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.

Abstract: A hidden heat strip for providing heat at the edge of a roof to prevent formation of ice. Each heat strip comprises a plurality of triangular-shaped assemblies having a heat cable inserted from under the assemblies and positioned adjacent to a notched front panel. Support clips extend from a bottom portion and a vented top panel is disposed above the heat cable. Spaced-apart reinforcement ribs are located between side panels of the assemblies to support shingles and prevent sagging. The heat strip is placed between rows of shingles and is not easily observed from the ground level.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element in the form of a flexible, preferably stretchable, electricity-conducting film disposed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warning 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. Methods of forming electric heating/warming composite fabric articles are also described.

Abstract: A heating element made from flexible circuit technology with a single contiguous heating zone for uniform heating or multiple temperature heating zones is described. These flexible heating elements can conform to three dimensional object surfaces with irregular shape. The heating element's overall flexibility and its thickness (in the region of 10 mils) allow for heating many object shapes in an efficient, compact and light-weight manner. Each thermal sensor or thermostat is used to regulate each heating zone and provide a unique temperature setting. A thermostat can be mounted directly on an object's metallic surface. In addition, using diodes connected to the flexible heating element is described here to allow the use of two or multiple voltage sources. The technique permits one heating element to be powered from either AC or DC sources with comparable heating characteristics from both.

Abstract: A surface-heating element for a curved surface and method of producing a heating element is provided. The heating element includes a continuous, planar conductor arranged along a longitudinal axis including a plurality of turns connected by regions being generally transverse to the longitudinal axis. The conductor including end portions each having a terminal for receiving electrical current. The heating element also includes a film applied to one side of the conductor and configured to substantially follow an outer contour of the conductor. The film and the conductor form a continuous web generally centered about the longitudinal axis, and at least one turn connecting two generally transverse regions extends beyond the continuous web. The heating element may also include an adhesive layer on the other side of the heating element sealingly engaging the film.

Abstract: An outdoor-use heating mat system includes at least one heating mat. At least one heating mat of the system includes a first structural layer, a heating element, a plurality of intermediate strips, a second structural layer, and at least one of a cord and a plug. The first and second structural layers each are both durable and electrically insulating. The first such layer has a plurality of first layer edges associated therewith. The heating element positioned above the first structural layer. The plurality of intermediate strips are mounted upon the first structural layer. Each intermediate strip is positioned proximate at least one of one the first layer edge and the heating element. The second structural layer is mounted to the plurality of intermediate strips opposite the first structural layer.

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.

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: A method for controlling a heating plant as well as a control system for such a plant. More specifically the invention relates to the control of a heating plant adapted for local heating of surfaces to avoid ice and snow on such surfaces, and in particular controlling street heating plant or point heating plants (for rails), provided with one or several heating elements; so that a low power consumption is obtained. The control system is provided with at least one remotely operated unit (4) adapted to be controlled in such a manner that consumed energy is controlled in dependence of meteorological data representing present and anticipated temperatures and amounts of precipitation.

Abstract: A flexible heating foil including a flexible support layer on which at least one electrically conductive heating track is arranged between two electrodes. The two electrodes supply the heating track with current. The flexible support layer includes a woven synthetic sheet, on which the at least one heating track is arranged and has one or more slitted areas that serve as expansion joints. The flexible heating foil can be used, for example, as a seat heater in a motor vehicle or as a heating foil to be worn on the body, such as in articles of clothing.

Abstract: A heating blanket includes a body operable to generate heat from power supplied by two leads. The body includes a support ply having a hole for receiving the lead so that a portion of the body may secure the lead to the blanket and protect the coupling of the lead to the blanket. The body also includes a heating element coupled to a stretchable matt. When the matt is stretched, the heating element stretches in the same direction and can continue to generate heat. Consequently, the body of the heating blanket can maintain sufficient contact with a composite assembly as a contour of the composite assembly's surface changes, and the blanket can adequately cure regions of an assembly that would otherwise be difficult to cure. Because the hole is in the support ply, the support ply reinforces the entire circumference of the hole. Consequently, the portion of the body can protect the coupling of the leads to the body of the blanket through multiple uses of the blanket.

