Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to mapping a plurality of temperatures across an area. One example provides a temperature sensing device including a flexible support and a temperature sensing structure having a plurality of individually readable temperature sensing junctions. The temperature sensing structure includes a line of a first conductive material extending across an area of the support, and a plurality of lines of a second conductive material each intersecting the line of the first junction material at a corresponding sensing junction.

Abstract: A system for inspecting vehicle pull of a vehicle includes: a sensor monitoring device that collects information for vehicle pull inspection from a sensor installed in the vehicle; a travel path measurement device that measures a travel path of the vehicle in a vehicle pull measurement section; and a vehicle pull analysis device that determines whether the vehicle passes the vehicle pull inspection, based on the sensing information collected from the sensor monitoring device and travel path measurement information collected from the travel path measurement device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a belt-shaped cord member by cutting a rubber topped fabric produced by covering a topping rubber on an interdigitated fabric formed by interweaving many warp textile cords and few wefts to a predetermined width, comprising; an interdigitated fabric forming step of arranging a cord having conductivity for every predetermined number of the many warp textile cords which is then interwoven with the weft yarn, a rubber topped fabric producing step of topping rubber on the front and back surfaces of the interdigitated fabric, and a cutting step of cutting the produced rubber topped fabric by every predetermined number of the textile cords, wherein, in the cutting step, the rubber topped fabric is cut along the textile cord in which a cord having conductivity is arranged, after the position of the textile cords is specified by energizing the rubber topped fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a planar heating element and, more particularly, to planar heating using a multiple electrode system configured to uniformly generate heat by weaving using wires having different thicknesses and materials. In order to achieve the aforementioned objective, a planar heating element of the present invention comprises: a first wire part which is heated to generate heat when power is supplied and which is formed of a mesh structure having a regular size; a second wire part which generates heat when power is supplied and which is formed at a mesh size relatively larger than the mesh size of the first wire portion; and a module part for supplying power to the first wire part and the second wire part.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of detecting faults beneath a construction supported by earth. The method comprises detecting the conditions of fabric built into the construction supported by earth. One condition of the fabric indicates a fault while a second condition indicates no fault. The detected condition is associated with the location of the fabric that was built into the construction. The detected condition of the fabric is reported. Also disclosed is a fabric that can be included when constructing a road or similar construction such as a highway, railway, runway or dike. The fabric is an array of electronic circuits such that stretching or tearing said fabric will damage electrical characteristics of the fabric. An apparatus for detecting faults beneath a road is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a fabric built into the road, and a sensor apparatus configured to measure conditions of the fabric at multiple locations. A subset of the conditions of the fabric indicates faults beneath the road.

Abstract: In a method and a device for laying busbars (5, 31, 33) in films, in which a bundle of heating wires (32) and at least two busbars (5, 31, 33), each electrically contacting at least one subset of the heating wires (32), are applied to at least one base film (3, 14-17, 21-24, 30), wherein the busbars (5, 31, 33) are each guided by a guide unit (35) in the direction of a pressure roller (1) and are pressed by the pressure roller (1) in the direction of the base film (3, 14-17, 21-24, 30) and are cut by a cutting device (8), it is proposed that the busbars (5, 31, 33) are each cut before the pressure roller (1) in the supply direction.

Abstract: A variable conductive apparatus responsive to an applied external force for use in a variable pressure sensor, monitoring system, or other devices. The variable conductive apparatus comprises a first conductive path that includes a first conductive surface; a second conductive path that includes a second conductive surface, a part of the second conductive surface having a conductive contact surface area with a part of the first conductive surface when there is no applied external force, another part of the second conductive surface separate from another part of the first conductive surface when there is no applied external force, wherein the applied external force increases conductive contact surface area between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface and results in an increase in conductivity between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes a flexible layer, electrical traces on the flexible layer and a lattice substrate to support the flexible layer. The keyboard device further includes a key actuatable to contact the flexible layer and to stretch at least a portion of the flexible layer into an opening in the lattice substrate and a sensor to detect a change of capacitance of the electrical traces in response to actuation of the key by a conductive object.

Abstract: This document describes two-layer interactive textiles. In one or more implementations, the interactive textile includes a top textile layer and a bottom textile layer. Conductive threads are woven into the top textile layer and the bottom textile layer. When the top textile layer is combined with the bottom textile layer, the conductive threads from each layer form a capacitive touch sensor that is configured to detect touch-input. The bottom textile layer is not visible and couples the capacitive through sensor to electronic components, such as a controller, a wireless interface, an output device (e.g., an LED, a display, or speaker), and so forth.

