Flexible Patents (Class 219/549)
  • Patent number: 7223941
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Walker IP and Business Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: David Walker, Gail Sherman
  • Patent number: 7223948
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
  • Patent number: 7220947
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Global Heating Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos A. Cardenas, Matthew T. Byrne
  • Patent number: 7205510
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Shaun Howick
  • Patent number: 7202443
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Patent number: 7202444
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Edward F. Bulgajewski
  • Patent number: 7196289
    Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and/or a thermally responsive state-changing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: American HealthCare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent D. Ellis, Kenneth S. Siegner, Charles C. Wyatt, Jack Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 7193191
    Abstract: An under floor heating element incorporating a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Joshua D. Horvath, Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. Deangelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
  • Patent number: 7189944
    Abstract: A warming mattress and mattress pad incorporating an insert layer or sheet with a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. Deangelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
  • Patent number: 7180033
    Abstract: An electric blanket or pad arrangement has a flexible pad (10) upon which a heating element (12) is mounted, the heating element (12) being connected, by a two core cable (16), to a control circuit (18), the heating element (12) including a dual element region (20) having a first, inner conductor (26), a second outer conductor (30), an inner insulating material layer (28) provided between the first and second conductors (26, 30), and an outer insulating material layer (32) encasing the second conductor (30), the inner insulating material layer (28) having a lower melting point than the outer insulating material layer (30), and a connecting element (22) having at least a third conductor (36) providing a series electrical connection between the first and second conductors (26, 30) at one end (12a) of the dual element region (20) of the heating element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Imetec SpA
    Inventor: Arturo Morgandi
  • Patent number: 7180040
    Abstract: An electrical resistance heating cable, including a resistance heating wire having a resistive conductor, an insulation at least partially surrounding said resistive conductor; and an end. A crimp connector is connected to the end. A thermally conductive sleeve at least partially surrounds the end and is positioned between the crimp connector and the insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: MSX, Inc.
    Inventor: Thaddeus M. Jones
  • 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: 7170033
    Abstract: A heating mat employs electrical resistance foils to provide a uniform heat. In embodiments of the invention applicable for providing heat to individuals, the mat provides this uniform heat at a comfortable temperature. The heating mat structure comprises protective layers surrounding the heating element to provide a durable structure that is suitable for industrial and commercial use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Arthur Kaesler
  • Patent number: 7145102
    Abstract: There is disclosed a heated handle (e.g. a steering wheel) and a method for forming the handle. The handle typically includes a core, an outer cover layer and a heater, which is preferably disposed at least partially between the outer cover layer and the core. The heater typically includes one or more of a conductor, a cushion and a separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Ogden Hadzizukic, Gabriella Z. Almasi, Corina Alionte
  • Patent number: 7141760
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
  • Patent number: 7138612
    Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Karen M. Green, Alfred R DeAngelis, Earle Wolynes
  • Patent number: 7115844
    Abstract: A flexible electric circuit, for example an electric heater, comprises a metallised fabric (14) the metal of which is photochemically etched to form the circuit (16), the fabric preferably being porous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: NEL Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Patrick Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7081600
    Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Stragene California
    Inventors: Larry R. Brown, William D. Brumley, Kenneth J. Zajac
  • Patent number: 7067776
    Abstract: The invention concerns a controlling and monitoring device for avoiding damage through overheating in the case of flexible, textile surface heating elements which include at least two opposed contact conductors (3.1, 3.2) made of electrically conducting, non-insulated fibers or wires between which there extends a plurality of heating conductors (8) which are electrically connected to the contact conductors (3.1, 3.2) and to a current-voltage source. At least one additional conductor (1) is guided along at least one contact conductor over the heating conductors (8), wherein the additional conductor (1) is electrically insulated by a covering material and is connected to an electric or electronic evaluation switch (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: I.G. Bauerhin GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Michelmann
  • Patent number: 7064299
    Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Karen M. Green, Alfred R DeAngelis, Earle Wolynes
  • Patent number: 7064294
