Of Particular Construction Or Material Patents (Class 219/548)
  • Patent number: 7420143
    Abstract: An article comprising a graphite part coated with a pyrolytic graphite (pG) for increased mechanical strength of at least 25% over an uncoated graphite part. In connector applications for use in a semiconductor processing assembly such as a heater, the pG coated component is overcoated with at least a protective layer of an electrically insulating material, and wherein part of the pG coated graphite part is exposed (uncoated with the protective layer) for providing electrical connections to the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Alan Longworth, Timothy J. Heil
  • Publication number: 20080197125
    Abstract: Embodiments of substrate heating methods and apparatus are provided herein. In one embodiment, a substrate heater is provided including a heater plate having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface, a recess formed in the top surface, the recess having a feature having an upper surface for supporting a substrate, wherein the depth from a bottom surface of the recess to the upper surface of the feature is at least 5 mils. One or more pads may be disposed in the recess for supporting a substrate. The heater plate may have a thickness of about 19 mm. One or more indentations may be formed in the bottom surface of the recess for altering the rate of heat transfer to a portion of a substrate disposed above the indentation during processing. The heater plate may be utilized in a process chamber for performing heat-assisted processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: ANQING CUI, Sean M. Seutter, Jacob W. Grayson, R. Suryanarayanan Iyer
  • Publication number: 20080179314
    Abstract: The invention is a novel heating unit utilizing a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater, and fixing the PTC heater between two heat sinks. The new heater is placed in the blower output, and negates the need for a separate heater layer under the trim of an automotive seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: SCHUKRA OF NORTH AMERICA, LTD.
    Inventors: Renato Colja, Jianlin Zhang, Corina Simona Alionte
  • Patent number: 7397016
    Abstract: A heat generating element is constructed of at least a substrate, an insulating film disposed on the substrate, a heat generating portion provided with a thin film resistor disposed on at least a part of the insulating film, and a protective film disposed on the above-described insulating film and the above-described heat generating portion, wherein the above-described substrate and the above-described heat generating portion are composed of the same member. Additionally, a medical therapeutic instrument includes a treatment portion provided with the above-described heat generating element to heat a living body tissue by using the heat generated from the heat generating element and treat the living-body tissue. The heat generating element is mounted on the above-described treatment portion in such a manner that an outer surface of the above-described substrate of the heat generating element serves as a treatment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Aoki, Toru Nagase
  • Patent number: 7391295
    Abstract: A high voltage over-current protection device includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) electrically conductive heat-dissipation layer and two metal electrodes. The PTC electrically conductive heat-dissipation layer includes at least one polymer, an electrically conductive filler, and a heat conductive filler. Due to the high thermal conductivity of the heat conductive filler (with a coefficient of thermal conductivity higher than 1 W/mK), the high voltage over-current protection device has a high thermal conduction characteristic, and the withstand voltage thereof can be substantially uniformly distributed in the PTC electrically conductive heat-dissipation layer to enhance its high voltage withstanding characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Polytronics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Shau Chew Wang, Jyh Ming Yu, Kuo Hsun Chen
  • Patent number: 7382224
    Abstract: An over-current protection device comprises two metal foils and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material layer. The PTC material layer is sandwiched between the two metal foils and comprises plural crystalline polymers with at least one polymer melting point below 115° C., and a non-oxide electrically conductive ceramic powder. The non-oxide electrically conductive ceramic powder exhibits a certain particle size distribution. The PTC material layer has a resistivity below 0.1 ?-cm. The initial resistance of the device is below 20 m?, and the area of the PTC material layer is below 30 mm2. The over-current protection device exhibits a surface temperature below 100° C. under the trip state of over-current protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Polytronics Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shau Chew Wang, Fu Hua Chu, Kuo Chang Lo
  • Publication number: 20080093353
