Abstract: The invention relates to conductive materials particularly to serve as a heater. Heating means formed by or with electrically conductive materials are known and particularly effective for its flexibility is that sold under the British, Community and US Registered Trade Mark INDITHERM. Conductive rails are used to provide electrical connection to a source of power that need to have a commensurate flexibility, and the object of the invention is to ensure the maintenance of power to the full length of the conductive rail. This objective, is met by a construction comprising spaced first rails for the supply and return of electrical power, the said rails having a flexibility compatible with the semi-conductive material, and there being a supplementary rail attached to each first rail along the length thereof, the supplementary rails being flexible and having strength characteristics greater than those of the first rails.

Abstract: A heat trace assembly for heating a conduit is provided that comprises at least one preformed heat trace section adapted to be placed around at least a portion of the conduit and a connector secured to the heat trace section. The connector is adapted for coupling the heat trace section to an adjacent heat trace section, and the heat trace section and the connector have mating mechanical features to allow the heat trace section to be quickly connected to and disconnected from the conduit. Additionally, a heat trace junction is provided that preferably defines a cross configuration and comprises a plurality of arms extending from a central portion of the heat trace junction. The plurality of arms are deformable to conform to a junction within a conduit system. Thermal insulation jacket configurations are also provided in accordance with several embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: Particular embodiments generally relate to a heating cable that includes an insulated heating element. The bus wires may be bared in that they do not have an insulation jacket surrounding each of the bus wires. For example, insulation on the bus wires that electrically separates bus wires from heating element 106 is not included. Instead, insulation is included on and surrounds the heating element. A heating element is includes one or more resistance wires and an insulating layer surrounding the one or more resistance wires. For the resistance wires to electrically contact the bus wires, the insulating layer is bared at a plurality of node areas to expose the one or more resistance wires from the insulating layer. The one or more resistance wires are electrically coupled to the bus wires at the plurality of node areas to create a plurality of resistance zones for generating heat.

Abstract: A heating cable includes a bus wire structure that includes a plurality of bus wires. An insulation layer is provided to insulate the plurality of bus wires. A plurality of node areas exposes portions of the bus wires from the insulation. A heating element is wrapped around the bus wire structure in a helical manner. The heating element includes an insulating core and one or more resistance wires wrapped around the core in a helical manner. The heating element is electrically coupled to the nodes of the bus wire structure at the plurality of node areas. The insulating core may be made of a folded-over tape made of a cloth material, such as glass cloth. Pluralities of redundant paths in between two nodes are provided to allow for current to flow in a zone if one of the redundant paths is broken.

Abstract: Particular embodiments generally relate to a heating cable that includes a plurality of bus wires positioned on the outside of a heating element. In one embodiment, a spacer is provided. A heating element is included on a surface of the spacer. The heating element also includes one or more resistance wires. A plurality of bus wires are positioned on the edges of the spacer that has the heating element wrapped around it. For example, a first bus wire is positioned on a first side of the spacer and a second bus wire is positioned on a second side of the spacer. A plurality of node areas (e.g., on the bus wires or on an insulated heating element) allow a resistance wire of the heating element to be electrically coupled to the bus wires at the plurality of node areas on alternating bus wires.

Abstract: The heating device mainly contains a dual-core heat cable and a control circuit. The dual-core heating cable mainly contains a core, a heating wire winding spirally around the core, a NTC (negative-temperature-coefficient) layer wrapping around the core and the heating wire, a PTC heating wire winding spirally around the NTC layer, and an insulating layer wrapping around the NTC layer and the PTC heating wire. The control circuit monitors the PTC heating wire's current for constant temperature control, and the leakage current through The NTC layer as a second over-temperature protection. As such, the heating device has a superior constant temperature effect and avoids the problem of burning down the heating cable. The heating device therefore has a longer operational life span.

Abstract: A heat-radiating cover is disclosed for a gasoline tank of a motorcycle that has a power source. The cover includes a flexible, heat insulating, substantially water-impermeable lower web that is conformable to the shape of the gasoline tank, being made from either a flexible or malleable material. A flexible middle web includes at least one carbon fiber heating element, each of which are electrically connected to a power cord, a switch, and the power source of the motorcycle. A flexible, heat transmitting, substantially water-impermeable upper web is also conformable to the shape of the gasoline tank, being made from either a flexible or malleable material. A peripheral edge of the upper web is fixed to a peripheral edge of the lower web, such as by stitching, ultrasonic welding, or the like. As such, the at least one carbon fiber heating element is sandwiched between the webs.

