Abstract: A wind turbine blade having an electro-thermal heating element is provided. The electro-thermal heating element has a sheet of electrically resistive material, which is folded so as to provide a plurality of heat zones. Each heat zone includes one or more layers of the sheet. At least two of the heat zones have a different number of layers of the sheet.

Abstract: An electric heater (1, 1?) for heating a substance inside a tank (100), the electric heater (1, 1?) comprising: —at least one resistive wire (4) adapted to be connected to a source of electricity, said at least one resistive wire (4) being provided with a sheath (41) made of electrically insulating material; —at least a first thermally conductive sheet (5) made of metal fixed to the at least one resistive wire (4); —at least two protective layers (2, 3) made of polymer material, fixed to each other; wherein the at least one resistive wire (4) and the at least a first sheet (5) are arranged between the at least two protective layers (2, 3).

Abstract: A system for unlocking a door is provided. The system includes an unlocking mechanism, an electronic board, and a mechanical switch. The unlocking mechanism is configured to unlock the door. The electronic board is configured to be activated from a sleep mode into an active mode. The sleep mode causes the electronic board to consume less than a predetermined amount of power. The mechanical switch is configured to be physically activated to close an electric circuit in the electronic board, thereby causing the electronic board to switch from the sleep mode to the active mode. Upon being activated into the active mode, the electronic board broadcasts a request to nearby computing devices to provide a verification code. Upon receiving the verification code, the electronic board activates the unlocking mechanism, thereby causing the unlocking mechanism to unlock the door, and switches back to the sleep mode.

Abstract: A system that provides mechanical movement of a surface of a touch sensor when force is applied, may include a substrate; a touch sensor formed on a substrate; a flex arm coupled to the substrate forming a flexible joint between the substrate and the flex arm; a housing for the touch sensor, the housing supporting the touch sensor at a distal end of the flex arm; and a force sensor integrated into the flex arm.

Abstract: A high-voltage cable for electrostatically charging a coating agent in an electrostatic coating plant is provided. The cable includes a centrally arranged cable core and an electrically insulating jacket which sheaths the cable core. The cable core has a moderate electrical resistance according to the principles of the present disclosure. The cable core includes fibers that form a non-woven fabric, and at least one strip of the non-woven fabric of the cable core is twisted.

Abstract: A system for measuring the force of the feet of a user upon the support surface of an item of footwear for each foot at multiple locations has a plurality of sensors each predictably varying in resistance upon application of a force thereto. The sensors send signals reflective of the force to an A-D converter. The digitalized signals reflective of the resistance and in some cases deflection are sent to a receiver for storage in a memory and for further transmission to a computing device to compute and display the force at each of the multiple points. An accelerometer may also be combined proximate to or attached to the insert to supply signals reflective of the acceleration and which can be used to calculate and display other information including acceleration, speed and distance.

Abstract: There is provided a multi-touch panel that includes equipotential line distortion correctors each for realizing an equipotential line with no distortion in a simple structure, even in a case where drawing wires have different length for respective input areas. The multi-touch panel includes a first conductive film and a second conductive film that are formed respectively on a first substrate 3 and a second substrate on surfaces facing each other. At least one of the first conductive film and the second conductive film is divided into a plurality of strip regions so as to configure a plurality of strip electrodes 5 (11). The strip electrodes each have a first end connected to a drawing wire 17 (19) that starts at the first end and ends at an external terminal 18 provided at a peripheral edge of the first or second substrate. The strip electrodes each have a second end connected to a drawing wire 17 (19) that starts at the second end and ends at the external terminal.

Abstract: A heated body mat realized by an assembly covered by a protective enclosure. The assembly has a major dimension (e.g., length) and includes a heat reflecting layer disposed between a top foam panel and a bottom foam panel. A resistive heater element is arranged in a single loop that provides coverage over a substantial part of the area of the mat. A plurality of thermostats (preferably 3 or more) are integrated as part of the loop and arranged in a series configuration being spaced apart along the major dimension of the assembly. Each one of said thermostats is normally closed and opens at one or more predetermined threshold temperatures to thereby open the current path loop realized by the resistive heater element. In use, electric power is supplied to the resistive heater element to generate heat that is emitted from the mat.

