Abstract: Radiant heating systems for warming an occupant of an enclosed space. The system includes a component with a surface that faces the occupant. The surface defines an A-surface quality meaning the surface is visible and is designed with styling objectives to have an aesthetic appearance. Conductive strands are exposed at the surface and a power supply supplies electric power to the conductive strands. A controller controls the electric power supplied to the conductive strands.

Abstract: A garment includes a supercapacitor and/or heated fabrics including a first conductive yarn knitted to as to form a current collector and a second conductive yarn knitted to as to form an electrode that is in electrical contact with the current collector. The conductive yarns are knitted into a predetermined supercapacitor design having respective electrodes that are not in electrical contact with each other. An electrolyte saturates at least the electrode material either before or after knitting, and an ionically permeable electronic separator allows the electrodes to be in close proximity to each other without being in electrical contact with each other. A heating element may also be formed by knitting at least one of the first and second conductive yarns into a linear resistor or by knitting an insulated conductive yarn into a sheet of fabric. Such a heating element is connected to the supercapacitor via a switch.

Abstract: A method for welding thermoplastic components, in particular, thermoplastic fiber composite structural components for an aircraft or spacecraft, having the following steps. Arranging an insert, which has a conductor structure having a plurality of parallel electrical conductor elements, in a joining zone between a first thermoplastic component and a second thermoplastic component such that at least some portions of the parallel electrical conductor elements are located in the joining zone; locally melting the components in the region of the joining zone by supplying current to the conductor structure; disconnecting the connector elements; and removing the insert from the joining zone by pulling out the disconnected conductor elements. An insert for the resistance welding of thermoplastic components is also provided.

Abstract: A composite member that includes plies of composite material and an integral antenna. The integral antenna includes one or more plies of conductive material. A pin is connected to and extends outward from one of the conductive plies. The pin extends through openings in one or more of the composite plies that are positioned between and/or around the one or more plies of conductive material.

Abstract: A printed circuit that comprises a substrate, electrical interconnects and a double-resin ink having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC), wherein the double-resin ink has a resistance magnification of at least 20 in a temperature range of at least 20 degrees Celsius above a switching temperature of the double-resin ink, the resistance magnification being defined as a ratio between a resistance of the double-resin ink at a temperature ‘T’ and a resistance of the double-resin ink at 25 degrees Celsius. The substrate is a fabric or mesh, while the double-resin ink and the electrical interconnects are deposited onto the substrate.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly includes a cable having a conductor, a metallic textile in electrical contact with the conductor, and a crimp element creating a pressure between the conductor and the metallic textile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor blade which has a coating, to a corresponding method for producing the coating, and to a method for heating and/or deicing the outer surface of the rotor blade and/or an outermost layer applied onto the outer surface of the rotor blade. The task underlying the invention is to develop a functional multi-layered coating that constitutes a comprehensive protection against the various environmental influences. The task is accomplished by a rotor blade which has an outer surface and by an at least two-layered coating applied onto the outer surface, having a first adhesion-facilitating metal layer and/or a first adhesion-facilitating layer which has electric heating elements and a second metal layer, wherein the first adhesion-facilitating metal layer and/or the first adhesion-facilitating layer which has electric heating elements is arranged between the outer surface of the rotor blade and the second metal layer.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling third rail ribbon heaters is provided for preventing the accumulation of ice and snow on the rails. The system includes a plurality of switching assemblies that control a flow of electric current from the third rail of a railway to ribbon heaters mounted on the third rail. A remotely located digital controller provides switching commands to the switching assemblies via a radio link. The switching assemblies include current and voltage sensors that continuously provide current and voltage information that allows the digital controller to accurately predict when a heater failure condition is likely to occur so that ribbon heaters may be preemptively and safely replaced before failure. Each of the switching assemblies is contained in a junction box that includes both a door panel and a safety switch that disconnects the switching assembly from third rail current when the door panel is opened for improved safety.

Abstract: A foldable electric resistance heater comprises at least a pair of insulator plates with a resistance wire threaded through openings in the insulator plates. In one mode, the insulator plates are folded with respect to each other and fastened together using one or more fasteners. In another mode, the plates can have other angled configurations with respect to each other. One or more insulators is positioned between the folded plates or adjacent the plates to isolate the resistance wire. The folded plate configuration and resistance wire provide significant advantages in manufacturing costs while forming a more robust heater configuration.

