Patent ID: 7132630
Filing Date: 2006-11-07
Classification: D01F,H01B,H05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A heating apparatus comprising a heating element selected from the group consisting of conductive polyaniline fiber, conductive polyaniline yarn comprising conductive polymer fiber, fabrics comprising conductive polyaniline fiber or conductive polyaniline yarn, and non-conductive substrates supporting conductive polyaniline fiber or conductive polymer yarn, wherein said conductive polyaniline fiber comprises at least one dopant such that said conductive polyaniline fiber is characterized by an as-spun conductivity of ≧100 S/cm said conductive polyaniline fiber having a chosen diameter, and wherein the conductivity of said conductive polyaniline fiber is irreversibly destroyed at temperatures lower than the temperature at which said conductive polyaniline fiber loses said at least one dopant, or the temperature at which said at least one dopant decomposes, when a voltage or current greater than a voltage or current characteristic of the conductive polyaniline fiber is applied thereto by said means for passing a voltage or a current through said heating element; and means for passing a voltage or a current through said heating element.