Abstract: A system and method for a bi-directional bend resistor are disclosed. The bidirectional deflectable resistor has a variable resistance stack on a top surface of a substrate having a resistance that changes predictably when an electrical signal is applied thereto. The change of resistance of the variable resistance stack reflects an amount of deflection of the bi-directional bend resistor. The variable resistance stack allows for the measurement of deflection of the bi-directional bend resistor in all directions.

Abstract: A resistor and a structure for changing an electrical resistance of a resistor. Initially, the resistor is provided, wherein the resistor has a length L and an electrical resistance R1. A portion of the resistor is exposed to a laser radiation, wherein the portion includes a fraction F of the length L of the resistor. After the resistor has been exposed to the laser radiation, the resistor has an electrical resistance R2, wherein R2 is unequal to R1.

Abstract: A system and method for a deflectable resistor. The deflectable resistor has a first layer of conductive material and a second layer of conductive material on a top surface of a substrate, said first layer of conductive material having a resistance that changes predictably. The change of resistance of the first layer of conductive material reflects an amount of deflection of the respective layer. A dielectric is placed over the first and second layers of conductive material. A third layer of conductive material is placed thereon. The dielectric material electrically insulates the first and second layers from the third layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a uniformly heated electric heating cloth comprising the steps of forming heating threads by dissolving a thermoplastic polymer in an organic solvent, adding an industrial carbon which is produced from acetylene to form a first mixture, grinding the mixture of industrial carbon and thermoplastic polymer, adding a colloidal graphite to form a second mixture, grinding the second mixture, coating threads with the second mixture in a spinneret, heating the coated threads to remove the organic solvent; and interweaving the coated heating threads with non-conducting threads in a perpendicular direction.

Abstract: A description is given of a passenger detector comprising a flexible support of insulating material, at least two electrode structures placed on said insulating substrate at a certain distance from each other, and a layer of semiconducting material placed above said electrode structures in an active zone of the detector. In conformity with the invention, said layer of semiconducting material has an internal resistance that varies with a deformation of said layer and said layer of semiconducting material is placed in intimate contact with said electrode structures.

Abstract: A trimming resistor is manufactured by depositing a resistive layer on a substrate, with a passivation layer having windows, and a contact layer which is in contact with the resistive layer via the windows. Trimming is carried out by interrupting the contact layer at narrow spots or regions. This invention has application for the manufacture of high-pressure sensors.

Abstract: An acceleration change detection system, which in a preferred embodiment is used as an impact detection system, detects whether a deflection sensor is deflected. The magnitude and/or direction of the impact may be considered. The system may include one or more than one deflection sensor. The invention may have particular use in a system that determines whether to deploy an air bag in a vehicle. The system may employ an open or enclosed chassis. The deflection sensors may deflect against deflection structures, which may be in various shapes. The deflection sensors have an electrical parameter (such as resistance) that changes upon deflection of the deflection sensor. In certain embodiments, the deflection sensor is ordinarily held in place by a movement inhibitor, which may include, for example, a magnetic, spring, clip, or stiff substrate. A large impact may create a force great enough to overcome the magnetic or mechanical force of the movement inhibitor.

Abstract: A deflection sensing system for detecting deflection includes one or more deflection sensors between opposing sets of extensions. When one set of extensions is moved toward an opposing set of extensions, the deflection sensors are deflected. A preferred deflection sensor is a flexible potentiometer, which has a resistance that changes as the flexible potentiometer is deflected A flexible potentiometer includes a variable resistance material on a substrate. In a preferred system, the flexible potentiometer includes a cantilevered section, which is deflected about an extension with respect to the remainder of the flexible potentiometer, or with respect to a portion of the substrate not including the variable resistance material. A flexible potentiometer experiences less stress when in cantilevered form than when stretched between two extensions. In either case, the extensions may be joined to first and second corrugated plates.