Abstract: An electric heater assembly is provided. The heater assembly includes an electrically operable heating element and a pair of power leads for supplying electrical power to the heating element. Each of the power leads is connected to a respective end of the heating element by a connector. A watertight seal is provided at the connection of each power lead to the heating element. Each watertight seal includes a sealing sleeve arranged over the respective connector and a sealing compound provided between the sealing sleeve and the respective connector. The heating element, the connectors and the watertight seals are arranged in a housing. The housing includes a pair of openings with each power lead extending through a respective one of the pair of openings. Each of the openings has a rounded smooth edge defined by a portion of the housing that is folded back on itself.

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.

Abstract: A heating blanket reduces the possibility of electrical arcing by providing a series of individual heating elements each carrying a low current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable warming cloth for containers using office equipment such as USB or IEEE1394 (Fire Wire) plugs as heating source. The present invention mainly comprises a USB plug or IEEE1394 plug, power source wire, electric heating plates and a cloth. The USB or IEEE1394 plug can be plugged to USB or IEEE1394 receptacle or other transition plug at any time. The power source wire is pliable and designed with a connecting point at the rear part for connection of heating plates, a LED indicating power button in the middle and a USB and IEEE1394 plug at the front part. The heating plates use direct current and are secured inside the cloth. A concealed connecting stand is found at the lower part of the electric heating plates for connecting of power source wire. The cloth is made of soft material with adhesive tapes on both sides and apart from the electric heating plates found inside, it is also designed in advance with a side opening.

Abstract: A heater assembly includes first and second flexible layers and first, second, third, and fourth flexible electrical resistance heating elements connected in series and positioned between the first and second flexible layers. The first, second, third and fourth heating elements form a plurality of heating zones having different watt densities so that heat is non-uniformly produced by the heating zones. In a preferred embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth heating zones are concentric circles and the outer most first heating zone has a watt density higher than the inner most fourth heating zone.

Abstract: An electric heating device includes a flexible resistor ribbon of alloy with high specific impedance, disposed in fiberglass or plastics net, forming insert, which is .

Abstract: A flexible heating element for a vehicle seat or the like includes at least one flexible heating resistor element and at least two flexible supply electrodes arranged at a distance from each other and at least partly embedding the heating resistor element between them to form a layered structure. The flexible heating resistor is formed of a material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. The layered structure includes a plurality of recesses formed therein defining a plurality of webs, the webs and recesses resulting in a net-like structure.

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: A temperature control device comprising a heater element and a power source. The heater element having a conductive ink affixed to a substrate. The power source connected to the conductive ink to supply power to said conductive ink, thereby heating the heater element.

Abstract: Electric blankets and methods and systems for making electric blankets are provided. Certain electric blanket embodiments include a laminated scrim blanket with a heating element embedded therein. Other embodiments provide an electric blanket formed from conductive fibers. Another embodiment includes a central circuit that controls the position of electricity to an electric blanket responsively to temperature rate of change. A further embodiment includes a machine for inserting a heating element within passageways of a blanket shell.

Abstract: The use of conductive polyaniline fibers for resistive heating applications is described. Unlike metal wires and conductive-polymer coated fibers, under certain conditions, electric voltages or currents used to generate heat in the fibers were found to produce irreversible changes to the polymer backbone that destroy its electrical conductivity but not its structural integrity. The temperature that these changes occur varies with dopant and fiber diameter, and can be tailored to specific applications. Since these changes occur at lower temperatures than the temperature at which dopant molecules within the conductive polymer are lost or decomposed, both of which lower the conductivity of the material, polyaniline fibers can be used for resistive heating applications where the heating element is in the vicinity of the skin of the wearer thereof.