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a heater with temperature detecting device, arranged to accurately detect the temperature of a laminated sheet heater by use of a temperature detecting device over long periods, and a battery structure including the heater with temperature detecting device. A first heater with temperature detecting device includes a first laminated sheet heater and a temperature sensor having a temperature measuring portion. The first laminated heater is constituted of first and second insulating resin films, a heater element, a first metal sheet, and a second metal sheet and includes a heater metallic section in which, of the first insulating resin film, the second insulating resin film, the heater element, the first metal sheet, and the second metal sheet, any one of only the first metal sheet and only a combination of the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet is arranged in a lamination direction of the laminated heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: PANASONIC EV ENERGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiko Suzuki, Jun Okuda, Yuji Torii, Yukie Uemura, Kunio Kanamaru
  • Patent number: 7358466
    Abstract: The present invention is a BLISK airfoil heat treating apparatus and method for heat treating the leading and/or trailing edge section(s) of a BLISK airfoil using the BLISK airfoil heat treating apparatus. The apparatus comprises a pair of hingedly connected heat treating shells, each shell having a cavity for receiving an airfoil edge section requiring heat treatment. A resistive heating element is positioned with the shells to heat the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Myers, Thomas F. Broderick
  • Patent number: 7355147
    Abstract: A floating ice removal device with a disk shaped upper cover, a disk shaped lower cover and a heat emitting cup. An electric circuit board is mounted on an inner bottom of the lower cover, and a helical heat emitting wire is mounted on the inner top surface of the upper cover in a contact mode, and the cup having a heat emitting source is mounted on the outer bottom surface of the lower cover. An electric power line is extended in from the bottom of the heat emitting cup to connect the circuit board to supply electric power, so that the helical heat emitting wire keeps the surface temperature of the upper cover above 5 degrees Celsius, so that the surface of the entire ice removal will not be covered by snow or ice, while the heat emitting cup can emit heat under the water for removing ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eiko Electric Products Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 7345260
    Abstract: A heater including a plate-shaped substrate having a heating surface for heating an object and a heater element provided in the substrate or on its surface. A central axis C2 of a circumscribed circle of the heater element and a central axis C1 of the substrate are not on the same axis and a gap exists between the axes. When manufacturing the heater, a central axis C1 of a resistant heater is specified, thermal uniformity of the heating surface of a preliminary substrate is evaluated, and a central axis C2 of the substrate is specified. The central axis C2 is specified at a position where the thermal uniformity of the heating surface is superior to a case where the central axis C2 of the substrate is located on the central axis C1. Then a substrate having the central axis C2 is formed by subjecting the preliminary substrate to grinding processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Unno
  • Patent number: 7335862
    Abstract: A resistor heater includes an anode (10) arranged along one side and a cathode (20) arranged along the other side of a thin-line-shaped resistor (30). The anode (10) is connected to the resistor (30) at connections points (P2, P3) by a plurality of branches (13, 14) arranged at a certain interval along the resistor (30). The cathode (20) is connected to the resistor (30) at connection points (P1, P4) by branches (23, 24) arranged at a certain interval along the resistor (30). The connection points (P1, P4) are located at positions shifted from one another along the resistor (30). A portion (31) of the resistor (30) located between the connections points (P1, P2) and a portion (32) of the resistor (30) located between the connection points (P3, P4) function as effective regions of the resistor (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Morio Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7336892
    Abstract: It is provided that a reflection plate of semiconductor heat treatment, which is resistant to cracks or deformations by controlling the adsorption of foreign materials and the production of reaction. Said reflection plate 1 for semiconductor heat treatment is composed of a disk-shaped or ring-shaped plate of optically transmissible material and a plate 2 of inorganic material hermetically enclosed in said disk-shaped or ring-shaped plate, in which said plate of inorganic material has at least one side in contact with said plate of optically transmissible material, said at least one side 2a having a surface roughness of Ra 0.1 to 10.0 ?m, said at least one side 2a formed grooves 2c therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignees: Covalent Materials Corporation, Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Shimanuki, Hiroyuki Honma, Norihiko Saito, Hideyuki Yokoyama, Takanori Saito, Ken Nakao
  • Patent number: 7332695
    Abstract: A carbon heating element having an arbitrary specific resistance and an arbitrary shape which are arbitrary necessary as a heating element, and a method of producing the same. The carbon heating element is obtained by uniformly dispersing one or at least two metal or metalloid compounds into a composition having shapability and showing a high yield of a carbon residue after firing, shaping the dispersed material-containing mixture thus obtained, and firing the shaped material under a nonoxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Suda, Osamu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7329842