Abstract: A flexible element for use in a rotary position sensor or the like having the direction of electrical traces on one surface of the element altered without putting the traces into tension. The directional change is accomplished by partially splitting the flexible element and continuing an electrical trace from one side of the split back along the other side. The invention makes it possible to decrease the size for a given operational angle of mechanically variable resistors without sacrificing quality or reliability.

Abstract: A flexible liner for insertion into a waste receptacle. The liner comprises a side wall having an upper edge and inner and outer surfaces. The liner further comprises a closed bottom and an open top defined by the upper edge of the side wall. Disposed on the outer surface of the side wall adjacent the upper edge thereof is at least one elongate, adhesive strip. The adhesive strip extends partially above the open top in generally parallel relation to the upper edge.

Abstract: Use is made of thermoplastic materials in layered configurations as a thermally stable, rigid but not brittle strip of lengths of six inches to ten feet or more. The layered strip contains layers of conductive fibers in a resin matrix, which, through use of appropriate contact mechanisms and wiring, provide an assembly with an infinite potentiometer scale. The strips are especially useful in linear positioning indicators such as pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder and liquid level gauges. The strips are conductively connected by cutting a bias surface relative to said strips and placing resin thereon.

Abstract: A scanning potentiometer adapted to a hatch edge prevents buckling of an insulating cover (2) which has a contact strip (10) and a resistor strip (14) during bending and prevents undesired contact. The insulating cover (2) has two profiles (3, 4), with a reinforcing device provided in at least one of the profiles (3, 4). In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing device has tubular conduits (5, 6) that are integrated into one of the profiles (3, 4), namely the profile (3) that includes an actuation surface (7) of the scanning potentiometer.

Abstract: A soft and flexible thin heating element is made of strong, light and non-metallic yarns. The heating element comprises electrically conductive carbon/graphite containing fibers, woven or stranded into the strips, ropes, sleeves or strands of threads. The selected areas of the heating element core are modified to impart additional electrical properties. An optional positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material is incorporated into said selected areas. The electrode conductors are attached to said heating element core which is electrically connected in parallel or in series. The heating element core is shaped in a desired pattern. The whole assembly is sealed by at least one electrically insulating layer which envelops the strips, ropes, sleeves, or strands of threads.

Abstract: Use is made of thermoplastic materials in layered configurations as a thermally stable, rigid but not brittle strip of lengths of six inches to ten feet or more. The layered strip contains layers of conductive fibers in a resin matrix, which, through use of appropriate contact mechanisms and wiring, provide an assembly with an infinite potentiometer scale. The strips are especially useful in linear positioning indicators such as pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder and liquid level gauges.

Abstract: A miniature trimmer resistor has a resistor carrier with resistive path deposited thereon and solder contacts electrically connected to the resistive path. The resistor carrier and solder contacts are formed by means of a single film of electrically insulating material. This film is covered or coated with electrically conductive material in the region of the solder contacts and printed with a resistive enamel in the region of the resistive path.

Abstract: A medium temperature conductive-resistive article employing graphite suspended in a high temperature polymer based activator and water is disclosed. The conductive-resistive substance can be applied to a fabric-like substrate in order to provide an electrical resistive temperature adjustable heating element which can alter the temperature of the fabric-like substrate when electrical current is permitted to flow through the conductive-resistive substance. A process of making the article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A notebook computer or other electronic device has a flexible cable interconnecting electronic circuitry in a base with electronic circuitry in a cover. A flexible potentiometer is coupled to said flexible cable in a location which bends when said cover is opened and closed with respect to the base. The resistance of the flexible potentiometer has a first value when the cover is closed and has a second value when the cover is open. A detection circuit is responsive to the resistance of the flexible potentiometer and generates an output signal which indicates whether the cover is open or closed.

Abstract: A deflectable substrate such as a phenolic resin has a conductive ink deposited thereon in a pattern preferably with a segmented conductor positioned on top to form a flexible potentiometer in which the resistance consistently and predictably changes upon deflection or the bending of the substrate.

