Patent Publication Number: US-2023141546-A1

Title: Graphene heating mat

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63/277,658, titled GRAPHENE HEATING MAT, and filed on Nov. 10, 2021, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, including any figures, tables, drawings, or other information. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to heating elements. More specifically, and without limitation, this disclosure relates generally to heating mats. 
     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 elements 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 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 efficiently 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 operate under an extreme risk of fire due to the high flammability of bedding, feed, dust, and animals themselves. Fire can spread through 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 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 mat system that improves upon the state of the art. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat 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 mat system that provides more uniform heat distribution. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat system that is configured for use in livestock operations. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat system that is easy to deploy. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat 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 mat system that is durable. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat system that has a robust design. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat system that is self-healing. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat system that is easy to use. 
     Yet another object of the disclosure is to provide a heating mat 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 mat system is provided having a heating layer positioned between an upper support pad and a lower support pad. The heating layer including a conductive microfilm. The conductive microfilm having a generally planar shape extending between a front edge, a rear edge, and opposing side edges. The conductive microfilm includes a layer of graphene. A first electrical contact and a second electrical contact are 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, 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 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 layer of graphene distributes heat to portions of the layer of graphene where less current flows to provide even heat distribution. 
     In one or more arrangements, the heating layer includes an upper substrate layer and a lower substrate layer and 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, wherein the lower support pad includes an insulated portion. In one or more arrangements, the lower support pad includes a heat reflector. In one or more arrangements, the current that flows through the conductive microfilm causes the conductive microfilm to emit infrared radiation and the upper support pad includes a material configured to absorb infrared radiation. 
     In one or more arrangements, an upper surface of the upper support pad has a grip pad. In one or more arrangements, a lower surface of the lower support pad has a grip pad. In one or more arrangements, the upper support pad has a textured upper surface. In one or more arrangements, the lower support pad has a textured lower surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    shows a top perspective view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad, a lower support pad, and a heating layer. 
         FIG.  2    shows a top perspective view of the heating system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad, a lower support pad, and a heating layer. 
         FIG.  3    shows a top elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having a lower support pad with a flange and an upper support pad with a flange; the view also showing the heating mat system having grip pads. 
         FIG.  4    shows a bottom elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having a lower support pad. 
         FIG.  5    shows a side elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad, a lower support pad, and a heating layer. The view also showing the upper support pad having a flange and the lower support pad having a flange. 
         FIG.  6    shows a side elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad, a lower support pad, and a heating layer. The view also showing the upper support pad having a flange and the lower support pad having a flange. 
         FIG.  7    shows a close up side elevation view of the connection point of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad, a lower support pad, and a heating layer. The view also showing the upper support pad having a flange and the lower support pad having a flange. 
         FIG.  8    shows a close up side elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad and a lower support pad. The view also showing the upper support pad having a flange and the lower support pad having a flange. 
         FIG.  9    shows a cross section side view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing components of the upper support pad, lower support pad, and the heating layer; the view also showing the heating layer having a conductive microfilm, an upper substrate layer, and a lower substrate layer. The view also showing the lower support pad having a flange and the upper support pad having a flange. 
         FIG.  10    shows a top elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing cross sections of the upper support pad, upper substrate layer, conductive microfilm, lower substrate layer, and lower support pad; the view also showing the heating mat system having conductive traces. 
         FIG.  11    shows a top elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing cross sections of the conductive microfilm, lower substrate layer, and lower support pad; the view also showing the heating mat system having a connection point. 
         FIG.  12    shows an alternative top elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing cross sections of the conductive microfilm, lower substrate layer, and lower support pad; the view also showing the heating mat system having a connection point. 
         FIG.  13    shows an elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper substrate layer, conductive microfilm, and a lower substrate layer. 
         FIG.  14    shows an elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper substrate layer, conductive microfilm, and a lower substrate layer. 
         FIG.  15    shows a close up elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper substrate layer, conductive microfilm, and a lower substrate layer. 
