Abstract: An input device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes, an antenna, and a shield trace disposed between at least some of the sensor electrodes and the antenna. The antenna may be coupled to a transceiver and may transmit and receive radio-frequency (RF) communication signals. The shield trace may reduce, at least in part, coupling of the RF communication signals from the antenna to the sensor electrodes. The plurality of sensor electrodes may determine a presence, and/or a motion associated with an input object.

Abstract: An electronic device including a protected component, a flexible positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device including a flexible sheet of PTC material coupled to a surface of the protected component, the flexible PTC device electrically connected to the protected component and adapted to arrest or mitigate electrical current flowing through the protected component upon the occurrence of an overcurrent condition, and a battery management system coupled to the flexible PTC device, the battery management system configured to measure a voltage across the flexible PTC device and to arrest or mitigate electrical current in the electronic device if the measured voltage across the flexible PTC device exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A capacitive coupling based sensor is disclosed. In some embodiments, a sensor comprises a transmitter and a receiver that are configured to be capacitively coupled when a coupling condition is satisfied as well as a circuit configured to determine whether a received signal that is received by the receiver matches a transmitted signal that is transmitted by the transmitter.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling motions using motion recognizers generated in advance by users are described. According to embodiment, the motion recognizers created by end users are utilized to control virtual objects displayed in a virtual environment. By manipulating one or more motion sensitive devices, end users could command what the objects to do in the virtual environment. Motion signals from each of the motion sensitive devices are recognized in accordance with the motion recognizers created in advance by the users. One or more of the motion signals are at the same time utilized to tune the motion recognizers or create additional motion recognizers. As a result, the motion recognizers are constantly updated to be more accommodating to the user(s).

Abstract: Provided is a non-linear resistive element which enables to narrow an interval between a plurality of electrodes. A ceramic sheet (2) which constitutes the non-linear resistive element is configured by being supported in a sheet like form by a support member (22) composed of an insulating material. A plurality of ceramic pieces (21) are sectioned and arranged in each of a plurality of unit areas (23) which are apart from each other.

Abstract: Provided is a technique to secure compositional or microstructural uniformity of a ceramic sintered body while increasing the area of the ceramic sintered boy, thus improving basic performance including non-linearity, maximum withstand energy and aging characteristics. A plurality of small varistor pieces 11 and insulating resin are kneaded and extruded for shaping, whereby a sheet-form varistor layer 13 can be formed where a plurality of small varistor pieces 11 are spaced from one another and are aligned on the same plane, and the adjacent small varistor pieces 11 are bonded via insulating resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure for attaching tactile sensors to a curved surface, comprising a sensor fixing unit configured to have at least part of one surface curved and to have a plurality of sensor insertion grooves, crossing each other, formed in the one surface in a matrix form; tactile sensor units formed in a matrix form, inserted into the respective sensor insertion grooves, and configured to detect external force; sealing units configured to seal the respective sensor insertion grooves; and a support unit configured to come in contact with one face of the sealing units or the sensor fixing units and to support the sensor fixing units. Accordingly, the tactile sensors can be easily attached to a curved surface, and mass production is possible.

Abstract: A position sensor cord includes a hollow insulator formed of a restorable rubber or a restorable plastic, and two linear resistive members. Each of the two linear resistive members includes a linear insulator and a conductive layer provided around a circumference of the linear insulator. The conductive layer is formed of a conductive rubber or a conductive plastic. The two linear resistive members are arranged in no electrical contact with each other and along an inner surface of the hollow insulator. One of the two linear resistive members may be replaced with one linear conductive member.

Abstract: A metal strip resistor includes a resistor body having a resistive element formed from a strip of an electrically resistive metal material and a first termination electrically connected to the resistive element to form a first junction and a second termination electrically connected to the resistive element to form a second junction, the first termination and the second termination formed from strips of electrically conductive metal material. The resistive element, the first termination, and the second termination being arranged mitigate thermally induced voltages between the first junction and the second junction.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a touch panel with discontinuous chain of resistances. It is formed by an internal series of electrodes of the conducting layer formed by a chain of discontinuous resistances. The design of the chain of discontinuous resistances can compensate for the voltage compensation by the voltage drop generated by the distance of chain of electrodes wherein the chain of discontinuous resistances is located at the interface of the series electrodes, and the length chain of discontinuous resistances is calculated by the specific equation.

