Electric Heating Element Patents (Class 297/180.12)
  • Patent number: 9132758
    Abstract: Heater electrodes and a sensor electrode both in a film shape are formed on the top surface of an insulation sheet without overlapping with each other. As a result, a seat heater has a small overall thickness. Then, the seat heater can be placed near the seating surface of a seat without making the seat less comfortable to sit in. The occupant is detected based on the impedance between the sensor electrode and the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to warm the occupant seated on the seat efficiently and detect the occupant with accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 9095481
    Abstract: A pad, in particular for use in the nursing care and hospital sector, has an elastic spacer textile, which is surrounded by an elastic foam body, a separating layer being arranged between the foam body and the spacer textile. The pad can be produced with any desired outer contour by foaming the foam body onto the spacer textile, an uncontrolled penetration of the foam body into the spacer textile and an undesired increase in the compression hardness connected therewith being avoided by the separating layer. The pad is accordingly very comfortable to sit and/or lie on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Heinrich Essers GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heinz-Willy Essers
  • Patent number: 9044867
    Abstract: The Autonomous Rechargeable Heated Child's Mat is totally portable and forms an integrated yet detachable part of the child's pushchair, buggy or pram (or similar conveyance). Rechargeable embedded power cells power the system for over 4 hours at a full heat output. The system is fully controllable from the parent or operator's mobile telephone or tablet device via bidirectional wireless communication. Simply seat or lay the child in the pushchair, buggy or pram (or similar conveyance) as normal. Using a dedicated application on the mobile device the child will quickly and safely be warmed to a controlled temperature as set by the parent or operator. The longest of excursions can now be made with the child in complete comfort and warmth. A powerful, intelligent and safe mobile heating system that is simple to operate and control wirelessly with simplicity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Benn Rothschild
  • Publication number: 20150137566
    Abstract: A collapsible chair has a frame selectively moveable between a collapsed configuration of the chair and an extended configuration of the chair, and a seat that is coupled to the frame. The seat has a first material layer and a second material layer wherein the first layer and the second layer cooperatively define a seat pocket. A seat pad is selectively moveable between a stored configuration wherein the seat pad is located in the seat pocket and a portable configuration inside the seat membrane pocket and a portable configuration, wherein the seat pad is removed from the seat pocket and usable as a portable seat pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Matt Wagner, Scott Neilson
  • Patent number: 9022464
    Abstract: A heatable seat includes a back and a bottom. At least one of the back and the bottom includes a heating pad. The heating pad includes a heating element, a number of first electrodes and a number of second electrodes. The heating element includes a flexible substrate and a carbon nanotube layer fixed on the flexible substrate. The heating element has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end is cut into a number of first strip structures. The second end is cut into a number of second strip structures. Each of the first electrodes clamps one of the first strip structures and is electrically connected with the first strip structure. Each of the second electrodes clamps one of the second strip structures and is electrically connected with the second strip structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen Feng, Xue-Wei Guo, Li Qian, Yu-Quan Wang
  • Publication number: 20150115669
    Abstract: A climate controlled child transport. The climate controlled child transport includes a child transport, where the child transport is configured to transport a child. The climate controlled child transport also includes an environmental control, where the environmental control is configured to control an environmental condition within the child transport. The climate controlled child transport further includes an environmental monitor, where the environmental monitor is configured to monitor the environmental condition within the child transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Danielle Kagan, Christopher Kagan
  • Patent number: 8986085
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a device for air conditioning a vehicle seat includes at least one heating device for heating the vehicle seat and at least one ventilating device for ventilating the vehicle seat, as well as a device for operating the same. In order to adapt the air conditioning of the vehicle seat to the individual, subjective needs of the person using it, it is provided that, in response to a manually switched on ventilating device, the heating device is automatically regulated, at least as a function of a seat surface temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Ralf Wollenhaupt, Matthias Pietsch, Matthias Michanicki
