Abstract: The present invention relates to a constant temperature device that comprises a base, a heating thin layer which is coated on the base, and two electric nodes that locate at the two ends of the heating thin layer respectively. The base is made of insulated materials such as glass and ceramic. The heating thin layer is made by a mix of various materials and is coated on the base by the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processing, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) processing or other coating techniques such that the mix of material can be evenly distributed on one side of the base. Once the power is through via the two nodes, the heating thin layer will act as a thermally sensitive resistor (thermistor) to automatically keep the temperature at a pre-set level so as to save energy and ensure the safety of use thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for operably connecting an electrical source to a conductive coating or film. The apparatus may include a substrate made of a structural material. A conductive coating or thin film may be applied to the substrate. An interface layer may be applied over the conductive coating and conduct electricity thereto while transferring insufficient force to separate the conductive coating from the substrate. A conductor, for providing electricity to the interface layer comprising strands configured to be separable and electrically conductive, may be positioned in contact with the interface layer. A clamping mechanism may apply a clamping load urging the conductor toward the conductive coating. The strands of the conductor may be formed to distribute mechanical stress and strain induced by thermal expansion and the clamping load sufficiently to substantially reduce damage to the mechanical and electrical integrity of the conductive coating.

Abstract: A flat heating element includes a thin resistance layer which contains an electro-conductive polymer and at least two flat electrodes arranged on One side of the resistance layer at a distance from each other, wherein the polymer has an intrinsic electric conductivity caused by a content of at least one metal or semimetal atom dopant.

Abstract: A ceramic heater that is used in a toner-fixing system comprising a ceramic heater and a heat-resistant film, that reduces the degree of deformation of the heat-resistant film, that lightens the load applied to the film at the time of revolution, that prevents the fracture of the film, and that enables fixing at a high rate exceeding 24 ppm. A ceramic base material 11 of the ceramic heater attached to a heating cylinder comprises aluminum nitride or silicon nitride. A heating element 12 and current-feeding electrodes are made of silver or silver alloy and are formed on the ceramic base material. In the ceramic heater, at least one part of the face (the fixing face) that contacts the heat-resistant film is curved when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of a copying sheet.

Abstract: A ceramic heater that is used in a toner-fixing system comprising a ceramic heater and a heat-resistant film, that reduces the degree of deformation of the heat-resistant film, that lightens the load applied to the film at the time of revolution, that prevents the fracture of the film, and that enables fixing at a high rate exceeding 24 ppm. A ceramic base material 11 of the ceramic heater attached to a heating cylinder comprises aluminum nitride or silicon nitride. A heating element 12 and current-feeding electrodes are made of heat-resistant metal such as tungsten and molybdenum or heat resistant alloy and are formed on the ceramic base material. In the ceramic heater, at least one part of the face (the fixing face) that contacts the heat-resistant film is curved when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of a copying sheet.

Abstract: An oven device for final finishing of a food item includes an oven housing defining a heating cavity configured to receive at least one food item to be heated, and an upper heating unit within the oven housing above the heating cavity. The upper heating unit includes a heating element that generates radiant heat directed onto the food item in the heating cavity. The oven housing includes at least one reflective panel for distributing radiant heat within the heating cavity. The upper heating element includes a rapidly-heating, high-intensity heating element capable of being cycled on for final finishing of the food item when the food item is received in the heating cavity, and capable of being cycled off when final finishing is not being performed. The final finishing typically includes browning a top surface of the food item, or melting a topping onto the top surface of the food item.

Abstract: A tubular thin film resistance heater including a substrate (10) having an electrically non-conductive surface on which is deposited a thin film electrical conductor (12), such as tin oxide. A pair of electrical terminals (14, 16), preferably bus bars, are electrically connected at spaced apart locations on the conductor (12), such as at longitudinal spaced opposed ends or at circumferentially spaced opposed edges of the conductor (12). The thin film conductor (12) is molecularly bonded to the substrate (10) for durability and efficient heat transfer. A method of forming a tubular thin film resistance heater also is disclosed.

