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WO2022115504A1 - Couverture chauffante ayant deux segments de chauffage ou plus et un seul connecteur pour l'alimentation électrique et la détection de température - Google Patents

Couverture chauffante ayant deux segments de chauffage ou plus et un seul connecteur pour l'alimentation électrique et la détection de température Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022115504A1
WO2022115504A1 PCT/US2021/060681 US2021060681W WO2022115504A1 WO 2022115504 A1 WO2022115504 A1 WO 2022115504A1 US 2021060681 W US2021060681 W US 2021060681W WO 2022115504 A1 WO2022115504 A1 WO 2022115504A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heating
conductor
layer
blanket
segment
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2021/060681
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Florian SANDMAIR
Manfred GIES
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gentherm Medical LLC
Original Assignee
Gentherm Medical LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gentherm Medical LLC filed Critical Gentherm Medical LLC
Publication of WO2022115504A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022115504A1/fr
Priority to US18/200,754 priority Critical patent/US20230284801A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B3/00—Ohmic-resistance heating
    • H05B3/20—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater
    • H05B3/34—Heating elements having extended surface area substantially in a two-dimensional plane, e.g. plate-heater flexible, e.g. heating nets or webs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/002—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/002—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements
    • H05B2203/005—Heaters using a particular layout for the resistive material or resistive elements using multiple resistive elements or resistive zones isolated from each other
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/013—Heaters using resistive films or coatings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B2203/00—Aspects relating to Ohmic resistive heating covered by group H05B3/00
    • H05B2203/026—Heaters specially adapted for floor heating

Definitions

  • These teachings relate to a heating system, a heating blanket, and/or to a method of making a heating blanket. More particularly, these teachings relate to a medical heating blanket having two or more hating segments and a single connector configured for power supply and temperature sensing.
  • Heating blankets may be used in medical and/or non-medical applications to raise and/or maintain the body temperature of a patient or user.
  • Exemplary heating blankets are disclosed in US 2019/0365113A1, in one or more of the family applications of US 2019/0365113A1, and US 2006/052852A1, all of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • These teachings provide a heating system, a heating blanket, and/or to a method of making a heating blanket.
  • a heating blanket comprising two or more heating segments and a single connector configured for power supply and/or temperature sensing.
  • a custom sized heating blanket can be provided by joining together any number of heating segments and then controlling the same using a single connector.
  • the connector may be configured to provide power to the two or more heating segments and/or temperature sensing in local areas on the two or more heating segments.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a heating system that includes a heating blanket.
  • FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the heating blanket that includes two heating segments and a single connector.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view of two heating segments forming the heating layer of the heating blanket.
  • FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of two heating segments forming the heating layer of the heating blanket.
  • FIG. 5A is a front view of two heating segments of the heating layer.
  • FIG. 5B is a detailed view of a single connector connecting the two heating segments of FIG. 5A.
  • FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a connector and housing attached to the heating layer.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a part of the housing and the printed circuit board of the connector.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the connector attached to the heating layer.
  • FIG. 11 is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 12 is an assembled view of the single connector, shown in transparent, connected to the two heating segments of the heating layer.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a heating system 10.
  • the heating system 10 may comprise a controller 12, one or more cables (for example, a first cable 14 and a second cable 16), and a heating blanket 18.
  • the heating system 10 and/or the heating blanket 18 may be or may include any of the elements, features, and/or construction disclosed herein. In other words, the construction, layers, and/or elements of the blanket 18 are found throughout this disclosure.
  • One or more of the teachings, layers, connectors, and/or elements in any of the figures and/or paragraphs of this application may be omitted, duplicated, separated, rearranged, and/or combined with other teachings, layers and/or elements to construct one or more of the layers and/or elements of the heating blanket.
  • the controller 12 may be programmed, configured, or enabled to monitor and/or control the heating system 10, the heating blanket 18, one or more layers or elements of the heating blanket 18, or a combination thereof.
  • the controller 12 may be programmed, configured, or enabled to supply the heating blanket 18 and/or one or more layers or elements of the heating blanket 18 with electrical power so that the heating blanket 18 and/or one or more layers or element of the heating blanket 18 can generate heat.
  • the controller 12 may be programmed, configured, or enabled to monitor or provide temperature sensing of the heating blanket 18 and/or one or more layers or elements of the heating blanket 18.
  • the controller 12 may include a power source for supplying the electrical power to the heating blanket 18 or to one or more layers or elements of the heating blanket 18.
  • the power source may include one or more batteries, solar panels, generators, or other power generating and/or storage means.
  • the controller 12 may be connected to a power source (i.e., a wall outlet, a generator, a battery, etc.) that supplies the electrical power to the controller 12 and then to the heating blanket 18 or to one or more layers or elements of the heating blanket 18.
  • a power source i.e., a wall outlet, a generator, a battery, etc.
  • the one or more cables 14, 16 may be configured or enabled to transfer or conduct electrical power from and/or between the controller 12 and/or a power source to the heating blanket 18 and/or one or more elements or layers of the heating blanket 18, like the connector 24.
  • the first cable 14 and/or the second cable 16 may be configured or enabled to transfer or conduct communication signals from and/or between the controller 12 and the heating blanket 18 or one or more layers or elements of the heating blanket 18 like the connector 24 or PCB 66 discussed further below so that the controller 12, one or more other controllers, users, or systems can monitor, sense, or determine a temperature of the heating layer 28 and/or heating segments 34, 34’ and/or control operation of the heating blanket 18.
  • the controller 12 may function to increase, decrease, or maintain an electrical power supply to the heating blanket 18 (or to one or more layers or elements of the heating blanket 18), may turn ON or turn OFF an electrical power supply to the heating blanket 18, may alert a user of a fault condition (e.g., too much heat, too little heat, etc.), or a combination thereof.
  • a fault condition e.g., too much heat, too little heat, etc.
  • the first cable 14 and the second cable 16 may be integrated into a single cable.
  • the first and second cables 14, 16 may be divided or separated into additional sub-cables for connecting the blanket 18 and the controller 12.
  • One or both of the cables 14, 16 may have one or more connectors or plugs 20 for connecting the cables together and/or for connecting to one or more ports, plugs, or connectors 22 on the controller 12 and/or to one or more ports, plugs, or connectors 24 or PCB 66 on the heating blanket 18 or on layers thereof.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates the heating blanket 18.
  • the heating blanket 18 may comprise one or more layers or sheets.
  • the one or more layers or sheets may comprise: one or more top or first cover layers 26, one or more heating layers 28, one or more insulating layers 30, one or more bottom or second cover layer 32, or a combination thereof.
  • the top or first cover layer 26 may be arranged on top of the heating layer 28, which may be arranged on top of the insulating layer 30, which may be arranged on top of the bottom or second cover layer 32.
  • the heating layer 28 may be arranged below the insulating layer 30.
  • one or more of these layers may be combined into a single layer.