Abstract: A manually operable position sensor is shown, for providing control signals to an electronic device, such as an audio player. A fabric ribbon (101) has a length substantially longer than its width with insulating yarns and electrically conducting yarns included therein. The conducting yarns define three conductive tracks (103, 104, 105) running the length of the fabric. The conductive tracks are configured to interface with an electronic device at a first end. At a second end, an active region of the fabric forms part of a sensor assembly that is receptive to a manually applied pressure.

Abstract: A resistor arrangement with resistor elements is specified that are arranged essentially regularly and that are spaced apart from each other and that are interconnected by a flexible substrate. According to a first preferred embodiment, intermediate spaces that are provided to carry a flow of flowing medium are arranged between the resistor elements. According to a second preferred embodiment, the resistor elements are arranged between two flexible substrates and are rigidly connected to these substrates. According to a third preferred embodiment, an electrically insulating adhesive layer that has openings through which the resistor elements are conductively connected to the substrate is arranged between the resistor elements and the substrate. According to a fourth preferred embodiment, the substrate is composed of, as a ground material, an elastic plastic that is filled with electrically conductive particles. In addition, a method for producing the resistor arrangement is specified.

Abstract: According to a first aspect the present invention relates to a fault current limiter formed by a conductor tape (11, 41, 51, 61, 71) coated with a high temperature superconductor and having at least one mounting element (12, 42, 52, 62, 72) which is essentially holding the conductor tape solely on one or more edge regions in such a way that the principal surfaces of the tape cannot get in touch with the mounting element. According to a second aspect the present invention relates to a fault current limiter formed by a conductor tape coated with a high temperature superconductor and comprising at least one mounting element (23, 24) which is contacting the conductor tape on one or on both major surfaces in an electrically conducting manner such that the conductor tape (21) in its normal conducting state is electrically shunted by the mounting element (23) in the contact region.

Abstract: A heating device is presented for surface heating of a body so as to maintain a required temperature of the body. The heating device comprises an electrical heating element and a power source for supplying a required voltage thereto. The heating element comprises first and second conductors, wherein the first conductor is made of a material with relatively high specific resistivity as compared to that of the second conductor, and the second conductor is made of a material with high heat conductivity. The first and second conductors are accommodated in spaced-apart parallel relationship along their lengths such that, when they are connected to the power source, electric currents flow in the conductors in opposite directions, and magnetic fields created in the vicinity of the first and second conductors are completely compensated. The first conductor thus serves as a heater and the second conductor as a heat diffuser.

Abstract: A heating device which includes two first conducting members and at least a second conducting member, wherein the first conducting members are made of silicone rubber conductor and flexibly pressed into an upper thin layer and a lower thin layer between which is arranged the second conducting member. The first and second conducting members are formed into a whole unit by heat and pressure, which are provided holes at predetermined positions for increasing the contact area to disperse electrical current and conducting wires for connection in parallel or series with the power source. Voltages from 0.1V˜500V AC or DC are all applicable. Hence, the first and second conducting members can dissipate heat evenly. The increased temperature ranges from 1˜230° C. with respect to the environmental temperature thereby preventing the formation of high temperature points. Furthermore, the holes can reduced the electrical current required.

Abstract: A resistor arrangement with resistor elements is specified that are arranged essentially regularly and that are spaced apart from each other and that are interconnected by a flexible substrate. According to a first preferred embodiment, intermediate spaces that are provided to carry a flow of flowing medium are arranged between the resistor elements. According to a second preferred embodiment, the resistor elements are arranged between two flexible substrates and are rigidly connected to these substrates. According to a third preferred embodiment, an electrically insulating adhesive layer that has openings through which the resistor elements are conductively connected to the substrate is arranged between the resistor elements and the substrate. According to a fourth preferred embodiment, the substrate is composed of, as a ground material, an elastic plastic that is filled with electrically conductive particles. In addition, a method for producing the resistor arrangement is specified.

Abstract: A heat trace system (10) is used for heating water to prevent freezing in a conduit (20) while servicing an aircraft positioned at a passenger loading bridge (52). An upstream fitting (26) is attached onto the conduit adjacent to a building structure and a downstream fitting (48) is attached onto the conduit adjacent to the cab of the passenger loading bridge. A coated retractable coiled wire disposed within the conduit and cold lead wires (46) enter through the upstream fitting and leave through the downstream fitting. A low voltage solid state power control box (56) is in communication with the cold lead attached to the coiled wire inside providing regulated electrical energy for heating the coiled wire thus preventing freezing the water within in the conduit.

