Patent Publication Number: US-2023140301-A1

Title: Down-fire graphene heating system

Description:
PRIOR RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/274,618 filed Nov. 2, 2021, and titled “DOWN-FIRE GRAPHENE HEATING SYSTEM”, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to heating systems. More specifically, and without limitation, this disclosure relates to livestock heating systems. 
     OVERVIEW OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Heating systems are used in modern agriculture to provide warmth for livestock in colder temperatures. For example, in farrowing of swine, it is frequently desirable to provide piglets with supplemental heat without overheating, and thereby stressing, the sow. However, due to their much higher surface area to volume ratios, more external heat needs to be applied to the piglets than to the sow to keep all of the animals at the optimum temperature. Failure to provide piglets with sufficient external heat may lead to the death of some piglets from chilling, starvation, and disease. While piglets may lie against the sow for warmth, this increases the chances of the sow rolling over and suffocating or crushing the piglets. 
     Some heating systems for farrowing provide a farrowing crate with separate sow and piglet areas separated by a fence. The piglet area is provided with a heat lamp and/or heat mat to draw the piglets away from the sow to avoid injury or death associated with crushing. Providing separate heating systems for the piglet area draws and warms the piglets without overheating the sow. The fence is provided with metal fingers or other barriers to allow the piglets to pass back and forth between the sow and piglet areas for feeding and heating, while preventing the sow from moving into the piglet area and crushing the piglets. 
     Some livestock heating systems utilize heat lamps to generate heat. However, heat lamps generally do not distribute heat uniformly but rather radiate heat isotropically, creating a heating pattern of concentric bands of heating that increase in temperature toward a point directly below the heat lamp. The heating pattern therefore presents a thermal gradient, with temperatures on the outer boundary of the heating pattern being too cold, thereby preventing piglets from receiving efficient heating, and the center of the heating pattern being too warm, potentially subjecting piglets to overheating and burns. Heat lamps therefore generate a net usable area between the center and outer boundary of the heating pattern, which may account for only twenty percent of the entire isotropic heating pattern, which, when combined with energy loss of the heat lamp, can translate into a heating efficiency of five percent or less as measured by received energy. Moreover, any unused heat converts into waste heat that may need to be vented from the farrowing area to prevent nearby sows from overheating. 
     Heat lamps may also present a high risk of fire. For example, heating lamps typically utilize halogen or other heating elements that reach very high temperatures during operation. Such temperatures may cause nearby objects to inadvertently catch fire if placed too close to the heating element. Many livestock operations are extreme risk of fire due to the high flammability of bedding, feed, dust, and animals themselves. Fire can spread through a livestock housing in a matter of minutes. Worse yet, fires quickly spread from one livestock house to others, resulting in extreme losses. 
     Some livestock heating systems may utilize heating mats to generate heat. However, heating mats also distribute heat unevenly. Heat mats are typically constructed of a plastic material into which is embedded a resistive element, such as a wire. When a current is applied across the wire, heat emanates from the wire, creating hotter areas on the heat mat near the embedded wire and cooler areas on the heat mat further away from the embedded wire. Another drawback associated with heat mats is their tendency to overheat and burn the piglets if the heat mats are not attached to a thermostat. Even if a heat mat is attached to a thermostat, due to its uneven heating, the heat mat may still burn the piglets if the thermostat is positioned on a cooler portion of the heat mat. Alternatively, the heat mat may insufficiently heat the piglets if the thermostat is positioned on a warmer area of the heat mat near an embedded wire. 
     Although heating mats generally operate at lower temperatures than heat lamps, heating mats are still susceptible to catching fire if damaged. For example, when heating mats are used in livestock operations, livestock may apply very large amounts of downward pressure when standing and/or laying on such heating mats. In such applications, heating elements in conventional heating mats may become damaged over time when such weight is repeatedly applied to the heating mats. Damage to heating elements may cause shorts resulting in fires or hot spots that can harm livestock. 
     Therefore, for all the reasons stated above, and the reasons stated below, there is a need in the art for a livestock heating system that improves upon the state of the art. Thus, it is a primary object of the disclosure to provide a heating system that improves upon the state of the art. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that is safe to use. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat system that is less susceptible to damage. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that provides more uniform heat distribution. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that is configured for use in livestock operations. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that is easy to deploy. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that is easy to install. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat system that has a long useful life. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that is durable. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that has a robust design. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that is self-healing. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that is easy to use. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating system that is high quality. 
     These and other objects, features, or advantages of the disclosure will become apparent from the specification, figures and claims. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In one or more arrangements, a heating system is provided having one or more heating panels positioned in a housing. The housing has a hollow interior with an open lower end. A first panel is positioned in the open lower end of the housing. The first heating panel includes a heating layer. The heating layer includes a conductive microfilm. A first electrical contact is connected to the conductive microfilm. A second electrical contact is connected to the conductive microfilm. 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. In one or more arrangements, current flow through the conductive microfilm causes the conductive microfilm to emit infrared radiation. 
     In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm includes a layer of graphene. In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm includes a plurality of layers of graphene. In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm includes a stack of eight layers of graphene. In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm includes a layer of nano-carbon fiber material. In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm includes a carbon silver nanomaterial mixture. In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm has a non-continuous pattern. In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm has a honey-comb pattern. In one or more arrangements, the conductive microfilm is self-healing. 
     In one or more arrangements, the heating layer includes an upper substrate layer and a lower substrate layer where the conductive microfilm is positioned between the upper substrate layer and the lower substrate layer. In one or more arrangements, the upper substrate layer and the lower substrate layer are a plastic film. 
     In one or more arrangements, the first heating panel includes a radiant barrier positioned above the heating layer. In one or more arrangements, the first heating panel includes an insulating member positioned above the radiant barrier. 
     In one or more arrangements, the system includes a second heating panel positioned in the open lower end of the housing. In one or more arrangements, the housing is configured to attach on top of a wall between a pair of livestock stalls. In one or more arrangements, the housing is configured to attach to the wall at a plurality of different heights. In one or more arrangements, the first heating panel is positioned to heat a first one of the pair of livestock stalls and the second heating panel is positioned to heat a second one of the pair of livestock stalls. In one or more arrangements, the first heating panel and the second heating panel adjustable to generate different amounts of heat. 
     In one or more arrangements, the housing is configured to hold the first heating panel in a recessed position. In one or more arrangements, the housing includes a protective cover positioned under the first heating panel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is an elevation view of a heating system in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the system in use and positioned atop a wall of a livestock stall propelling heat downward; wherein the position of the heating system facilitates proper heating of a sow area and a piglet area. 
         FIG.  2    is a top elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing wherein the housing has an upper flange located on the top of housing, a front flange located on the front wall and a rear flange located on the rear wall. 
         FIG.  3    is a bottom elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing with two halves wherein a left heating panel and a right heating panel are located within the halves and separated by a channel; the view showing the heating system having a front flange on a front wall and a rear flange located on the rear wall. 
         FIG.  4    is a front elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing with two halves wherein the two halves are separated by a channel; the view showing the heating system having an upper flange located on the top of the housing and a front flange located on the front wall of the housing wherein the front flange is adjustable by a fastener. 