Abstract: A heat transfer material comprised of a polymeric material and a nitride or oxide is provided and is thermally conductive, but electrically non-conductive. The polymeric material may be silicone rubber, and the nitride or oxide may be aluminum nitride, boron nitride, silicon nitride, aluminum oxide or beryllium oxide. The material is made flexible by adding plasticizer and remains flexible after an extended period of use. A dielectric jacket for an electrical heating cable is thermally conductive and remains flexible so that it can be reused. The heat transfer material can be used on heating devices such as steam tubes and panels, where the heat transfer material does not bond to or adhere to the heated surface, which allows the heating device to be reused.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heated steering wheel having a steering wheel rim with a heating device arranged on the steering wheel rim. A shell has two or more shell parts that each extend at least part of the way around the periphery of the steering wheel rim in radial cross-section. The shell parts are joined together by an adhesive intentionally applied only to mutually contacting surfaces of said shell parts. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a heated steering wheel.

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.

Abstract: A sheet member with a heater wire comprises a sheet-like base cloth and a cylindrical containing portion containing the heater wire therein and attached at one surface of the base cloth in a meandering shape.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present disclosure a preformed heating member is disclosed, the preformed heating element comprising: a first layer having a conductive layer for receiving an electrical current and providing a source of heat, the conductive layer being disposed on a sheet of formable film; and an outer layer disposed over the conductive layer; and a second structural layer adhered to the first layer, wherein the preformed heating element is capable of being configure to be positioned over a corresponding location.

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 resistive heating conductor having at least one strand, a first electrical insulation surrounding the resistive heating element, a sensor conductor helically disposed around the first electrical insulation and a second electrical insulation surrounding both the sensor conductor and the first electrical insulation.

Abstract: A wire-based heating element is provided having first and second portions twisted about each other such that magnetic flux emitted from one portion is substantially cancelled by magnetic flux emitted from the other portion. A bonding material that fixedly connects the two portions of the heating element and restricts their movement relative to each other to thereby maximize the cancellation of magnetic flux. A substrate-based heating element is also provided having traces on opposed sides of a substrate and overlying each other to cancel magnetic flux. Electrical connection pads are located on the same side of the substrate, and the second trace extends passed the first trace to connect to the second connection pad. A lead connected to the first connection pad overlies the portion of the second trace that extends to the second connection pad to thereby cancel magnetic flux emissions from this portion of the second trace.

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.

Abstract: A heated conduit system is disclosed for preventing the freezing of a fluid flowing therethrough, and includes an elongate flexible hose including an inner wall for containing the fluid flowing through the elongate flexible hose and an outer wall for encasing the inner wall of the elongate flexible hose. The system also includes a flexible heating element for raising a temperature of the fluid flowing through the elongate flexible hose. The flexible heating element is fixedly positioned between the inner and outer walls of the elongate flexible hose for transferring heat through the inner wall to the fluid flowing through the elongate flexible hose. The system also includes a temperature control system for maintaining the temperature of the fluid, and the temperature control system is integrally mounted on the flexible hose for movement with the hose.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a panel-type heating element having an excellent durability and high effectiveness in power saving. To attain this object, the present invention provides a panel-type heating element consisting of a base which a thin film containing zinc oxide and tin oxide can form a layer upon. The panel-type heating element is advantageously manufactured by a method comprising spraying a solution containing a zinc compound and a tin compound on a base. The solution then oxidizes by heating the base in a high temperature reaction chamber to form a thin film consisting of sediment containing zinc oxide and tin oxide on the surface of the base. As a result, the thin film gives the base excellent acid, water and chemical resistance, and heats quickly.

Abstract: A dissolution testing system comprises a vessel plate on which a plurality of vessels are mounted. Each vessel includes a lateral wall having an outer surface around which a plurality of flexible heater elements are attached. Each heater element includes a transparent surface area, a heat conductive element extending along the transparent surface area, a temperature sensing element extending along the transparent surface area, and an electrical contact element connected to the heat conductive element and the temperature sensing element. The heater element can have more than one heating zone, with at least one of the heating zones being selectively energizable. The transparent heater element allows unobstructed view into the interior of its vessel, and reduces the time required to achieve a stabilized set point temperature in the vessel. A heater control system communicates with each heat conductive element and each temperature sensing element through a corresponding one of the electrical contact elements.

