803 results about "Heating pad" patented technology

Disclosed herein is a vehicle seat with a cooling / heating device. The vehicle seat comprises electric fans respectively equipped in a lower portion of a seat cushion and a rear portion of a seat back to intake indoor air within the vehicle, cushion members respectively provided in the seat cushion and the seat back and formed with air-supply pathways to supply air induced from the seat cushion and the seat back to an upper portion of the seat cushion and to a front portion of the seat back, air-spreading layers respectively layered on an upper portion of the cushion member provided in the seat cushion and on a front portion of the cushion member provided in the seat back to spread air induced through each of the air-supply pathways, heating pads respectively layered on the air-spreading layers, with a heating line disposed therein, and with a plurality of ventilation holes punctured through each of the heating pads between serpentine sections of the heating line along the heating line, and seat covers respectively layered on the heating pads and having a plurality of air discharge openings formed on the surface of the seat cover.

A massaging system that includes a mechanism for positioning and holding vibrating and heating units onto the body at user selected locations. The massaging system includes a vest unit including a hook and pile covered interior surface and at least one user-adjustable, massaging and heat unit compression band attached to an exterior of the vest unit; at least one heating pad unit including a heating pad connecting jack, hook and pile fastener strips on a first exterior surface of the heating pad exterior that are companionate with the hook and pile covered interior surface of the vest unit, and a vibration unit hook and pile fastener attaching section provided on a second exterior surface that is the same hook and pile material as the hook and pile covered interior surface of the vest unit; and at least one vibration unit having a vibration unit connecting jack and hook and pile fastener strips on the exterior thereof that are companionate with the hook and pile covered interior surface of the vest unit.

Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings. In one embodiment, a heating mattress or pad for warming a patient during a hospital procedure can include a heating element positioned between a first foam portion and a second foam portion. The heating element and the foam portions can be at least partially enclosed in a fluid-resistant cover. The heating element can be operably connected to a control unit that allows an operator to select between a plurality of temperature options for the heating pad. In another embodiment, the heating pad can include one or more radiolucent, or at least generally radiolucent, features that will not appreciably obscure x-ray images taken of a patient positioned on the heating pad. In one aspect of this embodiment, the radiolucent features can include one or more of a carbon-based heating element, an optical temperature sensing device, and / or a thermally responsive state-changing device.

A self-contained heating and cooling orthopaedic brace is described. The brace generally includes a main body having straps to support the brace on the desired area of the body. These areas can include the back, knee, elbow and shoulder. The brace further includes inner pockets having heating and cooling pads connected to a temperature controller that allows manual adjustment of the desired temperature. The heating and cooling elements in the pad typically utilize the Peltier Effect. The temperature controller can include a rechargeable battery for prolonged use. In addition, the brace is a material that allows temperature retention for further prolonged use. The user's own body moisture is also retained for moist heat applications.

A cooling / heating pad of the present invention includes a pad portion, a water reservoir system and a heat exchanger, wherein the pad portion has the pad portion is a foldable, thin, double-layered bag and has a plurality of adhered regions formed by a hot-press or ultrasonic hot melting process to form the water channel between the adhered regions; the water reservoir system has a water reservoir and a water circulating pump, the water reservoir having a water inlet and a water outlet, the water inlet of the water reservoir connected to the water outlet of the water channel, and the water circulating pump moving the cooling water in the water reservoir from the water outlet of the water reservoir to the water inlet of the water channel; and the heat exchanger includes an electrical heating semiconductor chip, and a thermal conductor mounted on one side of the electrical heating semiconductor chip; wherein the thermal conductor directly contacts the cooling water in the water reservoir, or is mounted on a water path between the water outlet of the water reservoir to the water inlet of the water channel, so that the cooling water is capable of exchanging heat with the thermal conductor.