    Abstract: An electric load control device of a heating unit of a heating blanket comprises an actuating unit; a power supply for supplying power to the device; a microprocessor as a control center of the device for generating at least one pulse signal; the microprocessor being actuated by the actuating unit; and a driving unit; the driving unit receiving the at least one pulse signal from the microprocessor for actuating the heating unit to generate heat to heat the heating blanket; the driving unit serving to actuate the heating unit. An actuation time period of the heating unit is controlled by the pulses from the driving unit. In the driving unit, the negative parts of the pulses from the microprocessor are converted into positive pulses so that all the pulses become positive pulses; after the pulses pass through the driving unit, only selective positive pulses are passed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Shu Chih Wu
  • 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: 7060950
    Abstract: The invention provides a linear and/or plane heating element, and a thawing mat, and a hot mat comprising the linear and/or plane heating element that provides necessary heat quantity at low electric power without burning fossil fuel and the like. A heating element is provided produced by coating laminated polyester on a plane painted by paint that adds nickel-indium compound oxide to the upper surface of polyester film to solderlessly connect electrodes to both ends to connect a power supply to the electrodes. The present invention provides a thawing mat and hot mat that entirely and uniformly coat the heating element having high conductivity and heating efficiency by adding nickel-indium compound oxide having high conductivity and heating efficiency to thermally deposit. Thus, maintenance cost and electricity expense can be saved, and both high quality and social cost can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Masaaki Harita
  • Patent number: 7053344
    Abstract: A self-regulating flexible heater for automobiles and other vehicles which is comprised of a breathable substrate (10) to which is applied a coating (14) of a conductive material and a coating (12) of positive temperature coefficient material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: James Surjan, Fred A. Kish, Tilak R. Varma, Edward Bulgajewski, by Antoinette Chiovatero
  • Patent number: 7049555
    Abstract: A sleeve heater has an electrical and generally cylindrical heater coil centered on an axis and shaped to fit over a part to be heated, a radially compressible and generally cylindrical inner sleeve snugly coaxially surrounding the heater coil, and a radially generally inextensible and generally cylindrical outer sleeve fitted coaxially over the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has an inner surface bearing tightly radially inward on the inner sleeve and radially compressing the inner sleeve and the coil inward. The inner sleeve is formed with two or more axially extending and axially oppositely open slots that are angularly equispaced, with alternate slots open axially in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Hotset Heizpatronen U. Zubehor GmbH
    Inventor: Andre Sadowski
  • Patent number: 7049557
    Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Alfred R. DeAngelis, David Bruce Wilson
  • Patent number: 7049559
    Abstract: The flexible PTC heating element according to the invention has one of the following constitutions. A portion of an electrodes and a PTC resistor is impregnated into a flexible substrate. A flexible substrate is made of resin foam or rubber material having a concave/convex shape formed on the surface. The flexible PTC heating element has an elongation deformation portion disposed to at least one of an electrode and a PTC resistor. A flexible substrate has adhesiveness and either a flexible substrate or a flexible cover material has an elongation control portion. Therefore, the flexible PTC heating element is highly flexible and excellent in vibration durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahito Ishii, Keiko Yasui, Seishi Terakado, Kazuyuki Kohara, Mitsuru Yoneyama
  • Patent number: 7049556
    Abstract: A heating device at least having an electrically insulating film formed on a surface of a substrate, a heating member formed on the electrically insulating film, and a protection film formed over the electrically insulating film and the heating member, the electrically insulating film and the protection film containing a silicon nitride film having a silicon cont ent in excess of an elemental ratio of silicon to nitrogen of 3:4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Aoki, Kazuhiro Karatsu
  • Patent number: 7049560
    Abstract: A tape heater includes an electric heating wire disposed on a surface of a heat-resistant, flexible substrate strip. The electric heating wire and the substrate strip are wrapped with a heat-resistant resin wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Fukuda, Yoshiyuki Motoyoshi
  • Patent number: 7041943
    Abstract: An electrical heating element for heating units of seats and steering wheels is provided. The heating element comprises at least one conductor having at least one core-coated wire that serves as a heat conductor and/or as a contact conductor and/or as a lead for temperature probes. The coating comprises steel and the core comprises copper or a copper alloy, or the coating comprises copper or a copper alloy and the core comprises steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: I G Bauerhin GmbH
    Inventor: Jochen Michelmann
  • Patent number: 7038177
    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, e.g., laid in, e.g., in the knit-welt or tuck-welt configuration, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Moshe Rock
  • Patent number: 7034251