  • the heating layer 28 and the insulating layer 30 may be combined into a single layer (by attaching the layers together or forming them from an integral layer, for example). Additionally, or alternately, one or more of the blanket layers may be duplicated.
  • another one or more insulating layers 30 may be provided below or above the heating layer 28 and/or one or more additional heating layers 28 may be provided above or below one or more insulating layers 30.
  • one or more of the layers may be joined together via one or more fasteners or may even be formed from an integral layer.
  • the one or more fasteners may be one or more pins, buttons, clasps, welds, stiches, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, pastes, screws, zippers, tape, double sided tape, magnets, snaps, heat stakes, etc.
  • the first and second cover layers 26, 32 may be formed from a single cover layer.
  • it can be folded over itself to cover, sandwich, and/or envelope the one or more other middle layers of the blanket 18 (e.g., one or more insulating layers 30, heating layers 28, etc.) therewithin or therebetween.
  • the first and second cover layers 26, 32 may be formed from a single cover layer or joined together to function or act like a duvet or pillowcase with one or two or three open ends. If there are two open ends, they may oppose one another, or adjoin one another.
  • the one or more middle layers of the blanket 18 e.g., one or more insulating layers 30, heating layers 28, etc.
  • the one or more open ends may then be closed via one or more of any of the fasteners disclosed herein. Alternatively, one or both of the open ends may remain open.
  • the middle layers of the blanket may be removed from within the cover for service, maintenance, and/or replacement of one or more of the layers, washing or sterilizing of the cover, or both.
  • the one or more fasteners used to close the one or more open ends may be opened and closed (e.g., via snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners, zippers, etc.) to access and/or remove/install the middle layers.
  • One or more of any of the middle layers of the blanket 18 may eliminated or omitted or duplicated.
  • the top or cover layer 26 may be the same as the bottom cover layer 32 (i.e., same, or similar material, structure, composition, size, etc.).
  • the two cover layers 26, 32 may be different (i.e., different material, structure, composition, size, etc.) This means, one of the cover layers 26, 32 may be made from a different material, may include additional or different insulating or heat deflecting/reflecting properties, etc.
  • the top layer 26 should always face up or away from the patient, and the bottom layer 32 should always face down or towards a patient or bed, or vice versa.
  • cover layers 26, 32 may be made from suitable material that allows heat generated by the heating layer 28 to pass through or be conducted from the heating layer 28 to warm a patient or object near or in contact with one or more layers of the blanket 18 or proximate or adjacent to one or more layers of the blanket 18.
  • the cover layer 26, 32 material may be made of a suitable material that resists liquid (i.e., blood, disinfectants, water, cleaners, chemicals, etc.) absorption and/or penetration. This may advantageously protect the inside layers and elements of the heating blanket 18 from damage from liquid penetration.
  • one or both of the cover layers 26, 32 may be made of one or more materials that include: a nonwoven fabric, sheet, or material; a spunbond or spunlaid fabric, sheet, or material; a polypropylene fabric, sheet, or material; an LDPE film or coating applied onto one or both layers; or a combination thereof.
  • Other materials that meet medical use specification requirements may be utilized, including any of the materials disclosed herein for any of the other blanket layers.
  • one or both of the cover layers 26, 32 may be made of a suitable material that can be washed, wiped clean, autoclaved, and/or disinfected so that the blanket 18, one or both of the cover layers 26, 32 can be reused.
  • the heating blanket 18 may include one or more insulating layers 30.
  • the insulating layer 30 may be made from a suitable material that functions to retain heat generated by the heating layer 28, and/or direct or re-directed heat generated by one or more of the heating layers 28 to radiate in a particular direction, for example, in a direction of a user or patient as opposed to away from the user or patient, or vice versa.
  • the insulating layer 30 may function to direct or distribute heat generated by the heating layer 28 at least partially across an entire surface of the heating blanket 18 to reduce, minimize, or eliminate any isolated hot and/or cold spots.
  • the insulating layer 30 may function to direct or distribute heat generated by the heating layer 28 to certain areas or regions of the blanket 18, and prevent the heat generated by the heating layer 28 to be directed or distributed to other layers of the blanket 18.
  • the insulating layer 30 may function to direct or distribute the heat generated by the heating layer 28 so that certain layers of the heating blanket 18 are warmer than others. This may be advantageous to provide the blanket 18 with the ability to have isolated warmer sections and/or cooler sections.
  • the insulating layer 30 may be made of one or more materials that include a fleece material. Other materials that meet medical use specification requirements may be utilized, including any of the materials disclosed herein for any of the other blanket layers.
  • the insulating layer 30 may be attached to any of the layers of the heating blanket.
  • the insulating layer 30 may be free from direct attachment to any of the layers of the heating blanket.
  • the one or more insulating layer 30 may be attached to one or more heating layers 28, one or more other insulating layers 30, one or both of the cover layers 26, 32, or a combination thereof via one or more of any of the fasteners disclosed herein (i.e., pins, buttons, clasps, welds, stiches, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, pastes, screws, zippers, tape, etc.)
  • fasteners i.e., pins, buttons, clasps, welds, stiches, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, pastes, screws, zippers, tape, etc.
  • the heating blanket 18 may include one or more heating layers 28.
  • the heating layer 28 and/or elements of the heating layer 28 may be configured or enabled to generate heat.
  • the heating layer 28 may generate heat by converting electrical energy supplied by the controller 12 and/or one or more power supplies or power sources into heat energy.
  • the one or more power supplies or sources may be one or more batteries, wall outlets, AC power, DC power, solar panels, generators, or a combination thereof.
  • the blanket 18 and/or the heating layer 28 may include one or more connectors or plugs 24 that may include one or more circuit boards (PCB) 66 for communicating with the controller 12 and/or power supply (FIG. 1) via the one or more cables 14, 16.
  • the heating layer 28 may comprise one or more heating segments 34, 34’.
  • the heating layer 28 comprises two or more heating segments 34, 34’.
  • the single connector or plug 24 may be configured to supply both heating segments 34 and 34’ with electrical power.
  • the single connector or plug 24 may be configured to monitor a temperature of each of the heating segments 34 and 34’.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates two heating segments 34, 34’.
  • the heating layer 28 may comprise only one heating segment 34, or may comprise two or more heating segments 34.
  • the heating segments 34, 34’ are arranged adjacent to one another. However, the heating segments 34, 34’ may be formed as individual, discrete sections and then the individual, discrete sections may be brought together to form the heating layer 28.
  • the two heating segments 34, 34’ are separated by the dashed horizontal line in FIG. 3.
  • the heating segments 34, 34’ may be the same. This means that the heating segments 34, 34’ may be made from the same manufacturing process and/or have the same or similar configuration and layout of elements. In other configurations, the two heating segments 34, 34’ may be different. For example, the two heating segments 34, 34’ may have substantially the same layers and components but arranged in a different pattern. For example, one or more of the heating elements, sensing elements, conductor traces, or a combination thereof may be provided in different areas on the segments 34, 34’ when compared to each other. While the following description refers to heating segment 34, it is understood the description also relates to segment 34’ unless otherwise stated.
