Graphene heating mat

A livestock heating method, comprising:

• providing a heating mat having a heating layer positioned between an upper support pad and a lower support pad;
• the heating layer including a conductive microfilm;
• the conductive microfilm having a generally planar shape extending between a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges;
• wherein the conductive microfilm includes a layer of graphene;
• wherein the heating mat includes a first electrical contact connected to the conductive microfilm;
• wherein the heating mat includes a second electrical contact connected to the conductive microfilm;
• generating heat by applying a voltage difference between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact to induce electric current to flow through the conductive microfilm, thereby generating heat.

A heating mat system, comprising:

• a heating layer;
• the heating layer having a conductive microfilm;
• the conductive microfilm having a generally planar shape extending between a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges;
• wherein the conductive microfilm includes a layer of graphene;
• a first electrical contact connected to the conductive microfilm;
• a second electrical contact connected to the conductive microfilm;
• an upper support pad;
• a lower support pad;
• wherein the heating layer is positioned between the upper support pad and the lower support pad;
• wherein application of a voltage difference between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact causes current to flow through the conductive microfilm, thereby generating heat;
• a control system operably connected to the heating layer;
• wherein when the control system is operated, the control system adjusts the heat generated by the system by adjusting the voltage difference applied to the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

A heating mat system for warming piglets, the system comprising:

• an upper surface;
• a lower surface;
• a layer of graphene;
• wherein the layer of graphene is positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface;
• wherein when a voltage is applied across the layer of graphene, the layer of graphene generates heat thereby warming piglets when they are on the heating mat system.