         FIG.  5    is a rear elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the heating system having a housing with two halves wherein the two halves are separated by a channel; the view showing the heating system having an upper flange located on the top of the housing and a rear flange located on the rear wall of the housing wherein the rear flange is adjustable by a fastener. 
         FIG.  6    is a side elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing wherein the housing has an upper flange located on the top of housing, a front flange located on the front wall, and a rear flange located on the rear wall; the view showing the upper flange having an opening which creates a handle. 
         FIG.  7    is a top perspective view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , the heating system having a housing with two halves separated by a channel, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the housing having an upper flange located on the top of housing and a front flange located on the front wall. The upper flange having an opening which creates a handle. 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom perspective view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing with two halves wherein a left heating panel and a right heating panel are located and separated by a channel; the view showing the housing having a front flange located on the front wall and a rear flange located on the rear wall; the view showing the upper flange having an opening which creates a handle. 
         FIG.  9    is a cut away view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing with two halves wherein heating panels are located and separated by a channel; the heating panels having a heating layer, a radiant barrier, and an insulating member. 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing with two halves wherein heating panels are located and separated by a channel; the view showing the heating panels having a heating layer, a radiant barrier, and an insulating member; the view showing the housing also having an upper flange located on the top of housing and a front flange located on the front wall of the housing. 
         FIG.  11    is a front elevation view of one half of the housing of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing one half of the housing having an upper flange located on the top of the housing and a cut out which makes up one half of the channel of the housing when connected with a second half of the housing. 
         FIG.  12    is a front elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system installed proximate the top of the wall; the view showing the wall located within the channel of the housing and secured in place by fasteners. 
         FIG.  13    is a front elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  1   m    in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system installed at a lower position along a wall; the view showing the wall located within the channel of the housing and secured in place by fasteners. 
         FIG.  14    is a cut away view of a heating layer of a heating panel of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating layer having an upper substrate layer, a conductive microfilm, and a lower substrate layer; the view showing electrical contacts located on the upper substrate layer. 
         FIG.  15    is a cut away view of a heating layer of a heating panel of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating layer having an upper substrate layer, a conductive microfilm, and a lower substrate layer, wherein electrical contacts are located on the upper substrate layer. 
         FIG.  16    is a schematic of the control system for a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the control system having a user interface and sensors which send information to the control circuit. 
         FIG.  17    is a top elevation view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing wherein the housing has a handle, fasteners, and a cable gland located on the top of the housing. 
         FIG.  18    is a bottom elevation view of the heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing wherein the housing has an open bottom and a cable gland located on the inside of the housing. 
         FIG.  19    is a bottom view of a housing of the heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing walls of the housing of the heating system flayed out to show the front wall, back wall, right side, and left side of the housing. 
         FIG.  20    is a top elevation view of a base plate for use in a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  21    is a side elevation view of a heating system of  FIG.  1   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing wherein the housing has a handle and fasteners. 
         FIG.  22    is a top perspective view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a pair of housing and a bracket assembly; the view showing the pair of housing having handles, fasteners, and a cable gland; the view showing the bracket assembly having a plurality of clips. 
         FIG.  23    is an alternative side elevation view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a pair of housing and a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base and a pair of legs, wherein the pair of legs are inserted within connecting members and secured by a plurality of clips. 
         FIG.  24    is a top perspective view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing wherein the housing has a handle, fasteners, and a cable gland; the view showing the fasteners of the housing a located on top of the housing and configured to allow suspension. 
         FIG.  25    is an exploded view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing and a heating panel; the view showing the heating panel comprising a base plate, a heating layer, a frame, a radiant barrier, an insulating later, and a gasket. 
         FIG.  26    is an exploded view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing, wherein the housing has a handle, fasteners, and a cable gland; the view showing a base plate, a heating layer and an insulating layer are located within the housing; the view showing radiant barrier omitted. 
         FIG.  27    is a view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system in use on the wall of a livestock stall. 
         FIG.  28    is an upper perspective view of the heating system of  FIG.  1    in use on the wall of a livestock stall, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  29    is a close up partial view of a heating layer of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating layer located above the base plate and below an insulating layer and connected to electrical wiring. 
         FIG.  30    is a side elevation view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing which houses an insulating layer and electrical wiring; the view showing the electrical wiring is delivered through a cable gland located on the top of the housing. The housing also having a handle and fasteners; the view showing heating panel exploded (with insulating layer separated from heading layer) to provide a view of the wiring. 
         FIG.  31    is a top cut away view of the heating system of  FIG.  30   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure, the view showing the heating system having electrical wiring, a thermostat, a ground wire, a neutral wire, a top component of a cable gland and a bottom component of a cable gland. 
         FIG.  32    is a cut away view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing which houses an insulating layer, a heating layer, a base plate and electrical wiring. The electrical wiring is delivered through a cable gland located on the top of the housing. 
         FIG.  33    is a cut away view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a housing which houses an insulating layer, a heating layer, a base plate and electrical wiring; the view showing the electrical wiring is delivered through a cable gland located on the top of the housing. 
         FIG.  34    is a top elevation view of a heating system, in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base connected to support beams through fasteners; the view showing the support beams configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that connect to the fasteners of the pair of housing. 
         FIG.  35    is a bottom elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly. 
         FIG.  36    is a front elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base with a pair of legs that are secured to a wall by a fastener; the view showing the base of the bracket assembly is configured to connect to support beams through fasteners; the view showing the support beams are configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that loop through the fasteners of the housing. 
         FIG.  37    is a back elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base with a pair of legs that are secured to a wall by a fastener; the view showing the base of the bracket assembly configured to connect to support beams through fasteners; the view showing the support beams configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that loop through the fasteners of the housing. 
         FIG.  38    is a side elevation view of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base with a pair of legs; the view showing the base of the bracket assembly configured to connect to support beams through fasteners; the view showing the support beams configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that loop through the fasteners of the housing. 
         FIG.  39    is a side elevation view of one half of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base with a pair of legs; the view showing the base of the bracket assembly configured to connect to support beams through fasteners; the view showing the support beams configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that loop through the fasteners of the housing. 
         FIG.  40    is a top perspective view of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base with a pair of legs;  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the base of the bracket assembly configured to connect to support beams through fasteners; the view showing the support beams are configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that loop through the fasteners of the housing. 
         FIG.  41    is a top perspective view of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base with a pair of legs; the view showing the base of the bracket assembly configured to connect to support beams through fasteners; the view showing the support beams configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that loop through the fasteners of the housing. 
         FIG.  42    is an exploded view of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly having a base with a pair of legs; the view showing the base of the bracket assembly configured to connect to support beams through fasteners; the view showing the support beams are configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that loop through the fasteners of the housing. 
         FIG.  43    is a side cut away view of the heating system of  FIG.  34   , in accordance with one or more arrangements of the present disclosure; the view showing the heating system having a bracket assembly; the view showing the bracket assembly comprises a base with a pair of legs; the view showing the bracket assembly configured to connect to support beams through fasteners; the view showing support beams configured to connect to the pair of housing through hooks that loop through the fasteners of the housing. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made without departing from the principles and scope of the invention. It is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements and procedures, and the scope of the appended claims therefore should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements and procedures. For instance, although aspects and features may be illustrated in and/or described with reference to certain figures and/or embodiments, it will be appreciated that features from one figure and/or embodiment may be combined with features of another figure and/or embodiment even though the combination is not explicitly shown and/or explicitly described as a combination. In the depicted embodiments, like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings. 
