Abstract: A heat-exchanging core portion includes a plurality of tubes arranged in parallel and a plurality of fin members disposed between a pair of adjacent tubes. While an electric heat emitting unit is constructed by supporting a heat emitting body including a heat emitting element inside a frame through a fin member. The electric heat emitting unit is installed into a space, which is defined in the heat-exchanging core portion, having a predetermined distance after the heat-exchanging core portion is assembled and integrally brazed while defining the space.

Abstract: A windshield wiper system for an automotive vehicle is disclosed in which the windshield wiper washer fluid is heated and delivered to the windshield through the rubber wiping element. In one embodiment, the windshield wiper fluid is heated to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed reservoir by the heat from the engine coolant system. In another embodiment, a tubular electrical high intensity heating element with turbulent counter flow is used to instantly heat the windshield wiper fluid, and the heating element is automatically electrically energized in response to fluid flow through the tubular heating element. In another embodiment electrical direct current vehicle power or selectively alternating current external power is used to heat fluid to a substantial level of temperature and pressure within a sealed insulated reservoir. A novel windshield wiper blade is also disclosed in which the wiper blade has a longitudinally elongated fluid chamber formed along its length.

Abstract: A fluid warming device for warming blood and other fluids prior to introduction into a patient. The counterflow fluid bags utilize a flat counter flow pathway which provides high flow performance and ensuring uniform, gradual and energy efficient blood warming. The warming device contains a pair of opposed, identical heater elements. The guide rails of the bag align the counter flow passageway for the fluid so that the bag is spaced and located precisely between the heater elements. The heater is provided with a receptive slot down the middle, in a horizontal plane, with two different sized guide slots, one on each side of the receptive slot. A pair of guide rails, integrated into the sides of the bag, are parallel to one another providing sufficient rigidity for easy insertion of the bag, and being sized to allow easy insertion in only the correct orientation. The blood warmer preferably incorporates a microprocessor for precise control of the electric current provided to the heater.

Abstract: An electrically powered water heater includes a plurality of heating elements for substantially instantaneous heating of fluid passing through the heater. A controller for powering the plurality of heating elements is responsive to a temperature sensor in fluid communication with the heated fluid. The temperature sensor activates each of the plurality of heating elements for a predetermined period of time that is preferably no more than 32 half cycles. The controller activates a second heating element after a delay of preferably no more than 8 half cycles after activating a first heating element. The predetermined period of time for activating each of the plurality of heating elements may be substantially equal, such that each heating element contributes substantially equally to the heating of fluid. In one embodiment, the heater housing is provided with a plurality of chambers, and a heating element is provided within each of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A ground heating system is provided comprising an internal combustion engine which has a shaft output and an exhaust gas stream. An electric alternator/generator is driven by the shaft output of the engine. A working fluid is provided for transferring heat to the ground. A heat exchanger receives the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine and transfers waste heat from the exhaust gas to the working fluid. An electric heating element is provided for converting some of the electric output of the generator into heat and transferring this heat to the working fluid. A pump circulates the working fluid through a ground-engaging heat exchanger.

Abstract: An electrically heated catalyst installed in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, featuring simple construction, without causing the flow resistance of the exhaust gases to increase, and consuming small amounts of electric power. The electrically heated catalyst has two electrodes of different polarities in a casing through which the exhaust gases flow and has at least one catalyst support that is folded plural times in a zig-zag manner in a direction intersecting the direction of flow of the exhaust gases without coming into contact with itself, the two ends of the catalyst support being connected to these two electrodes. The catalyst support is constituted by a flat foil and a corrugated foil that are joined together, and electric insulators are provided at the folding portions of the catalyst support to stretch and support the catalyst support inside the casing. Owing to the insulators, the catalyst support is held in the casing in a state of receiving tension.