  • a heating segment 34 may be a portion or layer of the heating layer 28 and/or of the blanket 18 that includes one or more sub layers.
  • the one or more sub layers of the heating layer 28 may include one or more carrier or base layers 36 and/or one or more foil layers 38.
  • the carrier or base layer 36 may be located below the foil layer 38 or above the foil layer 38.
  • the foil layer 38 may be located above and below the carrier layer 36 such that the carrier layer 36 is sandwiched between the foil layers 38.
  • the base layer 36 and the foil layer 38 may be a single, integrated layer.
  • the foil layer 38 may be separate from the base layer 36 but subsequently arranged, supported, attached, secured, or connected to the base layer 36.
  • the base layer 36 may function to stabilize or provide a support structure or carrier for the foil layer 38 or other elements or layers of the heating layer 28.
  • the base layer 36 may be made of a suitable material, such as polyurethane, polypropylene, polymethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyimide (PI), the like, or a combination thereof.
  • the base layer 36 may be electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive.
  • the base layer 36 may be an insulator.
  • the base layer 36 maybe more rigid or stiff than the foil layer 38, or vice versa.
  • the foil layer 38 may comprise a suitable electrically conductive material, such as metal, copper, aluminum, nickel, copper clad aluminum, the like, or a combination thereof.
  • the foil layer 38 may comprise one or more conductor paths or traces 40.
  • the one or more conductor paths or traces 40 may meander along the surface of the base layer 36. In some configurations, the traces 40 may extend generally diagonally, horizontal, horizontally, or may be irregularly located (not horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) on the base layer 36.
  • a suitable material for the foil layer 38 and/or a suitable size or shape of the conductor paths or traces 40 i.e., width, thickness, height, length, shape, material, etc.
  • the foil layer 38 and/or the one or more conductor paths or traces 40 may be, or may comprise, one or more electrical heating elements 42, one or more sensing elements 46, or both.
  • one or more heating elements 42 and/or sensing elements 46 may be attached or connected to the one or more conductor paths or traces 40 via a suitable fastener, electrical connector, and/or adhesive, such as for example conductive adhesive or soldering.
  • the one or more conductor paths or traces 40 may function to conduct or carry electrical energy or power and/or electrical communication signals between the heating blanket, heating segments, the controller, power source, or a combination thereof.
  • electrical power and/or electrical communication signals may be wirelessly communicated or transmitted between the elements of the heating system and/or heating blanket.
  • the one or more conductors or traces 40 and/or heating elements 42 may generate heat in response to electrical power or signals that are supplied to the heating segment.
  • the one or more conductors or traces 40 or heating elements 42 may be one or more resistors heating resistors, wire heaters or resistors, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more conductors or traces 40 or heating elements 42 may be one or more wire conductors attached, place, or integrated into the base layer, foil layer, or both.
  • the one or more conductors or traces 40 or heating elements 42 may any other suitable heater that is configured to suitably perform one or more of the heating functions.
  • the heating layer may comprise any of the heating elements disclosed herein.
  • the one or more heating elements 42 may be one or more PTC heaters.
  • the one or more conductors or traces 40 and/or sensing elements 46 may be configured to determine, sense, and/or monitor a temperature or heat generated by the heating layer and/or the one or more heating elements 42.
  • the one or more sensing elements 46 may be one or more thermistors.
  • the one or more sensing elements 46 may be one or more NTC thermistors (Negative Temperature Coefficient sensor).
  • An NTC thermistor may be a non-linear resistor, which may alter its resistance characteristics with temperature. The resistance of NTC thermistor will decrease as the temperature generated by the heating elements 42 and/or sensed by the sensing elements 46.
  • the one or more sensing elements 46 may be any other suitable sensor that is configured to suitably perform one or more of the sensing functions.
  • the foil layer 38 may be placed on the base layer 36 and/or connected thereto via one or more fasteners, or simply overlayed on the base layer 36.
  • the foil layer 38 may then be subjected to an operation where certain portions of the foil layer 38 are removed from the base layer 38, while other portions of the foil layer 38 remain on the base layer 36.
  • the operation may be a milling, grinding, etching, or other material removal operation.
  • the portions of the foil layer 38 remining on the base layer 36 after the operation may be the electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40, one or more electrical heating elements 42, one or more sensing elements 46, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40, one or more electrical heating elements 42, one or more sensing elements 46, or a combination thereof may be integrally formed on the foil layer 38 and/or base layer 36.
  • the one or more electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40, one or more electrical heating elements 42, one or more sensing elements or temperature sensors 46, or a combination thereof may be integrally formed on the base layer 36 after the material removal operation.
  • one or more heating elements 42, conductive traces or conductor paths 40, and/or sensing elements 46 may be subsequently attached or connected to the traces or conductor paths 40 or the remining portions of the foil layer 38 after the material removal operation.
  • the foil layer 38 may be subjected to the aforementioned material cutting or removal operation to form the electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40 and/or one or more electrical heating elements 42 before being installed or placed onto the base layer 36.
  • another foil layer 38’ may be subjected to another material removal operations to form the electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40 sending elements 46.
  • the another foil layer 38’ that includes the electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40 sensing elements 46 may then be placed over and/or under the foil layer 38 which contains the electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40 and/or one or more electrical heating elements 42.
  • a laminate may then be placed over, under, and/or around the two layers to connect the two layers together.
  • One or more of the electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40 may be accessible through the laminate in order to attach one or more heaters and/or sensing elements thereto.
  • the one or more heating elements and/or sensing elements may be arranged above the laminating layer, while the one or more electrically conductive traces or conductor paths 40 are located below the laminate.
  • An outer laminating layer may be provided over, under, and/or around the base layer 36 and the foil layer 38 to connect, join, and/or maintain the position of the two layers 36, 38 together.
  • the laminating layer may function to protect one or both of the layers 36, 38 from damage if liquid and/or solid contaminates enter the blanket 18 and/or penetrate one or more of the cover layers 26, 32 and/or insulating layers 30.
  • the laminating layer may function to distribute heat generated by the heating layer 28 and/or the foil layer 38.
  • the foil layer 38 and/or the remaining portions of the foil layer 38 may be covered with a suitable material, cladding, and/or surface treatment to allow attachment or connecting of one or more heating elements 42, one or more electrical conductors 44, one or more sensing elements 46, or a combination thereof to the foil layer 38 and/or conductors 40.
  • a suitable material, cladding, and/or surface treatment to allow attachment or connecting of one or more heating elements 42, one or more electrical conductors 44, one or more sensing elements 46, or a combination thereof to the foil layer 38 and/or conductors 40. This may be advantageous when the foil layer 38 is made of a material that is or includes aluminum.