     It should be understood that any advantages and/or improvements discussed herein may not be provided by various disclosed embodiments, and/or implementations thereof. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments that provide such advantages and/or improvements. Similarly, it should be understood that various embodiments may not address all or any objects of the disclosure and/or objects of the invention that may be described herein. The contemplated embodiments are not so limited and should not be interpreted as being restricted to embodiments that address such objects of the disclosure and/or invention. Furthermore, although some disclosed embodiments may be described relative to specific materials, embodiments are not limited to the specific materials and/or apparatuses but only to their specific characteristics and capabilities and other materials and apparatuses can be substituted as is well understood by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. Moreover, although some disclosed embodiments may be described in the context of farming, the embodiments are not so limited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for use in other applications which may be improved by the disclosed structures, arrangements and/or methods. 
     It is to be understood that the terms such as “left, right, top, bottom, front, back, side, height, length, width, upper, lower, interior, exterior, inner, outer, and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation and/or configuration. 
     As used herein, “and/or” includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, such that “A and/or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A as well as B,” unless it is clearly indicated that only a single item, subgroup of items, or all items are present. The use of “etc.” is defined as “et cetera” and indicates the inclusion of all other elements belonging to the same group of the preceding items, in any “and/or” combination(s). 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include both the singular and plural forms, unless the language explicitly indicates otherwise. Indefinite articles like “a” and “an” introduce or refer to any modified term, both previously-introduced and not, while definite articles like “the” refer to a same previously-introduced term; as such, it is understood that “a” or “an” modify items that are permitted to be previously-introduced or new, while definite articles modify an item that is the same as immediately previously presented. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not themselves preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, characteristics, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, unless expressly indicated otherwise. For example, if an embodiment of a system is described as comprising an article, it is understood the system is not limited to a single instance of the article unless expressly indicated otherwise, even if elsewhere another embodiment of the system is described as comprising a plurality of articles. 
     It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected,” “coupled,” “mated,” “attached,” “fixed,” etc. to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly coupled,” etc. to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). Similarly, a term such as “communicatively connected” includes all variations of information exchange and routing between two electronic devices, including intermediary devices, networks, etc., connected wirelessly or not. 
     It will be understood that, although the ordinal terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited to any order by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another; where there are “second” or higher ordinals, there merely must be that many number of elements, without necessarily any difference or other relationship. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments and/or methods. 
     Similarly, the structures and operations discussed below may occur out of the order described and/or noted in the figures. For example, two operations and/or figures shown in succession may in fact be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Similarly, individual operations within example methods described below may be executed repetitively, individually, and/or sequentially, to provide looping and/or other series of operations aside from single operations described below. It should be presumed that any embodiment and/or method having features and functionality described below, in any workable combination, falls within the scope of example embodiments. 
     As used herein, various disclosed embodiments may be primarily described in the context of a heating system for livestock. However, the embodiments are not so limited. It is appreciated that the embodiments may be adapted for use in various other applications, which may be improved by the disclosed structures, arrangements and/or methods. The system is merely shown and described as being used in the context of a heating system for livestock for ease of description and as one of countless examples. 
     System  10 : 
     In various embodiments, a heating system  10  (or simply system  10 ) may be formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to generate and direct heat downward when operated to facilitate, for example, care of livestock. In the arrangement shown, as one example, system  10  includes a pair of heating panels  12 , positioned in housing  20 , among other components. 
     Heating Panel(s)  12 : 
     Heating Panels  12  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to generate radiant heat and facilitate connection with housing  20 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, heating panels  12  each include a heating layer  14 , a radiant barrier  16 , and an insulating member  18  (also referred to as an insulating layer), among other components. 
     Heating Layer  14 : 
     Heating layer  14  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to generate radiant heat. In the arrangement shown, as one example, heating layer  14  includes a conductive microfilm  28 , one or more substrate layers  30 , and a set of electrical contacts  34 / 36  electrically connected to the conductive microfilm  28 . During operation, electric potential difference is applied between the electrical contacts  34 / 36 , which causes current to flow across the conductive microfilm  28 , which in turn generates heat. 
     Conductive Microfilm  28 : 
     Conductive microfilm  28  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to provide a conductive pathway that extends along heating layer  14  between electrical contacts  34 / 36  and that generates heat in response to electric current moving along the conductive pathway. In the arrangement shown, as one example, conductive microfilm  28  has a generally planar rectangular shape having an upper surface  38  and lower surface  40  extending between a front edge  42 , a rear edge  44 , and opposing side edges  46 . 
     In one or more arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  is formed by one or more layers of graphene. Graphene generates thermal and infrared heat when current is applied to it. However, graphene has not been a material of choice for larger applications due to the cost and complexity of graphene manufacture. For example, it can be difficult to form graphene at larger scales without defects. However, through careful observation and experimentation, it has been surprisingly discovered that graphene layers operate very well as a heating element even when defects are created in manufacture and/or use due to the high thermal conductivity of graphene. For example, if defects (e.g., cracks) appear in a graphene layer during manufacture or use, conductive microfilm  28  is able to route current around the defects to continue operation of system  10 . In this manner, the conductive microfilm  28  is self-healing. While routing of current around defects may cause more electric current to flow through certain portions of conductive microfilm  28 , the high thermal conductivity of graphene is able to distribute heat away from those portions to portions where less electric current has flowed to provide relatively even heat distribution. The graphene and some other nano-carbon fiber materials are also self-healing at a molecular level. For example, experimentation has shown that graphene has a tendency of reconnecting bonds between carbon atoms that are separated by small distances (e.g., 0.3-0.5 nm). 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, conductive microfilm  28  is formed by a laminate of a plurality of graphene layers. The use of multiple layers of graphene in conductive microfilm  28  increases the cumulative temperature generated by the conductive microfilm  28  during operation. In this example arrangement conductive microfilm  28  is a laminate of eight (8) graphene layers. The combined graphene layers reach approximately 260 degrees Fahrenheit during operation, with each added layer of graphene providing approximately a 30 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature. 
     However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  may include any number of graphene layers or may only include a single graphene layer. 
     Although some arrangements may be primarily described with reference to conductive microfilm  28  formed of graphene, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  may be formed of various conductive materials including but not limited to: graphene, nano-carbon fiber materials, metallic materials such as copper, silver, gold, aluminum, tungsten, and/or other metallic materials, and/or a combination of various materials such as a carbon silver nanomaterial mixture. 
     In one or more arrangements, microfilm  28  is distributed along heating layer  14  in a non-continuous pattern. In the arrangement shown, as one example, microfilm  28  has graphene extending along a honeycomb pattern. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather it is contemplated that in some various different arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  may extend in a continuous manner or non-continuous manner including but not limited to for example, an arrangement of triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons (e.g., honeycomb shaped), and/or any other discontinuous shape or pattern. 