    Abstract: A ceramic heater including a plate member made of insulating ceramics in which one or more pair(s) of through-holes are formed, a rod member made of conductive ceramics with a power-supply terminal at one end. The rod member is inserted into the through hole in the plate member. A conductive layer made of conductive ceramics is formed on the plate member; and a coating layer made of insulating ceramics is formed on the conductive layer. One end face of the rod member has a same plane with a main surface of the plate member, the conductive layer has a heater pattern formed on the main surface of the plate member, and the rod members are electrically insulated not to be short-circuited to each other in the opposite main surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuma Kushihashi, Noboru Kimura, Masaki Seki
  • Patent number: 7322099
    Abstract: A method for producing components for injection moulding comprising a body made of thermally conducting material with expansion coefficient matching that of the insulating layers and provided with a passage for the material to be injected. At least one strip of electrically conducting material with high change of resistance with temperature, forming a heating resistor or inductor is applied on a electrically insulating base layer previously directly applied on the body. At least one final insulating layer with low thermal emissivity is then applied to optimise electrical efficiency. The method utilises thermal spray techniques and can be applied also for production of other heating equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Inglass S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianfranco Cirri, Maria Prudenziati
  • Patent number: 7323664
    Abstract: A heating system includes a plurality of radiant heaters, a power source supplying electricity to the radiant heaters, and a transformer provided between the radiant heaters and the power source, wherein each of the radiant heaters includes a support plate substantially having a rectangular shape, a pair of connection terminals substantially perpendicularly extending, while having a space therebetween, from one surface of the support plate, and a strip-shaped heater element arranged between the pair of connection terminals and covering the one surface of the support plate, wherein voltage E between the pair of connection terminals is adjusted by the transformer so as to satisfy an inequality of 25 V?E?35 V, wherein a width W of the strip-shaped heater element is set so as to satisfy an inequality of 8.5 mm?W?11.7 mm, and a thickness t thereof is set so as to satisfy an inequality of 0.05 mm?t?0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Asano Laboratories Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Takai, Yasuyoshi Ohashi, Kazushi Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7308193
    Abstract: An electric fluid or water heater is shown in which the heat generation is accomplished by a non-metallic element. The heating element exploits properties of carbon black based polymers. These basic elements have both electrically conductive and electrically restive properties. Metal strips are injection molded into the carbon black body of the heating element with physical contact between the metal and the carbon black. When current is passed through the metal strips, the resistivity of the carbon black causes heat to be generated. Prior art metal heating elements are subject to corrosion and degradation of performance over time. In addition, the inflow and outflow pipes may be constructed in the same manner to heat fluid en route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Halsall
  • Patent number: 7307242
    Abstract: A heating device includes a warming member, a battery set, and a control mechanism; the warming member consists of a sheaf of highly resistant filaments, and several spaced-apart conductive wires, which are positioned among, wrapped in, and connected in series to the sheaf of highly resistant filaments; front and rearmost ones of the conductive wires are connected to a battery set, and a control mechanism is connected to the battery set for controlling electric current provided by the battery set; the highly resistant filaments will serve as warming portions of the warming member; the warming portions of the warming member are arranged on inner lateral sides of front portions of finger portions of a glove such that when one wears the glove, the warming portions will be on two lateral sides of first and second sections of the wearer's fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: MEC Addheat Company
    Inventor: Chien-Chou Chen
  • Patent number: 7288496
    Abstract: An aluminum nitride sintered body is provided, including a polycrystalline structure in which grain boundary fracture toughness KICgb is 1.6 MPa·m1/2 or more. The grain boundary fracture toughness KICgb is determined by the equation KICgb=KIC·cos2(?·PIF/200), wherein KIC is fracture toughness (MPa·m1/2), and PIF is a percentage of the intergranular fracture (%).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshimasa Kobayashi, Toru Hayase, Naohito Yamada
  • Patent number: 7268325
    Abstract: A method of making a flexible sheet heater includes the steps of (i) bonding an electrically conductive fabric and an support member formed of a PET film and a layer of acrylic together, ii) stamp-cutting the electrically conductive fabric to form a heating element having a predetermined loop, iii) attaching two electrical terminals to two distal ends of the heating element respectively, iv) bonding a first flexible protective sheet member to one side of the heating element opposite to the PET film, v) removing the PET film from the heating element; and vi) bonding a second flexible protective sheet member to the other side of the heating element opposite to the first flexible protective sheet member so that the heating element is sandwiched between the first and second flexible protective sheet members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Linkwin Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuo-Chang Chuang
