienski, James McMillin, Thomas T. Nagl, Rolando O. Juliano
  • Patent number: 7982166
    Abstract: A ceramic heater is provided that has a heat generating resistor and a lead member which supplies electric power to the heat generating resistor buried in a ceramic body, and exhibits excellent durability by controlling the cross sectional shape and plan configuration of the heat generating resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kukino, Hideaki Yoshidome, Satoshi Tanaka, Makoto Mido, Masanori Ueda
  • Patent number: 7977608
    Abstract: A panel heating system including a support and a heating layer, which contains electrically conductive plastic, with the heating layer configured from a flexible film and the support is flexible. A heatable object is provided, such as, a panel healing system. A method for producing the heating system, in which a heating layer containing electrically conductive plastic is joined to a support. The heating layer is formed by the application of an electrically conductive, in particular expandable or expanded, plastic material to the support, and the subsequent curing of the plastic material on the support. A seat occupancy recognition system is provided that contains elements including electrically conductive plastic. A seat having a seat occupancy recognition system, in addition to a seat occupancy recognition method, according to which a change in the resistance of an electrically conductive plastic material is detected as a result of a weight load on the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: BrainCOM AG
    Inventors: Michael Diemer, Stephan Diemer
  • Patent number: 7964825
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for attaching electrical leads (22, 24) to a heating layer (16) of a heater are provided. An attachment material (50) is thermally sprayed over cords (32) of the electrical leads (22, 24), which are in contact with the heating layer (16) over a contact area (20). The attachment material (50) and the heating layer 16 are further thermally sprayed with a layer (52), which is an isolating material. The thermal sprayed connection between the electrical leads (22, 24) and the heating layer (16) thus provides more intimate contact and an improved electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Elias Russegger, Reinhardt W. Lehnert
  • Patent number: 7947933
    Abstract: A ceramic heater comprising a ceramic body, a heat generating resistor buried in the ceramic body, an electrode pad that is electrically connected to the heat generating resistor and is formed on the surface of the ceramic body and a lead member bonded onto the electrode pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuichi Nagasako, Osamu Hamada, Koji Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7928345
    Abstract: In an aircraft windshield defogging/deicing system, a pair of transparent sheets maintained in spaced facing relation by a transparent interlayer have a resistive coating positioned between the transparent sheets. An inverter is provided for applying to the resistive coating a square wave or quasi-square wave AC signal. In response to receiving this AC signal, the resistive coating generates heat, which reduces or avoids the accumulation of moisture or ice on the aircraft windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Briggs
  • Patent number: 7919730
    Abstract: A heating apparatus assembly and method are provided for heating a surface. The heating apparatus contains a substrate with a multiplicity of heating elements disposed upon at least one surface of the substrate where each element is individually controllable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Thermoceramix Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Shaw, Richard C. Abbott, Samuel L. Winebaum, Paul S. Collier
  • Publication number: 20110036829
    Abstract: [Problems] To produce planar heating elements having high exothermic efficiency and provide energy-saving electric carpets, floor heating, wall surface heating appliances and heaters for thawing on roads and/or roofs or antifogging for mirrors. [Means for Solving] To provide a planar heating element produced by applying, to an insulating substrate or the like, an electrically conductive fine carbon fiber film that is fabricated using an aqueous dispersion of fine carbon fibers in which the fine carbon fibers are evenly dispersed in an aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicants: HODOGAYA CHEMICAL CO., LTD., NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION HOKKAIDO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Bunshi Fugetsu, Naohiro Tarumoto, Yasuhito Yano, Jun Suzuki, Takayuki Tsukada, Fuminori Munekane
  • Patent number: 7880120
    Abstract: The inventive transparent window pane is provided with a resistive heating coating (2) which extends through a substantial portion of the window pane, in particular on a main view field (A) and is electrically connected to at least two conductor rails (4, 5) in such a way that, when an electric' supply voltage is applied between said conductor rails, a circulating current heats the coating heating field, wherein said heating field comprises at least one semi-resistive area (6) directly contacting at least on e conductor rail (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Lothar Schmidt, Carole Baubet, Marc Maurer
  • Patent number: 7875832
    Abstract: A ceramic heater, heat exchange unit, and warm water washing toilet seat are provided having excellent temperature rise characteristics and a shortened heating time to reach a predetermined water temperature. A ceramic heater having a pattern watt density of 50 W/cm2 and above, and a surface watt density of 25 W/cm2 and above has a short start-up time and excellent temperature rise characteristics. Further, the thickness of a core is reduced to between 0.5 mm and 1.9 mm (circular tube thickness is between 1 mm and 2.4 mm), which enables efficient transfer of heat from the ceramic heater to water flowing in the circular tube. Accordingly, a gap between a heat exchanger and the ceramic heater is not necessarily narrowed, such that air bubbles are not likely trapped and breakage of the ceramic heater by thermal shock can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsuya Ikeda, Katsuhiko Horii
  • Patent number: 7847222
    Abstract: A heater includes at least two leads, and a heating element which is formed between the at least two leads, a material of the heating element being different from a material of the at least two leads such that a location of a hot spot in the heater is controllable based on a polarity of current in the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Supratik Guha, Hendrik F. Hamann
  • Patent number: 7827675
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an activated carbon fiber soft electric heating product for overcoming existing problems including uneven temperature rise and heat dissipation at surfaces of the product, unbendable feature, short life and poor safety. An activated carbon fiber cloth and a woven fiber cloth of the activated carbon fiber soft electric heating product are fixed by an epoxy resin layer, and a conducting copper net is disposed between the activated carbon fiber cloth and the epoxy resin layer and coupled to a power input wire. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: (1) spraying an epoxy resin on a surface of the woven fiber cloth, and bake-drying and hot pressing the woven fiber cloth; and (2) connecting the conducting copper net and the power input wire, laying the activated carbon fiber cloth, and performing a second-time hot pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Ching-Ling Pan, Yung-Shun Wu