     Substrate Layer(s)  30 / 32 : 
     In one or more arrangements, heating layer  14  includes one or more substrate layer(s)  30 / 32 . Substrate layer(s)  30 / 32  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to operably connect with and support conductive microfilm  28  and/or electrical contacts  34 / 36 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, heating layer  14  includes an upper substrate layer  30  attached to upper surface  38  of conductive microfilm  28  and a lower substrate layer  32  attached to lower surface  40  of conductive microfilm  28 . However, the embodiments are not so limited. For example, in one or more arrangements, heating layer  14  has conductive microfilm  28  supported by a single substrate layer  30 . Further, in one or more arrangements, heating layer  14  may include conductive microfilm  28  without any substrate layers  32 . 
     In the arrangement shown, substrate layers  30 / 32  have similar shape to conductive microfilm  28 . In this example arrangement, upper substrate layer  30  has generally planar rectangular shape having an upper surface  50  and a lower surface  52  extending between a front edge  54 , rear edge  56 , and opposing side edges  58 , which are generally aligned with front edge  42 , rear edge  44 , and opposing side edges  46  of conductive microfilm  28 , respectively, in this example. Similarly, in this example arrangement, lower substrate layer  32  has generally planar rectangular shape having an upper surface  60  and a lower surface  62  extending between a front edge  64 , rear edge  66 , and opposing side edges  68 , which are generally aligned with front edge  42 , rear edge  44 , and opposing side edges  46  of conductive microfilm  28 , respectively, in this example. 
     Substrate layer(s)  30 / 32  may be formed of various materials configured to support and prevent damage to conductive microfilm  28  during operation. In one or more arrangements, as one example, substrate layer(s)  30 / 32  are formed of a fiberglass resin backing. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, substrate layer(s)  30 / 32  may be formed of various materials including but not limited to, for example, polymers, resins, textiles, composites, and/or any other natural or synthetic materials. 
     In some arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  is formed on one of substrate layers  30 / 32 , for example by depositing graphene or other conductive material on the substrate layer  30 / 32 . In some other arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  may be formed and then transferred and affixed to one or both of substrate layers  30 / 32 . For example, in one or more arrangements, a substrate layer  30 / 32  may be coated with an adhesive and used to lift conductive microfilm  28  off of a surface on which it was formed. 
     Electrical Contacts  34 / 36 : 
     Electrical contacts  34 / 36  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate application of an electric potential difference across conductive microfilm  28  and thereby induce flow of current across conductive microfilm  28  and cause conductive microfilm  28  to generate heat. In one arrangement shown, as one example, electrical contacts  34 / 36  each have a first portion  72  extending along opposing front and rear edges  42 / 44  of conductive microfilm  28  between opposing side edges  46  and a second portion  74  extending inward along one of side edges  46  to a connection point  76 . In this example arrangement, a first electric contact  34  extends along and is electrically connected to front edge  42  of conductive microfilm  28  and a second electric contact  36  extends along and is electrically connected to rear edge  44  of conductive microfilm  28 . In this example arrangement, when an electric potential difference is applied to the first and second electric contacts  34 / 36 , the electric potential difference is provided to the front edge  42  and rear edge  44  of conductive microfilm  28 , which causes current to flow from a negatively charged one of the first and second electric contacts  34 / 36 , through conductive microfilm  28 , to a positively charged one of the first and second electric contacts  34 / 36 . 
     However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, electrical contacts  34 / 36  may have various different shapes configured to apply voltage potentials to various portions of conductive microfilm  28 . For example, in one or more arrangements, electrical contacts  34 / 36  may have comb shapes positioned with teeth interleaved to increase the surface area at which electrical contacts  34 / 36  electrically connect with conducive microfilm  28 . It is contemplated, that electrical contacts  34 / 36  may additionally or alternatively have any other shape or configuration suitable for distributing power across conducive microfilm  28 . 
     Alternative Shapes of Heating Layer  14   
     Although some arrangement may be primarily shown and/or described with reference to heating panels  12  having a heating layer  14  having a relatively flat planar shape, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, heating layer  14  may have a concave, convex, multifaceted or any other shape to facilitate different distribution and/or focusing radiant heat that is generated during operation. For example, in one more arrangements heating layer  14  may have a convex shape that directs generated radiant heat outward. Conversely, in one or more arrangements, heating layer  14  may have a concave shape that directs heat inward to a focal point or area. 
     Radiant Barrier  16 : 
     Radiant barrier  16  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to reflect radiant heat back toward heating layer  14 . In some various different arrangements, insulating member  18  may include various methods and/or means for reflecting radiant heat including but not limited to, for example, metal foils (e.g., aluminum foil), metal sheets and/or plates, metalized thin films (e.g., reflective mylar), heat-reflective fabric (e.g., metalized fabrics), reflective paints, and/or any other radiant reflective materials. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, radiant barrier  16  is positioned above heating layer  14  and has a generally planar rectangular shape having an upper surface  82  and a lower surface  84  extending between a front edge  86 , a rear edge  88 , and opposing side edges  90 . In this example arrangement, front edge  86 , rear edge  88 , and side edges  90  are generally aligned with edges  42 ,  44 , and  46  of heating layer  14 , respectively. 
     In one or more arrangements, radiant barrier  16  is positioned between heating layer  14  and insulating member  18 . However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, radiant barrier  16  may additionally or alternatively be positioned above insulating member  18  or may be omitted entirely with insulating member  18  positioned on heating layer  14 . 
     Insulating Member  18 : 
     Insulating member  18  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to inhibit the transfer of heat upward away from heating layer  14 . In the example arrangement shown, as one example, insulating member  18  is positioned above radiant barrier  16  and has a generally planar rectangular shape having an upper surface  98  and a lower surface  100  extending between a front edge  102 , a rear edge  104 , and opposing side edges  106 . In some various different arrangements, insulating member  18  may include various methods and/or means for insulation including but not limited to, air pockets, fiberglass, foam, cellulose, mineral wool, reflective and/or radiant barriers, and/or any other method and/or means for insulating. 
     Although some arrangements may be described with reference to radiant barrier  16  and insulating member  18  being implemented as separate components, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, radiant barrier  16  may be incorporated as part of insulating member  18  (e.g., as a backing or part of a laminate and/or composite). 
     Diffusion Plate  321 : 
     In one or more arrangements, system  10  optionally includes a diffusion plate  321  positioned below heating panel(s)  12 . Diffusion plate  321  is formed of any suitably size, shape, and design and is configured to help diffuse heat to provide a more even heat distribution. In one or more arrangements, as one example, diffusion plate may be implemented by a sheet of sheet metal. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, diffusion plate  321  may be implemented using various methods or means including but not limited to various metals, ceramics, composite, or any other materials suitable for diffusing radiant heat. 
     Housing  20 : 
     Housing  20  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to operably connect with and hold one or more heating panel(s)  12  in position for downward directed heating of livestock. In this example arrangement, housing  20  has generally half-cylinder shaped top  120  extending between a front wall  122  and rear wall  124  and curving downward from a center vertex  126  to opposing lower outer side edges  128 . 