         FIG.  16    shows an elevation view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing one embodiment of the heating mat system. 
         FIG.  17    shows a close up view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper substrate layer, a lower substrate layer, conductive microfilm, and electric contacts. 
         FIG.  18    shows a close up view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper substrate layer, a lower substrate layer, and electric contacts. 
         FIG.  19    shows a close up view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad with a flange, a lower support pad with a flange, sidewalls, and insulative air pockets. 
         FIG.  20    shows a cross section view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad, a lower support pad, a heating layer, and insulative air pockets 
         FIG.  21    shows a cross section view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having an upper support pad, a lower support pad, a heating layer, and insulative air pockets. 
         FIG.  22    shows a top view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having grip pads on the upper support pad of the heating mat system. 
         FIG.  23    shows a top view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having grip pads on the upper support pad of the heating mat system; the view also showing the heating mat system having a connection point. 
         FIG.  24    shows a close up view of the heating mat system, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the view showing the heating mat system having a flange of an upper support pad and a flange of a lower support pad. 
         FIG.  25    shows an example control system for use in a heating mat system for use with livestock, in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     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. In 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 at 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 heating mats 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 heating mats for livestock for ease of description and as one of countless examples. 
     System  10 : 
     In various embodiments, a heating mat system  10  (or simply system  10 ) may be formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to function as a mat that is heated when operated to facilitate, for example, care of livestock, such as for warming pigs or piglets. In the arrangement shown, as one example, system  10  includes a heating layer  12  positioned between an upper support pad  16  and a lower support pad  18 , among other components. 
     Heating Layer  12 : 
     Heating layer  12  is formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and is configured to generate heat across heating mat system  10 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, heating layer  12  includes a conductive microfilm  28 , one or more substrate layers  30 / 32 , 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  12  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 a layer of graphene and/or a plurality of layers of graphene. Graphene is an allotrope of carbon consisting of a single layer of atoms arranged in a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice nanostructure. Graphene generates thermal and infrared heat when current is applied to it. However, graphene has not been a material of choice for larger applications (e.g., heating mats) 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 even when electrical connectivity is not evenly distributed. 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). 
     Although some arrangements may be primarily discussed with reference to heating layer  12  having conductive microfilm  28  formed by a layer 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 the arrangement shown, conductive microfilm  28  is formed by a single layer of graphene. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in one or more arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  may include multiple layers of graphene or other material(s) that are spaced apart, layered adjacent to one another, and/or connected together. In addition, a single layer of graphene may have a single molecular layer of graphene or multiple molecular layers of graphene. The graphene may be formed in a single sheet of material containing graphene. Alternatively, the graphene may be formed in multiple sheets of material each containing graphene that are then laid on top of one another and/or laminated on top of one another. 
     Notably, the layers of graphene or sheets of graphene may be protected by a protective coating such as being impregnated with a plastic or other material or by being laminated between sheets of plastic, or by being coated or covered or impregnated or doped by any other material that increases its strength and durability and longevity. 
     The use of multiple layers of graphene in conductive microfilm  28  increases the cumulative temperature generated by the conductive microfilm  28  during operation. For example, in one or more arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  includes eight (8) layers of graphene that are sandwiched together and reaches approximately 260 degrees Fahrenheit during operation, with each added layer of graphene providing approximately a 30 degree Fahrenheit increase in temperature. Any other number of layers is hereby contemplated such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100 or more or any number therein. 
     In one or more arrangements, conductive microfilm  28  is distributed along heating layer  12  in a non-continuous pattern. In the arrangement shown, as one example, conductive microfilm  28  has graphene extending along a honeycomb pattern. However, the embodiments are not so limited and any other pattern is hereby contemplated for use. 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), stripes, zig-zags, and/or any other discontinuous shape or pattern. 
     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  12  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  12  has conductive microfilm  28  supported by a single substrate layer  30 . 
