Abstract: The invention relates to a heating element for a part of an automobile which is held, especially the steering wheel. The heating element consists of a textile support with at least one heating resistor. According to the invention, a knitted textile support is used.

Abstract: A method for the transport of liquid in a textile or porous structure, whereby the liquid is forced to travel through the textile with the aid of electric pulses applied to a conductor or semi-conductor which is woven onto, or in some other fashion applied to, each side of the material which may be a single textile or several layers of textiles which together form a laminate.

Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by knitting or weaving, to form a fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element in the form of a conductive yarn is incorporated into the fabric prebody, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric. Conductive elements are provided for connecting the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A monitor for use during installation of under floor warming mats to monitor the condition of the electric heating elements. Three lead wires extending from the monitor have alligator clips allowing them to be clipped to the hot, neutral and ground leads of the heating elements. A monitoring circuit generates an audible alarm if the hot or neutral wire is cut or if the ground sheath is electrically connected to either the hot or neutral wire.

Abstract: A soft heating element, utilizing electro conductive textile threads as a heating means having additional safety functions as TCO (thermal cut-off) and TSL (temperature self-limiting) devices. The thermal cut-off function is achieved through melting of the electro conductive threads at the temperatures above 120° C. and below 350° C., which results in termination of electrical continuity in the heating element. The temperature self-limiting capability is achieved through a heating thread electrical resistance increase during slow elevation in its temperature, which is below its melting point. Methods of electrical and mechanical connection between heating threads and metal conductors, utilizing winding of connections with flexible strands of fibers or wires, with optional subsequent placement of a rigid mechanical fastener over the winding.

Abstract: A fibrous article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by joining stitch and loop yarns to form a fibrous prebody, with the loop yarn overlaying the stitch yarn at a technical face and forming loops at a technical back of the fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element, e.g., in the form of conductive elements, is joined with the stitch and loop yarns in the prebody at symmetrical and/or asymmetrical spaced-apart intervals as the stitch yarn, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fibrous article and conductor elements, e.g. located along edge regions, connect the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power. The technical face and/or the technical back of the fabric body may have fleece formed by finishing non-conductive fibers of the stitch yarn and/or loop yarn in a manner to avoid damage to electrical conductance of the electrical resistance heating elements.

Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by joining stitch and loop yarns to form a fabric prebody, with the loop yarn overlaying the stitch yarn at a technical face and forming loops at a technical back of the fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element, e.g., in the form of a conductive yarn, is incorporated into the fabric prebody at symmetrical and/or asymmetrical spaced-apart intervals as the stitch yarn, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric and conductor elements, e.g. located along edge regions, connect the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power. The technical face and/or the technical back of the fabric body may have fleece formed by finishing in a manner to avoid damage to electrical conductance of the electrical resistance heating elements.

Abstract: A removable cloth sleeve with incorporated heating coil including a heating element wrappedly engaging a bottle of lotion. The heating element is comprised of an interior heating pad. The interior heating pad has an innermost heating coil. The heating element includes an outer cloth pad for removably receiving the interior heating pad therein. The heating element can be removably coupled with the bottle of lotion.

Abstract: Electric resistance heating/warming composite fabric articles have a fabric layer having a first surface and an opposite, second surface, and an electric resistance heating/warming element in the form of a conductive yarn mounted upon first surface of the fabric layer, e.g. in embroidery stitching, and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, at least adjacent to the first or second surface of the fabric layer. Methods of forming electric resistance heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: A soft heater utilizing metal, carbon or conductive ink coated threads, embroidered on, laminated between or woven into a nonconductive substrate to form electrical heating circuits. The heating element may be manufactured in a form of strip, sheet, sleeve or strand of threads for incorporation into plurality of articles. The soft heating element core may contain localized treatment such as positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material for temperature self-limiting control. The electrode conductors are attached to said heating element core which is connected in parallel or in series. The heating element core is shaped in a desired pattern. The whole assembly is sealed by at least one electrically insulated layer which envelopes the strips, sheets, sleeves, ropes or strands of threads.

Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by knitting or weaving, to form a fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element in the form of a conductive yarn is incorporated into the fabric prebody, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric. Conductive elements are provided for connecting the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: A conductive element useable as a resistance heater comprises a carbonized fabric (12) which has electrical terminals (18, 20) connected thereto and is encapsulated in or sandwiched between layers of plastic insulating material. The element generally is flexible and can be embodied in for example blankets for animals, vehicle seats and clothing. It is preferably provided with an electrical control circuit for controlling the temperature to which the fabric heats.