     In some various arrangements, housing  20  may be formed of various different materials. In the arrangement shown, housing  20  is formed of thermoplastic polyolefin. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, housing  20  may be formed of various materials including but not limited to, for example, thermoplastic polyolefin or other plastic, metal, composites, and/or any other suitable material. 
     Channel  134 : 
     In this example arrangement, housing  20  includes a downward facing channel  134  extending through and between front wall  122  and rear wall  124 . Channel  134  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to facilitate positing housing  20  over a top edge of a wall  138  between two livestock stalls  140 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, channel  134  has a generally rectangular shape and includes a pair of sidewalls  146  each extending between a lower edge  148  and an upper edge  150  from a forward edge  152 , where the sidewall connects to front wall  122 , to a rearward edge  154 , where the sidewall connects to rear wall  124 . In this example arrangement, channel  134  has a top wall  158  extending between upper edges  150  of sidewalls  146  from a forward edge  160 , where top wall  158  connects to front wall  122 , to a rearward edge  162 , where top wall  158  connects to rear wall  124 . 
     Fasteners  166 : 
     In one or more arrangements, housing  20  includes one or more fasteners  166 . Fasteners  166  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate connection of housing  20  to a wall  138  extending into channel  134 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, fasteners  166  are thumbscrews. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that fasteners  166  may utilize various means and methods known in the art including but not limited to, for example, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, welding, and/or mechanical attachment means such as screws, bolts, threading, interlocks, clips, pins, or other coupling devices. 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, fasteners  166  are thumbscrews extending through a pair of front flanges  168  and through a pair of rear flanges  170  that are positioned on opposing sides of channel  134 . In this example arrangement, each front flange  168  is formed by a portion of one of the sidewalls  146  that extends forward of front wall  122 . Similarly, each rear flange  170  is formed by a portion of one of the sidewalls  146  that extends rearward of rear wall  124 . When tightened, the thumbscrew fasteners  166  extend inward to engage and connect with wall  138 . In one or more arrangements, fasteners  166  permit housing  20  to connect to wall  138  at different heights to facilitate height adjustment of system  10 . 
     In this example arrangement, top  120 , front wall  122 , and rear wall  124  of housing  20  form a hollow interior  174  having an open bottom. In this example arrangement, channel  134  partitions the hollow interior  174  into a left partition  176  and a right partition  178 . In this example arrangement, a left heating panel  12   a  is positioned in the open bottom of the left partition  176  of housing  20  and a right heating panel  12   b  is positioned in the open bottom of the right partition  178  of housing  20 . When housing  20  is positioned on top of wall  138 , the left heating panel  12   a  is positioned to heat an area in left one of the livestock stalls  140  and the right heating panel  12   b  is positioned to heat an area in a right one of the livestock stalls  140 . In one or more arrangements, left heating panel  12   a  and right heating panel  12   b  may be controlled independent from one another, thereby permitting the livestock stalls  140  to be heated to different temperatures. For example, in one or more arrangements, left heating panel  12   a  may be operated at a lower temperature suitable for an adult SOW while right heating panel  12   b  may be operated at a higher temperature suitable for piglets. 
     Flanges  182 : 
     In the arrangement shown, housing  20  includes flanges  182  positioned within left partition  176  and right partition  178  to facilitate operable connection of heating panels  12   a  and  12   b  to housing  20 . In some various different arrangements, heating panels  12  may be connected to flanges  182  or other portion of housing  20  using various means and methods known in the art including but not limited to, for example, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, welding, and/or mechanical attachment means such as screws, bolts, threading, interlocks, clips, pins, or other coupling devices. In this example arrangement, flanges  182  are positioned above lower outer side edges  128  of top  120 , lower edges  148  of sidewalls  146 , a lower edge  184  of front wall  122  and a lower edge  186  of rear wall  124 , so as to hold heating panels  12  in a recessed position. In this manner heating panels  12  are less susceptible to damages, for example if housing  20  is placed on the ground. 
     Protective Covers  188 : 
     In one or more arrangements, housing  20  includes protective covers  188  (not shown) positioned below heating panels  12  to further protect heating panels  12  from impact or livestock bio-contaminants. Protective covers  188  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to provide a physical barrier protecting heating panels  12  while permitting radiant heat to pass to facilitate heating of livestock stalls  140  during operation. In one or more arrangements, protective covers  188  are formed of thermoplastic polyolefin. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, protective covers  188  may be formed of various materials including but not limited to, for example, thermoplastic polyolefin or other plastic, metal, composites, and/or any other suitable material). 
     Halves  196  of Housing  20 : 
     In the arrangement shown, housing  20  is formed by two symmetrical halves  196  that are connected together. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various different arrangements housing  20  may be formed by any number of individual components or segments that are connected together and/or maybe formed of a single unitary body. In the example arrangement shown, each half generally has a quarter round cylindrical shape formed by a curved top  218  and a side  220  extending between a quarter round front wall  222  and a quarter round rear wall  224 . 
     Quarter Round Front Wall  222  and Quarter Round Rear Wall  224 : 
     In this example arrangement, quarter round front wall  222  and quarter round rear wall  224  each have a generally planar quarter round shape extending between a bottom edge  228 , an inner side edge  230 , and curved edge  232  extending from an upper end of side edges to an outer end of bottom edges. In this example arrangement, quarter round front wall  222  and quarter round rear wall  224  each have a rectangular cutaway  236  in a lower inner corner proximate to bottom edge  228  and inner side edge  230  to accommodate channel  134 . In this example arrangement, rectangular cutaway  236  has a side edge  238  extending upward from bottom edge  228  to an upper edge  240  extending from an upper end of side edge  238  to inner side edge  230 . 
     Curved Top  218   
     In this example arrangement, curved top  218  has a generally rectangular curved planar shape extending between curved edges  232  of quarter round front wall  222  and quarter round rear wall  224  from an upper inner edge  244  to a lower outer edge  246 . However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that top  218  may be any shape. 
     Side  220 : 
     Side  220  of each half  196  of housing  20  is formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to enclose an inner side of the half  196  and form channel  134  when joined with the side  220  of the other half  196  of housing  20 . 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, side  220  includes a lower portion  250 , a center portion  252 , and an upper portion  256 . In this example arrangement, lower portion  250  has a generally rectangular shape formed by a sidewall  146  of channel  134 . In this example arrangement, center portion  252  has a generally rectangular shape extending inward from upper edge  150  of sidewall  146  to an inner edge  254 . In this example arrangement, center portion  252  forms half of top wall  158  of channel  134 . In this example arrangement, upper portion  256  extends upward from inner edge  255  of center portion  252  to upper inner edge  244  of curved top  218 . 
     Upper Flange  260 : 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, upper portion  256  extends upward beyond upper inner edge  244  of curved top  218  to form an upper flange  260 . In this example arrangement, when viewed from the side, upper flange  260  has a generally planar triangular shape extending across housing  20  from quarter round front wall  222  to quarter round rear wall  224 . In this example arrangement, upper flange  260  includes an opening  262  in a center portion of upper flange  260 , which forms a handle  264  to facilitate lifting of system  10 . 