Abstract: A closing mechanism (1; 101; 201; 301) includes a plurality of closing elements (2; 102; 202; 302; 302a) such as hooks, mushroom heads or loops, and a flat carrier (3; 103; 203; 303). The closing elements (2; 102; 202; 302; 302a) protrude from at least one surface (4) of the carrier (3; 103; 203; 303). The closing mechanism (1; 101; 201; 301) has a heater (5; 105; 205; 305), at least in certain sections, which converts supplied energy into heat. The invention also relates to an associated production method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a breathable heater element for a garment or for the lining of a garment such as an outdoor jacket, e.g. a waterproof jacket. The heater element is formed from porous metallised fabric such a nickel plated woven polyester fabric by photochemical etching of a suitable track pattern onto the metallised fabric. The formed heater element is then laminated into a lining. The material of the lining may be impregnated with microencapsulated functional chemicals such as fragrances, perfumes, antimicrobials or insect repellents. The microcapsules release their contents on activation due to heat generated by the heater element.

Abstract: A series resistance heating cable comprises a heating element extending longitudinally along the cable. The element comprises a material having a positive temperature coefficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for thermally printing a pre-selected dye image (45) onto a three dimensional object (16). The method involves placing an image carrier sheet (24) containing a pre-selected dye image (45) over the object (16). A flexible membrane (26) is lowered over the object (16) and the image carrier sheet (24). A vacuum is established under the membrane (26) causing the image carrier sheet (24) to conform to the shape of the object (16). The membrane (26) or image carrier sheet (24) carry flexible heating elements (36), which are heated, to thermally transfer the dye image (45) onto the object (16). The flexible heating elements (36) can be made by etching an electrical circuit in a metal foil (34) which is bonded to a film substrate (30).

Abstract: A thermal garment that utilizes an electrically-conductive, all metal mesh fabric for the uniform distribution of heat throughout the surface area of the garment, thus permitting freedom of movement without sacrifice to the structural integrity of the fabric, a seemingly prevalent prior art disadvantage recognized in thermal garments incorporating electrical heating wires and/or metalized textile fabrics.

Abstract: This disclosure provides examples of innovations for a heating pad to be used with heating removable basins or drapes containing sterile fluid. When used with a sterile basin, it is desirable for the pad to deform to conform to the irregular surface on the bottom of the basin. It is also desirable for the pad to have a low thermal mass so that the pad is more responsive to the control system.

Abstract: A heating element (1) featuring at least two electrodes (5, 5?) for supplying the heating element (1) with current, containing a multitude of heating sections (11, 11?, 11?) that, coating at least one part of a base surface to be heated (4), are arranged between the electrodes (5, 5?) and are connected with them by electrical conduction. The heating element (1) has at least two bundles (9, 9?, 9?, 9?) of heating sections (11, 11?, 11?), with the bundles (9, 9?, 9?) being arranged at a distance from one another to avoid electrical contact between the bundles.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminate construction for heating or warming with one or more electrically conductive patterns of conductive ink or paste formed on a first confronting surface of an insulating sheet, where each pattern is connected by one or more conductive elements (bus wires), and where each pattern and the conductive elements are between the confronting surfaces of insulating sheets. The laminate may include one or more stretch and recovery elements to cause the laminate to be more adaptable for securing about any three dimensional body. The laminate with heating elements therein may be incorporated into garments or other wearables or into warming textile structures (pads and blankets).

Abstract: A therapeutic low wattage heating pad safe for use in a bed and to sleep with while in operation includes a pair of opposed multi-layer constructions housing a resistive heating wire. The heating pad is operable in a plurality of consistent heating modes at various temperature levels, as well as a cycling mode that offers a varying range of temperatures over a period of time.