  • a need may exist for a cladding (e.g., copper or like materials) and/or a surface treatment to be applied to the foil layer 38 before electrical components like heating elements 42, sensing elements 46, conductors 44, and/or the like can be attached thereto.
  • a surface treatment that may be applied to the aluminum and/or foil layer 38 is MINA, developed by AVERATEK.
  • An overlay may be placed over the foil layer 36, the base layer 36, or both.
  • the overlay may function to protect the foil layer 38, the conductor paths or traces 40, any elements attached to the foil layer 38 and/or traces 40, or a combination thereof.
  • the overlay may protect the foil layer 38 and/or heating segment 34 from electrical shorting or other damage, for example if a liquid or other contaminants penetrates the cover layer(s) and/or enters the blanket.
  • the overlay may comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that is attached to the foil layer 36, base layer 36, or both via an adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA).
  • PSA pressure sensitive adhesive
  • the overlay may be a laminate.
  • the one or more conductor paths or traces 40 may be configured or enabled to electrically connect one or more of the heating elements 42, sensing elements 46, or both to the controller and/or power source (FIG. 1).
  • the one or more conductor paths or traces 40 from each heating segment 34, 34’ may be electrically connected to a single connector 24, discussed herein.
  • the one or more conductor paths or traces 40 may also be separated into separate heating conductors 43 and sensing conductors 41.
  • the two conductors 43, 41 may be the same; a conductor 43, 41 may communicate signals and/or power between heating elements, sensing elements, controller, power source, or a combination thereof; a sensing conductor 41 may communicate with a heating element, a heating conductor 43 may communicate with a sensing element, or a combination thereof. Any reference made to conductor 40, 41, and 43 may apply to all conductors 40, 41, 43 and vice versa.
  • the one or more sensing conductors 41 may be separate, discrete conductors from the one or more heating segments 34, conductors 40, 43.
  • the one or more sensing conductors 41 may be separate conductors that are placed over, below, or within the one or more heating segments 34.
  • the one or more sensing conductors 41 may be part of or integrally formed on or with the one or more heating segments 34.
  • the one or more sensing conductors 41 may have one or more sensing elements configured for monitoring or determining an amount of the heat generated by the one or more heating conductors (i.e., by a first heating conductor and/or a second heating conductor).
  • the one or more sensing conductors 41 may be electrically connected to the single connector 24, discussed further below for communicating the one or more sensing signals to a controller, output, or monitor 12 (i.e., Fig. 1).
  • the heating segment 34 may comprise one or more fingers 39.
  • the one or more fingers 39 may be integrally formed onto the structure of the heating segment 34.
  • the one or more fingers may be project or cantilever from an edge of a heating segment 34 and overlay an adjacent heating segment 34.
  • the one or more fingers 39 may extend from an edge of heating segment 34 and overlay heating segment 34’ to monitor or determine a temperature or heat output of the heating conductors associated with heating segment 34’.
  • the one or more fingers 39’ may extend from an edge of heating segment 34’ and overlay heating segment 34 to monitor or determine a temperature or heat output of the heating conductors associated with heating segment 34.
  • a gap or absence of material may be defined between fingers 39.
  • the fingers 39, 39’ may be located on a top surface of the corresponding heating segment 34, 34’ or on a bottom side of the heating segment 34, 34’. In some configurations, the fingers 39, 39’ may alternate between top and bottom sides of the corresponding heating segment 34, 34’. In other configurations some or all of the fingers 39 may be located on a top or bottom side of heating segment 34’, and some or all of the fingers 39’ are located on a top or bottom side of the heating segment 34. In some configurations, the fingers 39 may monitor or determine heat generated by heating segment 34, and fingers 39’ may monitor or determine heat generated by heating segment 34’.
  • the one or more fingers 39 may be a separate component that is overlay ed or attached to the one or more heating segments 34.
  • the one or more fingers 39, 39’ may be connected via a central conductor 37 that extends along a length of the heating layer.
  • the one or more heating conductor 43 may be configured, or enabled to conduct electrical power and/or signals between the one or more heating elements 42 and the controller and/or power source. Each heating conductor 43 may be connected to only one heating element 42, or more than one heating element 42. In some configurations, a heating conductor 43 may also connect to one or more sensing elements 46. [0051] The one or more heating conductors 43 may be arranged at or along a periphery of the heating segments 34, 34’. That is, the one or more heating conductors 43 may be disposed or located at or along one or more of the perimeter edges (long and/or short edges of the segment) of the heating segment 34, 34’.
  • a first heating conductor 43 (one or more heating conductors 43) may be arranged along a top edge of the heating segment 34 and a second heating conductor 43 (one or more heating conductors 43) may be arranged along a bottom edge of the heating segment 34.
  • a third heating conductor 43 (one or more heating conductors 43) may be arranged along a top edge of the heating segment 34’ and a fourth heating conductor 43 (one or more heating conductors 43) may be arranged along a bottom edge of the heating segment 34’.
  • the one or more sensing conductors 41 may be configured, or enabled to electrically connect one or more of the sensing elements 46 to the controller and/or power source (FIG. 1).
  • the sensing conductors 41 may be configured or enabled to conduct electrical power and/or signals between the one or more sensing elements 46 and the controller and/or power source.
  • a sensing conductor 41 may also connect to one or more heating elements 42.
  • the one or more sensing conductors 41 may be arranged at or along a periphery of the heating segments 34, 34’. That is, the one or more sensing conductors 41 may be disposed or located at or along one or more of the perimeter edges (long and/or short edges of the segment) of the heating segment 34, 34’. For example, a first sensing conductor 41 (one or more sensing conductors 41) may be arranged along a top edge of the heating segment 34 and a second sensing conductor 4 (one or more sensing conductors 4 ) may be arranged along a bottom edge of the heating segment 34.
  • a third sensing conductor 41 (one or more sensing conductors 41) may be arranged along a top edge of the heating segment 34’ and a fourth sensing conductor 4 (one or more sensing conductors 4 ) may be arranged along a bottom edge of the heating segment 34’.
  • the one or more heating conductors 43 and/or the one or more sensing conductors 41 may additionally, or instead, be arranged offset from or spaced apart from the edges of the heating segment 34, 34’.
  • one or more of the heating, sensing conductors 40, 41 may be arranged along a face of the heating segments, at or near a center longitudinal axis of the segment, or in a region anywhere between the edge perimeter of the segment and the center of the segment.
  • the one or more heating conductors 43 and the sensing conductors 41 may be combined such that a single conductor is enabled or configured to carry or conduct electrical energy and/or signals between one or more of the heating elements 42 and one or more of the sensing elements 46 and the power supply or controller.
  • These combined conductors may likewise be located at the periphery or perimeter edges of the segment 34, 34’ or anywhere between the periphery or perimeter edges of the segment 34, 34’ and the center of the segment.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates two heating segments 34, 34’ joined together to form the heating layer 28, or a portion of the heating layer 28 if one or more additional heating segments are added to enlarge the size of the heating layer 28.