Abstract: A heater with reduced electromagnetic wave emissions, comprising two heating elements separated by an insulating layer and receiving opposite-phase alternating current in a way that cancels out electromagnetic wave emissions.

Abstract: A warming blanket (8) has a metalized fabric exterior layer and a heating element formed from a random fiber carbon veil material (52). A conductive ink layer (56) is deposited onto opposite side edges of the carbon veil material as side rails. Lower conductive strips (58) are attached onto a bottom edge of the carbon veil material. Each lower conductive strip is electrically coupled to a side rail. The lower conductive strips have connecting ends (60) which are spaced from each other so as to accept a connection circuit board. Side conductive strips (62) are coupled to the conductive ink side rails. Electrical current controlled by the connection circuit board is passed through the carbon veil material to create heat.

Abstract: An item such as a fabric-based item or other item may have one or more actuators. An actuator may have a conductive strand of material. A control circuit may supply a current to the conductive strand that induces a length change in the conductive strand due to ohmic heating and associated thermal expansion effects. The control circuit may be used to activate the actuator in response to user input that is supplied to an associated input device such as a switch, capacitive sensor, force sensor, light-based sensor, or other input component. The fabric-based item may include fabric such as woven fabric or knit fabric. Strands of conductive material may serve as signals paths for supplying current to conductive strands in actuators. Magnetic-field-based actuators may be formed by coiling conductive strands around tubular support structures such as piping in fabric-based items.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a vehicle HVAC system includes: a housing that defines at least first and second air conduits to a vehicle interior compartment; and at least first and second heat rods that each traverses the first and second air conduits, wherein a first positive temperature coefficient along a length of the first heat rod is greater at the first air conduit than at the second air conduit, and wherein a second positive temperature coefficient along a length of the second heat rod is greater at the second air conduit than at the first air conduit.

Abstract: A system for storing an internal combustion engine exhaust gas liquid additive, and including a tank for storing the additive, the tank including two halve shells manufactured as two separate parts that are assembled, at least one of the shells including an active component fixed inside of it.

Abstract: A wrappabie knit textile sleeve and method of construction thereof are provided. The sleeve includes a wall of knit yarn having opposite edges extending lengthwise along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve between opposite ends with a straightened length of the wall spanning between the opposite ends. The knit yarn includes warp yarns extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and weft yarns extending generally transversely to the longitudinal axis. The opposite edges are wrappable into overlapping one another to form a tubular cavity. At least one of the weft yarns is an electro-functional yarn having a straightened length that is greater than the straightened length of the wall, thereby allowing opposite ends of the at least one electro-functional member to be pulled axially outwardly from the opposite ends of the wall to form leads for attachment to a power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smart textile capable of providing acupuncture therapy to the wearer through strategically positioned electrodes throughout the textile, connected via silver coated fabric. Through the instant invention, heat therapy can be applied to specific points on the body, while being safe due to the absence of wires.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises a knitted electrode assembly comprising: at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row, and at least one biocompatible, electrically conductive filament having a first end intertwined with a first row of the at least one non-conductive filament, and a second end intertwined with a second row of the at least one non-conductive filament, wherein the first and second rows are spaced from one another.

Abstract: Provided is a device for strengthening a pelvic floor muscle. The device for strengthening a pelvic floor muscle includes a device body provided with a seating means on which a user can sit; and two or more electrode pads for applying a low frequency pulse, the electrode pads being disposed around a portion of the device body corresponding to the user's anus. In addition, a method for controlling the device for strengthening a pelvic floor muscle includes separately applying the generated low frequency pulse in a ramp up (Ru) time, a hold (Ht) time and a ramp down (Rd) time.

Abstract: A wrappable textile sleeve and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve has a wall of interlaced yarn with opposite edges extending lengthwise between opposite ends. The opposite edges of the wall are wrappable to overlap one another to form a tubular cavity. At least one electro-functional member extends lengthwise between the opposite ends of the wall. The at least one electro-functional member is interlaced in the wall at a plurality of nodes and forms at least one unrestrained loop intermediate the opposite ends of the sleeve. The at least one electro-functional member has a straightened length that is greater than the straightened length of the sleeve, thereby allowing opposite ends of the at least one electro-functional member to be pulled axially outwardly away from the ends of the sleeve to form leads for attachment to a power source, which in turn constricts the at least one loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a de-icing and/or anti-icing system for the leading edge of an aircraft wing or for the lip (1) of the air intake of an aircraft engine, characterised in that it includes a plurality of infrared emitting members (13) arranged inside said leading edge or said lip (1), power supply means (17) for said emitters (13), and means (27) for controlling said power supply means (17).