Abstract: An electrical foam heating element made by the process of forming a volume of reticulated silicon carbide foam material into a preferred shape, heating the material to a temperature of about 1000.degree. C. for a period of 24-30 hours, forming conductive edges over two respectively facing edge surfaces, applying an electrically-conductive felt material against the respective conductive faces, and clamping foam volume and foam between two electrically-conductive electrodes. In another embodiment, a region of nickel foam material is provided between the respective electrodes and the silicon carbide interior, and intermediate felt layers are provided between the nickel foam and the silicon carbide foam, and between the nickel foam and the electrodes. The layered felt material is of three-layer construction: inner and outer layers of electrically-conductive felt separated by an interior metal foil layer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for heating a fluid to normothermic temperature prior to delivery of the fluid to a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid to be warmed prior to delivery to a patient can be passed through a polymeric, flow-through chamber disposed in the fluid delivery line. An electrically resistive heating element for heating the fluid can be molded into the chamber to heat the fluid from room or ambient storage temperatures to a normothermic or body temperature of the patient. A probe of a temperature monitoring element can be used to monitor the temperature of the fluid exiting the chamber. In another embodiment, this information can be relayed back to a controller for controlling the power to the resistance element and hence, the temperature of the fluid. In still another embodiment, an infrared temperature sensor can be used for monitoring the temperature on the fluid exiting the chamber by scanning through a window in the outlet port of the chamber or elsewhere in the fluid line.

Abstract: A honeycomb heater comprising a honeycomb structure and a catalyst layer supported on partition walls of the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb heater includes a first portion that is resistance adjusted such that the first portion is adapted to heat more quickly than a second portion of the honeycomb heater. The first portion includes at least an inlet end of the honeycomb that receives gas that flows therethrough. In addition, the first portion has an area along the gas inlet within a range of 5 to 50% of the sectional area of the gas inlet. The first portion may extend through the honeycomb structure and terminate before reaching the gas outlet of the heater. The partition walls of the first portion may have a different hydraulic diameter, different thickness or different cell density than the second portion of the honeycomb heater.

Abstract: A secondary air supplying apparatus for an internal combustion engine and a gas heating apparatus are provided to enable high-performance exhaust gas purification in a catalytic apparatus of the internal combustion engine, in particular, even at a low-temperature starting time. A secondary air supplying apparatus supplies secondary air to the catalytic apparatus through a secondary air introducing path for communicating the intake side of the internal combustion engine with an exhaust manifold. In the apparatus, a gas heating apparatus having an exothermic body is provided for the secondary air introducing path.

Abstract: A honeycomb heater includes a honeycomb structure having a periphery, a front end, and a back end, including a plurality of passages which are defined by partition walls and extend in an axial direction of the honeycomb structure, the honeycomb structure being electrically conductive, whereby fluid flows through the passages from the front end to the back end; and a device for applying electric current to the honeycomb structure so as to generate heat; wherein at least one gap for obstructing electric current extends through the partition walls from the back end toward the front end but does not reach the front end so that, upon applying electric current to the honeycomb structure, a front region of the honeycomb structure heats more quickly than a back region of the honeycomb structure thereby a catalyst composition loaded onto the front region is activated earlier. Slit may extend between the front end and the back end.

Abstract: A metal honeycomb heating element is protectively mounted in an enclosure comprising a one-piece enclosure wall, the heater being supported between a circumferential support member and a circumferential compression ring attached to the enclosure wall. A diametrically balanced compressive force is maintained on the edges of the heating element by the compression ring and support, this force operating to significantly extend the life of the heater element under hot vibration. Heater slot separators and electrode feedthrough structures for extending the life of the heater element are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device for submersion within a tank of water to boil the water to produce steam, and for superheating the steam, comprising an outer sleeve; an inner sleeve partially disposed through the outer sleeve and having a proximal end, and a distal end in the form of an outlet port, the inner sleeve further defining a vapor chamber; a heating element disposed within the vapor chamber and in electrical communication with an external electrical power supply, the heating element adapted to produce heat in response to electrical energy from the power supply; a steam inlet tube extending outwardly from the inner tube and in fluid communication with the vapor chamber; and a one way valve disposed within the vapor chamber adjacent the outlet port, the valve adapted to selectively gate the flow of vapor from within the vapor chamber through the outlet port; wherein the heating device is configured to heat the water within the tank to a boil to produce steam, the steam inlet tube ada

Abstract: A compact portable apparatus and method for heating gases for periods ranging from about one tenths of a second to several minutes to temperatures as high as 2700.degree. Celsius in 4 hrs. Graphite or metal oxide spherical pebbles which are placed in an externally thermally insulated cylindrical bed. The pebbles enclose and are heated by electrical resistive elements from which they are physically isolated. High heat storage density is achieved by designing the bed for high pressure loss operation and gas flow is in the downward direction. The bed is pressurized prior to initiating the gas flow with a quick acting valve or burst disc placed at the heater outlet. Typical applications are as a heat source for magnetohydrodynamic channels or wind tunnels. For magnetohydrodynamic applications a pulsed liquid seed metal injection method producing micrometer diameter liquid particles is disclosed.