Abstract: A fabric article that generates heat upon application of electrical power is formed, for example, by joining stitch and loop yarns to form a fabric prebody, with the loop yarn forming in loops that overlay the stitch yarn at the technical face form the technical and back of the fabric prebody. An electrical resistance heating element in the form of a conductive yarn is incorporated into the fabric prebody at symmetrical and/or asymmetrical spaced-apart intervals e.g., as the stitch yarn, the electrical resistance heating elements extending between opposite edge regions of the fabric. The technical face and/or the technical back of the fabric body is finished, in a manner avoiding damage to electrical conductivity of the electrical resistance heating elements, to form a fleece surface region, and conductive elements are provided for connecting the electrical resistance heating elements to a source of electrical power.

Abstract: The invention relates to heatable wind energy turbine blades and to a method of heating and deicing the turbine blades using conductive fabrics to displace and/or cease the buildup of ice on the turbine blades by electrothermal fabric heater disposed or integrated on the turbines for effectively deicing the blades. Multiple turbine blade design methods are explored as well as heater materials and the application of such materials.

Abstract: The heating device comprises electrically conducting longitudinal fibers extending substantially parallel to a leading edge of the aerofoil close to said leading edge, and means for electrically connecting the ends of the longitudinal conducting fibers to an electric power supply. The conducting fibers are grouped together in conducting rovings forming part of a hybrid fabric which furthermore includes a weft of electrically insulating fibers woven together and woven with the conducting rovings.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element in the form of a flexible, preferably stretchable, electricity-conducting film disposed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon. Methods of forming electric heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: The heating device comprises electrically conducting longitudinal fibers extending substantially parallel to a leading edge of the aerofoil close to said leading edge, and means for electrically connecting the ends of the longitudinal conducting fibers to an electric power supply. The conducting fibers are grouped together in conducting rovings forming part of a hybrid fabric which furthermore includes a weft of electrically insulating fibers woven together and woven with the conducting rovings.

Abstract: An electric heating element, such as in a tape, web or mat-shaped configuration which includes a mesh-shaped electrical conductor arrangement with at least one wire extending in a mesh shape and being uninsulated in order to produce contact points between a plurality of individual meshes. Additionally, the mesh-shaped wire arrangement is provided with at least one further carrier component holding the individual meshes of wire in a defined location or position so as to insure multiple contact between individual meshes. The carrier component extends in parallel side-by-side relationship with the wire to form the mesh-shaped electric conductor arrangement.

Abstract: A method is provided for heating the surface of a food receptacle to heat the food contained therein. The method comprises, providing a laminated composite heater element, impermeable to water. The heater element is disposed on the surface of the food receptacle and is heated at prescribed intervals and temperatures effective to heat the receptacle surface and thereby heating the food contained therein.

Abstract: A heating element is formed of graphite. The heating element has a curved shape. The heating element is capable of resisting electricity to generate heat. A method for forming the heating element comprises the steps of: forming a plurality of graphite heating element segments, each segment having a curved shape; and assembling the plurality of graphite heating element segments to form a heating element.

Abstract: A number of resistive elements are incorporated into the aerofoil in the vicinity of its leading edge. Each of the resistive elements is electrically connected to the other resistive elements at its distal end and is fitted at its proximal end with means of connection to an electrical power supply. The resistive elements are split between a first set that includes at least two resistive elements and a second set that includes at least one resistive element. In service, the resistive of the first set are powered in turn, while each resistive element of the second set acts as a return path for the electricity and is powered continuously or almost continuously.

Abstract: An electrical heating system thin enough to be installed under finished flooring. A meshwork mat constructed in a leno configuration receives an electric heating element which is threaded through aligned openings in the twisted strands of the warp strands. The strands of the mat and the intersections between the criss-crossing warp and weft strands are coated with a polymeric fusing material. The heating element is arranged in side by side runs to minimize the electromagnetic field effects. Connecting runs between adjacent pairs of side by side runs are arranged linearly end to end. A return wire is extended adjacent to and side by side with the connecting runs.