Abstract: Electric heating/warming composite fabric articles have at least a fabric layer having inner and outer surfaces, and an electric heating/warming element, formed, e.g., of die cut, metallized textile or plastic sheeting or metal foil, affixed at the inner surface of the fabric layer and adapted to generate heating/warming when connected to a power source. A barrier layer may be positioned, for example, adjacent to the inner surface of the fabric layer; e.g., with the electric heating/warming element formed thereupon, including to protect the electric circuit, e.g. against abrasion.

Abstract: A connection endpiece placed on a resistor element provided with at least one layer of electrically-conductive fibers, the endpiece serving to connect a power supply wire electrically to the resistor element. The endpiece includes at least one metal plate having a top face for connection to the power supply wire, and provided with at least one rigid metal connector member of substantially flat shape arranged at a first end of the metal plate and connected to at least one layer of electrically-conductive fibers of the resistor element, the top face of the metal plate being covered in a removable anti-adhesive covering.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an over-current protection apparatus, comprising a current-sensitive element, a first electrode and a second electrode. The over-current protection apparatus of the present invention is a three-dimensional multi-layer structure, and can be formed by heating, pressing, etching, cutting and multi-stage deformation to prevent it from breakage during the bending process. Therefore, the over-current protection apparatus with at least one bend is formed.

Abstract: In a garment 10, 12 incorporating an electronic device such as a radio 16, a variable of the device, such as volume, is varied by the use of two cords 22, 24, the electrical resistance of each cord decreasing in accordance with an increase in tension applied to the cord; pulling one cord increases the volume of the radio and pulling the other cord decreases the volume. The stronger the pull, the faster the change in volume. The ends of the cords lie outside the garment and carry toggles 26, 28 for easy operation by a gloved hand. Alternatively the ends of the cord outside the garment may be connected to opposite ends of a manual grip 48.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the electrothermal field and in particular to the resistive heating elements on the basis of the glass-fibre textile with the pyrocarbon coating and may be used for the production of the heating elements in heaters for both industrial and domestic applications. For obtaining the electrically conducting textile with the wide range of resistance and for broadening its sphere of application, as well as lowering the deposition temperature and retaining low scattering of the resistance along the whole field of the textile, the said textile contains 0.2-15% weight of pyrocarbon of turbostrate structure with hydrogen content up to 2% weight and with density of 0.8-1.5 g/cm3, and 86.0-99.8% weight of glass-fibre textile with the softening temperature at least 650° C. The raw hydrocarbon materials used for pyrocarbon production are hydrocarbon oils with the viscosity of 8 to 23 sSt, which are preliminarily heated to 350-450° C.

Abstract: In a garment 10, 12 incorporating an electronic device such as a radio 16, a variable of the device, such as volume, is varied by the use of two cords 22, 24, the electrical resistance of each cord decreasing in accordance with an increase in tension applied to the cord; pulling one cord increases the volume of the radio and pulling the other cord decreases the volume. The stronger the pull, the faster the change in volume. The ends of the cords lie outside the garment and carry toggles 26, 28 for easy operation by a gloved hand. Alternatively the ends of the cord outside the garment may be connected to opposite ends of a manual grip 48.

Abstract: An inductor obtained by laminating a plurality of ceramic layers having an internal coil conductor, and a thermistor obtained by laminating a plurality of ceramic layers having internal electrodes and having a predetermined resistance-temperature characteristic are laminated via an intermediate insulating layer. Both ends of the internal coil conductor of the inductor and the internal electrodes of the thermistor are connected to a pair of external electrodes. Thus, the inductor and the thermistor are connected in parallel.

Abstract: An electric heating device includes a flexible resistor ribbon, a plurality of sections of electroconductive coating attached to the resistor ribbon at preset intervals, and connector contacts coupled to the resistor ribbon for enabling connection of a power source to the resistor ribbon. The resistor ribbon has a high specific impedance. The flexible resistor ribbon is attached to a rigid or flexible flat base panel for incorporation into a building as a floor, wall or ceiling panel. Layers of electric insulation are attached to the base so as to sandwich the flexible resistor ribbon. Where the resistor ribbon is bent back on itself, for example, to form a snaking configuration, a strip of two-sided adhesive tape is attached to the layers of electric insulation and to the ribbon at multiple spaced points.