     Halves  196  Usable Together or Separately: 
     In this example arrangement, housing  20  is formed by operably connecting sides  220  of the halves  196  together. In some various different arrangements, sides  220  of the halves  196  together may be connected together using various means and methods known in the art including but not limited to, for example, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, welding, and/or mechanical attachment means such as screws, bolts, threading, interlocks, clips, pins, or other coupling devices. With halves  196  connected, sides  220  form channel  134 , which may facilitate positioning system  10  on and connecting system  10  to wall  138  between two livestock stalls  140 . However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, system  10  may be implemented with a single half  196  of housing  20 , for example, when heating of only one stall is required and/or to facilitate mounting of system  10  to a side of a wall  138 . 
     Control System  300 : 
     In one or more arrangements, system  10  may be controlled using various means and/or methods to provide a desired temperature output. In one or more arrangements, system  10  includes a control system  300  configured to adjust the amount of heat generated by heating panels  12  by adjusting voltage and/or current that is applied to electric contacts  34  and  36  of the panels  12 . Additionally or alternatively, on one or more arrangements, control system  300  may be configured to connect and disconnect a power source to/from electric contacts  34  and  36 . For example, in one or more arrangements, system  10  may include one or more relay switches  298  (not shown) configured to connect and disconnect a power source to/from electric contacts  34  and  36  of one or both the heating panels  12  in response to a control signal from control system  300 . As an illustrative example, control system  300  may be configured to adjust temperature output by a heating panel  12  of system  10  by adjusting the amount of time that the power source is connected to electric contacts  34  and  36 . For example, control system  300  may connect the power source to electric contacts  34  and  36  for 1 second every 10 seconds when operated at a lower temperature setting and connect the power source to electric contacts  34  and  36  for 1 second every 5 seconds at a higher temperature setting. Additionally or alternatively, on one or more arrangements, control system  300  may be configured to connect and disconnect a power source to/from electric contacts  34  and  36  in response to readings of a temperature sensor to maintain a desired output temperature. 
     Control system  300  is formed of any suitable any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to control operation of system  10 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, control system  300  includes a control circuit  302 , user interface  304 , and/or sensors  306 , among other components. 
     Control Circuit  302 : 
     Control circuit  302  is formed of any suitable size, shape, design and is configured to control operation of various components of system  10  in response to signals of sensors  306  and/or input from user interface  304 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, control circuit  302  includes a communication circuit  310 , a processing circuit  312 , and a memory  314  having software code  316  or instructions that facilitates the operation of system  10 . 
     Processing circuit  312  may be any computing device that receives and processes information and outputs commands according to software code  316  stored in memory  314 . For example, in some various arrangements, processing circuit  312  may be discreet logic circuits or programmable logic circuits configured for implementing these operations/activities, as shown in the figures and/or described in the specification. In certain arrangements, such a programmable circuit may include one or more programmable integrated circuits (e.g., field programmable gate arrays and/or programmable ICs). Additionally or alternatively, such a programmable circuit may include one or more processing circuits (e.g., a computer, microcontroller, system-on-chip, smart phone, server, and/or cloud computing resources). For instance, computer processing circuits may be programmed to execute a set (or sets) of software code stored in and accessible from memory  314 . Memory  314  may be any form of information storage such as flash memory, ram memory, dram memory, a hard drive, or any other form of memory. 
     Processing circuit  312  and memory  314  may be formed of a single combined unit. Alternatively, processing circuit  312  and memory  314  may be formed of separate but electrically connected components. Alternatively, processing circuit  312  and memory  314  may each be formed of multiple separate but communicatively connected components. 
     Software code  316  is any form of instructions or rules that direct how processing circuit  312  is to receive, interpret and respond to information to operate as described herein. Software code  316  or instructions are stored in memory  314  and accessible to processing circuit  312 . As an illustrative example, in one or more arrangements, software code  316  or instructions may configure processing circuit  312  of control circuit  302  to monitor sensors  306  and perform various preprogramed actions in response to signals from sensors  306  satisfying one or more trigger conditions. 
     As some illustrative examples, some actions that may be initiated by control circuit  302  in response to signals from sensors  306  and/or user input from user interface  304  include but are not limited to, for example, connecting and disconnecting electric contacts  34  and  36  to/from a power source, controlling voltage and/or current provided by the power source to electric contacts  34  and  36  of heating panel(s)  12 , otherwise controlling output temperature provided by system  10 , and/or sending notifications to users (e.g., emails, SMS, push notifications, automated phone call, social media messaging, and/or any other type of messaging) regarding operation of system  10  and/or management of livestock. 
     Communication circuit  310  is formed of any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and in any arrangement and is configured to facilitate communication with devices to be controlled, monitored, and/or alerted by control system  300 . In one or more arrangements, as one example, communication circuit  310  includes a transmitter (for one-way communication) or transceiver (for two-way communication). In various arrangements, communication circuit  310  may be configured to communicate with various components of system  10  using various wired and/or wireless communication technologies and protocols over various networks and/or mediums including but not limited to, for example, IsoBUS, Serial Data Interface 12 (SDI-12), UART, Serial Peripheral Interface, PCI/PCIe, Serial ATA, ARM Advanced Microcontroller Bus Architecture (AMBA), USB, Firewire, RFID, Near Field Communication (NFC), infrared and optical communication, 802.3/Ethernet, 802.11/WIFI, Wi-Max, Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, UltraWideband (UWB), 802.15.4/ZigBee, ZWave, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA, CDMA, LTE, FM/VHF/UHF networks, and/or any other communication protocol, technology or network. 
     Sensors  306 : 
     Sensors  306  are formed of any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and in any arrangement configured to measure factors pertaining to operation of system  10  and/or monitoring and/or management of livestock. In some various arrangements, sensors  306  may include but are not limited to, for example, temperature sensors, voltage sensors, current sensors, location sensors (e.g., GPS sensors), position sensors, switches, motion sensors, speed sensors, proximity sensors, light sensors, cameras, microphones, LIDAR, speed sensors, humidity sensors, moisture sensors, fuel and/or energy sensors, and/or any other type of sensor, and/or various combinations thereof. 
     In some arrangements, sensors  306  may be formed along with control circuit  302  as a single combined unit. Alternatively, in some arrangements, sensors  306  and control circuit  302  may be communicatively connected by communication circuit  310 . 
     User Interface  304 : 
     User interface  304  is formed of any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and in any arrangement and is configured to facilitate user control and/or adjustment of various components of system  10 . In one or more arrangements, as one example, user interface  304  includes a set of inputs (not shown). Inputs are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to facilitate user input of data and/or control commands. In various different arrangements, inputs may include various types of controls including but not limited to, for example, buttons, switches, dials, knobs, a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a touchscreen, a joystick, a roller ball, or any other form of user input. Optionally, in one or more arrangements, user interface  304  includes a display (not shown). Display is formed of any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and in any arrangement and is configured to display information of settings, sensor readings, time elapsed, and/or other information pertaining to operation or system  10  and/or management of livestock. In one or more arrangements, display may include, for example, LED lights, meters, gauges, screen or monitor of a computing device, tablet, and/or smartphone. As an illustrative example, in one or more arrangements system  10  may include one or more LEDs positioned on housing  20  that are configured to light when system  10  is in operation. Such visual indication of when system  10  is in operation may be useful to assist an operator in monitoring and/or reviewing status of system  10  as infrared heat generated by system  10  may not be easily visible. Such visual indicator may help avoid unintended operation of system  10  (e.g., accidentally leaving system  10  on when operation is not intended). In one or more arrangements, display of system  10  may additionally or alternatively be configured to provide a visual indicator indicating a heat and/or temperature setting of system  10 . 