Abstract: An automotive seat assembly 10 comprising a seat 12 and a seat back 14 with a fabric cover 16 comprising non-conductive polyester fibers 18 woven together and electrically conductive pure carbon elements 22 woven into the fibers 18 and extending between braided copper strands defining electrodes 20. Each of the conductive elements 22 consists of a single and homogeneous composition of pure carbon to create heat in response to electrical current and presenting a bare surface in contact with the surrounding fibers 18 to emit the heat directly from the bare surface to heat the surrounding enviroment.

Abstract: A heating body includes a layered structure consisting of a resistive body and a control body, with a meltable insulating sheet therebetween. The control body contains wires which are brought into electrical contact with the resistive body if the temperature of the resistive body exceeds the melting temperature of the insulating sheet. Current flow between the resistive body and the control body is detected to trigger a power cutoff to the resistive body. The material of the insulating sheet is selected to have a melting point well below an ignition temperature of the materials in the heating body, thereby triggering power cutoff at temperatures low enough to prevent fire. A control system normally controls the temperature of the heating body between an upper and a lower limit.

Abstract: An electric heating element is formed of a knit fabric and includes current supply wires and resistance wires which are incorporated in the heating element. The different types of wires extend mutually perpendicularly in the heating element. The conductive wires may be disposed in local or edge regions spaced apart with the knit fabric located therebetween. The knit fabric located between the conductive wires may be formed of non-conductive fibers or resistance wires.

Abstract: Thermo-weldable coupling for connecting in particular at least two members made from an identical or compatible plastics material, comprising a body (1) which is of the type constituted at least partly by a thermo-fusible material compatible with the plastics material of these members and which comprises an inner wall (2) or connection surface, directly opposite the outer wall of the members, provided with an electrically conducting element (3). This electrically conducting element (3) is resilient and of non-rectilinear shape. Application to the connections of fluid-carrying pipes made from plastics material.

Abstract: A woven mesh heater generates a heat emitting surface which provides for uniform spatial distribution of heat and which is self-regulated in the preferred embodiment. The heater is particularly useful in joining together polyethylene pieces. The heater is produced from woven mesh and inserted between polyethylene pieces to be joined. Upon energization with a power source, the heater heats the polyethylene pieces to a temperature so that the pieces melt and fuse together. The heater is formed from a mesh of interleaved conductive wires and resistive wires. Electrical paths are established through the mesh by spot welding at intersection, or crossover, points of the conductive and resistive wires. The spot welding produces an electrical connection between the conductive and resistive wires at the welds. In this way, equal distance and therefore equal resistance paths are obtained.

Abstract: Conductive yarns and conductive wires having insulating properties at least on their surfaces are plain-woven as warps and wefts, thus manufacturing a unidirectionally conductive fabric in which neighboring conductive yarns are not electrically in contact with each other. A pair of electrodes is connected to ends of the conductive yarn, and polymeric insulating layers are laminated on both surfaces of the unidirectionally conductive fabric, thus manufacturing an electric heating sheet. Moreover, by forming polymeric covering layers having a thermal fuse function, a temperature-detecting function and a temperature controlling function on the unidirectionally conductive fabrics, highly durable and safe electric heating sheets are manufactured.

Abstract: An electrical device, particularly a self-regulating strip heater, has improved thermal efficiency, good mechanical properties, and acceptable resistance to water penetration when an outer insulating layer is applied in a way that it penetrates the interstices of a braid surrounding the heater. Appropriate penetration may be achieved by pressure-extruding the outer jacket over the braid.

Abstract: A tire warm-up wrap used for pre-heating tires of motor racing cars and motor cycles immediately before the start of a race is provided with a heat generating narrow fabric woven from a warp containing (i) an electrically heat-generating flexible yarn made of a mixed yarn composed of discontinuous conductive metal fibers and non-conductive fibers, and (ii) a non-conductive fiber yarn, and a weft composed of a non-conductive fiber yarn. The fabric has in both of the lengthwise end portions thereof wefts composed of conductive metal wires which are divided into a plurality of metal wire electrodes. The electrically heat-generating flexible yarns of the warp and the divided metal wire electrodes form together a series circuit extending forward and backward alternately along the length of the fabric between the divided metal wire electrodes in both the end portions thereof.

Abstract: An electrical device, particularly a self-regulating strip heater, has improved thermal efficiency, good mechanical properties, and acceptable resistance to water penetration when an outer insulating layer is applied in a way that it penetrates the interstices of a braid surrounding the heater. Appropriate penetration may be achieved by pressure-extruding the outer jacket over the braid.

