Electric heating – Heating devices – With protective means for heater
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-30
2001-04-24
Paschall, Mark (Department: 3742)
Electric heating
Heating devices
With protective means for heater
C219S505000, C219S497000, C219S501000, C219S212000, C323S236000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06222162
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Electric blankets typically include a wire element that extends through the blanket and through which electric current passes to generate heat. A desired temperature setting is generally achieved by controlling the amount of current passing through the wire. Furthermore, one or more heat-sensing mechanisms are typically provided in the blanket to detect an undesirable increase in temperature so that current to the heating element can be discontinued.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes and addresses disadvantages of prior art constructions and methods.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved electric blanket.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved electric blanket control.
These and other objects are achieved by an electric blanket including a heating element that extends through the blanket so that, upon receiving electric current from a power source, the element heats the blanket. A regulator circuit is connected to the element. It is configured to measure the resistance of the element and to control delivery of electric current from the power source to the element responsively to the measured resistance so that the element heats to a desired temperature.
A method according to the present invention includes providing a heating element extending through the blanket so that, upon receiving electric current from a power source, the element heats the blanket. The resistance of the element is measured, and delivery of electric current from the power source to the element is controlled responsively to the resistance so that the element heats to a desired temperature.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
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Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Paschall Mark
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