     Additionally, or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, the inputs and/or display may be implemented on a separate device that is communicatively connected to control circuit  302 . For example, in one or more arrangements, operation of control circuit  302  may be customized or controlled using a smartphone or other computing device that is communicatively connected to the control circuit  302  (e.g., via Bluetooth, WIFI, and/or the internet). 
     From the above discussion it will be appreciated that the heating mat system presented herein improves upon the state of the art. More specifically, and without limitation, it will be appreciated that in one or more arrangements, a heating system is presented: that is safe to use; that is less susceptible to damage; that provides more uniform heat distribution; that is configured for use in livestock operations; that is easy to deploy; that is easy to install; that has a long useful life; that is durable; that has a robust design; that is self-healing; that is easy to use; and/or that is high quality. Example embodiments of the invention have been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other various modifications could be made to the device without parting from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. All such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be covered thereby. 
     Alternative Arrangement(S): 
     With reference to  FIGS.  17 - 33    one or more alternative arrangements of system  10  are presented. The arrangement(s) discussed with reference to  FIGS.  17 - 33    are similar to the system  10  described with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 16    and as such the disclosure related to the arrangement(s) shown in  FIGS.  1 - 16    applies to the arrangement(s) shown in  FIGS.  17 - 33    unless stated specifically herein. The system  10  discussed with reference to  FIGS.  17 - 33    is similar to the system  10  discussed with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 16    with one primary difference relating to the use of separate housings  318  of the heating panels  12 , which may be use together or separately. 
     System  10 : 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, system  10  may be formed of any suitable size, shape and design and is configured to generate and direct heat downward when operated to facilitate, for example, care of livestock. In one or more arrangements shown, as one example, system  10  includes a pair of housing  318 , a pair of heating panels  12  positioned within the housings  318 , and optionally a bracket assembly  366  to facilitate connecting and/or mounting of the housings  318  as a pair, among other components. 
     Heating Panel(s)  12 : 
     Heating Panels  12  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to generate radiant heat and facilitate connection with housing  318 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, heating panels  12  each include a diffusion plate  321 , a heating layer  14 , a radiant barrier  16 , an insulating member  18 , and an optional frame  322 , among other components. 
     Frame  322 : 
     In one or more arrangements, frame  322  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to create space between radiant barrier  16  and heating layer  14  and facilitate connection of radiant barrier  16  and heating layer  14  with housing  318 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, frame  322  includes three support arches  324 , and a cross bar  333 , among other components. 
     Support Arch  324 : 
     In one or more arrangements support arch  324  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to create space between radiant barrier  16  and heating layer  14  in addition to facilitating a connection to radiant barrier  16 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, support arch  324  includes a base  326 , pair of legs  328  attached to base  326 , pair of feet  330  attached to the two legs  328 , and a support beam  332 , which connects the two legs  328  below the base  326 . Support beam  332  is configured to facilitate connection of support arch  324  to cross bar  333  of frame  322 . 
     In some various different arrangements, support arch  324  may be connected to cross bar  333  or other portion of frame  322  using various means and methods known in the art including but not limited to, for example, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, welding, and/or mechanical attachment means such as screws, bolts, threading, interlocks, clips, pins, or other coupling devices. 
     Housings  318 : 
     In one or more arrangements, system  10  includes housings that may be used separately or connected together as a pair. Housings  318  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and are configured to operably connect with and hold one or more heating panel(s)  12  in position for downward directed heating of livestock. In this example arrangement, each housing  318  has generally rectangular shaped main body  334  having a front wall  336 , a rear wall  338 , a left side  340 , a right side  342 , a top  344 , and an open bottom  346 . In some various arrangements, top  344  may have angled edges  348  adjacent the front wall  336  and rear wall  338 . 
     In some various arrangements, housings  318  may be formed of various different materials. In one or more arrangements shown, housings  318  are formed of thermoplastic polyolefin. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, housings  318  may be formed of various materials including but not limited to, for example, thermoplastic polyolefin or other plastic, metal, ceramics composites, and/or any other suitable material. 
     Handle  348 : 
     In this example arrangement, each housing  318  includes a handle  348  located in a central position on the top  344  of each housing  318 . Handle  348  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to operably connect with each housing  318  and to facilitate lifting of system  10 . In this example arrangement, handle  348  is generally U-shaped and includes a top member  350  and a pair of legs  352 . However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated some various arrangements may utilize various types of knobs, loops, or built-in gripping mechanisms known in the art to facilitate raising and lowering of system  10 . 
     Fasteners  354 : 
     In this example arrangement, each housing  318  includes a pair of fasteners  354  located on the top  344  of each housing  318  adjacent the front wall  336  and the rear wall  338 . Fasteners  354  are generally U-shaped and have a pair of feet  356  configured to facilitate connection to the top  344  of housing  318 . Fasteners  354  are configured to facilitate suspension of system  10  through the use of a chain. However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated some various arrangements may utilize rope, cables, wires, cord, string or other suspension mechanisms known in the art to facilitate hanging system  10 . 
     Cable Gland  358 : 
     In this example arrangement, system  10  includes a pair of housings  318  with one of the housing  318  having a cable gland  358 . Cable gland  358  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to attach and secure electrical wiring  362  to and from heating layer  14  and provide a seal (e.g., a waterproof seal) around the wiring  362 . In the arrangement as shown, as one example, cable gland  358  is sized and shaped to receive electrical wiring  362  connected to a power source  360 , which delivers power to the heating layer  14 . 
     Flange  364 : 
     In this example arrangement, each housing  318  of the pair of housing  318  includes a flange  364 . Flange  364  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to receive and operably connect diffusion plate  321  to housing  318 . In the arrangement as shown, as one example, flange  364  is generally rectangular in shape and is configured to line the edge of each housing  318  of the pair of housing  318 . 
     Bracket Assembly  366 : 
     In addition to or in lieu of fasteners, in one or more arrangements, system  10  includes a bracket assembly  366  operably connected to the housings  318 . Bracket assembly  366  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to connect with housings  318  and facilitate mounting of housings  318  over a top edge of a wall  138  between two livestock stalls  140 . In the arrangement as shown, as one example, bracket assembly  366  includes a pair of bracket hangers  368  and connecting members  374 . 
     Bracket Hangers  368 : 
     Bracket hangers  368  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and are configured to fit over a top of wall  138  and operably connect with connecting members  374  to facilitate mounting of housings  318  therefrom. In the arrangement shown, as one example, bracket hangers have an inverted U shape formed by a base  370  and a pair of legs  372 . In this example arrangement, base has an elongated generally rectangular shape configured to extend across the top of wall  138 . In this arrangement, as an example, the legs  372  of the bracket hangers  368  have an elongated cylindrical shape extending downward from an upper end  372   a , where legs  372  connect with opposing ends of the base  370 , to respective lower ends  372   b.    