  • Patent number: 8979192
    Abstract: A heated portable collapsible chair includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame supports a fabric human contact sheet having a chair seat portion and a chair back portion. A flexible heating element is located adjacent to a back surface of the human contact sheet so that heat generated by the heating element passes through the human contact sheet to warm a user. A battery is provided for selectively heating the heating element. The flexible heating element is preferably affixed to a backing sheet wherein the backing sheet is affixed to the back surface of the human contact sheet. The flexible heating element accommodates the flexing of the human contact sheet when the human contact sheet is distorted when collapsing the chair for storage or transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Timothy R. Miller
  • Publication number: 20150069798
    Abstract: A seat conditioning module for a seat conditioning assembly including an air mover, an intake port, outtake port, wherein at least one of the intake port, the outtake port, or both are in fluid communication with a seat surface. A valve assembly with at least two apertures movably disposed between the air mover and the at least one intake and at least one outtake ports. An actuation device for moving the valve assembly to control the passage of the fluid through the at least two apertures. An optional conditioning device in fluid communication with the air mover and the seat surface. A control device for at least controlling the position of the at least two apertures of the valve assembly, the activation of the optional conditioning device, the operation of the air mover, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Goran Bajic, Syed Rafat Iqbal, Dmitri Axakov, Matthew Zuzga
  • Publication number: 20150054317
    Abstract: An occupant sensor mat configured to be located proximate to a seating surface of a vehicle seat assembly. The mat includes a sensor electrode formed of conductive material and configured to radiate an electric field in response to an excitation signal for determining an occupant presence proximate to the seating surface. A heater element is configured to underlie the sensor electrode. The heater element is formed of conductive material and configured to radiate heat in response to electrical current for warming an occupant residing on the seating surface. An incompressible spacer is interposed between the sensor electrode and the heater element. The incompressible spacer formed of a material sufficiently flexible for locating proximate to a seating surface, and sufficiently incompressible to prevent a substantial change in capacitive coupling between the sensor electrode and the heater element from before to while an occupant resides on the seating surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: DUANE D. FORTUNE, ROBERT K. CONSTABLE, DOUGLAS R. CHAMPION
  • Publication number: 20150048658
    Abstract: A seat climate control system includes a seat body having a first body surface and a second body surface opposite and spaced apart from the first body surface. The seat body defines an interior volume. The seat climate control system further includes at least one thermoelectric module at least partially disposed within the interior volume of the seat body. The thermoelectric module is configured to facilitate heat transfer upon receipt of electrical energy. The seat climate control system further includes at least one thermally conductive member disposed along the first body surface. The thermally conductive member is thermally coupled to the thermoelectric module. The thermally conductive member is configured to transfer heat between the thermoelectric module and a surface in contact with the thermally conductive member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicants: Dhama Innovations Private Limited, GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tushar Rajaram Gawade, Rao Mallikarjuna Chalasani, Sankar Ayilam Swaminathan, Vijaiya Shankar Ramakrishnan, Kranthi Kiran Vistakula, Prasenjit Kundu, Vivek Silwal
  • Patent number: 8939501
    Abstract: A seat heater includes first heat-generating elements embedded in a seat so as to correspond to first sites of a seat occupant, second heat-generating elements embedded in the seat so as to correspond to second sites of the seat occupant, and a controller for executing a fluctuation control in which a first set temperature of the first heat-generating elements and a second set temperature of the second heat-generating elements are increased or decreased in each of a plurality of predetermined time periods. The controller sets the first set temperature to be higher than the second set temperature in one of the time periods and sets the second set temperature to be higher than the first set temperature in another of the time periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Nishikawa, Norio Abe, Kazuaki Hioki, Hiroyuki Ogino
  • Patent number: 8926010
