Electric heating – Heating devices – Combined with diverse-type art device
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-27
2001-07-10
Jeffery, John A. (Department: 3742)
Electric heating
Heating devices
Combined with diverse-type art device
C219S541000, C123S549000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06259060
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an electrical attachment for an electrically powered apparatus and, more particularly, to an electrically powered heater for use in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine.
2. Discussion
Vehicles operating in colder climates are commonly equipped with a heater to warm the engine block or the air/fuel mixture entering the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. The air intake heating devices generally include a heating element disposed in the intake air passageway of an engine and electrically connected to a power source. Current is passed through the heating element to increase the temperature of the surrounding air as it passes the heating element and enters the combustion chamber of the engine.
With the advent of aerodynamic concerns and component weight reduction in an attempt to increase fuel economy, the engine compartment of motor vehicles has become a significant packaging challenge. Specifically, components buyers have been strongly urged by the vehicle manufacturers to create components which require less space and weigh less than their predecessors. In addition, the volume metric envelope in which the engine must package has been similarly reduced. In order to accomplish this task, the engine manufacturer has had to reduce the clearance between components such as the intake and the engine head. Accordingly, access to portions of the engine compartment may be limited.
In view of the above trends, a need exists for an air intake heater requiring a minimal amount of space outside of the engine components. In addition, a need exists for an air intake heater having an electrical attachment that originates inside of the intake manifold and is completed outside of the manifold.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention allows the termination of the air intake heater in a very confined space while optimizing heat transfer and minimizing air flow restrictions. More particularly, the grounding/sealing gasket of the present invention provides an electrical attachment that originates inside the manifold and is completed outside the manifold.
An air intake heater for use in a motor vehicle has an engine with an engine block and an intake manifold defining an air passageway. The air intake heater includes a gasket having a conductor plate disposed between two non-conducting sealant layers, the conductor plate has at least one inner terminal adapted for positioning inside the air passageway and at least one outer terminal adapted for positioning outside the air passageway. A heating element is coupled to the gasket and adapted to be disposed within the air passageway, wherein the inner terminal is electrically coupled to the heating element and the outer terminal is electrically coupled to a power source.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1160327 (1915-11-01), Ross
patent: 1387276 (1921-08-01), Kutsche
patent: 1472233 (1923-10-01), Taylor, Jr. et al.
patent: 3492457 (1970-01-01), Subt
patent: 4116183 (1978-09-01), Hayward
patent: 4242999 (1981-01-01), Hoser
patent: 4384563 (1983-05-01), Siefer et al.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Jeffery John A.
Phillips & Temro Industries Inc.
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