Abstract: A heating element for heating fluid flowing therethrough, including an electrically conductive honeycomb structure, electrodes electrically connected to the honeycomb structure for applying an electric current to the honeycomb structure, wherein the honeycomb structure has a front region which is adapted to heat more quickly than a back region of the honeycomb structure. To this end, the honeycomb structure may include at least one gap for obstructing electric current flow, the gap extending through the partition walls and terminating before reaching the front end of the honeycomb structure. Alternatively, the front region may be heated more quickly than the back region by providing at least one depression formed the back end of the honeycomb structure, such that the front region extends from a terminating end of the depression toward the front end of the honeycomb structure. A catalytic converter incorporating the heating element is also provided.

Abstract: A heater unit comprising (1) a honeycomb heater comprising (a) a metallic honeycomb structure having a large number of passages parallel to the direction of a gas flowing through the heater unit and (b) at least one electrode for electrification of the honeycomb structure, attached to the honeycomb structure, and (2) a metallic casing for holding the honeycomb heater (1) therein via at least one metallic supporting member, in which heater unit an insulation portion is provided at least either at the connection area where the honeycomb heater and the supporting member are connected or at the connection area where the supporting member and the casing are connected, and the supporting member has such a structure as to be able to absorb the displacement of the honeycomb heater which appears in a direction substantially perpendicular to said gas flow direction, and has a function of fixing the honeycomb heater against its displacement which appears in the gas flow direction.

Abstract: A liquefying apparatus for melting solid materials has a hopper with a coiled heating element disposed therein which supports and melts the solid materials into a liquid form. The liquid is stored below the heating element in a bottom section of the hopper, and is continually adjusted to a predetermined level, in order to insure that 1) the liquid in the lower section has a substantially constant temperature distribution and 2) a skin or film is not formed on the heating element which would reduce the liquefying rate.

Abstract: Flow-through fluid heaters useful, e.g., for the preheating of exhaust gas streams prior to catalytic treatment thereof, are made by bonding an electrically conductive metallic film or foil to at least one pre-sintered flexible ceramic foil substrate to provide a flexible, electrically conductive ceramic/metallic heating element, that element then being formed into a crimped sheet or base sheet for incorporation into a honeycomb structure which includes a plurality of open channels extending from one surface of the structure to another surface of the structure, formed by one or more contacting combinations of crimped sheet and base sheet. Catalytic coatings may be applied to the preheaters to provide a heater/converter with very rapid light-off characteristics.

Abstract: A heat transfer material for heating and heating unit and heating apparatus using the same material, wherein the heat transfer material comprises a substrate 2 and an electrical insulating layer 4 as a first layer, an electrically conductive layer 5 entirely or partially provided as a second layer, and a heat insulating layer 6 as a third layer, all of which are formed in turn on the substrate 2, whereby a heat transfer material for heating which is capable of insulating a substance to be heated and highly heat efficiency uniformly heating and which has rapid thermal response is obtained.

Abstract: An electrically heated catalytic converter having a substrate for a catalyst which is formed as a scroll-like cylindrical laminated assembly, a rod like metal center electrode connected to the laminated assembly, and a casing accommodating the laminated assembly which also acts as an outer electrode. The center electrode extends from the laminated assembly along the central axis, bends towards the wall of the casing and penetrates the casing. The center electrode is fixed to the casing via an insulating material at the point where it penetrates the casing. Four buffer members are interposed between the laminated assembly and the casing, each of buffer members being made of a metal plate, one end of the respective buffer members being fixed to the casing at the portion near the penetration point of the center electrode, the other end of the respective buffer members being fixed to the outside of the laminated assembly.