Abstract: A novel electrical resistance heating weave (10) is disclosed. By one embodiment both warp threads (12) and weft threads (14) are electrically-conductive, thereby establishing a heating weave with an increased capacity for heat dissipation. Also disclosed are configurations (900, 1000) for adjusting the base heat dissipation of the weave via cuts and slits (902, 1002. 1004) in the weave, and conductive electrical feed strips (104, 106, 110, 112, 120, 122) in various configurations for powering bi-directional power and for trimming adjustment to compensate for minor variations in thread resistance.

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 seating element has an electrically insulative substrate, a pair of electrodes disposed on the substrate, and a polymer resistor electrically connected to the electrodes. The polymer resistor includes resin composition cross-linked via one of oxygen atom and nitrogen atom, and at least one of fibrous conductor and flake-like conductor mixed in the resin composition.

Abstract: A portable food delivery container includes a food storage compartment, a control compartment, and a temperature control source. A control compartment lies adjacent to and in thermal conductivity with the food storage compartment. A modular removable temperature control source is disposed within the control compartment, where the temperature control source effects transfer of thermal energy between the food storage compartment and the control compartment to maintain the food storage compartment at a temperature other than the ambient temperature.

Abstract: The technical nature of this invention is the development of a flexible bag, which has a flexible-reflective interior foil that is protected from being damaged by the objects to be placed inside the bag for warming such as fabric items, gloves, pajamas, baby clothes, or construction materials that need to be kept warm. Items are kept warm by a heating pad which is plugged into a standard 120 volt outlet or into a 12 volt DC converter. The bag is portable or can be left in a location where the warmed items need to be used. In industrial or construction applications, the addition of a strap to the bag allows it to be easily carried or hung over a railing for easy dispensing of the items that are being kept warm in the bag. The bag retains heat for an extended period of time when unplugged.

Abstract: A heating device includes an electrically conductive heating wire unit having two opposite end portions and a middle portion extending between the end portions, a phase-change material enclosing the middle portion of the heating wire unit and that is capable of storing heat through phase changing, and an enclosure enclosing the phase-change material for preventing leakage of the phase-change material.

Abstract: A heat trace system (10) is used for heating water to prevent freezing in a conduit (20) while servicing an aircraft positioned at a passenger loading bridge (52). An upstream fitting (26) is attached onto the conduit adjacent to a building structure and a downstream fitting (48) is attached onto the conduit adjacent to the cab of the passenger loading bridge. A coated retractable coiled wire disposed within the conduit and cold lead wires (46) enter through the upstream fitting and leave through the downstream fitting. A low voltage solid state power control box (56) is in communication with the cold lead attached to the coiled wire inside providing regulated electrical energy for heating the coiled wire thus preventing freezing the water within in the conduit.

Abstract: A climate control pad includes a pad body having a climate treating surface and an air circulating circuit formed thereon for preserving a volume of air within the air circulating circuit in a circulating manner, and a heat generating element, which is a fiber heating wire, disposed in the air circulating circuit for generating heat to increase the temperature of the air within the air circulating circuit so as to evenly distribute the heat from the heat generating element on the climate treating surface of the pad body. In addition, the pad body is adapted to incorporate with a cooling source to provide a cooling air towards the climate treating surface of the pad body.

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: The invention relates to conductive materials particularly to serve as a heater. Heating means formed by or with electrically conductive materials are known and particularly effective for its flexibility is that sold under the British, Community and US Registered Trade Mark INDITHERM. Conductive rails are used to provide electrical connection to a source of power that need to have a commensurate flexibility, and the object of the invention is to ensure the maintenance of power to the full length of the conductive rail. This objective, is met by a construction comprising spaced first rails for the supply and return of electrical power, the said rails having a flexibility compatible with the semi-conductive material, and there being a supplementary rail attached to each first rail along the length thereof, the supplementary rails being flexible and having strength characteristics greater than those of the first rails.