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat main body, a heating portion provided in the seat main body, a degree-of-contact measuring portion that measures a degree of contact between the seat main body and an occupant seated on the seat main body, and a control portion that controls an amount of heat output from the heating portion such that the amount of heat increases according to an increase in the degree of contact between the seat main body and the occupant, and decreases according to a decrease in the degree of contact between the seat main body and the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumitoshi Akaike, Takahiro Harita
  • Publication number: 20140375089
    Abstract: A seating cushion for treating and alleviating pain and discomfort related to pelvic pressure and pelvic organ prolapse. The seating cushion applies pressure to the pelvic crotch area of a user. The seating cushion comprises a base cushion portion for providing padding and an elevated and elongated central portion for applying pressure to the pelvic crotch area of a user while the user is seated thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Ambreen S. Qureshi, Asif M. Sheikh
  • Patent number: 8882142
    Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system comprises at least one sensing electrode to be arranged on the bottom side of a seat cushion, a seat heater like structure to be arranged on a top side of said seat cushion, and an evaluation unit operatively coupled to said at least one sensing electrode for determining a value representative of the capacitance between the at least one sensing electrode and the seat heater like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent Lamesch, Laurent Federspiel
  • Patent number: 8864221
    Abstract: A folding massage chair that includes a chair with attached front and rear support frames. The chair includes a seat portion and a backing portion, and also includes a massage and heating pad that is placed over the seat portion and a backing portion. The massage and heating pad includes a number of heating units and heating coils, along with a number of vibrator units. The chair also includes a cup holder and a music player holder, along with a foot rest attached to the front support frame. The chair also has a canopy that is attached to the backing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Antonio J. Delvilla
  • Patent number: 8840176
    Abstract: A heated and cooled seating unit is disclosed with an apparatus to determine if the chair is in use, such as a pressure sensor, or an electric sensing apparatus. This apparatus controls the heating apparatus and powers the heat off, to conserve power, in the event that a person or object is not seated in the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Dean Mouradian
  • Publication number: 20140252813
    Abstract: A system for powering components in a vehicle seat enables electronic components within the vehicle seat to receive power without wires connecting the seat to a vehicle body. The system includes a power transmitter that generates an electromagnetic field, and a power receiver located within the vehicle seat and the electromagnetic field. The power receiver is configured to generate electrical power from the electromagnetic field and deliver the power to at least one component in the vehicle seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Huang Lee, Martin Coors, Vivek Jain, Abtin Keshavarzian, Horace Arlen Olive, JR., Murat Senel, Lakshmi Venkatraman
  • Publication number: 20140239678
    Abstract: A seat incorporating insert(s) intermediate its upper and lower surfaces. A seat insert for the support of the users buttocks conforms to the user's body, has “rebound” properties, and areas adapted to underlie the perineum and/or ischiums of a user softer than the rest of the seat insert. Alternatively, a perineal insert and/or ischium inserts may be used without the seat insert described. Finally, a heatable insert can be used in conjunction with or in the absence of said seat inserts to provide heat for the comfort of a seat user. In all cases, the aforesaid inserts are preferably completely encapsulated and enclosed by the foam materials making up the seat, which can be accomplished by molding the seat around the insert(s), creating a seat with various internal density zones, adjustable heat, and enhanced abilities to conform to the user's body, while limiting pressure on perineum and/or ischiums.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Todd
  • Patent number: 8814262
    Abstract: A vehicle seat heater, which is to be fitted to a vehicle seat, includes a base sheet and a heater wire laid in the base sheet. The heater wire is laid in the base sheet so as not to orthogonally intersect its predicted wrinkle lines R. As a result, disconnections of the heater wire caused by repeated deformations of the vehicle seat heater can be suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Abe, Yoshimitsu Fujiwara, Kazuaki Hioki, Masanori Nishikawa, Kazumi Nagayama
  • Publication number: 20140232148
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to car seat control assembly having a car seat control module installable in a motor car seat and a cable set for components of the seat. The car seat control module is non-separably connected with the cables of the cable set. Each of the respective cables has a plug connector for connection to the component associated with the cable on a terminal end opposite the car seat control module. In this arrangement, the assembly requires minimal packaging space enabling the arrangement to be installed in the motor car seat in a quick and simple manner, for a secure connection between car seat control module and components of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Jasmin EBERT