Abstract: A deflection sensing system for detecting deflection includes one or more deflection sensors between opposing sets of extensions. When one set of extensions is moved toward an opposing set of extensions, the deflection sensors are deflected. A preferred deflection sensor is a flexible potentiometer, which has a resistance that changes as the flexible potentiometer is deflected A flexible potentiometer includes a variable resistance material on a substrate. In a preferred system, the flexible potentiometer includes a cantilevered section, which is deflected about an extension with respect to the remainder of the flexible potentiometer, or with respect to a portion of the substrate not including the variable resistance material. A flexible potentiometer experiences less stress when in cantilevered form than when stretched between two extensions. In either case, the extensions may be joined to first and second corrugated plates.

Abstract: A heater tape assembly for heating an object to be heated includes an elongate first tape, an elongate second tape and at least one heater wire. The elongate first tape has a pair of opposing side edges and a first surface extending between the side edges. The first tape also has a plurality of first notches which extend into the first surface from a respective side edge thereof. The elongate second tape has a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing second and third flat surfaces extending between the side edges. The second tape also has a plurality of second notches which extend into the second and third flat surfaces from a respective side edge thereof. The second notches in the second tape are substantially aligned with respective first notches in the first tape. The second flat surface is bonded with the first surface of the first tape. The third flat surface has an adhesive thereon for bonding to the object to be heated.

Abstract: PTC thermistors are used in reversible short circuit current limiters, in particular in series connection with electrical valves and/or capacitors. An electrically insulated, thermally conductive insulation or ceramic layer (20) is in contact electrically and with good thermal conduction via a first main surface with a metallic cooling element (25). A second main surface of the ceramic layer (20), opposite the first main surface, is covered with an electrically insulating thermal-conduction layer (21) having a thickness in the range from 10 .mu.m-100 .mu.m. Meandering tracks (16) of the resistive body of the PTC thermistor (5) are pressed between this thermal conduction layer (21) and an electrically insulating, preferably thermally conductive, flexible high-temperature stable polymer film (22). In order to provide pressure, a pressure compensation cushion (23) on which a force (F) orthogonal to the second main surface of the ceramic layer (20) acts, may be provided.

Abstract: A heater tape assembly for heating an object to be heated includes an elongate first tape, an elongate second tape and at least one heater wire. The elongate first tape has a pair of opposing side edges and a first surface extending between the side edges. The first tape also has a plurality of first notches which extend into the first surface from a respective side edge thereof. The elongate second tape has a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing second and third flat surfaces extending between the side edges. The second tape also has a plurality of second notches which extend into the second and third flat surfaces from a respective side edge thereof. The second notches in the second tape are substantially aligned with respective first notches in the first tape. The second flat surface is bonded with the first surface of the first tape. The third flat surface has an adhesive thereon for bonding to the object to be heated.

Abstract: A flexible liner for insertion into a waste receptacle. The liner comprises a side wall having an upper edge and inner and outer surfaces. The liner further comprises a closed bottom and an open top defined by the upper edge of the side wall. Disposed on the outer surface of the side wall adjacent the upper edge thereof is at least one elongate, adhesive strip. The adhesive strip extends partially above the open top in generally parallel relation to the upper edge.

Abstract: A scanning potentiometer adapted to a hatch edge prevents buckling of an insulating cover (2) which has a contact strip (10) and a resistor strip (14) during bending and prevents undesired contact. The insulating cover (2) has two profiles (3, 4), with a reinforcing device provided in at least one of the profiles (3, 4). In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing device has tubular conduits (5, 6) that are integrated into one of the profiles (3, 4), namely the profile (3) that includes an actuation surface (7) of the scanning potentiometer.