Abstract: A variable resistor that employs a bumped or dimpled flexprint circuit that rotates relative to an adjacent ceramic substrate having concentric circular resistors formed with printed resistive ink. The ceramic substrate is fused or screened with the resistive ink in a circular arrangement that forms the plurality of concentric printed resistors. The flexprint circuit having bump or dimple contacts is constructed, and the contacts of the flexprint circuit are positioned facing the ceramic substrate so that contact is made between the individual resistors and contacts. As the ceramic substrate rotates relative to the contacts, the values of the resistors change to produce variable resistor values.

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 flexible distribution sheet (11) including a plurality of conductors (13a to 13d) which are formed on an upper surface of a long sheet (12) having flexibility to extend from an end (12a) to another end (12b) thereof. The plurality of conductors (13a to 13d) are made of resistant conductive materials having resistance values within a range of 1 .OMEGA. to 100 k.OMEGA. across the same.

Abstract: A flexible potentiometer acts as a horn actuator in an automobile horn control system. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible potentiometer is adhered to a flexible substrate, which is in turn adhered to the inside surface of an airbag hub cover. The shape of the flexible potentiometer is chosen so that the automobile horn will sound when the driver presses against particular portions of the outside of the hub cover. The resistance of the flexible potentiometer changes as its shape changes as the user presses against the hub cover. A horn control circuit responds to extremely rapid changes in the resistance of the flexible potentiometer, but not to more gradual changes caused by, for example, temperature changes. Additional flexible potentiometers may be used to control other functions such as cruise control.

Abstract: A Kapton element is terminated by bringing an element which is wrapped at a substantially fixed radius from a rotor out through a linear portion to the terminations. This causes the terminations to be at an angle to the line between the electrical connector and the rotor. A standard termination is then made without the need to bend a sharp turn in the Kapton element--an advantage that is more significant as the bend radius is increased for tighter package sizing. This concept also offers improved assembly, reducing the effort to automate production.

Abstract: A magnetic variable resistor has an elongated band of electrically resistive magnetic material, with the side edges tapered to a sharp point so that the skin effect causes current to migrate to the edges to create greater resistance. A layer of insulating material can cover the band as it is coiled. Leads are secured to opposite ends of the band. An alternate form of the invention embeds the coiled band in a magnetic insulating material. Surface mount leads are flush with at least one surface of the insulating material.

Abstract: A flexible heating element is constructed by securing a flexible layer of conductive material constituting an electric heater to a flexible sheet. The layer of conductive material is connected to an electrical supply means by at least one electrode which has an embossed surface with protuberances that make direct contact with the layer of conductive material. A thermoplastic polymeric based adhesive at the interface between the embossed surface and the conductive layer secures the latter to the electrode.

Abstract: A deflectable substrate such as a phenolic resin has a conductive ink deposited thereon in a pattern preferably with a segmented conductor position on top to form a flexible potentiometer in which the resistance consistently and predictably changes upon deflection or the bending of the substrate.

Abstract: A digitizer screen and method of making. A coated conductive plastic film is perforated and is used in conjunction with a glass or other panel to provide a screen which may be used in an electronic digitizer for converting the position and movement of a stylus or other device on the screen to electrical signals representative of such positioning and movement. The perforated coated conductive plastic film may be laminated to the glass panel to form an integrated structure which does not require the use of masking and etching or similar processes to produce a desired apertured matrix pattern in the plastic film. Various arrangements of the plastic film are disclosed which facilitate the connection of the apertured portion of the plastic film to associated electronic components.

Abstract: A molded resin casing of an electronic part equipped with a flexible flat cable and internally accommodating a board on which are formed electric conductor patterns slidingly contacted by contacts of a slider of the electronic part, includes a flexible board having various electric conductor patterns formed on a synthetic resin film used as the board. The flexible board is formed integrally with a flexible flat cable comprising a synthetic resin film on which are formed electric conductor patterns electrically connected to the aforementioned various electric conductor patterns. When the molded resin casing is molded by injecting a molten synthetic resin, the flexible board is inserted in such a manner that the electric conductor patterns are exposed within the casing, thereby integrating the flexible board and synthetic resin casing, with the flexible flat cable extending outwardly from a side portion of the synthetic resin casing.