  • Publication number: 20140217785
    Abstract: Articles of furniture with a system of heating and cooling that can be integrated into a building environmental control network are provided. The heating/cooling system of the article has surfaces of a porous or non-porous, moisture-permeable material allowing convective and evaporative heat exchange from the body surface to the environment. The material covers a plenum that has reflective surfaces to reduce radiant losses and low-wattage fans to circulate air that convectively cools the occupant. Resistance heating may be incorporated at key occupant contact areas in the seat and backrest. Temperature, occupancy and other sensors can be incorporated. A control interface controls the actions of the heating/cooling system of the article and can interact with a network server to transmit measurements of environmental temperatures and occupant selection of control settings that are useful for control of the building's indoor environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Edward A. Arens, Hui Zhang, Wilmer Pasut
  • Patent number: 8752891
    Abstract: A planar heating device and a seat equipped with the device include: first and second warming heaters connected in parallel with electric power source; thermistor; thermostat connected in series with second warming heater; a heating part, i.e., first warming heater, that heats thermistor and thermostat; and controller to control temperatures of first and second warming heaters in accordance with temperature information from thermistor. For a period until thermostat turns off, quick-heating property is improved by energizing first and second warming heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Yoshimoto, Norio Abe, Kazuaki Hioki, Hiroyuki Ogino
  • Publication number: 20140152057
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided that may include a seat cushion, a seatback, a headrest and a heating element. The seatback may extend upward from the seat cushion. The headrest may extend from the seatback. The heating element embedded in one of the seat cushion, the seatback and the headrest. The heating element may be electrically coupled with an electrical power source and a pressure-sensitive switch. The pressure-sensitive switch may selectively allow and prevent electrical communication between the heating element and the electrical power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Scott E. Truant, Stefano Ranalli
  • Publication number: 20140152058
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat structure. A carrier is disposed on the seat structure and includes a matrix of fluid transfer lines. A spacer material is positioned over the carrier. A trim cover is disposed over the spacer material. A desiccant is made from a volcanic ash and is supported by the seat structure. The matrix of fluid transfer lines thermodynamically influences a relative temperature of the trim cover through both the carrier and the desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Paul Bryan Hoke, Clay Wesley Maranville, John W. Jaranson, Michael Kolich, Daniel Ferretti, Jeroen Lem
  • Publication number: 20140138992
    Abstract: A heatable seat includes a back and a bottom. At least one of the back and the bottom includes a heating pad. The heating pad includes a heating element, a number of first electrodes and a number of second electrodes. The heating element includes a flexible substrate and a carbon nanotube layer fixed on the flexible substrate. The heating element has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end is cut into a number of first strip structures. The second end is cut into a number of second strip structures. Each of the first electrodes clamps one of the first strip structures and is electrically connected with the first strip structure. Each of the second electrodes clamps one of the second strip structures and is electrically connected with the second strip structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: CHEN FENG, XUE-WEI GUO, LI QIAN, YU-QUAN WANG
  • Publication number: 20140132042
    Abstract: The invention relates to an occupancy detection device for detecting an occupancy of a seat of a motor vehicle. The occupancy detection device comprises an electric resonant circuit which includes a first and a second inductance and at least one sensor element; means for charging the resonant circuit with an alternating voltage; means for determining at least one electrical parameter in the resonant circuit (2), wherein the electric resonant circuit experiences a change due to a change of the surroundings of the sensor element, so that with reference to the determined electrical parameter an occupancy of the seat can be detected; and a first and a second terminal, via which a heater control can be connected with the occupancy detection device, in order to be able to simultaneously operate the sensor element as heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: TAKATA AG
    Inventors: Robert Midderhoff, Thomas Hellerforth