Abstract: A breathable electrical heater element for a topical application device such as a wound dressing or a therapeutic heating pad is disclosed. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a track pattern onto a porous metallised fabric (e.g. nickel coated woven polyester). The heater element has a skin or wound contact layer laminated to the front face of the heater element. An adhesive layer is laminated to the back face of the heater element. The adhesive layer forms an overhang to provide an adhesive border around the wound contact layer to adhere the device to the skin of a patient. Therapeutically active drugs (optionally microencapsulated) may be incorporated into the skin or wound contact layer. Operation of the heater element causes the skin or wound contact layer to release the active drugs to the skin or wound of the patient.

Abstract: A heater element for formed components is disclosed, along with the final formed component itself. The heater element is produced by photochemically etching a suitable heater track pattern from porous metallized fabric such a nickel coated woven polyester. The heater element is located within a mold. Thermo-formable material is then applied to the mold and the final component is shaped according to the shape of the mold. The final component has a heater element located within it. The component may have microencapsulated agents for initiation by operation of the heater element. Furthermore, the final component may have one or more digital images printed onto the surface for the purposes of decoration or personalization.

Abstract: A heater element for formed components is disclosed, along with the final formed component itself. The heater element is produced by photochemically etching a suitable heater track pattern from porous metallised fabric such a nickel coated woven polyester. The heater element is located within a mould. Thermo-formable material is then applied to the mould and the final component is shaped according to the shape of the mould. The final component has a heater element located within it. The component may have microencapsulated agents for initiation by operation of the heater element. Furthermore, the final component may have one or more digital images printed onto the surface for the purposes of decoration or personalisation.

Abstract: A breathable electrical heater element for a topical application device such as a wound dressing or a therapeutic heating pad is disclosed. The heater element is formed by photochemically etching a track pattern onto a porous metallised fabric (e.g. nickel coated woven polyester). The heater element has a skin or wound contact layer laminated to the front face of the heater element. An adhesive layer is laminated to the back face of the heater element. The adhesive layer forms an overhang to provide an adhesive border around the wound contact layer to adhere the device to the skin of a patient. Therapeutically active drugs (optionally microencapsulated) may be incorporated into the skin or wound contact layer. Operation of the heater element causes the skin or wound contact layer to release the active drugs to the skin or wound of the patient. Appropriate control of the temperature of the heater element allows control of the release of the active drugs.

Abstract: A manually operable position sensor is shown, for providing control signals to an electronic device, such as an audio player. A fabric ribbon (101) has a length substantially longer than its width with insulating yarns and electrically conducting yarns included therein. The conducting yarns define three conductive tracks (103, 104, 105) running the length of the fabric. The conductive tracks are configured to interface with an electronic device at a first end. At a second end, an active region of the fabric forms part of a sensor assembly that is receptive to a manually applied pressure.

Abstract: A multi-layered carrier comprising: a first layer; a jacket; a laminated fabric heater disposed between the first layer and the jacket, wherein the heater comprises a consolidated electrically conductive fabric layer, a plurality of bus bars, a first thermoplastic layer, and a second thermoplastic layer, wherein the first and second thermoplastic layers sandwich the consolidated electrically conductive fabric layer and the plurality of bus bars to form a fused single sheet; and a cavity formed from the assembly of the first layer, the jacket, and the heater; wherein the multi-layer carrier provides for the even distribution of heat throughout the cavity.

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

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

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: A connection endpiece placed on a resistor element provided with at least one layer of electrically-conductive fibers, the endpiece serving to connect a power supply wire electrically to the resistor element. The endpiece includes at least one metal plate having a top face for connection to the power supply wire, and provided with at least one rigid metal connector member of substantially flat shape arranged at a first end of the metal plate and connected to at least one layer of electrically-conductive fibers of the resistor element, the top face of the metal plate being covered in a removable anti-adhesive covering.

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.

Abstract: A heater sealed with carbon wire heating element has a carbon wire heating element sealed with a quartz glass member, the carbon wire being prepared by knitting carbon single fibers into a knitted cord of a braid, each wire having a crystal structure with a interlayer spacing d (002) thereof being 0.343 or less and crystallite size Lc (002) thereof being 4.0 nm or more.

