Patent ID: 7917019
Filing Date: 2011-03-29
Classification: A01K,H05B

Abstract:
1. A deicer system for heating water within a fluid receptacle to prevent ice from forming, the system comprising: a main body configured to be positioned within the fluid receptacle; a heating element adapted to heat the water, wherein said heating element is supported by said main body; a temperature sensor adapted to detect a temperature, wherein said temperature sensor is thermally connected to said heating element, wherein said temperature sensor includes at least one of a thermistor, thermocouple, resistance temperature detector, thermometer, and silicon bandgap temperature sensor; and a control unit in communication with said heating element and said temperature sensor, wherein said control unit comprises at least one of a processor, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, and a plurality of discrete logic components, wherein said control unit is adapted to determine a temperature of the water based at least in part on the temperature detected by said temperature sensor, and wherein said control unit is adapted to control said heating element based at least in part on the determined temperature of the water, wherein said control unit is adapted to deactivate said heating element and wait until said heating element has reached about an equilibrium temperature with the water to detect a temperature with said temperature sensor, and wherein said control unit is adapted to activate said heating element when said detected temperature is below a predetermined turn-off temperature.