Abstract: A heating panel system for producing heat, comprises a heating panel comprising a layer of heating textile, the heating textile layer being made of a non-woven three-dimensional network of non-woven non-electrically conductive synthetic fibers and electrically conductive strands of synthetic fibers or fine metal wires consolidated therewith. A shapeable structural layer laminated to the heating textile layer. Electrodes are conductively secured to the heating textile layer at opposite ends, the wires being adapted to be connected to a power source to form a circuit with the panel of heating circuit to circulate electric power within the heating textile layer. A method for thermo-shaping the panel is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interior lining for vehicles and aircraft having a carrier and a heating layer and an upper layer, wherein the at least one heating layer is arranged between the carrier and the upper layer, and the heating layer and the upper layer are directly or indirectly interconnected, and to a method for producing such an interior lining, wherein at least one heating layer is pre-laminated onto an upper layer to form a layer composite, and the layer composite is press-laminated, membrane-laminated or vacuum-laminated onto a carrier, or alternatively, in order to produce such an interior lining, a heating layer is pre-laminated onto a carrier to form a carrier/layer composite, and an upper layer is press-laminated, membrane-laminated or vacuum-laminated onto the carrier/layer composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ceramic-coated heater in which the outer surface of a heater rod is coated with ceramic to improve the physical properties thereof including durability, corrosion resistance, and the like, thereby enabling the heater to be used in water or air. The outer surface of the heater rod is coated with a ceramic composition to which an acrylic corrosion resistant wax is added, thereby strengthening the bonding force of the coating layer film, and thus improving the physical properties thereof including durability, corrosion resistance, and the like to enable the heater to be used in water. Therefore, the ceramic-coated heater of the present invention enables high thermal conductivity using less current and reduces energy consumption so that it can be utilized in a wide variety of industrial fields.

Abstract: A textile system for producing heat comprises a panel of heating textile, the heating textile comprising a non-woven three-dimensional network of non-electrically conductive fibers and strands of electrically conductive fibers consolidated therewith. Electrodes are conductively connected to the panel of heating textile at opposite ends. A circuit is formed at least by the panel of heating textile and the electrodes, the circuit being adapted to be connected to a power source to heat the heating textile.

Abstract: A heating article is provided including a heating element including a first layer of nonwoven fibers mixed with conductive fibers, wherein the layer is divided to include a conductive region and a nonconductive region, wherein the conductive region extends in a co-extensive and co-planar pattern in a majority of the layer, and wherein the conductive region has first and second ends, and a power source removably coupled to the first and second ends. The first layer can include nonwoven fibers mixed with non-metallic conductive fibers. The heating article can also include a second layer superposed with the first layer, wherein the second layer is substantially free of non-metallic conductive fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminate composite fabric which is robust, laundry-durable, and a method for forming such fabric. The laminate fabric is provided with at least one element that provides heat or warmth (heating element). Generally, the laminate fabric with heating element(s) is sufficiently robust for incorporation into garments or warming textile structures (pads and blankets). The laminate fabric may include one or more stretch and recovery elements to cause the laminate to be more adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body.

Abstract: A matrix-patterned cloth includes: first and second fiber layers including mutually isolated first and second conductors, respectively; an intermediate fiber layer between the first and second fiber layers; conductive connecting yarns connecting one of the first conductors and one of the second conductors, wherein, when a pressure is applied to the matrix-patterned cloth, each connecting yarn bends so that a position of contact between the connecting yarn and the first or second conductor changes depending on how large the pressure is; a selector; and a heating controller or a resistance measuring unit. The selector scans and sequentially selects one of the first conductors and one of the second conductors. The heating controller applies voltage to intersecting areas where the selected first and second conductors intersect each other via the first and second conductors. The resistance measuring unit measures electric resistances of the intersecting areas via the first and second conductors.