Abstract: An electric heater is described. The heater is composed of a plastic or a rubber strip conductor with a heat resistant and electric conductive chemical dispersed therethrough and electric conductors disposed on either side of the strip conductor so that when the electric conductors are coupled to a source of electrical energy current will flow through the strip and generate heat. The strip conductor then is covered with a polyethylene layer which is adhered thereto, and the polyethylene layer in turn is covered by a PVC layer.

Abstract: An electric heating element for a hair-curling wand having a barrel attached at one end to a handle is inserted into a portion of the barrel and consists of a loop cut out of thin flexible nickel foil having free ends forming terminals for connection to a voltage source, the loop being insulatingly embedded between two thin, flexible sheets of an insulating material. The loop is formed in the shape of two parallel straight stretches and reentrant portions at its both ends, whereby more thermal energy is produced by the end portions than by the central portion, resulting in a sustantially uniform temperature distribution. The heating element is pressed onto the inner wall of the barrel by a resilient, longitudinally slotted tube, which has an initially larger diameter than that of the barrel and is inserted along with the heating element into the barrel by a special compressing tool.

Abstract: A flexible carrier film with a printed circuit thereon is provided in comation with a terminal device which provides a plurality of terminal connection pins. A first part of the printed circuit contains a plurality of conductors, and a second part contains a plurality of resistor strips for supplying voltage levels to each conductor. In order to connect the first and second parts without crossings, a grid of connection strips is provided between the conductor strips and resistor strips and connected thereto. The film is bent along a score line extending through the grid and at a right angle thereto, with the conductor strips and resistor strips located on the outside of the folded film. The film is then clamped to the terminal device at the score line so that each connection strip is clamped on both sides of the score line.

Abstract: An electrical heating device comprising a substrate having an upper insulating surface, a semi-conductor pattern carried on the insulating surface, and a pair of metallic conductors mounted in face-to-face engagement with said semi-conductor pattern. The semi-conductor pattern includes a pair of spaced connector portions and at least one heating portion extending between and electrically connected to each of said connector portions, the connector portions have a electrical conductivity greater than that of said heating portion, and each of the metallic conductors is in face-to-face engagement with a respective one of said connector portions and has an area that is less than that of said respective one of said connector portions and an area:perimeter ratio greater than D/20 wherein D is the major dimension of the respective conductor portion.

Abstract: An electrically conductive element comprises a support (perferably a flexible continous polymeric film) and fibrous material (preferably a spun glass fiber web) which is partially embedded in the support and partially protruding therefrom, the protruding fibrous material being part of a conductive layer comprising randomly distributed fibers having conductive material adhered thereto. The element can be prepared from a conductive composition containing conductive particles dispersed in a liquid medium (preferably an aqueous dispersion of carbon particles) by applying said composition to a substrate comprising a support and fibrous material which is partially embedded in one surface of the support and partially protruding therefrom, and then drying to evaporate the liquid medium. The elements are particularly useful as heating elements which comprise electrodes so that current can be passed through the conductive layer.

Abstract: The present invention consists of insulating material fibers and an electroless plating layer formed on the fibers. The plating layer preferably consists of a nickel phosphorous alloy. A squeezing means for forcing the printing ink to pass through a printing pattern and/or a printing base for mounting an article to be printed are provided with a heating means.

Abstract: An electrical resistance apparatus adapted for the measurement of the position of the throttle blade of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a generally annular housing which has an inside surface that supports a flexible resistive element. The resistive element comprises a flexible web on which two parallel resistive tracks have been overlaid. A generally cylindrical rotor mounts within the housing and electrically couples the two tracks by means of a U-shaped conductive wiper that bridges the separation between the resistive tracks. The rotor is mechanically connected to the throttle blade of the internal combustion engine and rotates therewith. By applying the leads of a power supply to one resistive track and reading a voltage signal from the other resistive track, a potentiometric signal related to the position of the throttle blade is developed.