Abstract: A potentiometer for generating an electrical signal. The potentiometer has an elongated carrier formed of a flexible material and a band of resistive material applied to the carrier. A conductive wiper element is coupled to the elongated carrier at a position remote from the band of resistive material so that when the carrier is bent an electric contact is formed between the resistive band and the wiper element. An electrical signal is generated from the wiper element as flexing of the carrier occurs due to movement of a potentiometer actuator. Both a linear potentiometer and a rotary potentiometer are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical assembly for an oil burner nozzle has a heating element and a conductive foil assembly for supplying current to the heating element. The conductive foil assembly has a base material in the form of an electrically insulating sheet configured to extend from the heating element in the oil burner nozzle to an access position accessible from outside the oil burner nozzle. Foil conductors are disposed on the electrically insulating sheet and extend from the access position to the heating element. Another electrically insulating sheet selectively covers the foil conductor in a sandwiched arrangement. The conductive foil assembly is folded around the heating element and portions of the foil conductors are placed into electrical contact with the heating element via non-insulated areas of the foil conductors provided by the selective covering.

Abstract: A horn switch assembly including an airbag module cover, a bend sensor and a backing plate. The module cover has a front outer face and a rear inner face deformably depressible from the front face. A plurality of parallel, spaced-apart, elongated force concentration ribs are located on the rear inner face of the cover. The bend sensor is positioned under the force concentrators and includes a flexible substrate and a variable resistance circuit connectable to a horn control circuit. The variable resistance circuit has a plurality of spaced-apart resistive elements connected by a plurality of conductive strips. The variable resistance circuit is arranged in a plural of parallel spaced-apart columns adhered to the substrate so that the columns are generally perpendicular to the force concentration ribs and each resistive element is positioned under a force concentration rib. The generally rigid backing plate has a forward surface positioned under the bend sensor.

Abstract: A notebook computer or other electronic device has a flexible cable interconnecting electronic circuitry in a base with electronic circuitry in a cover. A flexible potentiometer is coupled to said flexible cable in a location which bends when said cover is opened and closed with respect to the base. The resistance of the flexible potentiometer has a first value when the cover is closed and has a second value when the cover is open. A detection circuit is responsive to the resistance of the flexible potentiometer and generates an output signal which indicates whether the cover is open or closed.

Abstract: A power door safety sensing strip with a bracket strip for attachment to the face of a power operated garage door. The sensing strip includes a flexible insulating tubular member having a bell-like shaped cross section with a wide inner face. A flat insulating member fastened to a narrow section of the bell-like member extends to the wide inner face. Conductive surfaces on the wide inner face and on the flexible insulating member are moved into contact upon deformation of the bell-like member, thereby providing electrical contact. A Z-shaped bracket to attach the sensing strip to the face of a power operated door has one leg adapted to be attached to the door face. Another leg of the bracket, formed with a U-shaped receptacle, receives and holds the sensing strip so that it extends a short distance beyond the door edge.

Abstract: A flexible distribution sheet (11) including a plurality of conductors (13a to 13d) which are formed on an upper surface of a long sheet (12) having flexibility to extend from an end (12a) to another end (12b) thereof. The plurality of conductors (13a to 13d) are made of resistant conductive materials having resistance values within a range of 1 .OMEGA. to 100 k.OMEGA. across the same.

Abstract: A Kapton element is terminated by bringing an element which is wrapped at a substantially fixed radius from a rotor out through a linear portion to the terminations. This causes the terminations to be at an angle to the line between the electrical connector and the rotor. A standard termination is then made without the need to bend a sharp turn in the Kapton element--an advantage that is more significant as the bend radius is increased for tighter package sizing. This concept also offers improved assembly, reducing the effort to automate production.

Abstract: Goniometers are provided having internal compensation employing two opposing variable resistance strain sensing elements separated by a flexible film. The goniometers may be used in sets for detecting complex hinge or joint movements, where patterns of hinge or joint positions may be used to define symbols. Algorithms are provided for parsing values from a system of goniometers in motion having information content.

Abstract: A flexible induction heating coil comprising an elongated flexible core having proximal and distal ends. The core includes a plurality of core segments flexibly interconnected to make the core more flexible than the individual core segments. An elongated flexible inductor extends along the core.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting angular displacement of an object. The sensor comprises a substrate for attachment to the object whose angular displacement is to be sensed and a sensing means attached to the substrate and connectable into an electric circuit. The electric circuit measures the resistance of the sensing means, which changes as a function of the angular displacement. Several embodiments are disclosed, including a conductive elastomer sensor, a conductive ink sensor, a sliding resistor sensor, a force sensitive resistor sensor and a conductive fluid sensor.