  • Publication number: 20140130516
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Gentherm Incorporated
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Patent number: 8702164
    Abstract: A heated seat comprising: a cushion with one or more trench areas; a heater comprising: a carrier with a periphery, the carrier further including: a first electrically functional layer that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier; and a second electrically functional layer that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion; and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge and a second side edge, and each side edge includes a cutout, and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other forming a neck portion; wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device over the neck portion of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment device to the cushion so that the neck portion is pulled into the trench; wherein the neck portion is free of the second electricall
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marinko Lazanja, Matthew Zuzga, Sergiu Csonti, Syed Iqbal, Igor Spasojevic, Tim Normand
  • Publication number: 20140097651
    Abstract: A seat occupant sensor and heater device configured for use in a vehicle seat including an occupant detection electrode and a seat heating element. The occupant detection electrode may be configured to capacitively detect and classify a seat occupant in accordance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS-208. The device includes a compressible spacer disposed intermediate to the occupant detection electrode and the seat heating element. The compressible spacer is configured to reduce capacitive coupling between the occupant detection electrode and the seat heating element when uncompressed and increase capacitive coupling between the occupant detection electrode and the seat heating element when compressed. The seat occupant sensor and heater device may exclude a fabric covering on the occupant detection electrode in order to improve sensitivity of the occupant detection electrode in high humidity conditions, i.e. relative humidity near or above 85 percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventors: DUANE D. FORTUNE, ROBERT K. CONSTABLE, DOUGLAS R. CHAMPION
  • Publication number: 20140084642
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer chair comprising a seat support, a leg support, a monitor mount, a rotatable keyboard and mouse support and double rotatable armrests centred on a power seat which allows sitting posture to be adjusted so as to match the body form of the user. The object of the present invention is to make computer usage environments more ergonomic than hitherto, and to provide a computer usage environment which allows the user to perform more work effectively as they feel less tired even when operating a computer for a long time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Chanseok Park
  • Patent number: 8646836
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a seat main body, and a duct that is provided in the seat main body. The duct includes an inlet port through which air is supplied, a first communication pipe which is branched from the inlet port and communicates with a first outlet port, and a second communication pipe which is branched from the inlet port and communicates with a second outlet port. The duct is provided with a heating device which is configured to supply or absorb heat to or from air flowing through at least one of the first communication pipe and the second communication pipe so as to generate a temperature difference between air discharged from the first outlet port and air discharged from the second outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroki Oota, Atsuki Sasaki, Takeshi Nishiura, Yasuhiko Niimi, Jun Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 8641139
    Abstract: A flexible flat structure has a flexible, flat resistance heating element that is connected to electrodes that are spaced apart from one another for supplying electrical current that is pressed on to the resistance heating element by staples or clamps in a force-fit manner and/or a form-fit manner and provides a more flexible connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Benecke-Kaliko AG
    Inventors: Andreas Gerken, Juergen Buehring, Roland Freudenmann, Dorthe Wittje
  • Patent number: 8618451
    Abstract: A heater member for a chair, of which the dimension as measured in the width direction is not constant, includes a fabric of a weft knitting structure having a plurality of conductive threads woven into the fabric as a part of constituent yarn. Each of the conductive threads has substantially the same length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Kunisada
  • Publication number: 20130334844
    Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system comprises at least one sensing electrode to be arranged on the bottom side of a seat cushion, a seat heater like structure to be arranged on a top side of said seat cushion, and an evaluation unit operatively coupled to said at least one sensing electrode for determining a value representative of the capacitance between the at least one sensing electrode and the seat heater like structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.