    Abstract: A warming blanket incorporating an insert layer or sheet with a scrim having one or more pairs of heating and/or sensor wires arranged in a continuous pattern such that pair members are disposed in crossing relation to one another. The pair members may be cut and joined to establish electrical connections at defined crossing points to establish feedback loop circuits with a control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Andrew D. Child, Karen M. Green, Alfred R. DeAngelis, David B. Wilson, Shawn Davis
  • Patent number: 7015428
    Abstract: A heater formed of multiple layers with at least two envelope layers sealed to each other to form a closed envelope and with at least one of the layers within the sealed envelope layers comprising a gas permeable internal ground member that permit one to heat seal the envelope layers to each other and prevents destruction of the heater if the heater accidentally exceeds a critical operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Longview Research & Development
    Inventor: Todd A. Kirkman
  • Patent number: 7010997
    Abstract: A two-wheeler or motorcycle grip has an electric heating element whose supply line is arranged or wound in a spiral shape in the area of the motorcycle grip. The winding axis of the supply line is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle grip. When the motorcycle grip is rotated, the supply line can deform similarly to a torsion spring in the rotating or circumferential direction, which is connected with only a very slight mechanical stressing of the line element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
    Inventor: Stanislav Dzurnak
  • Patent number: 6979806
    Abstract: A flexible body has a conductive resistance pathway which includes conductive resistance flexible strands of material connected in series between two supply bus flexible strands of material, and a temperature dependent variable resistance pathway with temperature dependent variable resistance flexible strands of material electrically connected in series by connection bus flexible strands of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Alfred R. DeAngelis, David Bruce Wilson
  • Patent number: 6969827
    Abstract: A heating element used for a heated seat assembly of the present invention comprises a base material made of hotmelt material, and a linear heater disposed at a predetermined pattern on the base material. The linear heater is fixed by adhesion or sewing onto the base material. In one example of the present invention, the linear heater is characterized in that a plurality of conductors and threads are braided into the linear heater. In another example, a number of threads comprising the linear heater is at least the same with a number of conductors. According to the heating element of the present invention and the method of manufacturing the heated seat assembly according to the present invention, a heated seat assembly with excellent seating comfort and even seat temperature can be obtained, and the heating element is durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Yoneyama, Naohito Asami, Akira Shiratake, Norio Abe, Kazumi Nagayama
  • Patent number: 6969831
    Abstract: A substrate for a heating pad, blanket or throw includes one or more heating elements and one or more securing loops disposed at a securing end of the substrate. Each of the securing loops is of sufficient diameter to encircle and secure the substrate in a scrolled configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Parker, Patricia A. Bassett
  • Patent number: 6967309
    Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a heating pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element and a patient support portion. The heating element can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features. The radiolucent features can include conductive paths supported by a flexible substrate. The conductive paths can include conductive yarns oriented in linear and/or non-linear patterns on the flexible substrate. In one aspect of this embodiment, the conductive yarns can include conductive strands having a metallic plating, such as silver plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: American HealthCare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Wyatt, Kent D. Ellis, Kenneth S. Siegner, Jack Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 6963055
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Patent number: 6946628
    Abstract: A method for making a heating element adhered to a substrate by applying a photocurable composition to a flexible substrate in a pattern having one or more grid lines is provided. The photocurable composition is curable into an electrically conductive layer and volatile organic compounds are present in an amount of less than about 10% total weight of the photocurable composition. After the pattern is deposited on the substrate is cured by illuminating the photocurable composition with light for a sufficient period of time to cure the photocurable composition. Heating elements made by the method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Klai Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack W. Shirlin, Robert T. Kaiser, James W. Proscia
  • Patent number: 6933478
    Abstract: An electric heating device that is constructed in a unique fashion that allows it to be drapeable so that its three-dimensional, ‘scoop-like’ shape fits the curvature of a relaxed shoulder, a crooked knee or a crooked elbow, and is held in place by an adjustable strap whose ends are attached to the device. The heating element configuration that is contained within a singular, sealed, water-tight vinyl envelope that is produced as one piece, with the three panels briefly connected at a point where the heating element wiring crosses from one panel to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel Houston Lewis
  • Patent number: 6933469
    Abstract: Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and/or a thermally responsive state-changing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: American HealthCare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent D. Ellis, Kenneth S. Siegner, Charles C. Wyatt, Jack Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 6921878