Abstract: There is provided a laminated sheet heater whose mounting space is small, a lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater that requires only a small mounting space and provides high reliability of electrical connection between a heater element and a lead wire, a heater-equipped battery structure provided with the laminated sheet heater or the lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater, and a heater unit. In a first lead wire-equipped laminated sheet heater, a foil heater element includes a heater terminal portion protruding into a film void part in a planar direction of a laminated sheet heater. A lead core wire of a lead wire includes a lead terminal portion crimp-connected to a heater terminal portion by a crimping member so that the lead core wire is placed in contact with the surface of the heater terminal portion within a film void part in the planar direction of the laminated sheet heater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a breathable heater element for a garment or for the lining of a garment such as an outdoor jacket, e.g. a waterproof jacket. The heater element is formed from porous metallised fabric such a nickel plated woven polyester fabric by photochemical etching of a suitable track pattern onto the metallised fabric. The formed heater element is then laminated into a lining. The material of the lining may be impregnated with microencapsulated functional chemicals such as fragrances, perfumes, antimicrobials or insect repellents. The microcapsules release their contents on activation due to heat generated by the heater element.

Abstract: An autonomous deployment system is herein for functional utilization in the physical placement and deployment of a heating or thermal mat(s). The system is designed to enhance human productivity and ease deployment of the prior art thermal radiating or generating devices for the removal and or inhibition of accumulation of snow and ice. The deployment system as can be designed to operate autonomously with automatic controls and sensors to control both the thermal system and the technology of controlling a deployment system. The system is well suited to autonomously deploy and retract rolled membranes and or flexible materials out over a flat or sloped surface area. The inherent flexibility of the mat allows it to traverse gently curved surfaces.

Abstract: A heater element is provided adapted to heat a belt in a fuser assembly. The heater element comprises laterally spaced-apart features extending beyond a center section provided between the features. The features and center section are adapted to face an inner surface of the belt.

Abstract: A layered heater includes a resistive layer defining a resistive circuit pattern having at least one bend portion. A conductive overlay is provided on at least one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the bend portion to alleviate the current crowding effect, thereby protecting the electric circuit from premature failure. Methods of manufacturing the layered heater are also disclosed. The overlay may be formed on the bend portion after the resistive layer is formed. The overlay may also be formed on a substrate or a dielectric layer that supports the resistive layer before the resistive layer is formed.

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.

Abstract: A heating element for a film-sealing apparatus comprises a heating wire segment formed of a first metal having a first reflectance to laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength. The heating element further comprises a first conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a first end of the heating wire segment, and a second conductor lead comprising a wire having one end joined to a second end of the heating wire segment. The first and second conductor leads have a lower electrical resistance than the heating wire segment, and are formed of a second metal having a second reflectance to laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength, the second reflectance being higher than the first reflectance. Each of the first and second conductor leads is lap-welded to the respective end of the heating wire segment using laser radiation of the predetermined wavelength.

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.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an electric heating element with at least one flat heating resistor to be arranged near a surface to be heated, and at least one electrode that serves to feed a current into the heating resistor and features at least two contact conductor strands that are, at least locally, connected to one another and to the heating resistor, at least in an elongated contacting region. The invention proposes that at least at one location along the electrode and/or the contacting region at which at least one of the contact conductor strands, at least locally, extends parallel to the direction of the electrode, and/or the contacting region, at least one additional contact conductor strand, at least locally, extends at an angle thereto.

Abstract: An electric heating device based on a ribbon of crystalline metal foil with high specific resistance, which is additionally treated to increase its plasticity and/or additionally coated with a mold release agent to enhance compatibility of the ribbon and insulating envelope. The ribbon combines high electrical resistance, high stability, sufficient mechanical strength and relative cheapness with very important properties including significant plasticity and compatibility with insulating polymers, including rubber and silicone. The above compatibility provides high reliability and life span. Different structures for flexible and rigid heaters on the basis of this ribbon are described, as are different applications.

Abstract: The heating device includes a conductive layer which is positioned on an electrically insulative substrate. Preferably, the conductive layer is screen printed onto the substrate. The substrate is designed to limit elongation of the conductive layer, thereby improving the durability of the conductor and enabling the heating device to be used in flexible applications, such as automobile seats. The substrate can include at least one aperture passing therethough to further improve flexibility, fatigue resistance, and breathability of the heater. The conductive layer is configured to include a buss structure with a first buss ground inwardly adjacent from the periphery of the heating device and a first buss with serpentine paths extending from one edge of the heating device to another edge. The buss structure further includes a second buss with L-shaped portions positioned between the serpentine paths and the first buss ground. The second buss ground is located in a central location between the serpentine paths.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to produce a secure and permanent contact connection between an electrical conductor made from a soft material, in particular an aluminum conductor, and a contact element made from a harder material, the conductor is encapsulated at least partially in a contact region by an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material is harder than the soft material of the conductor. The electrically conductive material is applied with the aid of a thermal spraying process, with the result that there is a pressure-free electrical connection between the soft material and the sprayed-on material. Electrical contact is made with the contact element indirectly via the sprayed-on material. The thermal encapsulation by the spraying in the contact region makes it possible for a reliable electrical contact to be made even in the case of soft materials having a tendency towards cold flow.