     Connecting Members  374 : 
     Connecting members  374  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and are configured to connect with legs  372  of bracket hangers  368 . In the arrangement shown, connecting members  374  are attached to a side  340 / 342  of a housing  318  have an elongated cylindrical tube shape extending vertically from an upper end  374   a  to a lower end  374   b . In some various different arrangements, connecting members  374  may be connected to housing  318  using various means and methods known in the art including but not limited to, for example, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, welding, and/or mechanical attachment means such as clamps, clips, pins, cotters, screws, bolts, fasteners, interlocks, rings, or, or any other securing mechanisms. 
     In this example arrangement, connecting members  374  are configured to receive lower end  372   b  of a leg  372  into upper end  274   a  and fit around each leg  372  of the leg  372  to facilitate connection wherewith. In this example arrangement, connecting members  374  can be moved upward and downward along legs  372  and then secured in place to adjust the height at which housings  318  are mounted relative to the top of wall  138 . 
     In the arrangement, shown, connecting members  374  are secured in place at a desired position along legs  372  by a plurality of clamps  376  positioned on an outer surface of connecting members  374 . In this example arrangement, connecting members  374  have a slit  374   c  extending vertically between upper end  374   a  and lower end  374   b  to permit circumference of the tube shape to be expanded and/or contracted to securely hold legs  372  with close and tight tolerances. In this example arrangement, clamps  374  may be tightened to cause the tube shape of connection members  374  to contract and clamp onto legs  372 . 
     However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated some various arrangements may utilize various methods or means known in the art to facilitate securing connecting members  374  in place around each leg  372  including but not limited to, for example, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, welding, and/or mechanical attachment means such as clamps, clips, pins, cotters, screws, bolts, fasteners, interlocks, rings, or any other securing mechanisms. 
     Thermostat  394 : 
     In one or more arrangements, system  10  includes one or more thermostats to regulate heat generation. For example, in one or more arrangements, system  10  includes a thermostat  394  positioned on heating layer  14 . Thermostat  394  is formed of any suitable size, shape, or design, and is configured to regulate power provided to heating layer  14  based on temperature of the heating layer  14 , for example, to ensure heating layer does not exceed a safe operation range. For instance, in one or more arrangements, thermostat  394  is configured to prevent heating layer from operating above a threshold of 302 F (above which heading layer  14  materials may become damaged. Additionally or alternatively, system may include a thermostat to maintain a temperature set by a user. 
     Alternative Arrangement(S): 
     With reference to  FIGS.  34 - 43    one or more alternative arrangements of system  10  is presented. The arrangement(s) shown in  FIGS.  34 - 43    is similar to the system  10  discussed with reference to  FIGS.  1 - 16    and system  10  discussed with reference to  FIGS.  17 - 33   , as such the disclosures related to the arrangements shown in  FIGS.  1 - 16    and  FIGS.  17 - 33    apply to the arrangement shown in  FIGS.  34 - 43    unless stated specifically herein. The system  10  discussed with reference to  FIGS.  34 - 43    is particularly similar to the system  10  discussed with reference to  FIGS.  17 - 33    with one primary difference relating to the bracket assembly used to connect a pair of housings  318  together and/or mount the pair of housings  318 . 
     Bracket Assembly  378 : 
     In one or more arrangements, system  10  includes a bracket assembly  378  operably connected to the housings  318 . Bracket assembly  378  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to connect with housings  318  and mount housings  318  over a top edge of a wall  138  between two livestock stalls  140 . In the arrangement as shown, as one example, bracket assembly  378  is configured to connect fit over a tope of wall  138  and facilitate suspension of housings  318  therefrom (e.g., with chains, links, hooks, cables, rope, cord, and/or other means for hanging. In this example arrangement, bracket assembly  378  includes a base  380  with a pair of legs  382  and a pair of support beams  386 , among other components. 
     Base  380 : 
     Base  380  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and is configured to fit over a top of wall  138  and operably connect with support beams  386  to facilitate mounting of housings  318  therefrom. In the arrangement shown, as one example, base has a generally isosceles trapezoidal shape having a bottom  380   a  configured to extend across wall  138  between opposing sides  380   b . In this example arrangement, opposing sides  380   b  of base  380  extend outward to the sides and upward from bottom  380   a  to a top  380   c.    
     Legs  382 : 
     Legs  382  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and are configured to fit on either side of wall  138  and secure base in place when installed. In the arrangement shown, as one example, legs  382  are generally in an upside down L-shape and extend downward from bottom  380   a  of base  380  proximate to opposing sides  380   b . In the arrangement shown, the top  380   c  of base  380  extends outward to the sides of wall  138  to opposing outer ends  380   d . In this example arrangement, base  380  operates as a cantilever to hang support beams from outer ends  380   d  of base  380 . 
     In some arrangements, bracket assembly  378  may be configured to be held in place on top of wall  138  by gravity and/or friction. Additionally or alternatively, in some arrangements bracket assembly  378  may be secured in place on wall  138  (e.g., by fasteners). In this example arrangement, legs  382  have a hole to receive a fastener  384  which helps facilitate close and tight tolerances between legs  382  and wall  138 . However, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated some various arrangements may use various methods or means known in the art to facilitate securing base  380 , legs  382 , and/or other portion of bracket assembly  378  to wall  138  including but not limited to, for example, adhesive bonding, chemical bonding, welding, and/or mechanical attachment means such as clamps, clips, pins, cotters, screws, bolts, fasteners, interlocks, rings, or any other securing mechanisms. Support beams  386  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and are configured to operably connect with base  380  to facilitate mounting of housings  318 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, support beams  386  form a generally triangular shape with opposable ends  386   a  and are configured to connect to base  380  at the apex  387  of support beams  386  by fasteners  388 . Support beams  386  are also configured to connect to the housings  318  at opposable ends  386   a . Opposable ends  386   a  are configured to receive hooks  390 . Hooks  390  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design, and are configured to loop through the fasteners  354  of the housings  318  to facilitate engagement between support beams  386  and housings  318 . Hooks  390  are generally S-shaped and loop through fasteners  354  at one end and holes in the opposable ends  386   a  of support beams  386  at the other end. However, again, the arrangements are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated some various arrangements may utilize clamps, pins, cotters, fasteners, rings, or other securing mechanisms known in the art to facilitate connection of support beams to the top of housing. 
     In Operation: 
     As an illustrative example, during assembly of system  10 , heating layer  14  is affixed to the center of base plate  321  by an adhesive. Similarly, a thermostat  394  is affixed to the center of the heating layer  14  by an adhesive. A neutral wire  400  is spliced and soldered to the lead on the heating layer  14 . An epoxy layer is applied to solder points for potting. A ground wire  402  is slid through a hole in the insulating layer  18 . The ground wire  402  is then soldered to the interior enclosure. A power cord  404  is slid through the insulating layer and the bottom component  396  of the cable gland is installed. The insulating layer  18  is then pressed firmly into the housing  318  to be held in place. A gasket  392  is pressed between the housing  318  and the diffusion plate  321  and nuts or bolts are installed around the exterior to firmly compress the gasket  392 . The top component  398  of the cable gland is then slid over the power cord  404  and secured in place.