Abstract: An heating unit made of a sheet of non-woven fibrous material having carbon particles embedded therein in a concentration to provide passage of low level electricity. A pair of electrodes disposed opposite each other and a wire connecting each electrode to a source of electricity.

Abstract: An under floorcovering heating systems for positioning below a floorcovering is provided. The systems include pads having a heat conducting substrate within which is positioned solid conductor resistance heating wires in a serpentine manner for heating the substrate. The wire is covered by at least one layer of material providing electrical insulation and strong mechanical strength, jacketed by an electrically conductive "self-healing" ("self-curing") strong layer of material for the purposes of grounding and protecting the system. Also provided are electrical connecting mechanisms for connecting the resistance wire to a source of electricity including mechanisms connected to the jacketed conductive material for grounding the system.

Abstract: A fibrous heating element having an electrical resistance of 1 to 100 .OMEGA./m is prepared by coating a core fiber, preferably a yarn, with one or more electroconductive layers consisting of a polyurethane resin having carbon particles dispersed therein. The fibrous element is pliable and can be knit or woven into a fabric, and is particularly suitable for use in an electric heating blanket or in an industrial heating element.

Abstract: The process of molding thermal insulating blocks and electrical heating units with a mold having a horizontal filter screen in which a slurry containing a mass of inorganic fibers, water, and a binder is mixed to randomly orient the fibers and thereafter poured into the mold to divide the liquid component of the slurry into a first portion and a second portion, the first portion of the liquid component of the slurry being drained through the screen and the second portion remaining with the fibers, thereafter vibrating the screen and mold to drain a portion of the second portion of the liquid component of the slurry through the screen to produce a filter mat, thereafter drying the filter mat to remove the remaining liquid component of the slurry from the mat, and thereafter heating the filter mat to bond the fibers to each other. An electrical heating element may be mounted on the mold before the slurry is introduced into the mold.

Abstract: Novel electrical heater which are self-regulating as a result of appropriate combination of a constant current or constant voltage power source with a resistive heating component and a temperature-sensitive component. Preferred heaters comprise a plurality of heating units, each of which heating units comprises a reactive component, a resistive heating component, and a temperature-responsive component. Self-regulation of the heater may be achieved in a number of different ways, including the use of employing a reactive component and a temperature-responsive component which form a combination exhibiting an impedance which changes with temperature. The temperature-responsive component can for example change in dielectric constant, or in permeability or in shape, or can effect changes in the frequencies inputted to the reactive component.

Abstract: An electrical heater which includes a fabric prepared from electrodes and an elongate resistive heating element which is composed of a conductive polymer, preferably a PTC conductive polymer, to render the heater self-regulating. The fabric is laminated to, and preferably embedded in, a sheet of an insulating polymer, particularly a non-tracking insulating polymer.

Abstract: A flexible electrically conducting cloth comprising a plurality of intermingled or interwoven fibers of a refractory material having a sheet resistance above 1000 ohms per square. A conducting coating having at least about 70 atomic percent carbon encapsulates a majority of the fibers. The coating is applied in sufficient quantity to render the cloth electrically conducting with a sheet resistance of about 0.1 to about 1000 ohms per square, the coating having been formed by chemical vapor deposition at 800.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. A flexible electrically conducting cloth having a length and a breadth is also provided comprising a plurality of intermingled or interwoven fibers of a refractory material having a sheet resistance above 1000 ohms per square. A conductive coating including at least about 70 atomic percent carbon encapsulates a majority of the coating. The coating is in sufficient quantity to render the cloth conducting with a sheet resistance between 0.1 and 1000 ohms per square.

Abstract: A thin-walled heating system is provided which has only a minimal thickness and must be easy to dismantle. For this a textile fabric is envisaged with a heating circuit arranged therein, whereby the heating circuit (2) runs entirely inside the fabric (20), with the exception of the electrical connection end-pieces (22, 24).

Abstract: A sheet electrical heating element comprising warp yarns which are constituted of a plurality of warp electrically conductive yarns disposed at predetermined intervals and a plurality of warp electrically non-conductive yarns, one or more of which are arranged in each of said intervals of the warp electrically conductive yarns; and weft yarns which are constituted of a plurality of adjacent weft electrically non-conductive yarns and a weft woven electrode of predetermined length in the warp direction. The woven electrode is constituted of weft electrically conductive yarns forming fancy twill weave together with the warp yarns so that the texture may be loose and flexible.

