Heater for aircraft potable water tank
OwnerMichael J. Giamatiinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A heater (10) for installation on a potable water tank (12). The heater (10) comprises a blanket (14) including an electrical resistance heating element (16) and a connection pad (18) for electrically connecting the heating element (16) to lead lines (20) to an aircraft power source (22). The water tank (12) is typically positioned under the cabin floor or other locations on an aircraft which are susceptible to cold temperatures, moisture invasion, and pressure drops/rises caused by changing altitudes. The heater (10) maintains the tank (12) at an acceptable temperature range and prevents freezing of the water.
Claims38
A heater comprising a heating element and a carrier layer for the heating element, wherein:
- the heating element comprises a wire structure positioned in a pattern to generate required heating;
- and
- the wire structure comprises an electrically conductive wire, an electrically insulating coating on the wire, and a fiber overwrap surrounding the insulating coating.
A heater comprising a heating element which comprises a wire structure positioned in a pattern to generate required heating and a crimp joint electrically connecting an end portion of the wire structure to a lead wire to a power source, wherein the crimp joint comprises:
- a crimp, a first sleeve, and a second sleeve;
- a crimp which electrically connects bare wire ends of the lead wire and the end portion of the wire structure;
- a first sleeve positioned around a section of the end portion of the wire structure;
- and a second sleeve surrounding the crimp and electrically insulating the crimp.
A wire structure comprising an electrically conductive wire, an electrically insulating coating on the wire, and a fiber overwrap surrounding the insulating coating.
A method of making a heater comprising a heating element and a carrier layer for the heating element, said method comprising the steps of:
- providing a wire structure having an electrically conductive wire, an electrically insulating coating on the wire, and a fiber overwrap surrounding the insulating coating;
- positioning the wire structure in a pattern on the carrier layer to form the heating element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.