Abstract: An improved PTC device and method of manufacturing is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device and method incorporates an improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material manufactured by: (a) heating a ceramic material to a sufficiently high temperature to induce the ceramic material's PTC properties; (b) grinding the ceramic PTC material into a powder; (c) mixing the ceramic PTC material powder with a metal material powder so as to produce a metal-ceramic composite material powder; and (d) sintering the composite material powder at a temperature between 600° and 950° C. In alternative embodiments, an improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacturing such a structure is disclosed. In various embodiments, a PTC device made in accordance with the improved multi-layer structure and method of manufacture may or may not incorporate the improved metal-ceramic composite PTC material disclosed herein, but may use conventional ceramic-based PTC materials.

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.

Abstract: A flexible heating sheet is composed of two heat fusible aromatic polyimide films and an electric heating element having an electric source-connecting terminal at each end which intervenes between the heat fusible aromatic polyimide films, in which each heat fusible aromatic polyimide film is covered with a heat resistant aromatic polyimide film.

Abstract: An electrical resistance heating element has an axially elongated flat carbon fiber tow, which includes a multiplicity of continuous axially parallel carbon filaments. The tow is sandwiched between two layers of polyester sheet material and bonded to only one of the layers. The other of the layers overlies the tow in direct contacting engagement with and unconnected relation to the tow and is connected to longitudinally extending marginal portions of the one layer along transversely opposite sides of the tow. The heating element may be produced by a continuous forming process.

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 mouse pad includes a body with planar top and bottom surfaces and a cavity intercalated therebetween that extends between opposed body ends. A rotatable flange has a dome shape for fitting within a user's palm. The flange is offset from a center of the body, has a bottom section conjoined to the body top surface, and is seated adjacent to a proximal body edge. The flange has a top section rotatably conjoined to the bottom section. The bottom section has a greater diameter than the top section for effectively. A mechanism is included for heating the flange that is connected to the flange top section and includes a controller conjoined to the body. A mechanism is included for oscillating the flange so that the flange tilts side-to-side and against a bottom surface of an operator wrist. The heating mechanism and the oscillating mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A heating system has been incorporated into the commercial space fixture of a plastic chair mat to provide a space-saving heating system. The material for the plastic mat is chosen based on its thermal and electrical properties to provide necessary safety and support convenience for occupied rolling office chairs. Materials include vinyl, acrylic, and polyethylene. The heating elements are placed into the body of the plastic material, which is connected to conventional electrical elements, such as power source, GFIs, thermostats, and safety shut offs, outside the plastic mat. Other more complicated electronics, such as an anti-static mechanism, may be included as needed by the environment.

Abstract: A heater for heating elongated objects includes an elongated strip of flexible material having first and second ends and elongated opposite side edges defining a width therebetween. The strip of material comprises a fiber reinforced elastomeric material having at least a first portion that is set in a spiral. The heater also includes at least one elongated electrically conductive heating element imbedded in the elongated strip of elastomeric material. A thermostat is operably coupled to the heating element, and the thermostat is encapsulated in an elastomeric dielectric material that is bonded to the elastomeric material of the strip to provide a waterproof seal around the thermostat. The heater further includes an electrical power line extending from the thermostat for supplying power to the heater.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element, formed, e.g., of die cut, metallized textile or plastic sheeting or metal foil, affixed 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, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion.

Abstract: A heating device includes a conductive layer on an electrically insulated substrate. The substrate and conductive layer have a plurality of cross-like apertures therethrough. The conductive layer includes busses and traces extending from the busses, the traces surrounding the apertures. A resistive or thermistor layer is provided over the conductive layer.