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

A method, and apparatus for the controlled acceleration, and / or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad for application over the wound site, a wound drape or sealing enclosure of the foam pad, the heating, and cooling pad at wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for heating via infrared radiation. The invention may incorporate a heating pad, safe to the touch, for therapeutic treatment. A heating pad according to the present invention may comprise of layers, such as a heat generation layer, electrically insulating layers, radiation permeable layers, with a sealed cover enclosing the entire pad. This invention is especially useful for heat therapy when a heat pad is applied to the skin of a human or an animal.

A heater mat for using the Joule effect to heat an aerodynamic surface. The heater mat is provided with a resistor element including at least two substantially parallel segments of electrically-conductive fibers disposed on the aerodynamic surface. The segments come from a single strip of electrically-conductive fibers, with two adjacent segments being obtained by folding a portion of the single strip at least twice.

According to some embodiments, an apparatus for warming a patient on a thermal pad includes a heating element to heat a surface of the thermal pad. A power unit is operable to provide power to the heating element. Respective ones of a plurality of sensors are coupled to detect temperature at select portions of the surface of the thermal pad, while a heating element sensor is coupled to detect a temperature of the heating element. A temperature control circuit board is embedded within the thermal pad and is electrically coupled to the plurality of sensors and the heating element sensor. The temperature control circuit board is operable to limit a temperature at the surface of the thermal pad to a safe temperature based on the temperature detected by the plurality of sensors and the heating element sensor.

This disclosure provides examples of innovations for a heating pad to be used with heating removable basins or drapes containing sterile fluid. When used with a sterile basin, it is desirable for the pad to deform to conform to the irregular surface on the bottom of the basin. It is also desirable for the pad to have a low thermal mass so that the pad is more responsive to the control system.

A novel head gimbal assembly (HGA) for use in a disk drive is disclosed. Each of a plurality of electrically conductive traces of a flexure of the HGA includes a connection region that is aligned with and connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of electrically conductive bonding pads of a head. Each of the plurality of electrically conductive traces further includes a heating pad that is offset from its connection region by an offset distance. A dielectric layer of the flexure includes a first opening over the heating pad, a support layer of the flexure includes a second opening over the heating pad, and a load beam of the HGA includes a third opening disposed over the heating pad. During assembly, light may be shined through the openings and onto the heating pad until solder located in the connection region that is offset from the heating pad melts.

A hypothermia treatment sack comprising a top sheet and a bottom sheet releasably connecting along their perimeters to form a patient receiving cavity between the top and bottom sheets while allowing for patient access from any location around the perimeter. The top and bottom sheets include a weatherproof exterior side for repelling wind and water, and a heat reflective interior side for preventing heat from escaping. A plurality of self-activating heating pads are carried in the top sheet for producing heat when exposed to air. The heating pads have a first side exposed on the weatherproof exterior side of the top sheet to provide for a generally unrestricted airflow to the heating pads, and a second side exposed on the heat reflective interior side of the top sheet for radiating heat directly into the patient receiving cavity.

A novel head gimbal assembly (HGA) for use in a disk drive is disclosed. Each of a plurality of electrically conductive traces of a flexure of the HGA includes a connection region that is aligned with and connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of electrically conductive bonding pads of a head. Each of the plurality of electrically conductive traces further includes a heating pad that is offset from its connection region by an offset distance. A dielectric layer of the flexure includes a first opening over the heating pad, a support layer of the flexure includes a second opening over the heating pad, and a load beam of the HGA includes a third opening disposed over the heating pad. During assembly, light may be shined through the openings and onto the heating pad until solder located in the connection region that is offset from the heating pad melts.

An adjustable goggle for eye massagers includes a retaining plate in the center, covers pivotally coupled on two transverse ends of the retaining plate, a strap running through the retaining plate, and ornamental flaps located outside the covers and the strap, and jointly and pivotally coupled with the retaining plate. An electric assembly is anchored on the retaining plate. The adjustable goggle includes a heating pad and / or a massage pad that are located in an area surrounded by the retaining plate and the covers on two sides. The covers and the ornamental flaps may be swiveled about the retaining plate to provide a snug adjustment according to user's face profile. The strap is elastic and may be worn on user's head above the ears to reduce pressure on user's eyes.