  • one or more of the conductors 40 i.e., heating conductors 43 and one or more of the sensing conductors 41
  • the conductors 40 that were arranged at the peripheral edges of the heating segments 34, 34’ in FIG. 3 are located at longitudinal center C of the heating layer 28.
  • Certain other conductors 40, 41, 43 may be located at the periphery or edges of the heating layer 28, for example, those that are located at the top edge of the segment 34 and the bottom edge of the segment 34 in FIG. 3
  • one or more of the heating conductors 43 may have a respective heating terminal 62 and one or more of the sensing conductors 41 may have a respective sensing terminal 64. That is, the first heating conductor 43 may have a first heating terminal 62, the second heating conductor 43 may have a second heating terminal 62, the third heating conductor 43 may have a third heating terminal 62, and the fourth heating conductor 43 may have a fourth heating terminal 62.
  • the first sensing conductor 41 may have a first sensing terminal 64
  • the second sensing conductor 41 may have a second sensing terminal 64
  • the third sensing conductor 41 may have a sensing heating terminal 64
  • the fourth sensing conductor 41 may have a fourth sensing terminal 64.
  • the aforementioned heating and sensor terminals may be part of a printed circuit board 66 or plug or connector 24, or may connect to the plug or connector 24 for connecting to the power source and/or controller (FIG. 1).
  • the aforementioned heating and sensor terminals may be arranged proximate to each other at the edge 60 of the heating layer 28.
  • the heating layer 28 may optionally include a support 58.
  • the support 58 may function to electrically connect the two heating segments 34, 34’.
  • the support 58 may be an adhesive tape.
  • the support 58 may be connected to one or more of the conductors 40, 43, and/or 41 on each segment 34, 34’.
  • the support 58 may help maintain a connection between one or more of the conductors 40, 43, and/or 41 on the segment 34 with one or more of the conductors 40, 43 and/or 41 on the segment 34’ .
  • the support 58 may be electrically conductive and/or non-electrically conductive (an insulator).
  • the support may be or may have an adhesive tape or layer.
  • the support 58 may extend along all or a part of a longitudinal axis of the heating layer 28.
  • FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a connector 24 and the heating layer 28.
  • the connector 24 may comprise one or more printed circuit boards (PCB) 66.
  • the PCB 66 may comprise one or more conductors or terminals (discussed further below) for connecting to one or more of the terminals 62, 64 discussed above, and/or for connecting to the conductors 40, heating conductors 43, and/or sensing conductors 41 of the heating layer and/or heating segments.
  • the PCB 66 may be attached to the heating layer 28 with a suitable fastener, such as an adhesive, tape, weld, ultrasonic weld, RF weld, heat stake rivet, paste, or a combination thereof, or any of the other fasteners disclosed herein.
  • the connector 24 may have a receptacle 68.
  • the receptacle 68 may function to receive, hold, or maintain a connection with one or more of the plugs 14, 16 and/or connectors 20 thereof (FIG. 1).
  • a portion of the PCB 66 or other connector may be contained or located within the receptacle 68 for connecting to one or more of the plugs 14, 16 and/or connectors 20 thereof.
  • the connector 24 may comprise a housing 71.
  • the housing 71 may be made of one or more parts, such as a first part 75 and an opposing second part 76 (FIG. 8).
  • the first part 75 may be located on a bottom side of the heating blanket and the second part 76 may be located on a top side of the heating blanket 18, or vice versa.
  • the heating blanket 18 or layers thereof may be located or sandwiched between the parts 75, 76.
  • the first part 75 and/or the second part 76 may include one or more connections or attaching features 72 (three shown).
  • One or more of the connections or attaching features 72 may be configured to extend through one or more PCB apertures 73 defined in the PCB 66 and/or one or more apertures 70 defined in the heating layer 28, cover layers 26, 32, insulating layers, or a combination thereof.
  • the connections or attaching features 72 may be projections.
  • connections or attaching features 72 maybe attached to the heating layer 28, cover layers 32, 26, one or more of the insulation layers, or a combination thereof via an adhesive, weld, RF weld, ultrasonic weld, fastener, glue, paste, rivet, stich, heat stake, or a combination thereof, or any of the other fasteners disclosed herein.
  • connections or attaching features 72 are heat staked so that all inner layers are maintained between the two cover layers 26, 32 and between the two parts 75, 76 of the housing 71.
  • the parts 75, 76 of the housing 71 may be attached to one another and/or to one or more of the blanket layers by other mechanisms, such as glue, adhesives, welding, bonding, screws, rivets, snaps, clips, projections, barbs, the like, or a combination thereof.
  • the single connector 24 is connected to the first heating segment 34 with a first connection or attaching feature 72 and to the second heating segment 34’ with a second connection or attaching feature 72’.
  • the connector 24 may be connected to the heating segments 34, 34’ with two or more connection or attaching features.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates the printed circuit board (PCB) 66.
  • the PCB 66 may comprise one or more conductors or terminals 74, 77 for connecting to one or more of the heating layer 28 terminals 62, 64 discussed above, connecting to the conductors or traces, 40, heating conductors 43, the one or more sensing conductors 41, or a combination thereof.
  • the one or more outer terminals 74 may be power conductors for supplying one or more of the heaters, heating traces or heating conductors, temperature sensors, sensing elements, sensing conductors, or a combination thereof with electrical energy.
  • the one or more inner terminals 77 may be power conductors for supplying one or more of the heaters, heating traces or heating conductors, temperature sensors, sensing elements, sensing conductors, or a combination thereof with electrical energy.
  • the one or more outer terminals 74 and/or inner terminals 77 may be signal conductors for supplying, transferring, or conducting one or more electrical signals between the PCB 66 and components of the heating layer and/or blanket.
  • the one or more conductors or terminals 74, 77 may be directly connected to the one or more terminals 62, 64 discussed above, connecting to the conductors 40, heating conductors 43, and/or sensing conductors 41 or connected thereto via one or more other conductors, terminals, or traces.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates the PCT 66 connected to the heating layer 28.
  • the one or more projections 72 (two shown) extending from the housing 75 (and/or may extend from housing 76, FIG. 8) extend through corresponding PCB apertures 73 defined in the PCB 66.
  • One or more other projections 72 (one shown) extending from the housing 75 (and/or may extend from housing 76, FIG. 8) extends through a heating layer aperture 70 defined in the heating layer 28.
  • This heating layer aperture 70 may be pre-formed prior to the projection 72 passing therethrough, or the aperture 70 may be formed by puncturing the heating layer 28 with the proj ection 72.
  • Any of the proj ections 72 disclosed herein may be replaced by or pins, screws, rivets, push pins, and/or other fasteners or adhesives.
  • FIG. 11 is a close up of a portion of FIG. 10.