Abstract: A heating element assembly in the form of a heating tray and a method of manufacturing heating tray assemblies. The heating tray may be used for defrosting and heating pans such as so-called “half-pans” of frozen food products. The preferred heating tray is configured to fit precisely around a standard thin foil half-pan container, thus optimizing heat transfer between the heating tray and the food product. The varied surface watt density of the heating tray allows for accurate heat placement such that the food product can be evenly warmed while avoiding over warming or burning, particularly at the corners and edges. A preferred embodiment of the heating tray includes two resistance heating elements. The first heating element is a temperature booster used for defrosting and heating, while the second heating element is a maintenance heater to maintain heated food at a serving temperature.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an edge type thermal head having high degree of freedom of the thermal radiation characteristic, a low manufacturing cost, and a high mass productivity, for example, a polyimide resin sheet having high flexibility is used as a substrate, a heating resistor, a separate electrode, a signal input electrode, and a protective film are formed and patterned on one surface of the substrate by using a sputtering process, a photo lithography process, and the like, a heating element drive element is mounted on the same surface, the separate electrode and the signal input electrode are electrically coupled with each other, the drive element and an electrically coupled region are protected by a resin adhesive, a resultant substrate is adhered to a rigid body made of resin, metal, and the like, for example, a flat plate in which beveling is made, and thus a thermal head is constructed.

Abstract: A heating element assembly in the form of a heating tray and a method of manufacturing heating tray assemblies. The heating tray may be used for defrosting and heating pans such as so-called “half-pans” of frozen food products. The preferred heating tray is configured to fit precisely around a standard thin foil half-pan container, thus optimizing heat transfer between the heating tray and the food product. The varied surface watt density of the heating tray allows for accurate heat placement such that the food product can be evenly warmed while avoiding over warming or burning, particularly at the corners and edges. A preferred embodiment of the heating tray includes two resistance heating elements. The first heating element is a temperature booster used for defrosting and heating, while the second heating element is a maintenance heater to maintain heated food at a serving temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for heating an assembled printed circuit board to a specified temperature. A plurality of resistors are arranged on at least one surface of the printed circuit board in order to generate heat. The resistors are distributed approximately uniformly over the surface and are supplied with electronic energy from a separate source.

Abstract: A heater for fluids, the heater comprising a conduit having a wall and a surface, the conduit being configured to convey a fluid. In one arrangement, the conduit surface is roughened to mechanically secure a coating thereto. A conductor, configured to be electrically resistive and to extend over at least a portion of a roughened surface, and to adhere thereto throughout variations in operational temperatures thereof. The heater provides a clean, particle-free, non-reactive, non-trapping, ultra-pure, thermally tolerant, sealed system. The system maintains process fluids clean, even upon system failure, at contaminant levels below parts per billion, or even parts per trillion. In one arrangement, the heater comprises a quartz conduit with an electroless nickel plating of an engineered thickness on an external surface forming a resistive heater. The resistive heater conducts thermal energy through the wall of the conduit.