Abstract: Heater system includes flexible heater modules connected by keyed quick connect connectors and connector cables. The heater modules include a heater element connected to two power wires, and an integrated ground layer. The connectors and connector cables connect heater elements together in an electrically parallel configuration and connect the ground layers together. The heater system design is independent of application and suitable for many construction applications.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a heat generator having an expanded graphite sheet which is excellent in mechanical strength and flexibility and which is satisfactory in electrical properties as required by a heater, and especially a heat generator which is usable as a heater for the seats of vehicles, and the object of the invention can be achieved by forming an electrical insulating reinforcement on at least one surface of the expanded graphite sheet.

Abstract: A heating pad includes a multi-filament carbon fibre heating element, or a flat carbon film heating element, and a pair of sheets adhered to one another with the heating element held in position therebetween by the sheets. The heating element is configured in a serpentine form.

Abstract: A heatable mirror having a transparent surface element made from a substrate of inorganic material and at least one reflective layer as well as at least one heat-conducting layer applied to the substrate and/or the reflective layer and which has contact elements. The heat-conducting layer is formed by conductive particles having an average diameter of 3 to 100 &mgr;m at least partially embedded in the surface of the substrate and/or the reflective layer and the heat-conducting layer is designed to be over the entire surface or strip-like, wherein the non-conductive region for the strip-like embodiment is an insulating separating layer between the strips.

Abstract: A soft and flexible heater utilizes electrically conductive threads or fibers as heating media. The conductive fibers are encapsulated by negative temperature coefficient (NTC) material, forming temperature sensing heating cables. One or more heating cables can be formed into heaters of various configurations including tapes, sleeves or sheets providing simultaneous heat radiation and local overheat protection. Such heaters may be connected in different combinations, in parallel or in series. The heater may contain continuous positive temperature coefficient (PTC) temperature sensors to precisely control the temperature in the heater. Such temperature sensors can be made of electrically conductive fibers, metal wires or fiber optical filaments. When required by the heater design, the electrically conductive threads/fibers may have a polymer base, which acts as a Thermal-Cut-Off (TCO) at predetermined temperatures. Electrically conductive fibers comprised of such polymer base can melt between 110° C.

Abstract: An electrically operated heating device, such as an electric blanket, mattress pad, heating pad or throw having a pliable member, includes heating elements located within an interior defined by the pliable member which are configured to prevent breakage or disconnection of the heating elements in the event the pliable member is subjected to a concentrated load that applies tension to the heating elements. The interior of the pliable member includes a series of passages within which the heating elements are located. The heating elements have a non-linear configuration such that the overall length of the heating element contained within each passage has a length greater than that of the passage, which enables the heating elements to stretch and flex when the blanket portion is subjected to a concentrated load.

Abstract: A surface heating device comprises a heating element fabricated by braiding plural conductors on a flexible supporter. The surface heating device employs a heating element member which is reduced in thickness or diameter, and thus can be inhibited from providing an uncomfortable touch when sat upon or appearing as a relief on a surface cover of a seat. Also, because a pad is reduced in thickness, the surface cover of the seat can be heated up rapidly. The heating element is fabricated by braiding the conductors, and thus, when loaded with a weight when sat upon, the heating element allows a resultant stress exerted thereon to be dispersed through the conductors, hence being stronger against bending. Moreover, the conductors are inhibited from separating from each other and need no insulating coat.

Abstract: A method of lengthening the useful life of heating elements that are formed essentially from molybdenum silicide and molybdenum tungsten silicide and different alloys of those basic materials, at times when the elements are operated at a relatively low temperature, such as a temperature in the range of 400-800° C. The gaseous atmosphere surrounding the elements as they operate has a water content that is less than about one percent by volume.