  • the receptacle 68 may have one or more flanges or other retaining members 80 that are configured to be received into a receiving channel 82 for maintaining the position of the receptacle 68 and/or PCB 66 relative to the housing 71, 75, 76.
  • FIG. 12 illustrates the assembled housing 71 that includes parts 75 and 76 about the heating layer 28.
  • the insulating layers and the cover layers are not shown in this figure for clarity.
  • the projections 72 extend through corresponding apertures 73 in the PCB and apertures 70 in the heating layer 28.
  • the rear or inboard projection 72 extends through the heating layer 28 such that the traces or conductors 40, sensing conductors 41, sensing elements 46 meander around the projection 72.
  • the conductors 40, heating elements 42, and/or heating conductors 43 extend adjacent to the projection 72 to an edge region of the heating layer 28 to connect to the PCB 66
  • the heating system may include one or more heating blankets.
  • a heating blanket may be enabled or configured to generate heat.
  • a heating blanket may include one or more layers and/or elements that are enabled or configured to convert electrical energy into heat energy to generate heat.
  • the electrical energy may be supplied from a power source, controller, or both.
  • the electrical energy may come from an AC power source, a DC power source, or both.
  • a heating blanket may be placed over, under, or around a patient, user, animal, object, etc. to increase or maintain a temperature of the user, animal, object, etc. and/or increase air surrounding the user, animal, object, etc.
  • a heating blanket may be used to cover a user, animal, or object from a top side.
  • a heating blanket may be used to wrap a user, patient, animal, or object so the top, bottom and sides of the user, animal, or object are covered.
  • a heating blanket may be used to support a user, patient, animal, or object from a bottom side (e.g., the heating blanket may be a pad or mattress or a mattress cover).
  • a heating blanket may be used cover or wrap only a portion of a user or patient, such as an arm, leg, torso, head, etc.
  • a heating blanket may be used in medical and/or non-medical procedures.
  • a heating blanket (and/or one or more layers of the heating blanket) may have any shape.
  • the heating blanket and/or one or more of the layers thereof may have a generally rectangular shape, a square shape, circular or round shape, oblong or oval shape, etc.
  • a heating blanket (and/or one or more layers of the heating blanket) may be radiolucent or at least generally transparent, to X-rays so a patient can be warmed during a medical procedure.
  • a heating blanket may include one or more layers.
  • the one or more layers may include a top or first cover layer, a heating layer, an insulating layer, and a bottom or second cover layer.
  • One or more of these layers may be duplicated and/or eliminated.
  • One or more of the layers may be divided into two or more layers. Two or more of these layers may be combined into a single layer. Any of the layers may be arranged in any order. Any of these layers may include one or more sub layers.
  • the heating layer may include a base or carrier layer and a foil or conductive layer.
  • a heating blanket and/or one or more layers of the heating blanket may include one or more plugs, ports, and/or connectors for connecting to one or more of the cables, controllers, power sources, or a combination thereof.
  • the heating blanket and/or one or more layers of the blanket may include one or more knobs, buttons, levers, switches, and/or keypads for turning the system ON and OFF, increase and/or decreasing a heat output from the heating blanket, increasing and/or decreasing a power supply to the heating blanket, monitoring the heating performance of the heating blanket, suppressing one or more alarms, or a combination thereof.
  • a heating blanket may include one or more layers.
  • a heating blanket may include one or more heating layers.
  • a heating layer may function to generate heat.
  • a heating layer or one or more elements or components of the heating layer may function to convert electrical energy or power into heating energy or heat.
  • a heating layer or one or more of the other layers may be flexible, stretchable, foldable, bendable, Tollable, and/or foldable.
  • the heating layer, or one or more of the other layers may be adapted to stretch into a 3 -dimensional compound curve without wrinkling or folding while maintaining electrical conductivity, and subsequently return to the same generally planar shape.
  • the heating layer may include one or more slits, slots, recesses, holes, or absence of material.
  • the one or more slits, slots, recesses, holes, or absence of material may function to provide for the heating layer and/or blanket to bend, fold, and/or conform to a patent or object.
  • the one or more slits, slots, recesses, holes, or absence of material may function to provide for one or more fasteners to puncture or extend through the heating layer to connect together two or more layers of the blanket.
  • the heating layer may be made of one or more layers or sub layers.
  • the one or more layers of the heating layer may be a base or carrier layer and a foil or conductive layer.
  • a heating layer may include one or more base or carrier layers.
  • a base or carrier layer may function to support the foil or conductive layer that is placed on top and/or on the bottom of the carrier layer.
  • a foil or conductive layer may surround a base or carrier layer.
  • a base or carrier layer may function to provide strength and/or rigidity to the heating layer.
  • a base or carrier layer may be made of a suitable material, such as polyurethane, polypropylene, polymethylene, or the like.
  • a base or carrier layer may be made of a conductive or non-conductive material.
  • the base or carrier layer may be made of a woven or knitted material.
  • the base or carrier layer, or any other layer of the heating blanket may be made of a material that is flexible, stretchable, foldable, bendable, Tollable, or the like. This may advantageously enable the heating layer, or any other layer of the blanket to be easily folded, rolled, crumbled,
  • a heating layer may include one or more foil or conductive layers.
  • the conductive layer may function to convert electrical energy or power into heating energy or heat.
  • the conductive layer may comprise one or more electrically conductive materials.
  • the conducive layer may be made of or comprise a material such as metal, copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, or the like.
  • the conductive layer may be supported on one or more carrier or base layers.
  • the conductive layer may be supported on one side of the base layer (e.g., a top side).
  • the conductive layer may be supported on both sides of the base layer (e.g., a top and bottom side).
  • the conductive layer may be placed, attached, connected, secured, welded, and/or printed onto the base layer.
  • the conductive layer may be a foil, sheet, layer.
  • the conductive layer may undergo one or more operations to remove certain portions of the conductive layer from the base layer.
  • the portions of the conductive layer remaining on the base layer may be formed into one or more bus bars, conductive traces or conductive paths, heating elements, temperature sensors, or a combination thereof.
  • the operation may provide for the remaining portions to have different thickness, widths, shapes, and/or contours to form the respective traces or conductive paths, heating elements, temperature sensors, or a combination thereof.
  • the operation may include a milling, dry milling, grinding, stamping, shaping, or other material removal process.
  • the operation may be free of any acid etching or acid removal or chemical solvent or copper etching or acid corrosion process, which may thus be more environmentally friendly.
  • the operation may be a printing operation, where the one or more bus bars, conductive traces or conductive paths, heating elements, temperature sensors, or a combination thereof are printed or applied onto the base layer.
  • the conductive layer may undergo one or more operations or processes to remove and/or prevent the formation of aluminum oxide on the conductive layer. This may optionally occur before or after any material removal operations. Such process may include nickel-palladium or nickel-silver plating. A surface treatment such as MINA developed by AVERATEK can be applied to the aluminum. The surface treatment may provide for the conductive layer or the remaining portion of the conductive layer after the material removal option to accept solder so that one or more elements like traces, conductors, heating elements, temperature sensors, or a combination thereof can be attached.
