Electrical connection

• US 20050077287A1
• Filed: 10/06/2004
• Published: 04/14/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Inditherm Plc (Inspiration Healthcare Group Plc)
• Original Assignee: Inditherm Plc (Inspiration Healthcare Group Plc)
• Inventors: O'Grady, Patrick James
• Granted Patent: US 6,974,935 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/541
• CPC Class Codes: C08K 3/04 Carbon
• CPC Class Codes: H01B 1/24 the conductive material comprising carbon-silicon compounds, carbon or silicon
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/145 Carbon only, e.g. carbon black, graphite
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/146 Conductive polymers, e.g. polyethylene, thermoplastics

Abstract

This invention relates to an electrical connection and is particularly concerned with an electrical connection to conductive materials that can serve the purpose of a heating means. It has long been known that materials that are electrically conductive can generate heat. This phenomenon has spawned a considerable number of heating means for a considerable number of different purposes. Whilst electrical heaters at large are generally successful, and more than capable of meeting their intended purpose, what has proved to be difficult, is the achieving of a uniform heating effect over a relatively wide area, substantially free from hot and cold spots or areas. Sheets or webs embodying or coated with carbon particles are known, as are flexible semi-conductive materials. Even with considerable care being exercised the surface of such materials can exhibit roughness with peaks and troughs formed by carbon particles where undesirable arcing can occur. The object of the invention is to provide a means of connecting a source of electrical power to a coating or film incorporating carbon particles, an objective met by providing a coating of a nickel compound to the coating or film of carbon particles, and applying to the nickel coating a tin-copper tape coated with a silver-loaded conductive adhesive.

Claims

1. An electrical connection to a coat or a film incorporating carbon particles comprising an area of the coat or film provided with a coating of a nickel compound, and a tin-copper tape coated with a silver-loaded adhesive applied to the coating of the nickel compound.

2. An electrical connection as in claim 1, wherein the tin-copper tape is overlaid by an antifaying compound.

3. An electrical connection as in claim 2, wherein the antifaying compound is of a width greater than that of the tin-copper tape.

4. An electrical connection as in claim 1, wherein co-operating apertures are provided through the coat or film containing carbon particles, the coating of nickel compound and the tin-copper tape through which extends a conductive stud from a stud base secured to the rear of the coat or film to a cap, the cap being secured to the stub whereby to secure an electrical lead to the stud and to the tin-copper tape.

5. An electrical connection as in claim 4, wherein the coat or film incorporating carbon particles is applied to a flexible support material, the flexible support material having a hole to co-operate with the holes in the coat or film and in the tin-copper tape, to allow the passage of the stud, the stud base being secured to the face of the support material opposite to the face provided with the coat or film containing carbon particles.