A heating pad for use with animals, or pet heating pad. The pet heating pad provides a pad with a cushioned exterior and a flexible but resilient interior that prevents overheating by maintaining or returning the pet heating pad to a flat profile. The pet heating pad heating system includes a heating element with temperature limitation controls for safe operation surrounded by layers of material selected for temperature control properties. The result is a pet heating pad that substantially reduces or eliminates the problems normally associated with heating pads such as hotspots, overheating, bunching, and folding while providing a pet with a physically and thermally comfortable surface upon which to rest.

A changing pad cover having two generally parallel vinylized / fabric layers spaced-apart and four upright sides connecting each spaced-apart layer. One or both ends of the cover may have its raised sides contoured-shaped on its upper edge to allow for the upper layer of the cover to conform to the contoured upper surface shape of the pad. The cover is secured at one end with a closure device such as a hook and loop fastener. The vinylized layer comprises a clear liquid impermeable layer, which is superimposed in a face-to-face relationship with an underlying fabric material. The fabric material has decorative visual art indicia depicted on the fabric material. The cover may optionally include a heating pad and / or a vibrating pad in an underlying relationship to the fabric material of the upper portion of the cover or integral to the fabric material. An alternative embodiment includes the top and sides of the cover only.

In a thermal equalization system a machine tool carriage preferably of aluminum but which could be made of other lightweight materials, a drilling spindle housing is mounted on the carriage. At least one spindle housing is be mounted said carriage to service work pieces mounted on a tooling plate of the work table for said spindle. The chiller unit is used to provide coolant to the spindle to compensate for the heat generated by the spindle during drilling. When the spindle is not drilling, excessive cooling of the spindle can result. Accordingly, the instant invention also includes, a conductive rubber heating pad which is attached to the spindle structure to provide a heat source for the system to compensate for excessive cooling when the drill is not generating heat. The temperature control maintains the temperature between the spindle housing, carriage and work table thereby minimizing temperature expansion differentials between the drilling position and the worktable position.

According to the present invention, a heating pad controller incorporating a discrete ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) is provided which varies the duty cycle characteristics of a periodic signal during which power is applied to a heating pad heating element during a portion of the signal (“on” time). An oscillator circuit is used to produce a controlled duty cycle control signal for controlling the power applied to the heating pad by varying the on-time of the duty cycle. User control of the length of the on-time of the duty cycle is provided by way of a user controlled switch, thereby providing for a plurality of controller operating modes (e.g., WARM, LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, etc.). To configure the duty cycle for each heat setting the heating pad controller utilizes switchable electrical components of varying impedance connected to the ASIC. A heating pad controller according to the present invention can be configured for use with heating pads of varying sizes simply by installing electrical components with the appropriate impedance during manufacture of the circuit board.

The present invention describes a blade for a wind turbine. The blade includes a heating mat for generating heat by resistive heating, wherein the heating mat is mounted to the blade. The heating mat includes a first heating power emitting section for emitting a first heating power and a second heating power emitting section for emitting a second heating power. The heating mat is coupleable to a power supply unit for transferring power to the heating mat in such a way that the first heating power differs to the second heating power.

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.

A beverage holder for mobile usage in a vehicle having a container having a base and an opened end opposite the base. The base has an enclosure, a heating element contained within the enclosure; and a sensor capable of controlling the temperature of the heating element. The container receives a heatable cup that is capable of retaining a heatable beverage cup. A beverage holder for a vehicle console having a container having a base and an opening opposite the base. The beverage holder has a heating pad disposed in the container proximate the base. The base has an enclosure, a heating element contained within the enclosure; and a sensor capable of controlling the temperature of the heating element. The container is fully embedded in and electrically integrated into the vehicle console. A cup assembly for a beverage holder having a heatable cup, a lid and an outer shell.

A heater mat for using the Joule effect to heat an aerodynamic surface. The heater mat is provided with a resistor element including at least two substantially parallel segments of electrically-conductive fibers disposed on the aerodynamic surface. The segments come from a single strip of electrically-conductive fibers, with two adjacent segments being obtained by folding a portion of the single strip at least twice.