  • the heating layer, heating segment, and/or the conductive layer may include one or more heating elements.
  • a heating element may function to generate heat in response to being supplied with electrical energy.
  • a heating element may have an operating voltage of between about 10 and 50 V or between about 12 and 24 V.
  • a heating element heating element may have a power density of between about 10 and 500 W/m 2 , between about 50 and 300 W/m 2 , or between about 150 and 250 W/m
  • a heating element may have a power output between about 10 and 500 W, between about 50 and 200 W, or between about 100 and 130 W.
  • a heating element may have a resistance between about 1 and 10 Ohm or between about 2 - 6 Ohm.
  • a heating element may be an integral part of the conductive layer. That is, after the conductive layer undergoes a material removal process, the remaining sections of the conductive layer may include or be the one or more heating elements. Additionally, or alternatively, a heating element may be attached to the remining sections of the conductive layer and/or the carrier layer via an attaching operation, such as printing, welding, soldering, etc.
  • a heating layer, heating segment, heating zone, or a combination thereof may include one or more heating elements. If a heating layer, segment, zone, or a combination thereof includes plural heating elements, the plural heating elements may be arranged electrically in series, electrically parallel to each other, or a combination thereof.
  • a heating element may be a resistor.
  • a heating element may be a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater.
  • PTC heater may be a self-regulating heater.
  • the heating element may be made of or comprise a material such as metal, copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, or the like.
  • the heating layer, heating segment, and/or the conductive layer may include one or more conductive traces or paths.
  • a conductive trace or path may function to transfer or conduct electrical energy from the controller or power source to the one or more heating elements, sensing elements, or both.
  • a conductive trace or path may function to transfer or conduct electrical communication signals between the controller or power source and the more heating elements, sensing elements, or both.
  • a conductive trace or path may be an integral part of the conductive layer. That is, after the conductive layer undergoes a material removal process, the remaining sections of the conductive layer may include or be the one or more conductive traces or paths. Additionally, or alternatively, a conductive trace or path may be attached to the remining sections of the conductive layer and/or the carrier layer via an attaching operation, such as printing, welding, soldering, etc.
  • the conductive trace or path may be made of or comprise a material such as metal, copper, aluminum, nickel, silver, or the like.
  • a conductor or trace may function to electrically connect together one or more controllers, heating segments, heating zones, heating elements, sensing elements, or a combination thereof.
  • An electrical conductor or trace may include exactly one heating element and/or sensing element.
  • An electrical conductor or trace may include plural heating elements and/or sensing elements.
  • a heating segment may thus include one or more conductors or traces per each heating zone.
  • the electrical conductors or traces may be arranged anywhere on the heating layer, heating zone, heating segment, or a combination thereof.
  • one or more of the conductors or traces may be arranged along a center longitudinal axis of the heating layer, heating zone, heating segment, or a combination thereof.
  • one or more of the conductors or traces may be arranged in a region located above or below a center longitudinal axis of the heating layer, heating zone, heating segment, or a combination thereof.
  • one or more of the conductors or traces may be arranged along a bottom, top, or side edge of the heating layer, heating zone, heating segment, or a combination thereof.
  • one or more of the conductors or traces may be arranged along a planar face of the heating layer, heating zone, heating segment, or a combination thereof.
  • the heating blanket, heating layer, heating zone, heating segment, or a combination thereof may include one or more sensing elements.
  • a sensing element may function to monitor, detect, and/or control one or more of the heating elements.
  • Each heating zone and/or heating segment may include at least one sensing element to monitor and/or control the heating elements in that heating zone.
  • a sensing element may have a NTC semiconductor.
  • a sensing element may be a flat measuring resistor made of a material such as the heating element.
  • a sensing element may service as a safety sensor.
  • the sensing element may decrease power supplied to the heating element or decrease a heating output if the temperature sensed is at or above a pre-determined level. This may advantageously function to reduce or prevent chances of excessive patient warming or patient burning.
  • the sensing element, safety sensor, or both may be in electrical communication (wired and/or wireless) with an alarm that may be part of the controller or heating blanket to alert (via an audible and/or visual signal) to alert a user and/or operation of a fault, over heat condition, underheat condition, or a combination thereof.
  • the heating blanket may include one or more sensing elements per heating zone, per heating element, and/or per pair of heating elements.
  • the measuring and/or monitoring results of the sensing element may be only related to a part of heating layer, heating segment, heating zone, or a combination thereof. This may advantageously provide for the ability to monitor and understanding heating performance of each heating zone and/or heating element, which may be desirable to debug and locate hot spots (spots or areas with high or excessive heating temperatures) and/or cold spots (spots or areas with little or low heating temperature).
  • the sensing element may be electrically connected to the heating element, the controller, the power source, or a combination thereof.
  • One or more sensing element may be electrically connected to the heating element, the controller, the power source, or a combination thereof via one or more conductors or traces.
  • the controller may easily monitor the heating performance in a particular heating zone.
  • the heating layer may include one or more cover layers.
  • the one or more cover layers may function to protect and/or conceal the other layers of the heating blanket.
  • the one or more cover layers may function to reduce or minimize changes of the heating layer contacting or burning a user or patient.
  • the one or more cover layers may function to restrict or prevent liquids from penetrating the heating blanket and contacting one or more of the other layers, like the heating layer.
  • the one or more cover layers may protect a user or patent from electric shock hazards, burning due to excessive or elevated temperatures generated by the heating layer, or both.
  • the one or more cover layers may include a top layer, a bottom layer, or both.
  • the top and bottom cover layers may be formed from a single layer that wraps around the other layers of the heating blanket (e.g., the heating layer and/or the insulting layer).
  • the top and bottom cover layers may be discrete pieces that are connected together to form an envelope or bag structure, into which the other layers of the heating layer are located.
  • One or more of the layers may be connected together.
  • the front and back layers may be connected together; the heating layer may be connected to the insulating layer; the insulating layer may be connected to the top layer and/or the bottom layer; the heating layer may be connected to the top layer and/or bottom layer; or any other combination thereof.
  • the one or more layers may be connected with an electrically conductive adhesive, weld, or fastener and/or a non-electrically conducive weld, adhesive, or fastener.
  • the one or more layers may be connected with a one or more rivets, stitching, grommets, hook and loop fasteners, staples, buttons, snaps, push pins, hot melt welding, welding, rf welding, adhesives, glues, and/or the like.
  • one or more of the layers may be free of any connection to one or more other layers.
  • the top and bottom cover layers may be joined together to form a hermetically sealed heating blanket. This means that the region between the two cover layers is sealed such that air is unable to enter a region between the two cover layers and/or exit the region between the two cover layers. In other words, there is no or substantially no exchange or air between a region inside the cover layers and/or blanket and the surrounding environment.