     In the arrangement shown, substrate layers  30 / 32  have a similar shape to conductive microfilm  28 . In this example arrangement, upper substrate layer  30  has a 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, or extending slightly past the edge of the conductive microfilm  28 . Similarly, in this example arrangement, lower substrate layer  32  has a 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 or extending slightly past the edge of the conductive microfilm  28 . 
     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  28  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 extend along opposing front and rear edges  42 / 44  of conductive microfilm  28  between opposing side edges  46 . In this example arrangement, electrical contacts  34 / 36  are connected by a via  72  that extends through one of the substrate layers  30 / 32  to one or more conductive traces  74  positioned on the other side of the substrate layer  30 / 32 . The conductive traces  74  extend inward along one of the 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  as shown in  FIGS.  11  and  12   . It is contemplated, that electrical contacts  34 / 36  may additionally or alternatively have any other shape or configuration suitable for distributing power across conductive microfilm  28 . 
     Upper Support Pad  16  and Lower Support Pad  18 : 
     Upper support pad  16  and lower support pad  18  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and are configured to encase heating layer  12  and form a mat on which livestock, such as piglets, or various objects may be heated during operation. 
     Lower Support Pad  18 : 
     In this example arrangement, lower support pad  18  has a generally planar rectangular shaped main body  80  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 conductive microfilm  28 , respectively, or extending slightly past the edge of the conductive microfilm  28 . In this example arrangement, lower support pad  18  includes a flange  92  that extends outward from a lower end of edges  86 ,  88 , and  90  of main body  80  to an outer front edge  94 , an outer rear edge  96 , and outer side edges  98 . Flange  92  extends outward beyond edges  42 ,  44 , and  46  of conductive microfilm  28  to facilitate connection with upper support pad  16  and/or connection of system  10  to a floor. 
     In one arrangement, lower support pad  18  is formed of or includes a layer  18 A of Boltaron® or another similar material that provides substantial fire resistance characteristics as well as strength, ruggedness and durability. In one arrangement this layer is formed of Boltaron® 4330. This layer is shown in  FIG.  9    as reference numeral  18 A. Boltaron® is an extremely durable acrylic PVC alloy that also provides substantial fire resistance characteristics. In one arrangement, the lawyer of this material  18 A is approximate 60 thousandths of an inch thick. This layer  18 A may be adhered directly to the bottom side of lower support pad  18  or replace it altogether. 
     Insulation/Heat Reflection: 
     In one or more arrangements, lower support pad  18  or a portion thereof may be insulated to reduce the transfer of heat to the floor/ground. In the arrangement shown, as one example, main body  80  of lower support pad  18  includes a honeycomb or other inner structure having a plurality of insulative air-pockets  104 . However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, lower support pad  18  may incorporate 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. 
     Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, lower support pad  18  or a portion thereof may include a heat reflector (not shown) to reduce the transfer of heat to the floor/ground. In the arrangement shown, as one example, main body  80  of lower support pad  18  includes a honeycomb or other inner structure having a heat reflector. However, the embodiments are not so limited. Rather, it is contemplated that in some various arrangements, lower support pad  18  may incorporate various methods and/or means for heat reflection including but not limited to, aluminum material, copper material, or any other metallic or non-metallic heat reflective material, and/or any other method and/or means for heat reflection. 
     Upper Support Pad  16 : 
     In the arrangement shown, as one example, upper support pad  16  has a generally planar rectangular shape configured to fit over heating layer  12  and main body  80  and connect with flange  92  of lower support pad  18  to encase heating layer  12 . 
     In this example arrangement, upper support pad  16 , has a generally planar rectangular shaped main body  110  having an upper surface  112  and a lower surface  114  extending between a front edge  116 , a rear edge  118 , and opposing side edges  120 . In this example arrangement, upper support pad  16  has sidewalls  124  that extend downward from edges  116 ,  118 , and  120  and a flange  122  that extends outward from sidewalls  124  to an outer front edge  126 , an outer rear edge  128 , and an outer side edges  130 . In this example arrangement, outer front edge  126 , outer rear edge  128 , and outer side edges  130  of upper support pad  16  generally align with outer front edge  94 , outer rear edge  96 , and outer side edges  98  of flange  92  of lower support pad  18 , respectively. 
