Self-regulating heater
US10842667B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 24, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2007/0233
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a self regulating heater including a first layer made of a thin and flexible electrically insulating material. A second electrically conductive layer includes first and second buses spaced from each other. A third resistive layer electrically connects the first and second buses. The third layer has a higher electrical resistance than the second layer. The third layer experiences a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect when heated. A fourth interface layer directly connected to at least one of the second electrically conductive layer and the third resistive layer directly engages skin of a patient when the heater is attached to the patient. A combined thickness of the first layer, the second conductive layer, the third resistive layer and the fourth layer may be between 5 mil and 20 mil.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.