Abstract: In order to eliminate the drawback of an electric heating element formed on an insulating ceramic substrate so that the element is brittle and becomes soft at a high temperature, an electrically heat-generating material film having a microstructure composed of a silicide alone, a mixture of silicide and Si, or Si alone is fused to the surface of a nitride or carbide ceramic insulating substrate.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. Specifically, the invention provides a microsystem platform for use with a micromanipulation device to manipulate the platform by rotation, thereby utilizing the centripetal force resulting from rotation of the platform to motivate fluid movement through microchannels embedded in the microplatform. The microsystem platforms of the invention are also provided having microfluidics components, resistive heating elements, temperature sensing elements, mixing structures, capillary and sacrificial valves, and methods for using these microsystems platforms for performing biological, enzymatic, immunological and chemical assays. An electronic spindle designed rotor capable of transferring electrical signals to and from the microsystem platforms of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A dissolution testing system comprises a vessel plate on which a plurality of vessels are mounted. Each vessel includes a lateral wall having an outer surface around which a plurality of flexible heater elements are attached. Each heater element includes a transparent surface area, a heat conductive element extending along the transparent surface area, a temperature sensing element extending along the transparent surface area, and an electrical contact element connected to the heat conductive element and the temperature sensing element. The heater element can have more than one heating zone, with at least one of the heating zones being selectively energizable. The transparent heater element allows unobstructed view into the interior of its vessel, and reduces the time required to achieve a stabilized set point temperature in the vessel. A heater control system communicates with each heat conductive element and each temperature sensing element through a corresponding one of the electrical contact elements.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching a heating element to a glass substrate. The heating element is formed of a plurality of conductive polymer thick film inks screen printed on the substrate. The heating element includes a resistive strip or resistor, conductive strips or conductors, and terminal portions, which form part of an electrical circuit. Electrical power applied to the terminal portions causes current to flow through the resistive strip, which generates heat through resistive heating. The heat is transferred to the substrate. The method of applying the heating element to the substrate includes, in one embodiment, screen printing polymer thick film materials onto a surface of a glass substrate to form the circuit conductors and resistive elements and surface mounting other components of the circuit on the substrate.

Abstract: A toaster having a base and at least two substantially vertical heating elements defining a cooking space that is open at least at the upper part of the toaster, the heating elements being in the form of transparent glass walls composed of a glass substrate covered, on one of its faces, with a layer of metal oxide or oxides, the layer being connected to an electric supply circuit for supplying heating current. At least two of the glass walls have an upper rim, or lip, the rim or lip being made of a transparent material.

Abstract: A ceramic heater that may be used in an oxygen sensor for automotive air-fuel ratio control systems and includes a ceramic square rod formed with a laminate of a heater substrate on which a heater-patterned layer consisting of a heater element and leads is formed and a covering substrate covering the heater-patterned layer. Metallic terminals are connected electrically to the leads of the heater-patterned layer, respectively, and mounted on surfaces of the ceramic square rod opposed to each other in a direction of lamination of the heater substrate and the covering substrate, respectively. At least one outer lead is joined to one of the metallic terminals through a bonding layer.

Abstract: A ceramic heater that is used in a toner-fixing system comprising a ceramic heater and a heat-resistant film, that reduces the degree of deformation of the heat-resistant film, that lightens the load applied to the film at the time of revolution, that prevents the fracture of the film, and that enables fixing at a high rate exceeding 24 ppm. A ceramic base material 11 of the ceramic heater attached to a heating cylinder comprises aluminum nitride or silicon nitride. A heating element 12 and current-feeding electrodes are made of silver or silver alloy and are formed on the ceramic base material. In the ceramic heater, at least one part of the face (the fixing face) that contacts the heat-resistant film is curved when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of a copying sheet.

Abstract: A ceramic heater that is used in a toner-fixing system comprising a ceramic heater and a heat-resistant film, that reduces the degree of deformation of the heat-resistant film, that lightens the load applied to the film at the time of revolution, that prevents the fracture of the film, and that enables fixing at a high rate exceeding 24 ppm. A ceramic base material 11 of the ceramic heater attached to a heating cylinder comprises aluminum nitride or silicon nitride. A heating element 12 and current-feeding electrodes are made of heat-resistant metal such as tungsten and molybdenum or heat resistant alloy and are formed on the ceramic base material. In the ceramic heater, at least one part of the face (the fixing face) that contacts the heat-resistant film is curved when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of a copying sheet.