Abstract: Method for monitoring the electrical integrity of a heater and a novel heater for use in such a method. The heater includes an elongate heating member; an insulating jacket which encloses the heating member; a first electrically conductive member which surrounds the insulating jacket; a separating and insulating member which surrounds the first conductive member; and a second electrically conductive member which surrounds the first conductive member and is separated and insulated therefrom by the separating member. The method includes the step of testing the electrical relationship between the first and second electrically conductive members.

Abstract: A heating element for textiles is disclosed, which comprises a plane textile element and, combined with this, metal conductors, which can be connected to a source of electrical current and which oppose the electrical current flowing through them with a heat-producing resistance. As resistance elements, the conductors have metallic fibers or filaments with a denier like that of natural or synthetic textile fibers. The metallic fibers or filaments have an average cross sectional thickness of about 8 to about 24 microns.

Abstract: An electrical heater which comprises a fabric prepared from at least one of the electrodes and another elongate element of substantially higher resistance. The heater preferably comprises a PTC element, e.g. of a conductive polymer, to render the heater self-regulating. The PTC element may be in the form of a fiber forming part of the fabric, or a layer surrounding one of the electrodes, or a laminar element in which the fabric is embedded. The fabric can if desired be laminated to a sheet of a polymer, e.g. an insulating polymer or a ZTC conductive polymer. A shrinkable fabric heater can be made by incorporating a heat-shrinkable non-conductive filament into the fabric, perpendicular to both electrodes, and is useful for example for enclosing splices in telephone cables.

Abstract: An improved insulating plate for an insulated rail joint includes a main plate portion made of a thermo-plastic resin, thick portions formed on the main plate portion at its side face contacting a joint plate, and planar heater elements embedded in the thick portions.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for use in heating surfaces. A heating element is constructed of mesh screen comprised of small gauge wires which are spaced in a close mesh arrangement such that the total surface area of the wires is substantially equal to or greater than the adjacent area of the surface to be heated. The longitudinal wires are electrically conductive and are preferably made of a nonferrous metal and the transverse wires are coated with an insulating material. The heating element is positioned substantially parallel to and adjacent the surface to be heated. The heating system includes electronic circuitry which essentially eliminates transmission of power surges, voltage spikes and chatter when the heating system is connected to an alternating current power source. The heating system also includes protective circuits and devices for preventing injury or damage due to transformer overheating, or due to under-current or over-current conditions.

Abstract: A heating cord comprises bendable electric heating wire and nonconductive fiber. A net type heater is formed from the heating cords. Common power source terminals comprising a plurality of bendable conductors are fixed at both sides of the net type heater and are connected to the electric heating wire thereof.

Abstract: An electrical heating fabric has a warp composed of non-conductive threads, and selvedges which include plural lead wires. In the weft direction the fabric has both non-conductive threads and conductive wires. The different types of weft material are arranged in successive strips disposed transversely to the warp. First strips have non-conductive weft threads only. Second strips additionally have conductive weft wires. The strips are arranged alternately. The weft wires are all discrete, and their two ends are either in simple contact with the selvedge lead wires or are interwoven therewith.

Abstract: A plurality of heating wires are arranged so as not to cross each other. Common power source terminals are connected to two end portions or at an intermediate portion of each heating wire. Each common power source terminal has a plurality of conductors which cross the heating wires. The heating wires and/or the conductors are fixed on one surface of the nonconductive fiber sheet or are woven thereinto.

Abstract: A flexible heating element is suggested to be made on a continuous basis, so that desired length can be cut therefrom and includes individual, electrically insulated feeder lines and a heating being interlooped in interweaving fashion with the feeder lines, there being discrete locations of the feeder lines from which the insulation has been removed for making contact with the heating conductor for supplying power thereto.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for use in heating surfaces. A heating element is constructed of mesh screen comprised of nonferrous, small gauge metal wires which are spaced in a cloth mesh arrangement such that the total surface area of the wires is substantially equal to or greater than the adjacent area of the surface to be heated. The heating element is positioned substantially parallel to and adjacent the surface to be heated. The heating system includes electronic circuitry which essentially eliminates transmission of power surges, voltage spikes and chatter when the heating system is connected to an alternating current power source. The heating system also includes protective circuits and devices for preventing injury or damage due to transformer overheating, or due to under-current or over-current conditions. An optional electronic circuit permits use of the device for preventing formation of ice on surfaces in an efficient and economical manner.