A hypothermia treatment sack comprising a top sheet and a bottom sheet releasably connecting along their perimeters to form a patient receiving cavity between the top and bottom sheets while allowing for patient access from any location around the perimeter. The top and bottom sheets include a weatherproof exterior side for repelling wind and water, and a heat reflective interior side for preventing heat from escaping. A plurality of self-activating heating pads are carried in the top sheet for producing heat when exposed to air. The heating pads have a first side exposed on the weatherproof exterior side of the top sheet to provide for a generally unrestricted airflow to the heating pads, and a second side exposed on the heat reflective interior side of the top sheet for radiating heat directly into the patient receiving cavity.

A heating pad system comprises a pad formed of layers of flexible material, a heating element applied to or embedded within a layer of the pad and including conductive yarn, a temperature sensor associated with the pad to generate a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the pad, and a battery-powered control module removably connected to the heating element and the temperature sensor. The control module is operable to supply current to the heating element to generate heat, wherein the current supplied to the heating element is regulated in response to the temperature signal from the temperature sensor to maintain the pad at a substantially constant temperature. The pad layers, heating element, and temperature sensor are machine-washable as a unit. The pad may be worn under an orthopedic or athletic brace.

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a heating pad using an electrically conductive polymer suitable for use in maintaining patients' body temperatures. A cloth made of a synthetic fiber or a natural fiber is treated in a bath containing dopants, distilled polymerizable monomers, and an oxidizer under such a high temperature and pressure that an electrically conductive polymer is chemically formed on the cloth. After being washed, the cloth is provided with a plurality of magnet couples arranged in a pattern in a electrical polymerization bath, wherein the plurality of magnet couples are arranged such that a first magnet of a couple is on a side of the cloth and a second magnet of the couple is on a side of a plate-shaped working electrode and opposite the first magnet to make close contact between the cloth and the working electrode by magnetic force, and the positively charged cations in the polymerization bath are attracted from an opposing electrode toward the working electrode under the influence of an electric field to form a polymeric coating on the cloth. The heating pad has a resistance of 10−2-102 Ω / cm2. To the heating pad, a temperature sensor and controller are provided for safely maintaining patients' body temperatures.

A method of heating an aircraft fuselage comprises the step of supplying heat energy to air occupying an interior space enclosed by an aircraft fuselage shell structure so as to drive moisture from air in a region disposed immediately adjacent the structure to air in a region disposed from the structure within the enclosed space (20), thereby substantially preventing ice formation on the interior of the structure when the exterior of the structure is exposed to temperatures in the region of −35° C. to −85° C. The heat energy may be supplied by either a heater mat or a heat pipe assembly (16) in an aircraft fuselage.

A self-contained heating and cooling orthopaedic brace is described. The brace generally includes a main body having straps to support the brace on the desired area of the body. These areas can include the back, knee, elbow and shoulder. The brace further includes inner pockets having heating and cooling pads connected to a temperature controller that allows manual adjustment of the desired temperature. The heating and cooling elements in the pad typically utilize the Peltier Effect. The temperature controller can include a rechargeable battery for prolonged use. In addition, the brace is a material that allows temperature retention for further prolonged use. The user's own body moisture is also retained for moist heat applications.

A heat retention device is disclosed in the form of a heating pad which includes an electrically resistive coil contained within a volume. The coil terminates at an electric coupler which is external of the volume. A heat retention mass is contained within the volume in thermal conductivity with the resistive element.

A heating pad includes an envelope containing a heating unit and a phase change material which encloses the heating unit. The heating unit includes a metal plate and a resistance heating element attached to the metal plate. Flexible strips are disposed within the envelope by attachment to the envelope, and the metal plate is positioned within the envelope through the strips. A pair of electrodes are connected to the heating element and extend outwardly of the envelope. The phase change material can undergo a phase change process through the heating unit so that no external heat source is needed to heat the phase change material.