    Abstract: A warmth-keeping structure of cold cathode lamp comprises a cold cathode lamp, a soft electric heating component and two insulating components. The soft electric heating component is wound around the surface of the cold cathode lamp. Two ends of the soft electric heating component are joined at two sides of the cold cathode lamp with the two insulating components slipped onto the joint portions, respectively. Through holes are formed on the insulating components so that different power sources can be provided for the soft electric heating component and the cold cathode lamp via conducting wires. The soft electric heating component can heat the cold cathode lamp in advance before the cold cathode lamp radiates to let the cold cathode lamp raise its ambient temperature in a few seconds and keep a fixed working temperature, hence stabilizing the brightness thereof and dissipating less power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ado Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Wei Liao
  • Patent number: 6919544
    Abstract: A method of increasing the length of life of heating elements that consist essentially of molybdenum-silicide, and alloys thereof, when the elements are operated at a low temperature, such as at a temperature ranging from 400-600° C. The heating element material contains Mo(Si1-xAlx)2, and that material contains sufficient aluminum to substantially prevent the formation of pest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sandvik AB
    Inventor: Mats Sundberg
  • Patent number: 6914217
    Abstract: The invention is a device for heating a seat (3) comprising a heating element (2) connected to a control unit (1) which is arranged to feed a current (I) through the heating element (2), a detector unit (6) in connection to the heating element (2) connected to the control unit (1) with current (I) being fed when the measured temperature value falls below a predetermined desired value (TB). The invention is characterized in that the detector unit (6) comprises at least one first temperature sensor (7) on or in the vicinity of the heating element (2) with at least one further temperature sensor (8) at a predetermined distance from the heating element (2). By means of the invention a more even heating of the seat is obtained with an increased comfort for a person sitting in the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Kongsberg Automotive AB
    Inventor: Tommy Fristedt
  • Patent number: 6914216
    Abstract: A digital control wet heating type of electric blanket for heating air, comprised of a mattress containing a tenacious, air permeable cotton cloth consistently paved with hearing wires, cotton strip on the heating wires, a compression strip passing through the cotton fabric to compress the cotton strip on the heating wires, multiple temperature sensors provided between cotton fabric and cotton strip, a temperature protection circuit disposed to the heating wires, signals from sensor and protection circuit being externally connected to a digital control box; and the mattress being sealed and placed into a surface fluffed flannelette cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Mao-Sung Chen
  • Patent number: 6900416
    Abstract: A grease gun holder includes a body and a closure flap. The body is provided with compartments to carry a grease gun and a spare grease cartridge. The body and flap are provided with heating elements to maintain the grease in a warmed, readily usable condition in cooler environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Petry Erik
  • Patent number: 6897408
    Abstract: The present invention is related to an electrically conductive and heating wire containing fabric. The fabric is made of metal yarn and natural fiber. After a yarn covering process (covering metal yarn with short staple yarn), a circular loom is used to weave circular hollow heating wire containing fabric in the desired dimensions (0.1 cm˜5 cm). After that, the heating wire containing fabric is pressed into flat shape. Then, the fabric is covered with natural long fiber or short staple, such as wool and rabbit fur. The wire containing fabric will be made into different types of products according to user demand (like rehabilitation equipment or insulating clothes). Thus, convenience is provided for use of the product and wide range of applications can be found for the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Tai Lai Sporting Goods Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming-Lai Wu
  • Patent number: 6889425
    Abstract: Method for producing a resistive heating element by coating a substrate with an electrically insulating material from the gaseous phase, depositing an electrically conducting material from the gaseous phase onto the layer of insulating material deposited onto the substrate, wherein the layer of conducting material deposited onto the layer of insulating material is subsequently partially mechanically removed thereby forming at least one conductor path. The substrate is machined before depositing the insulating material thereby forming at least one recess provided for receiving the conductor path. The layers of insulating material and conducting material are deposited onto the mechanically processed substrate. Finally, the layer of conducting material is evenly removed until at least the conducting material has been completely removed from the elevated regions of the substrate delimiting the recess of the conductor path, thereby forming the conductor path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Sintec Keramik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ulrich Goetz
  • Patent number: 6884965
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Nelson, Tilak R. Varma, Michael Starozhitsky, Paul J. Storiz, Edward Bulgajewski