Abstract: An electric heating blanket includes a flexible sheet-like heating element, a first unheated flap extending from a first edge of the heating element, and a second unheated flap extending from a second edge of the heating element. A flexible water-resistant shell may cover the heating element.

Abstract: A sheet heater includes a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer distanced from the first fiber layer, a third fiber layer disposed between the first and second fiber layers, and a controller operable to control heat generation. The first fiber layer is constituted of first conductive portions and first non-conductive portions. The second fiber layer is constituted of second conductive portions and second non-conductive portions. The third fiber layer includes functional layers each constituted of connecting yarns and non-functional layers arranged to insulate each of the functional layers from others of the functional layers. The controller applies voltage between the first and second conductive portions to heat the connecting yams. According to the heater, a desired temperature distribution can be created on the heater by applying the voltage selectively to one target segment composed of the first conductive portion, the functional layer and the second conductive portion.

Abstract: A heater element for formed components is disclosed, along with the final formed component itself. The heater element is produced by photochemically etching a suitable heater track pattern from porous metallized fabric such a nickel coated woven polyester. The heater element is located within a mold. Thermo-formable material is then applied to the mold and the final component is shaped according to the shape of the mold. The final component has a heater element located within it. The component may have microencapsulated agents for initiation by operation of the heater element. Furthermore, the final component may have one or more digital images printed onto the surface for the purposes of decoration or personalization.

Abstract: Provided is a planar heating body characterized by comprising: a knitted structure; a plurality of first heating threads which are laterally woven with a space therebetween in the longitudinal direction in the knitted structure; and a plurality of conducting threads which are longitudinally woven in edge sections at both sides of the knitted structure in the lateral direction.

Abstract: An infrared, room heater system for installation in a wall or on a floor. An electric fan assembly draws room air into a housing, then through three parallel, air transit channels where the air is heated by infrared radiation within and about a heat exchanger assembly, and then back out into the room. One or more ceramic heating elements attached to a first copper plate emit infrared radiation when electrically energized. The first copper plate lies adjacent to, but spaced away from, a second copper plate such that radiation emitted from the heating elements reflects back and forth between the plates. Room air passed between the copper plates is heated by heat radiation concentrated between the plates, thereby achieving both energy and space efficiency.

Abstract: The helix heated hoses 10 and 12 use two features to increase the flexibility. The first feature is a braided-copper heating element 14, which has increased flexibility over the prior art solid copper heating element. The element is spiral wound around the hose and held in place with a moisture barrier 16. The second feature is the helix twist 18 located just before the point where the hoses 10 and 12 attach to the manifold 20. The helix feature is created with the helix support 22, which initiates the twist around 24 inches back from the point of termination. The helix feature works to reduce the moment of inertia about the neutral axis 26 of the two supply hoses 10 and 12.

Abstract: A sheet heater structured so that heating wire is fixed to air-passing base material by sewing. This structure can provide a sheet heater that has improved durability of heating wire 2 against the load imposed on the seat during sitting, comfortable feeling of sitting in the seat, and high air-passing capability.

Abstract: A uniform heating assembly including at least one first insulative substrate, at least one first common terminal, at least one second common terminal and a multiplicity of conductive filaments at least partially embedded in the at one insulative substrate and extending at least mainly along both electrically parallel and geometrically parallel paths between the at least one first common terminal and the at least one second common terminal.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible hot plate and cooking unit, with a temperature differential of at least 40° C. between the two sides of the unit comprising a heating element sandwiched between an upper and a lower layer of flexible material wherein said upper layer provides a temperature along its upper surface of at least 80° C. for heating an object placed thereon, and said lower layer is provided with a plurality of insulating air passages.

Abstract: The flexible PTC heating element according to the invention has one of the following constitutions. A portion of an electrodes and a PTC resistor is impregnated into a flexible substrate. A flexible substrate is made of resin foam or rubber material having a concave/convex shape formed on the surface. The flexible PTC heating element has an elongation deformation portion disposed to at least one of an electrode and a PTC resistor. A flexible substrate has adhesiveness and either a flexible substrate or a flexible cover material has an elongation control portion. Therefore, the flexible PTC heating element is highly flexible and excellent in vibration durability.

Abstract: Electrical components are formed in a fabric during the weaving process by a series of crossing conductors in the warp and weft fibres of the fabric. Some of the crossing points provide permanent Separation of the crossing conductors, others permanent connection of the crossing conductors and others connection upon the application of pressure to the fabric. The structure provides the possibility of forming a greater range of components and more reliable component characteristics than heretofore possible.