Abstract: A deicing apparatus comprises an integral stack of layers inseparably joined in intimate mutual contact forming a flexible mat. The layers include a first layer to be placed into contact with a surface to be deiced or to be maintained clear of ice, having electrical insulation properties, a second layer of resistance heating, electrically conductive material formed in an electrical conducting path, a third layer of electrically insulating material, a forth heat energy reflective layer of metallic foil, and a fifth layer of thermally insulative and physically tough material. A device for applying an electrical current to the second layer to produce heat energy is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminated fabric heater element, heater and a process for manufacturing the heater element and heater. The heater comprises an electrically conductive fabric layer attached to bus bars, is sandwiched between two thermoplastic films forming a heater assembly. In the process making the heater element or heater, the layers of the heater assembly by consolidating the layers of films and fabric into a single sheet heater without the use of adhesive resins. The heater can be made of variable geometry, electrical supply voltage and power, and can withstand more mechanical, chemical, ultraviolet radiation and other environmental stresses than prior art heaters.

Abstract: A position sensor is arranged to detect the position of a mechanical interaction, such as the application of manual pressure. A first fabric layer has electrically conductive fibers machined therein to provide a first conductive outer layer allowing conduction in all directions along the layer. A second fabric layer has electrically conductive fibers machined therein to provide a second conductive outer layer allowing conduction in all directions along the layer. A central layer is disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The central layer includes conductive elements. A first insulating separating element is disposed between the first conductive outer layer and the conducting elements. A second insulating separating element is disposed between the second conductive outer layer and the conducting elements. The conducting elements provide a conductive path between the first conducting outer layer and the second conducting outer layer at the position of a mechanical interaction.

Abstract: A two-dimensional heating element, especially for seat heaters in the motor vehicle sector, having a textile base material and contact conductors and heating conductors which are electrically conductive and touch one another. The contact conductors delimit heating areas. The heating conductors are laid effectively in the direction of stitch wales and orthogonal to the stitch wales in such a way that there are at least two zones functioning at least as a main heating area and at least as a secondary heating area with different heating capacities.

Abstract: An organic thermistor device has a pair of outer electrodes formed facing each other on end parts of a thermistor body made of an organic thermistor material. Metallic wires extend inside and through the thermistor body transversely to the direction in which the outer electrodes face each other such that the resistance value at normal temperatures of the device can be significantly reduced. Both exposed surfaces of the thermistor body not covered by the outer electrodes and exposed end surfaces of the metallic wires not covered by the thermistor body may be all covered by an electrically insulating layer. To produce such organic thermistor devices, an elongated wire-containing member is prepared by molding an organic thermistor material by covering metallic wires extending longitudinally parallel to one another. It is then entirely covered with an electrically insulating material but portions of it are removed from a pair of longitudinally continuous external peripheral surface areas.

Abstract: A description is given of a PTC polymer element (1) as part of an electrical component with a novel structure in which aperture angles (&agr;) on both sides of constrictions (2) in the PTC polymer material are at least 100°. As a result, an improved response behavior can be achieved, and, in connection with further features, the construction of PTC polymer elements which are more rapid, capable of carrying greater currents and have higher dielectric strengths is possible.

Abstract: A monolithic resistor is provided with a central resistive metallic foil strip positioned between and attached to a pair of wings formed from an electrically conductive metallic foil. The wings include large surface areas to dissipate heat. A plurality of terminal pins are formed in the conductive strips for connection to an integrated circuit board, as well as a current source.

Abstract: A method of heating a surface in which a wire mesh or netting heating element is spread evenly over or just under an area to be heated, and through which an electrical current is driven. The two ends of the heating element are connected to the secondary terminals of a transformer, which converts the supply voltage to a low and safe level.

Abstract: A meshed plate-like heater is disposed between multi-layer cylindrical filters without contacting with the filters to constitute a DPF. The heater has a form in which strip-like electric conduction paths are arranged and developed side by side horizontally, and then made cylindrical such that the different electric resistances are set for the inlet portion, the outlet portion and the center portion so as to constitute a DPF for regenerating particulates. The regenerative heater realizes a uniform temperature distribution all over the regenerative heater within a range of from about 600.degree. C. which is the self-burning temperature of the particulates to 1,000.degree. C. which is the heat-resistance temperature of the filters, in 10 minutes after the start of regeneration.

Abstract: A power door safety sensing strip with a bracket strip for attachment to the face of a power operated garage door. The sensing strip includes a flexible insulating tubular member having a bell-like shaped cross section with a wide inner face. A flat insulating member fastened to a narrow section of the bell-like member extends to the wide inner face. Conductive surfaces on the wide inner face and on the flexible insulating member are moved into contact upon deformation of the bell-like member, thereby providing electrical contact. A Z-shaped bracket to attach the sensing strip to the face of a power operated door has one leg adapted to be attached to the door face. Another leg of the bracket, formed with a U-shaped receptacle, receives and holds the sensing strip so that it extends a short distance beyond the door edge.