    Inventors: Laurent LAMESCH, Laurent FEDERSPIEL
  • Publication number: 20130292972
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
  • Patent number: 8567861
    Abstract: A seat comprises a cushion member, a seat heater, and a skin material. The seat heater has a planar base member disposed on the cushion member, a heater wire fixed to the base member, and a temperature control that controls the temperature of the heater wire. The skin material covers both the cushion member and the seat heater. The cushion member includes a seat cushion surface portion for a sitting person and a recess formed in a surface located on the side opposite to the seat cushion surface portion. The base member includes a seat cushion surface-side portion disposed on the seat cushion surface portion. The heater wire includes a seat cushion surface-side heater wire disposed in the seat cushion surface-side portion and an insertion portion heater wire extended from the seat cushion side heater wire. At least a part of the temperature control is connected to the insertion portion heater wire and is disposed within the recess of the cushion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Matsushima
  • Publication number: 20130270874
    Abstract: A seat heater, e.g. for a vehicle seat, comprises a heating element (10) for dissipating heat when a heating current flows across it and a temperature sensor (15) for providing a temperature signal indicative of the seat temperature. The seat heater comprises a common mode choke (16) with at least three windings. The heating element is connected in series between a first (16.1) and a second (16.2) thereof so as to be operatively connectable to a power source (12) via the common mode choke. The temperature sensor is connected to a third winding (16.3) of the at least three windings in such a way that the temperature signal may be received, e.g. by a temperature controller of the seat heater, via the third winding of the common mode choke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.
    Inventor: Laurent Lamesch
  • Patent number: 8544942
    Abstract: A heated seat (302) comprising: a cushion with one or more trench (30) areas; a heater (300) comprising: a carrier (2) with a periphery, the carrier (2) further including: a first electrically functional layer (4) that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier (2); and a second electrically functional layer (8) that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors {12} attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer (40) that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion, and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge (18) and a second side edge (20), and each side edge includes a cutout (26), and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other—forming a neck portion (28); wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device (32) over the neck portion (28) of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment, device (32) to the cushion so that the neck portion (2
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marinko Lazanja, Matthew Zuzga, Sergiu Csonti, Syed Rafat Iqbal, Igor Spasojevic, Tim Normand
  • Publication number: 20130249258
    Abstract: A seat assembly having a heater wire and a method of manufacture. The heater wire is made of an electrically conductive material and may be ultrasonically welded to a substrate, such as a trim cover assembly or a seat cushion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Carsten Kortwig
  • Patent number: 8523279
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat assembly with built-in heater having a configuration to minimize formation of creases. The vehicle seat assembly of the present invention comprises a seat heater. The seat heater is structured as a unit and comprised of a substrate and a heating wire. The heating wire has a first heater section and a second heater section. In the first heater section, a part of the segments bent on the left side extend leftward across the center. In the second heater section, a part of the segments bent on the right side extend rightward across the center. These segments are overlapped when viewed in the vertical direction. This configuration minimizes formation of creases in the middle area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: NHK Spring Co., Ltd., Kurabe Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Akitoshi Yamashita, Hiroshi Yagame, Takanori Nagai
  • Patent number: 8511754
    Abstract: An upholstered seat element for a vehicle seat comprises a foam padding (10) having a surface generally shaped in conformity with an outward surface of the vehicle seat, a trim cover disposed on the foam padding surface, a sheet-type electric device arranged between the foam padding and the trim cover and an attachment assembly securing the trim cover to the foam padding. The foam padding has at least one channel formed therein on the foam padding surface, along which channel the attachment assembly is arranged. The sheet-type device has at least one strip-shaped portion crossing the channel in at least one crossing location. The foam padding has a recess formed therein at the at least one crossing location, the recess being dimensioned in such a way that the strip-shaped portion of the film type device may slide into the recess when the upholstered seat element is subjected to a force inducing deformation of the foam padding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: IEE International Electronics & Engineering S.A.