  • Patent number: 7265322
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a plastic pane provided with embedded electrical conductors, in particular a window pane, in which the conductors are joined to a surface of a plastic sheet that subsequently receives another layer of plastic by injection molding from the rear for the purpose of forming a pane body. In the process the material of the plastic sheet and the injection-molded plastic are joined together directly by mutual adhesion, and the surface of the plastic sheet that is located on the opposite side from the conductors forms one of the outer faces of the finished pane. The electrical conductors are formed by furnishing the surface of the plastic sheet with at least one metal wire which is to be exposed to the rear injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Freeglass GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerald Aengenheyster, Luc-Henry Blanche
  • Patent number: 7257883
    Abstract: In the manufacture of an electric heater, means (24, 26) is provided for feeding and guiding a ribbon heating element (14) progressively into overlying edgewise relationship with a base (2). Means (6, 8) is provided for supporting the base (2) and for effecting relative motion between the base (2) and the feeding and guiding means (24, 26), such that motion of the base (2) is synchronised with feeding of the element (14) as it is fed and guided into the relationship with the base (2), to urge the heating element (14) towards the base (2) and cause an edge portion (22) of the heating element (14) to become embedded in the base (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Ceramaspeed Limited
    Inventor: Kevin Ronald McWilliams
  • Patent number: 7244914
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Yoneyama, Naohito Asami, Akira Shiratake, Norio Abe, Kazumi Nagayama
  • Patent number: 7230208
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stove for producing denture and or the parts thereof comprising a combustion chamber and a heating device which is arranged therein and provided with a heating spiral consisting of an appropriate resistance wire and a support for the heating spiral. The aim of said invention is to better use the heating energy and make it possible to easily replace the heating device. For this purpose, the heating spiral is arranged on the external part of the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Dekema Dental-Keramiköfen GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Miller
  • Patent number: 7223949
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in controlling the temperature of one or more substances passing through one or more microfluidics channels in an analysis device is set forth. The apparatus includes a heating unit having first and second surfaces. The first surface of the heating unit is constructed so that it is at least partially exposed for cooling of the heating unit. The apparatus also includes a thermally conductive medium that is disposed proximate the second surface of the heating unit. The one or more microfluidics channels are disposed in the thermally conductive medium. In one embodiment, the one or more microfluidics channels are in the form of a plurality of capillary columns, such as those used in instruments for capillary electrophoresis. Each capillary column is substantially surrounded by the material forming the thermally conductive medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Chiranjit Deka, Arthur W. Miller, Sunil S. Deliwala, Barry L. Karger
  • Patent number: 7211772
    Abstract: A patterned foil sheet heating element has a first discrete region patterned with a first plurality of holes forming multiple conductive ribbons and having a first sheet resistivity. It also has a second discrete region patterned with a second plurality of holes forming multiple conductive ribbons and having a second sheet resistivity. At least some of the multiple conductive ribbons in the first discrete region are in electrical continuity with at least some of the multiple conductive ribbons in the second discrete region, and the first discrete region and the second discrete region both adjoin a first junction strip of the foil heating element. An electrothermal heating assembly may be formed using such a patterned foil sheet sandwiched between two layers of material which may be thermally conductive and electrical insulative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Carpino, II, James A. Mullen
  • Patent number: 7204520
    Abstract: A device for connecting components (1, 2, 3) made of fusible plastic, especially pipes (12, 60) of a fuel pipeline or a fuel line to a fuel tank (8) of a vehicle. The device includes a heating element (4) having ends (44, 46) which are used to supply electrical energy. The device is easy to use, simple to mount, and produces a functionally reliable welded joint between the components (1, 2, 3). To achieve this, one component (3) includes a retaining body (16) for a retaining tool (50), and the two ends (44, 46) of the heating element (4) extend onto the retaining body (16) where they can engage contact elements (56, 57) on the retaining tool (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Friatec Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerhard Mueller, Wolfgang Sichler, Fabian Maier