Abstract: An electrical resistance heating element protected against being inimical to the health of a person using the element by enclosing the electromagnetic and electrostatic fields of an electrical current flowing through an electrical heating element providing essentially all of the heat for the element.

Abstract: A longitudinally flexible electrical heating element for a dryer is provided which permits the heating element to be inserted into and removed from a vertical air inlet conduit located behind the dryer drum from the front of the dryer. A front panel of the dryer is removed and the heating element is inserted or removed through an inlet aperture in the air inlet conduit which opens into the interior of the cabinet.

Abstract: Ordinary inexpensive magnetic recording tape is used to create a novel resistance element which may be made pressure sensitive to perform a number of tasks involving robot finger control intrusion alarm systems, and portable weighing scales. A pressure insensitive resistance element is also used as an efficient, inexpensive heating tape element, or to make precision resistors having little bulk, and resistive networks which may be customized by a user.

Abstract: A heating element for textiles is disclosed, which comprises a plane textile element and, combined with this, metal conductors, which can be connected to a source of electrical current and which oppose the electrical current flowing through them with a heat-producing resistance. As resistance elements, the conductors have metallic fibers or filaments with a denier like that of natural or synthetic textile fibers. The metallic fibers or filaments have an average cross sectional thickness of about 8 to about 24 microns.

Abstract: An electric heater is described. The heater is composed of a plastic or a rubber strip conductor with a heat resistant and electric conductive chemical dispersed therethrough and electric conductors disposed on either side of the strip conductor so that when the electric conductors are coupled to a source of electrical energy current will flow through the strip and generate heat. The strip conductor then is covered with a polyethylene layer which is adhered thereto, and the polyethylene layer in turn is covered by a PVC layer.

Abstract: An elastomeric electro-conductive device 10 for human/animal joint movement monitoring comprises a silicone polymer non-conductive substrate 11 carrying an elastomeric electro-conductive member 12 formed from silicone polymer loaded with graphite carbon particles. Conductor means 14A,14B enable connection of the device 10 to an electrical network and comprise lengths 15 of conductive silicone rubber adhesively secured at one end to member 12 by a body 18 of elastomeric bonding material. The body 18 and the member 12 have the same electrical characteristics and may have identical constituents and formulations.

Abstract: A planar electrical heating unit that is sufficiently flexible to be conformable to nonplanar surfaces such as the exterior of pipes and tanks. The unit is formed of plural layers. There are two glass fiber reinforced silicon rubber layers between which is sandwiched an electric resistance heater element. On one outside surface is adhesively secured an imperforate metal plate. Mounted to the plate is a junction box for electrical connections to the heating element and for ground connection to the metal plate. A thermoelectric sensor is housed within the junction box and serves to interrupt current to the heating element when a prescribed temperature has been reached. Adjacent the edge margins of the unit are a plurality of grommets which prevent delamination of the layers of the device and facilitate mounting the device to the exterior surface of a pipe, tank, or the like.

Abstract: A split-band heater adapted to encompass a cylindrical object for heating the same. The heater has tensioning means at the split for drawing the heater against a transverse peripheral surface of the object. The heater comprises two or more arcuate-shaped metal-sheathed heater sections, each in the form of a strip heater, each section being adapted for positionment along a respective portion of the transverse peripheral surface of the object.Each strip heater comprises an elongated metal channel having a planar base wall and a pair of coextensive side walls extending in the same direction from the edges of the base wall, the channel containing a resistance wire and electrical insulation means therefor, both disposed lengthwise within the channel, and an elongated metal strip fits transversely within the channel. The side walls of the channel are bent over adjoining longitudinal margins of the metal strip to lock it and the resistance wire and insulation means within the channel.

Abstract: An electrical resistance heater includes a pliable thermally insulative base grooved in a major surface thereof and a flexible electrical resistance heating wire fitted within the groove. The heating wire insulated throughout its length is elastically gripped by the base and the outer surface portion of the heating wire throughout its length extends outwardly of the major surface of the base, providing a unidirectional heat source for use as a "spot heater". Connections of the heating wire to lead wires are disposed within two preformed cavities provided in the major surface of the base. The cavities open in the same direction as the groove and a suitable moisture impervious insulating material disposed within the cavities seals the connections.