Abstract: A catalyst 1 is provided in a gas passage 4 for communicating between a gas flow-in unit 12 and a gas flow-out unit 13, and the catalyst 1 is heated by a heater 2, and a temperature sensor 3 for detecting the temperature of the heater 2 is provided inside the heater 2. By feeding power to the heater 2, the wall temperature of the heater 2 is raised to heat the catalyst 1, and then malodorous gas containing odor substances is passed in from the gas flow-in unit 12. The malodorous gas passes through the catalyst 1 in the gas passage 4 to be oxidized to be harmless and odorless, and is discharged from the gas flow-out unit 13.

Abstract: A very compact tankless water heater delivers heat in proportion to demand. A flow responsive valve energizing an electrical control system is purely flow responsive, even to minute flow, and consumes no power when dormant. An uncomplicated electronic control system is connected to power by the flow switch, and is substantially deenergized when dormant. Most electronic components of the control system are mounted on the flat front wall of the pressure vessel. Thus, overall dimensions are minimized, cool water serves as a heat sink, and heat generated by electronic controls is captured for heating purposes. In particular, triacs controlling the heating elements are cooled, thus prolonging their life. A preferred embodiment of the novel heater has a maximum electrical consumption of 22 kilowatts, with equivalent heat output, and has overall external dimensions of 24 inches in height, 5.5 inches in width, and 4 inches in depth (61 cm in height, 14 cm in width, and 10 cm in depth).

Abstract: A coffee-maker is provided which comprises a first supply voltage terminal (10) and a second supply voltage terminal (11), a heating element (12), a first switching element (13), and a second switching element (14), which heating element (12), first switching element (13) and second switching element (14) are serially coupled between the first supply voltage terminal (10) and the second supply voltage terminal (11), the first switching element (13) being adapted to set the heating element (12) to a first keep-warm temperature and the second switching element (14) being adapted to set the heating element (12) to a second keep-warm temperature. For an improved control to set the heating element (12) to the first and the second keep-warm temperature, the second switching element (14) is adapted to set the heating element (12) to the second keep-warm temperature depending upon a time needed to establish the first keep-warm temperature.

Abstract: Electrically conductive honeycomb structures are provided for use as catalytic converters, pre-heaters for catalytic converters, or particulate filters. The honeycomb structures are composed of subunits which are arranged to produce a serpentine conductive path through the honeycomb. The serpentine path gives the honeycomb an increased electrical resistance so that elevated temperatures can be achieved with less current. The subunits allow the serpentine current path to be produced without any slitting or cutting of the honeycomb.

Abstract: An air flow containing microorganisms including fungal spores is sterilized by heating the air flow to a sufficient temperature to weaken cellular walls of the microorganisms, inducing turbulence in the air flow; and providing in the air flow sufficient contact surface against which the microorganisms may hit and be destroyed at a flow rate and turbulence level of the air flow.

Abstract: A heater for the rapid heating of water includes a main body having plural vertical upwardly opening chambers, combined with a molded cover plate that can be removably installed over the upper part of the main body. A plurality of combination heating and chamber partition assemblies extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the installed cover plate and one each of the assemblies resides in a main body chamber, each assembly including a generally flat and vertically elongated partition member and a pair of heating coils mounted to each partition member, one each coil on opposite sides of the partition member, and each partition member cooperates with a chamber to form a first channel for conducting water downwardly and a second channel for conducting water upwardly.

Abstract: A unitary electric resistance "in line" tankless water heater for interconnection to an electric power supply conduit, a cold water inlet line and a hot water supply line. The heater includes three separate stacked compartment sections of matching circular configuration and formed of molded nonconducting plastic material. A lower field wiring compartment includes in its side wall the mounting port for interconnection of the power supply conduit and encloses a terminal block interconnected to the power leads of the supply conduit. An upper water heating compartment encloses a circular heating coil element and includes in its top cover member a cold water inlet port and a hot water outlet port for interconnection, respectively, to the cold water inlet line and the hot water supply line. An intermediate compartment encloses a microswitch which is electrically interconnected to the power leads via the terminal block in the lower compartment and to the terminals of the heating coil in the upper compartment.