Abstract: An easy-to-manufacture structure of a ceramic heater having a high durability and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The ceramic heater may be used in an oxygen sensor for automotive air-fuel ratio control systems and includes a ceramic square rod formed with a laminate of a heater substrate on which a heater-patterned layer consisting of a heater element and leads is formed and a covering substrate covering the heater-patterned layer. Metallic terminals are connected electrically to the leads of the heater-patterned layer, respectively, and mounted on surfaces of the ceramic square rod opposed to each other in a direction of lamination of the heater substrate and the covering substrate, respectively. At least one outer lead is joined to one of the metallic terminals through a bonding layer.

Abstract: A tubular thin film resistance heater including a substrate (10) having an electrically non-conductive surface on which is deposited a thin film electrical conductor (12), such as tin oxide. A pair of electrical terminals (14, 16), preferably bus bars, are electrically connected at spaced apart locations on the conductor (12), such as at longitudinal spaced opposed ends or at circumferentially spaced opposed edges of the conductor (12). The thin film conductor (12) is molecularly bonded to the substrate (10) for durability and efficient heat transfer. A method of forming a tubular thin film resistance heater also is disclosed.

Abstract: For producing a heating element with a high heat-up rate and a predetermined resistance value for igniting airbag systems, a base member made of an aluminum oxide ceramic material is provided with a glass or glass ceramic coating. A layer of AuPd resinate is applied by screen printing over a large area of the ceramic coating which, if necessary, can be lapped and polished. The resinate layer is subsequently etched to form a resistive path having area-wise constrictions. The ends of the resistive path are subsequently contacted by a AgPd thick-film conductive paste, wherein the Pd content of a conductive paste determines the desired resistance value. After the thick-film conductive paste is dried and fired, the coated base member is subjected to a thermal treatment at temperatures in the range of 850-950° C. until the palladium in the resistor layer is uniformly distributed and the resistance value is stable.

Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed in order to decrease the offset value to a degree in which no trouble occurs in the measurement without causing any reduction of NOx so that the measurement accuracy for NOx is improved. In the gas sensor, NOx contained in a measurement gas introduced into a second chamber is decomposed by means of catalytic action and/or electrolysis to pumping-process oxygen produced by the decomposition so that NOx is measured on the basis of a pumping current flowing through a measuring pumping cell thereby. The gas sensor has the following pattern of a heater. That is, a minute pitch is provided for a pattern at a portion corresponding to the forward end of a sensor element, a coarse pitch is provided for a pattern at a central portion, and a pattern is removed at a portion corresponding to the backward end of the sensor element. Thus, the measuring pumping cell is allowed to have a resistivity of electronic conduction of not less than 1 M&OHgr; after conversion into a resistance value.

Abstract: A t′-phase zirconia shapes with superior properties are made by forming a zirconia powder containing a rare-earth-oxide dopant into sintered bodies. The sintered bodies are heat treated in an oxygen atmosphere at a temperature high enough to form a cubic phase. The heated body is then cooled rapidly to form a t′-phase. The t′-phase is characterized with a large grain size, is resistant to transformation, low temperature degradation, and has excellent toughness, and creep resistance. Rare earth-oxide dopants include yttria, scandia, erbia, and ceria. For yttria doped materials, the sintered body is doped with between 2.5 and 5 mole percent yttria.

Abstract: Aluminum nitride, silicon nitride or silicon carbide is employed as the main component forming a substrate for increasing mechanical strength and improving thermal shock resistance, a proper additive is blended for controlling thermal conductivity and a temperature gradient from a heating element to an electrode is loosened for providing a dimensional ratio of the substrate effective for preventing oxidation of a contact between an electrode of the heating element and a connector of a feeding part. In a ceramic heater having an electrode and a heating element formed on the surface of a ceramic substrate, A/B≧20 is satisfied assuming that A represents the distance from a contact between a circuit of the heating element and the electrode to an end of the ceramic substrate closer to the electrode and B represents the thickness of the ceramic substrate, and the thermal conductivity of the ceramic substrate is adjusted to 30 to 80 W/m·K.