    Inventors: Fabian Leponce, Jean Claude Schmitz, Sanel Imamovic
  • Publication number: 20130207422
    Abstract: A heated seat for a vehicle that includes a heat element including at least one wire arranged in a predetermined pattern to substantially cover a cushion of the seat. The at least one wire includes a plurality of portions of varying resistance, wherein the plurality of portions of varying resistance are arranged in a configuration that corresponds a pressure distribution exerted on the cushion by an occupant of the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Brittany Potton, John D. Cox
  • Publication number: 20130200661
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid cushion element, in particular a seat cushion element for use in a motor vehicle, to a method for producing a cushion element, and to a vehicle seat, wherein the cushion element has a non-woven fabric layer and a fiber composite material, wherein an insert material is arranged between the non-woven fabric layer and the fiber composite material. During the production in a mold, fibers for the fiber composite material wetted with a binder are applied to the insert material, wherein the insert material and the layer of fibers are then pressed to form a complex molded body, wherein the binder can be cured at a temperature less than 120° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Klusmeier, Michael Janz, Andreas Weingartner
  • Patent number: 8500194
    Abstract: An occupant detection system including a seat assembly comprising a seat cushion having a seating surface, a heating element adjacent the seating surface, said heating element formed of electrically conductive material, a heating circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, said heating circuit configured to supply an electrical current to the heating element effective to generate heat by the heating element, an occupant detection circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, said occupant detection circuit configured to detect an occupant presence near the heating element, and an isolation circuit interposed between the heating circuit and the heating element, said isolation circuit configured to prevent the heating circuit from influencing the occupant detection circuit, said isolation circuit comprising a common mode choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Fischer, Ludger Oel, Georg Hofmann
  • Patent number: 8492680
    Abstract: A heating device for a seat exhibiting excellent durability, reliability, safety and enhanced workability in fixing work to a seat while reducing the cost and weight and ensuring comfortable feeling at seating without causing a strange feeling. The heating device for a seat comprises a heating matter (4) including a base substance (2) and a heating wire (3) arranged on the base substance, a temperature detection element (5) for detecting temperature of the heating matter, and a temperature control circuit (1) for controlling temperature of the heating matter based on the output from the temperature detection element, characterized in that the temperature detection element and the temperature control circuit are arranged at predetermined positions on the base substance. The temperature control circuit is insulation-covered together with a part of lead wires connected to the temperature control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Kurabe Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadahiko Ohashi, Yasuhiro Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20130147238
    Abstract: A seat heater (10) with a heating element (12) connected between a first (14) and a second (16) nodes comprises a third (18) and a fourth (20) node operatively connectable to a first and a second terminal, respectively, of a power supply. A first electric component (22) providing a controllable first conductance is connected between the first and the third nodes. A second electric component (24) providing a controllable second conductance is connected between the second and the fourth nodes. A control network (26) is connected to the electric components to control the respective conductances and has a mode of operation in which it applies an oscillating signal to the heating element by modulating the first and second conductances in such a way that a voltage drop variation between the third and first nodes is opposite to a voltage drop variation between the second and fourth nodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A.
    Inventor: Martin Thinnes
  • Publication number: 20130134745
    Abstract: A seat heater has heater electrodes in a film shape and a sensor electrode in a film shape. When detecting an occupant through the sensor electrode, the heater electrodes are disconnected from a heater unit to cause those electrodes to be substantially insulated from a vehicle. This makes it possible to detect the occupant seated on a seat without being affected by the heater electrodes. According to such a structure, it becomes possible to warm the occupant and to precisely detect the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Hiroshi Aoki
  • Publication number: 20130127210
    Abstract: A ventilation apparatus for a seat in which a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater is equipped in the ventilation apparatus which blows air to the seat in order to prevent overheating as well as to reduce heat loss. The ventilation apparatus includes a seat having a back and a seating section each of which has a discharge passage which discharges air toward a user. A blower is disposed in each discharge passage of the seat. A PTC heater is disposed inside each blower, and heats air that is being blown. A control unit simultaneously or individually controls the blowers and the PTC heaters. Accordingly, heating efficiency is improved and safety is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: KBAUTOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: KBAUTOTECH CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130127212
    Abstract: Heater electrodes and a sensor electrode both in a film shape are formed on the top surface of an insulation sheet without overlapping with each other. As a result, a seat heater has a small overall thickness. Then, the seat heater can be placed near the seating surface of a seat without making the seat less comfortable to sit in. The occupant is detected based on the impedance between the sensor electrode and the vehicle. As a result, it is possible to warm the occupant seated on the seat efficiently and detect the occupant with accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Hiroshi Aoki