Abstract: A system includes a first heater located at the leading edge of a gas turbine structural member, a second heater located aft of the first heater, and a third heater located aft of the second heater. The first, second and third heaters are electrically-powered to prevent icing of the gas turbine structural member. Each of the heaters has a Watt density, and the Watt densities of the heaters differ from one another as a function of a magnitude of a cooling coefficient for airflow passing the vicinity of each heater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating element (20), in particular for heating user contact surfaces of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, comprising a) at least one heating zone in which at least one first electrical conductor strand is disposed for heating a passenger of the automotive vehicle; b) at least one additional second conductor strand for supplying electrical energy into the at least one first conductor strand for heating the heating zone; c) a contact area in which the at least one additional second conductor strand is connected, in an electrically conductive manner, to the at least one first conductor strand for heating the heating zone; and wherein at least one of the first or second conductor strands includes at least one filament-like inner strand core comprising a polyamide, a carbon fiber, a polypropylene, or a polyester and at least one jacket layer that includes silver, copper, gold, nickel, or an alloy thereof.

Abstract: An electric heating blanket including a flexible sheet-like heating element and a shell. The shell covers the heating blanket an includes two sheets of flexible material welded together.

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.

Abstract: A towel dryer includes an aluminum body having an outer surface that supports a towel to be dried. The surface has a degree of reflectance of not less than 80% for more efficient transfer of heat from the body to the towel. The outer body surface is an oxidized surface to resist corrosion, and a clear coating may be provided over the surface.

Abstract: A more comfortable seat is provided by detecting whether or not a person is in a seat. A seat has a heating element 1, a seat surface temperature detector 5 that is situated below a seat surface cover and that detects the temperature of the seat surface, and a seating determination unit 6 for determining whether or not a seat is occupied. A determination is made as to whether or not a seat is occupied according to an amount of temperature change detected by the seat surface temperature detector 5 for a predetermined period of time, whereby a determination can be readily made as to whether or not a person is seated. When no one is seated, application of power to the heating element 1 is stopped, and the like, which in turn contributes to energy saving and enhancement of fuel efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat heater, which is used for applications in the range of heating voltages of up to 1000 V, produces attainable powers of up to 2 kW/m2 and is characterized by the fact that the electrical resistance required for the heating is formed by an electrically conductive cellulose nonwoven. Metallic contacts which are incorporated ensure the connection of the conductive cellulose nonwoven to a voltage source. Polymer films applied on both sides provide mechanical and electrical protection and prevent the ingress of moisture into the cellulose nonwoven.

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.

Abstract: A system includes a first heater located at the leading edge of a gas turbine structural member, a second heater located aft of the first heater, and a third heater located aft of the second heater. The first, second and third heaters are electrically-powered to prevent icing of the gas turbine structural member. Each of the heaters has a Watt density, and the Watt densities of the heaters differ from one another as a function of a magnitude of a cooling coefficient for airflow passing the vicinity of each heater.

Abstract: The product is basically a heating blanket that is adapted in size to fit around a canister of refrigerant used to recharge heat pumps, air conditioners and refrigerators in a commercial or home setting. The blanket has a heating element within it which heats the canister when placed around the canister. From one corner of the blanket is an electrical cord which runs to a small control unit and then to a plug that fits a common 110 voltage household outlet. The control unit consists of a fitting that is designed to be attached to the valve on the top of the refrigerant canister. This fitting is attached to a pressure sensitive valve that sense the pressure of the refrigerant that passes through the valve. This pressure sensitive valve turns off the flow of electric to the blanket when the gas hits a certain pressure.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite heating element suitable for heating an article when activated by a power source. The composite heating element comprises a first backing layer and a discontinuous circuit formed of a conductive material disposed on the first backing layer. The discontinuous circuit has terminal ends for electrical connection with the power source and defines at least one gap between the terminal ends. The composite article further comprises a second backing layer spaced from the first backing layer. A trace formed of a conductive material is disposed on the second backing layer. The trace is aligned with the at least one gap for forming a complete circuit when the first and second backing layers at least partially abut each other with the trace extending across the gap and contacting the discontinuous circuit.