Abstract: A laminated structure comprises a plurality of double-layer capacitor unit cells, each having a high withstand voltage. A complete capacitor is made by laminating a plurality of unit cells of the double-layer capacitors type and by connecting a plurality of resistors, having substantially equal resistances, in parallel with the respective unit cells. In a preferred embodiment, a high-precision integrated voltage-equalizing resistor is prepared by laying linear resistors on a flexible sheet which is then wrapped around the laminated unit cells.

Abstract: A unitary, composite laminated article comprises an electrically insulating top layer and an electrically insulating bottom layer. Applied to the inner surfaces of each of these layers is a barrier layer substantially impermeable to moisture and water vapor. A substantially continuous electrically conductive layer of substantially uniform thickness is interposed between the barrier layers. The electrically conductive layer is comprised mainly of carbon and is capable of emitting electromagnetic radiation when an electric current is passed therethrough. In contact with the electrically conductive layer is electrical conductor means. The top layer and bottom layer are sealed together to thereby form an enclosed laminate. The electrically conductive layer exhibits very stable resistivity. The use of the article as a radiant heating device and a method for its manufacture are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to heating elements comprising conductive polymers which are capable of undergoing a change in dimension. The heating elements comprise a laminar member composed of a conductive polymer and two laminar electrodes connected directly or indirectly to opposite faces of the laminar member, and there are apertures, for example slits, passing through the thickness of the element so that at least one planar dimension of the element can be changed by changing the shape of the apertures. The apertures through the element facilitate its dimensional change. Preferably the laminar member exhibits PTC characteristics. The heating elements are particularly useful in the form of articles in which the element is attached to a heat-responsive sheet, for example a heat-recoverable polymeric film.

Abstract: A flexible tape, adapted to be rolled into a coil and to be cut into sections of any desired length, includes an elongate carrier of woven cloth impregnated with a flexible, carbon-containing resistance layer and a flexible heat shield, coextensive with the carrier, on one side of that layer, this assembly being enveloped in a flat sheath of synthetic resin. A surface of the sheath on the side of the heat shield may be coated with adhesive for detachably securing a backing strip of paper thereto. Two transversely spaced conductors, extending adjacent the longitudinal edges of the tape over the entire length thereof, are in conductive contact with the resistance layer for facilitating the passage of a heating current therethrough. The ends of the conductors in a section cut from the tape can be bared by removing parts of the sheath, the carrier and the heat shield. Several such sections can be laterally juxtaposed for the heating of a larger area.

Abstract: A plastic laminate form of heating panel incorporating a layer of a semiconductive carbonaceous pyropolymer, consisting of carbon and hydrogen on a high surface area refractory inorganic oxide support, with the conductive pyropolymer positioned to at least one side of at least one laminate layer and a reflective metallic layer on the other side thereof such that radiant heat is controlled and directed outwardly in a desired manner to minimize energy being wasted by a "rearward" flow.

Abstract: An electrically conductive composition comprises a particulate, homogeneous blend of:A. about 60% to about 98% by weight of graphite;B. about 1.5% to about 20% by weight of manganese dioxide; andC. about 0.5% to about 20% by weight of zinc oxide, based on total weight of said blend. These compositions are suitable for the manufacture of coating compositions, heating elements and structures which are useful where radiant, conductive, or convective heating is required, and for other applications which utilize the sheet and volumetric electrical conductivity properties of the formulations made therefrom.

Abstract: A dampened choke coil structure having a ferromagnetic core and a winding of wire disposed about the core to form a choke coil. A second winding of substantially higher resistance material is wound generally parallel to the choke winding either inside or outside thereof. The number of turns of the two windings differ by more than 25%. In this way, parasitic capacitances are caused to have a decreased effect on the choke coils.