Abstract: A continuous flow water heater assembly requiring no storage tank and including an entrance chamber having a flow control switch mounted therein adapted to be activated upon a positive flow of water through the system wherein the water flows from the entrance chamber to a plurality of heating elements each of which are at least partially segregated by virtue of their being removably mounted within separate heating chambers. The heating chambers are attached in fluid communication to one another by a plurality, at least two, ports which are of proportionately different sizes such that water will be passed between the first and second heating chambers in proportionately different amounts through the different sized ports. Water is thereby effectively distributed between the heating elements so as to prevent exposure of the heating elements when activated and thereby eliminating either of the heating elements from being exposed to air and thereby subject to burnout.

Abstract: Apparatus for vaporizing liquids to be burned in an internal combustion engine or furnace for the purpose of increasing fuel efficiency, improving cold weather starting and reducing pollution. The device may also be used in non combustion processes such as heating coating or disbursing. A three dimensionally porous electric heating element constructed of a PTC ceramic is utilized in combination with a liquid injection apparatus for the purpose of vaporizing liquid injected into it. The PTC ceramic is resistantly heated by electrical power leads a temperature at which the injected liquid vaporizes and diffuses through its pores. The porous PTC ceramic is designed to auto-stabilize its temperature at a point for the optimum vaporization of the desired liquid.

Abstract: A heating or cooling vessel for heating or cooling a fluid as it flows through the vessel includes an outer tubular shell and an inner tubular member mounted to the outer tubular shell. The inner tubular member includes a central passage defining a first flow path, and a space between the inner tubular member and the outer shell defines a second flow path which communicates with the first flow path at one end of the inner tubular member. A seal member is provided toward the opposite end of the inner tubular member, for cutting off communication between the first flow path and the second flow path. An inlet provides cool fluid to the first flow path, and the fluid circulates through the first flow path and into the second flow path for discharge through an outlet in communication with the second flow path.

Abstract: Electrically conductive honeycomb structures are provided which include an inlet face, an outlet face, a set of short insulating slots extending from the inlet face towards the outlet face, and a set of long insulating slots extending from the outlet face towards the inlet face. The short and long slots are interdigitated so that electrical current flowing parallel to the inlet face must follow a serpentine path around the ends of the slots. The serpentine path is located closer to the inlet face than to the outlet face so that the heating effect of the current is localized near the inlet face.

Abstract: This invention relates to the control of the temperature of heated fluid flow through a so-called single pass electrical heater. Specifically, a controller and accompanying flow circuit including a flow through single pass electrical heater is disclosed which provides for heating of water upon initiation of flow. A two stage control protocol is utilized for routing current under precise control to the heater element. In the first protocol utilized at start up to a control temperature limit slightly below the temperature set point, phase angle of current turn on with zero crossing current turn off control a 220 volt current to the single pass heater element. Once the control temperature is achieved, incremental adjustment of phase angle thereafter occurs with rapid asymptotical approach of the output temperature of the flowing water to a preselected temperature "set point" occurs.

Abstract: A device is provided for protecting a heating element in an electric water heater which consists of a sensor for sensing a predetermined amount of water that has entered the electric water heater and an electric circuit with a relay controlled by the sensor, for energizing the heating element when the predetermined amount of water is within the electric water heater and covering the heating element thereby preventing the burn out of the heating element; wherein the sensor has a float with electrical contacts that engage adjustable contacts set at a desired level to energize the heating element at a predetermined water level and includes an expandable seal mounted on the float preventing water from going above the float.

Abstract: An electrothermal color-varying instrument for inducing color change in a color-varying layer includes a heat generating element composed of a sintered barium titanate thermistor in face-to face contact with a heat transmitting member having a heating end portion for transmitting heat to the thermal color-varying layer. The thermistor has:(i) a positive temperature coefficient on the electrical resistance within a temperature range from 25.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.;(ii) a volume resistivity at 25.degree. C. (.rho..sub.25) within a range of 9.8.times.10.sup.-3 to 2.97.times.10.sup.5 .OMEGA..multidot.cm; and(iii) a ratio (.rho..sub.70 /.rho..sub.25) of the volume resistivity at 70.degree. C. to that at 25.degree. C. within a range of 5.ltoreq.(.rho..sub.70 /.rho..sub.25).ltoreq.400.The electrothermal heat generating element generates heat under the application of a voltage in the range of 0.8 to 40 volts and maintains a saturated heating temperature within a range of 30 to 100 degrees C.