  • Patent number: 7176422
    Abstract: A heater for flip chip bonding transfers more heat to the periphery of a die than to the center. This may result in a more even temperature profile along the die and may help prevent epoxy voiding problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Song-Hua Shi
  • Patent number: 7176421
    Abstract: A heater for heating a rigid fluid line or hose for freeze protection. The heater has a base made of an outer base layer, a middle base layer attached to the outer base layer; and an inner base layer attached to the middle base layer. The inner base layer can be uncured silicone (before assembly processing). A resistance wire is wound around an electrically non-conductive core and located on the inner base layer. The resistance wire can be a high gauge wire providing for a small moment of flexure. A cover includes an inner cover layer covering said resistance wire. This inner cover layer can be uncured silicone (before assembly processing). A middle cover layer is attached to the inner cover layer, and an outer cover layer is attached to the inner cover layer. The outer cover layer protects the heater from abrasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: TransDigm Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rudolph Silva, David Lau
  • Patent number: 7164104
    Abstract: An in-line heater for use in semiconductor wet chemical processing comprises a single crystal alumina substrate, a resistive heating element disposed on the single crystal alumina substrate, and a protective layer disposed over the resistive heating element. The single crystal alumina substrate has a moderate coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is substantially equivalent to the CTEs of the resistive heating element and the protective layer. Therefore, cracking between the substrate and the protective layer can be minimized. The in-line heater in accordance with this invention exhibits an excellent corrosion-resistance capability even at high temperature and can carry a wide variety of corrosive chemicals including hydrofluoride solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Hongy Lin
  • Patent number: 7161117
    Abstract: A window glass for vehicles equipped with a conductor, which comprises a glass plate, a patterned conductor layer formed on the glass plate, and a covering layer formed to cover the conductor layer, wherein the covering layer comprises a fired product obtained by firing a composition containing a crystalline glass powder and a reducing agent capable of reducing silver ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Toshio Minowa, Hiroyuki Hayakawa, Shuji Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7157663
    Abstract: Conducting-fiber deicing systems and methods. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a surface subject to an accumulation of ice, the surface at least partially including a heating portion having a layer of multi-directional electrically-conductive fibers formed between first and second non-electrically conductive layers. The layer of electrically-conductive fibers is coupled to a power supply member and is adapted to conduct an electrical current such that the layer of electrically-conductive fibers, and at least one of the first and second non-electrically conductive layers of the heating portion, are raised to an elevated temperature to at least partially inhibit the accumulation of ice on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Max U. Kismarton
  • Patent number: 7095000
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided through which a radio-frequency dielectric heater has a cylindrical form factor, a variable thermal energy deposition through variations in geometry and composition of a dielectric, and/or has a thermally isolated power input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: William Herbert Sims, III, Thomas J. Godfroy, Leo Bitteker
  • Patent number: 7081602
    Abstract: A heater comprising a conduit made of corundum (e.g. synthetic sapphire) and having a wall forming a closed cross-section with an interior surface, and an exterior surface. At least one of the interior and exterior surfaces may have a roughened portion comprising inclusions and corresponding protrusions formed substantially continuously therethroughout. An electrically resistive coating may extend substantially continuously over, in, and around the inclusions and protrusions of at least a part of the roughened portion to form a conformal cross-section having a thickness selected to promote bending thereof to accommodate annular expansion and contraction occurring in response to a differential in the coefficients of expansion between the electrically resistive coating and the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Trebor International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven A. Black
  • Patent number: 7078658
    Abstract: A heater mat for using the Joule effect to heat an aerodynamic surface. The heater mat is provided with a resistor element including at least two substantially parallel segments of electrically-conductive fibers disposed on the aerodynamic surface. The segments come from a single strip of electrically-conductive fibers, with two adjacent segments being obtained by folding a portion of the single strip at least twice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Eurocopter
    Inventors: Daniel Brunner, André Amari
  • Patent number: 7078655