Abstract: An oven device for final finishing of a food item includes an oven housing defining a heating cavity, and an upper heating unit disposed within the oven housing above the heating cavity. The heating cavity is configured to receive at least one food item to be heated by the oven device. The upper heating unit includes an upper heating element. The upper heating unit generates radiant heat which is directed onto the at least one food item when the at least one food item is received in the heating cavity. The upper heating element includes a rapidly-heating, high-intensity heating element capable of being cycled on for final finishing of the at least one food item when the at least one food item is received in the heating cavity, and capable of being cycled off when such final finishing is not being performed. The final finishing typically includes browning a top surface of the food item, or melting a topping onto the top surface of the food item.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (1) includes a multi-layered structure. One of the layers (3) provides a heating layer such that heat applied to that layer (3) is transferred to electronic components (2) mounted on the board (1). The components (2) can thus be maintained at a suitable operating temperature. The heat can be supplied by ohmic heating of a resistive element within the printed circuit board (1). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one of a conducting layer and a ground or earthing layer of the printed circuit board (1) provides the heating layer (3).

Abstract: A self-cleaning water heater element is provided. The water heater element is plated with a layer of gold such that the gold surface has a low surface roughness. The smooth gold surface inhibits scale formation on the water heater element. The gold-plated smooth-surfaced water heater element may be manufactured by coating a standard water heater element with an adhesion layer, electroplating a layer of bright nickel on the adhesion layer, and electroplating a gold layer on top of the bright nickel layer.

Abstract: The present invention involves coatings deposited on a substrate including a layer having a selected resistivity. The resistive layer can serve as a heat source in a variety of applications and can be fabricated using an arc plasma spraying procedure.

Abstract: A thin film tin-oxide heater (10) including an annular inner heat region (12), an annular outer heat region (14), a first silver buss bar (16), and a second silver buss bar (18). The radius (r2) between the inner and outer heat regions is selected so that the resistance per unit square and power per unit area for the inner heat region approximates the resistance per unit square and power per unit area for the outer heat region.

Abstract: A ceramic heater that may be used in an oxygen sensor for automotive air-fuel ratio control systems and includes a ceramic square rod formed with a laminate of a heater substrate on which a heater-patterned layer consisting of a heater element and leads is formed and a covering substrate covering the heater-patterned layer. Metallic terminals are connected electrically to the leads of the heater-patterned layer, respectively, and mounted on surfaces of the ceramic square rod opposed to each other in a direction of lamination of the heater substrate and the covering substrate, respectively. At least one outer lead is joined to one of the metallic terminals through a bonding layer.

Abstract: A fixing heater includes a ceramic substrate; a heat generating resistor provided on the ceramic substrate to extend in a longitudinal axis of the ceramic substrate; a temperature detecting element for detecting a temperature of the ceramic substrate; and an electrically conductive member provided on the ceramic substrate to extend in the longitudinal axis of the ceramic substrate.

Abstract: A ceramic heater that may be used in an oxygen sensor for automotive air-fuel ratio control systems and includes a ceramic square rod formed with a laminate of a heater substrate on which a heater-patterned layer consisting of a heater element and leads is formed and a covering substrate covering the heater-patterned layer. Metallic terminals are connected electrically to the leads of the heater-patterned layer, respectively, and mounted on surfaces of the ceramic square rod opposed to each other in a direction of lamination of the heater substrate and the covering substrate, respectively. At least one outer lead is joined to one of the metallic terminals through a bonding layer.

Abstract: A sheet shaped heating device attached on a contact surface of a mounting part of a hot melt type inkjet head for applying heat to the mounting part in order to heat hot melt ink in the hot melt type inkjet head, the sheet shaped heating device having: an insulating sheet having an attaching surface to be attached on the contact surface of the mounting part and a wiring surface located opposite to the attaching surface; and a heating element disposed on the wiring surface of the insulating sheet for generating heat, wherein at least one air passage passing through the insulating sheet is formed.