Abstract: An improved vaporization system includes an automated valve and positive displacement pumping system using a pair of pumps operating in opposition to one another to provide continuous and constant volumetric flow at a constant predetermined pressure to an improved vaporizer using a stack of heated disks to flash vaporize the liquid. The valves are improved by providing one way flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a non-uniform temperature profile in a short duration wind tunnel includes a plurality of nested cylindrical elements each having an inlet end and an outlet end, a plurality of heater element extending axially along the surface of each of the cylindrical elements. The length and thermal mass of the cylindrical elements permits the temperature of test gasses to be raised to the desired level while the gasses are passing over those elements. A plurality of honeycomb elements occupy the space between each of the cylindrical elements to distribute the heating effects smoothly both radially and circumferentially. Each heater is controlled individually by a control circuit in order to establish the desired temperature profile at the outlet end of the apparatus.

Abstract: A resistance-adjusting-type heater including a honeycomb structure having a large number of passages and at least two electrodes provided on the honeycomb structure for energizing the honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure has a slit or slits which form a predetermined angle to the partition walls of the honeycomb structure so as to enable adjustment of resistance between the electrodes, so that gas flowing through the passages of the honeycomb structure is heated.

Abstract: A temperature control device and method for controlling water temperature for a fill water displacement beverage brewing apparatus. The beverage brewing apparatus includes a heated water reservoir for retaining a predetermined volume of water in a heated state and a thermostatically controlled heating device for heating the water in the heated water reservoir within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature control device includes a brew cycle activation device which automatically overrides the thermostatically controllable heating device for activating the heating device upon initiation of the brew cycle. The method heats fill water introduced into the reservoir regardless of the temperature of the water retained in the heated reservoir to reduce the time required to heat fill water to a desired water temperature.

Abstract: A device for heating flowing liquid or gaseous media has a heating element including a PTC resistor arranged between a pair of perforated metallic bodies serving as power supply terminals for the resistor. The heating element is positioned inside a tubular housing defining a flow path for the medium to be heated and made of two mating housing parts, with the heating element extending across the flow path for flow of the medium through the perforations of the metallic bodies to transfer heat to the medium. A bracket on each metallic body fastens the heating element to the housing and is electrically connected to a contact on one end of a power supply cable molded as an integral part of one of the housing parts and terminating at its other end in an electrical plug outlet on the housing part connectable to a battery or electrical network.

Abstract: A water heater includes a base formed in a board, a control device disposed on the base, a vessel fixed to the board and connected to the base, and a heater disposed in the vessel for heating the water contained in the vessel. The water heater occupies a small volume and includes a simplified structure such that the manufacturing cost of water heater can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A device for heating flowing media in a handpiece, particularly air or water for use in dentistry procedures, includes a structural unit for controllably heating a flowing medium disposed in a housing in a sealed manner such that an annular flow passage is formed between an interior wall of the housing and the structural unit. The structural unit includes a PTC resistor having end faces disposed between and in thermal and electrical contact with a pair of porous sintered metal heat exchanger elements at a non-zero angle to the direction of medium flow. Connectors on the opposing ends of the unit contact the sintered heat exchanger elements to flow connect the structural unit in a medium flow line and to electrically connect the PTC resistor to a heating control circuit.

Abstract: A heating device for heating flowing media includes a heat exchanger to be heated by PTC resistors. The heat exchanger is formed of thermally conductive metal having a slit-like pocket formed therein defining a given shape and defining pocket surfaces facing one another. A cuboid substrate body has a shape adapted to the given shape and an introduction side to be introduced into the pocket. The substrate body has opposed surfaces with recesses formed therein for receiving the PTC resistors and an internal conduit formed therein for receiving a contact spring. At least the surfaces of the substrate body having the recesses and the pocket surfaces facing the surfaces of the substrate body are beveled for decreasing the cross section of the substrate body and of the pocket from the introduction side inward, and for pressing the PTC resistors against the pocket surfaces upon introduction of the substrate body into the pocket with the PTC resistors located in the recesses.