    Abstract: A ceramic substrate for semiconductor manufacture and/or inspection which is conducive to decrease in ?-rays radiated to prevent electrical errors, and to decrease an electrostatic chucking force such as heater or wafer prober, generation of particles, and circuit defects. The ceramic substrate is configured such that the level of ?-rays radiated from the surface of the ceramic substrate is not higher than 0.250 c/cm2.hr.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Ito, Yasuji Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 7075043
    Abstract: An open coil resistance heater uses one or more standoffs to engage and support the generally straight or uncoiled run of bare or insulated wire that is part of the resistance wire of the heater. The standoff has slots, which are sized to engage the bare or insulated wires for support purposes, and is removably mountable to the heater frame for supporting the run of uncoiled wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tutco, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Keith Howard, James L. Sherrill
  • Patent number: 7067775
    Abstract: A treatment and an object so treated, which may be used to improve the electrical stability, energy efficiency and performance of silicon carbide heating elements is disclosed. Use is made of colloidal binders and silicides to treat silicon carbide heating elements in a manner which improves their electrical stability during use. The resultant heating element may be used to conserve energy, during its life cycle because of the use of lower power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Micropyretics Heaters International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jainagesh Sekhar
  • Patent number: 7067773
    Abstract: A food warming is provided with a partially open housing having an open side extending along a longitudinal length of the housing. A heating element is also provided, extending along the longitudinal length of the housing. A support member is disposed to maintain a position of the heating element at the open side of the housing. Thermally insulative material disposed within the housing insulates a surface of the housing from heat generated by the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: BSI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: Chuck DeWitt
  • Patent number: 7064303
    Abstract: A tubular heater that is manually bendable to fit into a channel comprises a heating element positioned in an insulative material such as magnesium oxide and encased in a continuous inner nickel tubular sheathing. An outer sheathing, in a preferred embodiment, comprises a coil of copper with a nickel coating swaged such that the cross-section of a strand of the coil is generally rectangular. The invention also includes the method of manufacturing and method of use of the tubular heater. Alternate embodiments include an outer tubular sheath that has a multiplicity of slits extending in a circumferential direction through the outer sheathing and the outer sheathing swaged directly on the inner sheathing. A further embodiment includes the outer tubular sheathing formed from a multiplicity of individual rings, the outer sheath could be swaged directly on the inner sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Thermetic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Evan J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7064301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric heater, which electrically and mechanically protects heating means from the outside, increases heating value and thermal conductivity by increasing contact efficiency among components, and improves assembly efficiency and productivity. The electric heater includes: a plurality of radiation members, each having a radiation fin and a radiation fin supporting plate surrounding the radiation fin and formed integrally with the radiation fin by brazing; a plurality of flat tubes arranged between the radiation members and having heating means therein for generating heat when electric power is supplied; first and second support frames oppositely arranged at sides of the outermost radiation members for supporting and fixing the radiation members and the flat tubes; and first and second caps for supporting both end portions of the first and second support frames and both end portions of the flat tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Incheol Han, Kilsang Jang, Dosik Min, Wonhoe Kim
  • Patent number: 7060949
    Abstract: An end seal for a temperature sensing probe. Electrical interface wiring is passed through a restraining element and is operatively coupled to a temperature sensing element or heater element mounted in the sheath. The sheath is formed around the restraining element in a shape that provides a net force inward as temperature variations expand and contract the restraining element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Wayne Davis, Paul Ribich, Dan Harvey, Nawaz Kasam
  • Patent number: 7053313
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing electrically conducting tracks on a transparent substrate, by screen printing with an electrically conducting paste, and to the transparent substrate provided with said tracks. According to the invention, conducting tracks are formed with a width less than or equal to 0.3 mm by applying, by screen printing, a thixotropic electrically conducting paste having a ratio of the viscosity without shear stress to the viscosity under shear stress under screen-printing conditions of at least 50 and having a silver content greater than 35% and of which at least 98% of the particles which form it have a size less than 25 ?m, by means of a screen having at least 90 threads per cm, the coating of said screen being provided with slots, the narrowest width of which is equal to 0.25 mm±0.05 mm, and by subjecting said tracks to baking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Dieter Hahn, Josef Switalla, Rainer Kummutat, Andre Beyrle, Yannick Lebail