Abstract: A road heater comprising (1) a linear heater which is comprised of a linear heating element and a flexible electrically insulating layer formed on the entire periphery of the linear heating element, and (2) an outer textile structure such as a braid which covers the entire periphery of the linear heater. The road heater has a compressive yield load (Lc) of at least 1,000 kg. The outer textile structure is made of a thermoplastic synthetic fiber, preferably, a polyester monofilament, having a melting point of at least 200.degree. C. and a single fiber fineness of at least 1,000 deniers. The linear heating element preferably comprises a flexible heat-generating mixed spun yarn composed of stainless steel fibers and heat-resistant electrically non-conductive fibers.

Abstract: A heated tube with a electric heater comprising a braid structure of bare strands of resistance wire connected in an arrangement to form a number of resistance circuits in parallel in a zone formed between exposed core portions of an electrical feeder line. The electric heater is braided directly on a tube, or is braided in a flat shape and then wound in a large spiral around a tube and a feeder line with cores having exposed portions arranged along the tube. When power is supplied to the feeder line, the electric heater generates heat at each zone and a fluid flowing through the heated tube is uniformly heated.

Abstract: An electric heater comprises a braid construction of a plurality of strands having electric resistance, thereby the strands are heated due to a Joule heat when a current flows therethrough. The strands are braided with a core wire of tube or without cores. These strands are placed in two core wires dielectrically insulated, which core wires have exposed portions formed therein in a shape of semi-circle or arc-like at a regular interval mutually. The core wires are covered with an insulator laid thereon and an electric heating element is wound around the insulator covering in a large spiral. A C-shaped fixing piece made of metal is used to be adapted on the exposed portions of the core wires. Then the opening of the C shape of the fixing piece is pressed toward each other to close it. Claws, formed on the inner face of the fixing piece, grip firmly the strands of the heater element to the core wires.

Abstract: A filter cartridge with heating element separated from a support member by filter media wherein the heating element has rows of apertures alternately staggered to provide good hoop strength while allowing longitudinal thermal growth and contraction.

Abstract: A sensor array, usually a sensor matrix for sensing pressure, comprising a grid of conductors in a woven fabric, the row conductors crossing over the column conductors to form a matrix array of crossover points. The rows are separated from the columns by individually coating the conductors of one or both series with an electrically partially resistive fibrous material, so that when the conductors at any crossover point in the array are pressed closer together, the resistance between the two conductors at that crossover point decreases. By connecting the conductors to suitable electrical circuitry, the force applied at any crossover point and the location of that crossover point within the array can be determined.

Abstract: A modification of a woven cable (wire and fabric woven together to form a flat ribbon cable) assembly, in which the signal wires of the transmission lines are replaced with solderable resistance wires, thereby providing an economical method of building multiple lossy transmission lines.

Abstract: A heating element for textiles is disclosed, which comprises a plane textile element and, combined with this, metal conductors, which can be connected to a source of electrical current and which oppose the electrical current flowing through them with a heat-producing resistance. As resistance elements, the conductors have metallic fibers or filaments with a denier like that of natural or synthetic textile fibers. The metallic fibers or filaments have an average cross sectional thickness of about 8 to about 24 microns.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical, self-supporting, unitary high-temperature electrical resistance heating element is disclosed. The heating element is composed of a wire grate formed from a plurality of electrically continuous and intersecting wire segments made of electrical resistance wire. The configuration of the heating element can be maintained by a plurality of circular rings made of conductive wire and placed orthogonally at intermediate points along the length of the heating element and which can serve as electrical terminals. The resulting heating element offers advantages of low weight, high efficiency and minimal thermal inertia, and provides a unitary heater structure which provides the ability to have different temperature zones along its length.

Abstract: An in-line heater for an aerosol delivery system has an elongated tubular electrically insulated plastic body having first and second ends coaxially aligned along the major axis of the tubular body. The first and second ends contain an aerosol inlet and outlet, respectively. The plastic body has an unrestricted flow passage therein from the first to the second end and a self supporting electrically conductive spiral mesh heating element loosely fills the flow passageway within the body. The mesh heating element has a very low mass so as to be almost instantaneously responsive and extends across the space between the side walls of the flow passage to maximize the surface area thereof exposed to the aerosol mixture flowing through the passage. First and second terminals are adjacent the first and second housing ends, respectively, and are connected to the ends of the spiral mesh heating elements by a pair of crimped connector plates.

Abstract: An improved insulating plate for an insulated rail joint includes a main plate portion made of a thermo-plastic resin, thick portions formed on the main plate portion at its side face contacting a joint plate, and planar heater elements embedded in the thick portions.