Abstract: A mounting assembly is disclosed for a metallic honeycomb resistance heater structure wherein a pair of complementary ceramic honeycomb structures are utilized on opposite sides of the metallic honeycomb structure to not only mechanically support the same within an enclosing housing, but also to electrically insulate the resistance heater from such housing.

Abstract: A hair dryer includes a plurality of elongated positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) semiconductor heating units disposed in transverse side-by-side spaced relation in a linear array in a central air flow passage of an elongated tubular duct connected to a discharge port of a casing having an air fan rotatably mounted in the casing for blowing air through the air flow passage of the duct, each PTC heating unit defining a longitudinal axis disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the air flow passage of the duct and a plurality of elongated spaced fins longitudinally juxtapositionally mounted on the PTC semiconductor heating unit transversely of the longitudinal axis of the PTC heating unit, whereby upon a powering of the PTC heating unit and the fan to heat air as blown by the fan, the heated air will be guided in the tubular duct by the plurality of elongaed spaced fins to produce laminar air streamflow helpful for smoothly setting and drying hair or the like.

Abstract: An electric heating attachment for electrically heating the exterior portion of a sewer vent of a building to keep the vent from clogging from snow and/or ice and frost that may accumulate on the building roof. The attachment has an elongated rod insertable into the vent a with an electric heating tape extending along the length thereof. Laterally extending arms on an upper portion of the rod engage the top edge of the vent to limit the extent of the insertion of the rod into the vent. The section of the rod extending above the lateral arms terminates in a hoop portion having a portion of the heating tape extending therealong to heat the area immediately above the sewer vent to keep this area open to the atmosphere by melting the snow and/or ice above the vent.

Abstract: A supplementary passenger compartment heating assembly for use in conjunction with an automobile HVAC system having a forced air duct opening to the compartment includes a generally rectangular cross section air distribution duct molded integrally with the forced air duct from a heat conductive PTC polymer material. The air distribution duct has a pair of sides separated by a plurality of ribs extending therebetween so as to provide increased heat transfer area to the air forced therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic electric maker for coffee or the like, having user selectable AUTO, BREW, WARM or OFF modes. The temperature of the WARM mode is selectable by applying partial power to the heating element. Full power can be triggered using a phase controlled triggerable semiconductor. Monitoring devices measure temperature and time to control the operator of the apparatus and to detect malfunction. A temperature comparator is provided to determine if the water conduit should be cleaned and to determine if the BREW state of the machine should be converted to the WARM state, and to place the system in the OFF state if necessary.

Abstract: A process to clear pipelines carrying fluids viscous and/or rich in organic residues includes the introduction of a heating element inside a pipeline carrying the fluids through a coupling spool which is intercalated in the fluid-carrying pipeline. Simultaneously an electric current is applied to the heating element so that the heat generated by the heating element is transmitted to the viscous fluid or to the compacted residual mass inside the fluid-carrying pipeline, causing the detachment of those residues from the internal wall of the pipeline and re-establishing the conditions for fluid flow.

Abstract: There is provided an improved core for an electrically heatable catalytic converter, and an electrically heatable catalytic converter containing such core, said core characterized by having a plurality of subcircuits in which the heater strips of thin high temperature resistive metal alloy are in parallel and connected between an outer shell segment and a central structural member, and the plurality of such subcircuits is connected in series, whereby the resistance between the terminals of the electrically heatable catalytic converter is effectively raised.

Abstract: A heating coil assembly for use in an air blower device has an annular support element, a first end cap, a core having a heating coil spirally wound thereon, a sleeve surrounding the coil and core, and a second end cap. All components have a centrally disposed non-circular bore therein for receiving a heavy gauge non-circular wire retainer, swaged at one end, which extends through the entire assembly and is retained by a press washer at an opposite end. The interior of the sleeve is spaced from the coil forming an axial channel for air flow over the coil. Axial openings in the end caps form air inlets and outlets for the channel. The coil has several leads, at least one of which extends through an axial opening in one of the end caps. The heating coil assembly has a small number of components, which are easily assembled and simultaneously axially and radially positioned and retained relative to each other by the wire retainer.