  • Patent number: 7049558
    Abstract: A device and method for the temperature control, concentration, volume measurement and transport of microfluidic volumes are provided. The device includes one or more heating elements having a resistive material that varies with temperature. The heating elements are formed into a laminar body that may be formed into a variety of geometries and/or easily married to a second body including micro-well plates, micro-centrifuge tubes and microfluidic circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Arcturas Bioscience, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Baer, Thomas L. Smith, Robert H. Reamey
  • Patent number: 7034256
    Abstract: A popcorn heating device includes a bag member, a receptacle removably connectable therewith and having a top portion including inner and outer layers and a medially disposed heat-retaining layer. The device further includes a mechanism for electrically heating the receptacle and the bag member. The heating mechanism includes a base member having at least one electrical conductor including a plurality of conducting posts. The base member further includes a first switch for toggling at least one electrical conductor between on and off positions and a second switch for controlling the temperature of at least one electrical conductor. A plurality of heating elements are electrically coupled to the plurality of conducting posts and a plug provided for electrically coupling the base member to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Richard D. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7034254
    Abstract: A heated delivery system for pizza and the like including a thermally insulated receptacle, an electrical resistance heating unit having a heat storing shell molded from thermosetting resin, and an electrical resistance heating member within the shell, the member having the capacity of being heated and maintained at a desired temperature. The heating member may be silicone rubber containing resistance heating elements, and its temperature may be regulated by a suitable temperature control, such as a thermostat or other means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: The Scott Fetzer Company
    Inventors: Brian M. Grabowski, Rao Atreyapurapu
  • Patent number: 7026584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel constructional principle for electric heaters, wherein the functions of frame and resilient means are separated from one another. As a frame for an electric heater, a housing is used that consists of two half-shells. Positioning aids for the PTC heating elements are arranged in the housing. The longitudinal sides of the housing are essentially made open to allow for air throughput through the heating register. A resilient device is additionally inserted into the housing, the resilient device compressing the layered structure of radiator elements, PTC heating elements and contact sheets. After the heater has been assembled, the resilient device can be inserted through a lateral opening into the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Catem GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Bohlender
  • Patent number: 7026583
    Abstract: A surface mountable PTC device includes a PTC layer, first and second electrodes formed on the PTC layer, first and second insulating layers formed respectively on the first and second electrodes, and first and second terminals connected respectively and electrically to the first and second electrodes. Each of the first and second electrodes is formed with a hole. Each of the first and second insulating layers fills the electrode hole in the respective one of the first and second electrodes and is formed with an insulating hole surrounded by the electrode hole. Each of the first and second terminals extends through the insulating hole in the respective one of the first and second insulating layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventors: Ching-Fang Tu, Fu-Sen Liao, Hsueh-Huan Lo
  • Patent number: 7005611
    Abstract: A large area heater used, for example, in a laser printer belt fuser or as cooking surface, has an alumina substrate in which two bowed parts of alumina ceramic having opposed concave regions are formed together as a laminate. Electrical resistors are deposited on the laminate. The alumina laminate provides excellent resistance to uneven heating or other thermal stress. Alumina ceramic is readily shaped during manufacture and manufacturing costs and yield are good. A wide variety of large area heaters can usefully employ the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Lexmark International, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Campbell Hamilton, Jerry Wayne Smith, Larry Earl Stahlman, Kiyoshi Mizushima, Hisakazu Hujimoto, Makoto Aoki
  • Patent number: RE40181
    Abstract: The invention relates to an infrared radiator with a heating element containing carbon fibers disposed in a quartz glass tube, with its ends connected to contact elements running through the wall of the quartz glass tube. The known radiators are improved by the fact that the heating element is spaced away from the wall of the quartz glass tube and it is centered on the axis of the quartz glass tube by means of spacers. The invention furthermore relates to a method by which the infrared radiator is operated at heating element temperatures greater than 1000° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Heraeus Noblelight GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Scherzer, Siegfried Grob