Abstract: A planar heater for a liquid crystal element includes a thin metal plate having a relatively high specific resistance such as stainless, nichrome, nickel-chrome iron alloy, etc. The thin metal plate is subjected to etching-working to form a mesh-like heat generating body, opposite ends of which are provided with terminal portions for connection into an electrical circuit.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for use in heating surfaces. A heating element is constructed of mesh screen comprised of small gauge wires which are spaced in a close mesh arrangement such that the total surface area of the wires is substantially equal to or greater than the adjacent area of the surface to be heated. The longitudinal wires are electrically conductive and are preferably made of a nonferrous metal and the transverse wires are coated with an insulating material. The heating element is positioned substantially parallel to and adjacent the surface to be heated. The heating system includes electronic circuitry which essentially eliminates transmission of power surges, voltage spikes and chatter when the heating system is connected to an alternating current power source. The heating system also includes protective circuits and devices for preventing injury or damage due to transformer overheating, or due to under-current or over-current conditions.

Abstract: A heat tracing tape which can be cut to required lengths has a heating element comprising at least two lengths of woven or braided resistance wire each in the form of a flat strip. The strips are encased in extruded silicone rubber whereby they are spaced from one another. The strips are electrically connected at one end by a connector and the tape is provided with a power supply termination either at its other end, or at a T-branch connection, for connecting the tape to the power control system. The power control system is adjustable to set an estimated value of power required to maintain a predetermined process temperature. The system automatically adjusts the power supplied to the tape to the estimated value by means of a feedback control system. A process temperature sensor also regulates the power supplied to the tape in accordance with a sense temperature.

Abstract: A heating cord comprises bendable electric heating wire and nonconductive fiber. A net type heater is formed from the heating cords. Common power source terminals comprising a plurality of bendable conductors are fixed at both sides of the net type heater and are connected to the electric heating wire thereof.

Abstract: An electrical heating fabric has a warp composed of non-conductive threads, and selvedges which include plural lead wires. In the weft direction the fabric has both non-conductive threads and conductive wires. The different types of weft material are arranged in successive strips disposed transversely to the warp. First strips have non-conductive weft threads only. Second strips additionally have conductive weft wires. The strips are arranged alternately. The weft wires are all discrete, and their two ends are either in simple contact with the selvedge lead wires or are interwoven therewith.

Abstract: A plurality of heating wires are arranged so as not to cross each other. Common power source terminals are connected to two end portions or at an intermediate portion of each heating wire. Each common power source terminal has a plurality of conductors which cross the heating wires. The heating wires and/or the conductors are fixed on one surface of the nonconductive fiber sheet or are woven thereinto.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for use in heating surfaces. A heating element is constructed of mesh screen comprised of nonferrous, small gauge metal wires which are spaced in a cloth mesh arrangement such that the total surface area of the wires is substantially equal to or greater than the adjacent area of the surface to be heated. The heating element is positioned substantially parallel to and adjacent the surface to be heated. The heating system includes electronic circuitry which essentially eliminates transmission of power surges, voltage spikes and chatter when the heating system is connected to an alternating current power source. The heating system also includes protective circuits and devices for preventing injury or damage due to transformer overheating, or due to under-current or over-current conditions. An optional electronic circuit permits use of the device for preventing formation of ice on surfaces in an efficient and economical manner.

Abstract: A heating system is disclosed for a hot melt hose having multiple physically and thermally interchangeable series-connected heated hose sections wherein different hose sections exhibit different electrical power requirements per unit length. The multiple sections of the hose are physically and electrically interconnected end-to-end between a pressurized hot melt source and a hot melt dispenser, such as a hand-held gun, having a trigger-controlled valve for regulating the flow of hot melt from the gun. Each of the hose sections includes an inner, fluid impervious, chemically inert tube, preferably fabricated of tetrafluoroethylene; an electrically conductive multi-strand braided sheath snugly embracing the exterior surface of the inner tube and in intimate heat transfer contact therewith for supplying strength and heat to the tube; and an outer sheath of thermal insulating material surrounding the intermediate braided sheath for minimizing heat loss to the environment.

Abstract: A heating device having a sinuous, expanded metal heating element of high intensity and quick response mounted upon chemically inert non-woven alumina-silica filler refractory material. The heating element is fabricated of metal sheeting by slitting and expanding it to a selected shape, mesh size, strand width and gauge to provide uniform distribution of radiant energy over the entire face area of the heating element at elevated temperatures in which the watt density and heating element area are not limited by available voltage and temperature.