Abstract: An electric heating sheet (10) includes a heating element (16) formed of a first cured conductive coating disposed on a substrate (12). A pair of electrodes (18) may be disposed at opposite ends of the heating element (16) and in electrical contact therewith. The electrodes (18) may be formed of a second cured conductive coating and one or more elements for configuring current distribution throughout the heating element may also be provided. A first layer (20) formed of an electrically insulating material may be disposed over the electrodes (18) and the heating element (16). A method of manufacturing the heating sheet is also presented.

Abstract: A metal sheath heating element for substantially dry applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, the heater is substantially elongate and cylindrical, and comprises a coiled resistive heater wire. The heater wire is disposed within a stainless steel outer sheath. Granular insulating material is introduced into the sheath to electrically insulate the heating element from the outer sheath, and to thermally conduct heat from the heating element to the sheath. At least one small hole is formed in outer sheath to permit any moisture trapped therein to escape, advantageously minimizing the potential for current leakage between the heating element and the outer sheath, as well as minimizing the likelihood of depletion of oxygen from the filler material due to oxidation occurring within the sheath. In one embodiment, a plurality of holes are formed at spaced intervals along the length of the sheath.

Abstract: A recess portion is provided in a portion in the upper surface 1a of the stay member correspondingly to one longitudinal side edge of the insulating substrate so that a portion of the one longitudinal side edge faces the recess portion 6, so that the insulating substrate can crack by a heat accumulation effect in this portion facing the recess portion.

Abstract: An electrical component having a small electrically isolating ceramic plate carrying on one of its faces a screened resistive and/or conductive pattern, the other face being in contact with a metal plate intended to be heated or the temperature of which is to be measured. The pattern has at least one metallized extremity to establish an electrical connection with a conductive wire. The conductive wire is soldered onto the metallized extremity and the small ceramic plate is entirely covered by a metal cover the peripheral edges of which surround the small plate and are fixed in a watertight manner to the metal plate by a resin. The lateral wall of the cover has at least one opening for the passage of the conductive wire or wires, the opening or openings being blocked by a sealing resin.

Abstract: A glass heating system includes a low emissivity sheet of coated glass and an optical sensor mounted on the surface of the glass for optically detecting condensation on the glass. The low emissivity glass is economical to produce and provides superior thermal properties. The low emissivity glass has improved thermal characteristics for use in insulating glass doors for freezers and refrigerators. The optical sensor is positioned between the sheets of glass in the insulating glass unit for detection of moisture on the outer surface. When condensation is detected, the controller transmits power through the conductive coating on the unexposed surface of the glass to heat the glass and eliminate the condensation. In a two paned insulating glass door, the control circuit can be conveniently mounted in the frame of the door.

Abstract: Container for keeping dishes hot and reheating them, comprising a thermally insulating box and shelves which carry plates consisting of a substrate coated with a film forming an electric circuit and having a thickness of from 1,000 to 5,000 angstroms.

Abstract: A heating element comprises a thermally conductive substrate, an electrically insulating layer provided over the substrate, and a heating track deposited on the insulating layer. The heating element has a dished portion defining a concave face on one side of the element, the insulating layer and the heating track being provided on the concave face. The heating element is suitable for a range of liquid heating applications, including electric kettles.

Abstract: An autoclave type sterilization device which includes an autoclave sterilization chamber with an electrical heating arrangement mounted thereon. This electrical heating arrangement employs one or more positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors as heating elements. These heating elements are in direct thermal and electrical contact on opposing sides, which are coated with a conductive metal such as aluminum, with electrodes to supply electrical current. These electrodes are, in turn, in direct thermal contact on their outward-facing sides with respect to the heating elements with plates which are formed of a thermally conductive and electrically insulating ceramic material such as AL.sub.2 O.sub.3, and the plates are in direct thermal contact on their outward-facing sides with respect to the heating elements with heat radiation units which include heat transfer portions which are fabricated to engage and are in direct thermal contact with a portion of the wall of the autoclave chamber.