Abstract: A heating-element-embedded material has a lateral heating element (1) embedded in furniture material (2) which can be used for covering seats and other furniture and for making heating articles of furniture (3). The lateral heating element has series-parallel heating-resistor conveyance of current from an input terminal (4) to a return terminal (5). The lateral heating element can include a resistance-wire net (14), a thin sheet (20), a plurality of parallel thin strips (22), a plurality of parallel thin lines (23), a plurality of parallel expanded helical or zigzag lines (24), a plurality of parallel thin zigzag strips (25) or other generally series-parallel conveyance within or on either side of the furniture material. The furniture material can be rubberlike, leatherlike, vinyl-like, cloth-like, smooth, rough, moisture-proof, permeable, impermeable or made otherwise for heated-surface use.

Abstract: A system for preventing and clearing gutter ice dams includes a plurality of wire holding assemblies, each assembly having a base for attachment to a gutter and a length-adjustable arm for contact with a roof adjacent the gutter. The arm is rotatably and pivotally mounted to the base. The system includes a PTCR heating cable that is held in a desired position by the wire holding assembly arms. The system includes roof and gutter temperature sensors and a moisture sensor. The heating cable is connected to the control unit, the control having a mode selector switch for controlling operation of the cable. In an automatic mode, the heating cable is energized if a roof temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature and a gutter temperature is less than a predetermined temperature. In a timer mode, the heating cable is energized for a selectable time.

Abstract: An electric heating wire and applications thereof with the electric wire consists of a core made from a plurality strands of graphite fibers. The core is wound by an oblate insulation layer which has two wing flaps on the left and right sides for stitching and anchoring use. The core of the electric wire that consists of graphite fiber can generate heat when energized. The electric wire thus made may be anchored on blankets quickly to form an electric blanket, and can prevent rupture resulting from fatigue caused by temperature variations. The electric wire and the electric blanket thus formed have improved safety when in use and have a greater durability.

Abstract: An electrically heating cable of the invention comprises a central core formed from the assembly of a plurality of graphite fibers. The central core is covered with a nylon layer. Around the nylon layer is wound a temperature sensing wire made of nickel in a helicoid manner. Ultimately, the electrically heating cable is encapsulated within an insulating layer made of polyvinyl chloride. Thereby, the electrically heating cable is provided with a sufficient toughness and flexibility to prevent cracks and ensure a safe use.

Abstract: A snow and ice melting system for deicing vehicles having a resistive heating element and a heating layer encasing the resistive heating element. The heating layer is capable of conducting heat and is pliable. A heat dissipation mesh is encased in a heat dissipation layer. The heat dissipation layer is connected to the heating layer. The heat dissipation layer is capable of conducting heat and is pliable.

Abstract: An electric blanket connectable to a power source is provided. The electric blanket includes first and second heating wires connected in series and a monitoring wire positioned therebetween. The monitoring wire is engageable with at least one of the heating wires in response to a predetermined temperature. The cutout interconnects the heating wires to a power source. A monitoring circuit triggers the cutout so as to disconnect the heating wires from the power source in response to engagement of the monitoring wire with one of the heating wires.

Abstract: A mineral insulated heating cable comprising two electrical conductors extending along the lengths of the cable and an array of heating elements distributed along the length of the cable and connected in parallel between the conductors. The heating cable is encased in a metal jacket which waterproofs the overall assembly, the jacket being electrically insulated from both the conductors and the heating elements by for example mica or glass fiber tape sheaths. The metal jacket is extruded directly onto the heating cable, or is extruded around and then drawn down onto the heating cable. Thus the structure can withstand high temperatures and yet is waterproof given the provision of the metal jacket.

Abstract: Heat losses from electric heating pads, blankets and pillows are reduced by aligning heat reflective strips or coatings over the top of a heating wire arranged inside the pads, blankets and pillows. By reducing heat losses, lower wattage can be applied to the heating wire to transfer the same amount of heat to a user as equivalent higher wattage blankets which do not have the heat reflective strips. By lowering the applied wattage, a more efficient blanket results.