  • the top and bottom cover layers may be joined together to form a non- hermetically sealed heating blanket.
  • Air gaps, voids, or openings may be formed in one or both of the top and bottom cover layers. Voids or breaks in the welds or seals around a perimeter of the heating layer and/or cover layers may permit air to enter and/or exit the region inside the blanket.
  • An opening may be defined in a part of the blanket to access the heating layer.
  • the connector may also be free of a hermetic seal. That is, an exchange of air may take place through the two parts of the housing of the connector and/or through a region where the PCB extends through the receptacle of the connector.
  • the cover layer may be made of a suitable material that to restricts or prevent liquids (disinfectants, blood, etc.) from penetrating and/or being absorbed.
  • the cover layer may be made from a textile material, such as an impregnated or non-impregnated fleece.
  • the cover layer may be made of a spunbond meltblown (SMS) polypropylene with an LDPE film coating.
  • SMS spunbond meltblown
  • the cover layer may be made from a material comprising polypropylene, LDPE (polyethylene), PVC, urethane, or a combination thereof.
  • the cover layer may comprise a nylon or woven nylon.
  • the cover layer may be made of a material comprising of polypropylene, low- density polymethylene (LDPE) polypropylene, fleece, non-woven fleece, polymeric foam or film, a thermally insulating material, a high-loft fibrous non-woven material, foam, compressible foam, or a combination thereof.
  • the cover layer may include a coating that repels liquids.
  • the cover layer may comprise any of the materials disclosed herein.
  • the cover layer may have a weight on the order of about 30 or more GSM (grams per square meter) or less than 30 GSM. Preferably, the cover layer may have a weight of about 32 GSM.
  • the cover layer may be made of a composition of a nonwoven material and a cover material.
  • the composition may have a weight on the order of about 3 or more GSM or less than 30 GSM.
  • the nonwoven material may have a weight on the order of about 20 or more GSM or less than 20 GSM.
  • the cover material on the nonwoven material i.e., an LDEP film
  • the cover layer may have a tinsel strength of about 7.0 KG/FNl (MD) or more or less, 5.5 KG/FNl (CD) or more or less, per ASTM D5034-95.
  • the cover layer may have a tear strength of about 2 LB/IN (MD) or more or less.
  • the cover layer may have an elongation of about 40% (MD) or more or less, 60% (CD) or more or less, per ASTM 5034-95.
  • the cover layer may have a film adhesion of 180G or more or less.
  • the bonding pattern of the film to the nonwoven may be any pattern, including diamond shaped.
  • the cover layers may be connected together and surround the heating layer and the insulating layer.
  • the heating layer and/or the insulating layer may be connected to the one or more cover layers, to each other, or both.
  • the cover layers may form an envelope, pocket, pouch, and/or bag structure within which the heating layer and or the cover layer are located.
  • the cover i.e., top layer and/or bottom layer
  • the cover may be separated from the rest of the heating blanket. This may be advantageous to wash or sterilize the cover layer(s) or to replace one or both of the cover layers in the event they are damaged, without having to dispose of the entire blanket.
  • the heating blanket may include one or more insulation layers.
  • An insulation layer may be located adjacent to the heating layer.
  • An insulation layer may be located adjacent to the base or carrier layer of the heating layer.
  • An insulation layer may be have protective layer or material to restrict or prevent liquids (disinfectants, blood, etc.) from being absorbed.
  • An insulation layer may be made of a material comprising of polypropylene, low-density polymethylene (LDPE) polypropylene, fleece, non-woven fleece, polymeric foam, or film, a thermally insulating material, a high-loft fibrous non-woven material, foam, compressible foam, or a combination thereof.
  • LDPE low-density polymethylene
  • An insulating layer may function to retain heat generated by the heating layer.
  • An insulating layer may function to protect a user or patient from electric shock hazards, burning due to excessive or elevated temperatures generated by the heating layer.
  • An insulating layer may function to add comfort, softness, and/or weight to the heating blanket.
  • first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings.
  • Spatially relative terms such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below.
  • the device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

Landscapes

  • Central Heating Systems (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une couverture chauffante comprenant : un premier segment de chauffage ayant un premier conducteur chauffant et un second conducteur chauffant, s'étendant chacun le long d'au moins une partie d'une longueur de la couverture chauffante, et un ou plusieurs éléments chauffants situés entre le premier conducteur chauffant et le second conducteur chauffant. Le premier conducteur chauffant comprend une première borne de chauffage, et le second conducteur chauffant comprend une seconde borne de chauffage, la première borne de chauffage et la seconde borne de chauffage sont situées à proximité l'une de l'autre et disposées au niveau d'un bord du segment de chauffage.
PCT/US2021/060681 2020-11-24 2021-11-24 Couverture chauffante ayant deux segments de chauffage ou plus et un seul connecteur pour l'alimentation électrique et la détection de température Ceased WO2022115504A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US18/200,754 US20230284801A1 (en) 2020-11-24 2023-05-23 Medical Heater Blanket with Temperature Sensor

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EP4445725A1 (fr) * 2023-04-11 2024-10-16 CASCO Europe Limited Système de chauffage pour système de confinement d'animaux
WO2025259795A1 (fr) * 2024-06-12 2025-12-18 Gentherm Medical Llc Élément chauffant intelligent à fils de connexion réduits

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US20060052852A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2006-03-09 Wyatt Charles C Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings, and associated methods of manufacture and use
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US20170135855A1 (en) * 2015-05-21 2017-05-18 Vitaheat Medical, Llc Patient warming system
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US4132262A (en) * 1977-01-17 1979-01-02 Joan Wibell Heating and cooling blanket
DE3334744A1 (de) * 1982-10-06 1984-04-12 Bulten-Kanthal AB, 73401 Hallstahammar Heizvorrichtung und verfahren dieselbe herzustellen
US20060052852A1 (en) 2000-06-14 2006-03-09 Wyatt Charles C Personal warming systems and apparatuses for use in hospitals and other settings, and associated methods of manufacture and use
KR20060131054A (ko) * 2005-06-15 2006-12-20 오은미 전열선을 이용한 온도감지형 온도조절장치
US20190365113A1 (en) 2007-03-19 2019-12-05 Augustine Temperature Management LLC Electric heating pad with electrosurgical grounding
US20170135855A1 (en) * 2015-05-21 2017-05-18 Vitaheat Medical, Llc Patient warming system
CN209895203U (zh) * 2019-07-30 2020-01-03 江苏佰润医疗科技有限公司 一种用于病员加温控制的多路分区域加温系统

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP4445725A1 (fr) * 2023-04-11 2024-10-16 CASCO Europe Limited Système de chauffage pour système de confinement d'animaux
WO2025259795A1 (fr) * 2024-06-12 2025-12-18 Gentherm Medical Llc Élément chauffant intelligent à fils de connexion réduits

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