Abstract: A heating apparatus and method of making such apparatus has a deposited heating element of oxidized metal powder. The metal powder is oxidized more than forty percent and preferably between sixty and ninety-five percent. The oxidation is the deposited metal powder is increased by either modifying the powder or the modifying the deposition process. The powder is modified by preoxidation, reducing the size of particles, removing oxidation inhibitors, adding oxidation catalysts and enhancers and increasing the surface area of the particles. The process of deposition is modified by using more oxygen and using a high velocity oxy-fuel plasma deposition process.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus for thermal processing of food includes a casing which has a transparent portion for viewing the food disposed within the casing. At least one heating element is mounted within the casing for heating the food, the heating element including a heat resistant and mechanically rigid transparent first substrate having a first surface which faces the food and a second opposite facing surface. At least one electrical resistance element is disposed on the second surface, the at least one electrical resistance element being connected to a source of electrical current. At least one second transparent substrate is disposed adjacent the second surface, the at least one second transparent substrate including a transparent infrared reflective coating. Thus, the food disposed within the casing is viewable from the exterior of the casing through at least the first substrate while the food is being heated by the first substrate.

Abstract: A heating device (1) according to the present invention includes a substrate (2) made of a heat-resistant insulating material, a heating resistor layer (3) formed on the substrate (2), and a protective layer (6) formed on the substrate (2) to cover the heating resistor layer (3). The protective layer (6) is formed of glass to which alumina powder having a grain size of no greater than 5 .mu.m is added. The addition proportion of alumina powder is 3-30 Wt %, preferably 3-22 Wt % and particularly 10-22 Wt %. The addition of alumina powder remarkably increases the dielectric strength of the protective layer (6).

Abstract: A multilayer circuit board and an associated heating apparatus is provided for heating electrical components. The multilayer circuit board includes a trace layer having at least one electrical trace terminating with a contact pad that is positioned to electrically contact a respective lead of an electrical component mounted upon the multilayer circuit board. The multilayer circuit board also includes a heating layer disposed in thermal contact with the electrical component mounted upon the multilayer circuit board. The heating layer includes a first electrically resistive heating element disposed upon an insulating substrate in general alignment with the electrical component mounted upon the multilayer circuit board. The electrically resistive heating element provides heat to maintain the operating temperature of the electrical component within a desired range.

Abstract: A food warming oven for holding and warming food items includes a base, a frame extending upward from the base, and at least one generally transparent heating shelf disposed above the base by the frame. Each shelf is configured to support food items, and each shelf includes a transparent substrate and a transparent resistive coating deposited on the substrate. The food warming oven also includes a power feed electrically coupled to the resistive coating of each transparent heating shelf to heat that shelf and the food items supported by that shelf. Due to the generally transparent nature of each heating shelf, the food items disposed below the heating shelf are viewable from overhead the heating shelf.

Abstract: A heated vehicle seat is brought forth which includes a first bus bar of conductive ink applied to either the vehicle seat cushion or to its cover. The conductive ink can be applied directly to the seat cushion or cover, or the conductive ink can be applied to a noncellulosic fabric substrate which is then connected with the seat cushion or cover. A second bus bar of conductive ink is also applied. Between and connecting the two bus bars is a resistive pattern of a conductive ink. The heated vehicle seat has a high thermal reaction time and generates heat at a position closer to the vehicle seat occupant.

Abstract: An image heating device of film heating type is provided with a heater, and a film which is moved while one surface thereof contacts the heater, and the other surface thereof contacts a recording member which supports an image. The heater is provided with a resistor for generating heat upon energization, and an energization electrode arranged to alternately have different polarities in a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of the recording member.