     In this example arrangement, a lower surface of flange  122  of upper support pad  16  is connected to an upper surface of flange  92  of lower support pad  18  to encase and seal heating layer  12  between upper support pad  16  and lower support pad  18  with heating layer  12  positioned between upper surface  82  of lower support pad  18  and lower surface  114  of upper support pad  16 . In some various arrangements, upper support pad  16  and lower support pad  18  may be connected 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 various different arrangements, upper support pad  16  and lower support pad  18  may be formed of various different materials. In one or more arrangements, upper support pad  16  and lower support pad  18  are formed of a hard or rigid material (e.g., thermoplastic polyolefin or other plastic, metal, and/or composite material). This combination of using a hard or rigid plastic, metal, or composite material provides a strong, durable, and long lasting mat that can handle daily use and abuse without significant wear or damage to the heating layer  12 . In one or more arrangements, upper support pad  16  may additionally or alternatively include materials configured to absorb infrared heat and thereby provide more heat at the upper surface  112  of main body  110  of upper support pad  16 . 
     Although hard materials help to protect heating layer  12 , one drawback of using such materials is that these materials tend to have a low coefficient of friction. As a result, the system  10  may slide more easily on the floor and/or objects placed on top of the heating mat system  10  may slide more easily. Such movement can cause an injury to a user. 
     In one or more arrangements, lower surface  84  of main body  80  of lower support pad  18  and/or upper surface  112  of main body  110  of upper support pad  16  may be textured or include one or more grip pads  134  configured to increase friction and/or prevent slipping. 
     Grip pads  134  are formed of any suitable size, shape, and design and of any material that that has a higher coefficient of friction than the material of the surface on which grip pads  134  are positioned upon to facilitate improved grip of system  10  with surfaces of other objects during use. In various arrangements, grip pads  134  may be formed of various materials including but not limited to, for example, a rubber material, a natural rubber material, a synthetic rubber material, a silicone material, an isoprene rubber material, an ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) material, a nitrile rubber (NBR) material, a styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) material, a silicone rubber material, a butyl rubber material, a isobutylene isoprene rubber material, a polybutadiene rubber material, a foam rubber material, any compressible or high coefficient of friction plastic material, or any other material that is more-compressible than and/or has a higher coefficient of friction than the rigid materials used to form upper support pad  16  and/or lower support pad  18 . 
     Control System  200 : 
     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  200  configured to adjust temperature by adjusting the voltage and/or current that is applied to electric contacts  34  and  36 . Additionally or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, control system  200  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 a relay switch  198  (not shown) configured to connect and disconnect a power source to/from electric contacts  34  and  36  in response to a control signal from control system  200 . As an illustrative example, control system  200  may be configured to adjust temperature output by system  10  by adjusting the amount of time that the power source is connected to electric contacts  34  and  36 . For example, control system  200  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  200  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  200  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  200  includes a control circuit  202 , user interface  204 , and/or sensors  206 , among other components. 
     Control Circuit  202 : 
     Control circuit  202  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  206  and/or input from user interface  204 . In the arrangement shown, as one example, control circuit  202  includes a communication circuit  210 , a processing circuit  212 , and a memory  214  having software code  216  or instructions that facilitate the operation of system  10 . 
     Processing circuit  212  may be any computing device that receives and processes information and outputs commands according to software code  216  stored in memory  214 . For example, in some various arrangements, processing circuit  212  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  214 . Memory  214  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  212  and memory  214  may be formed of a single combined unit. Alternatively, processing circuit  212  and memory  214  may be formed of separate but electrically connected components. Alternatively, processing circuit  212  and memory  214  may each be formed of multiple separate but communicatively connected components. 
     Software code  216  is any form of instructions or rules that direct how processing circuit  212  is to receive, interpret and respond to information to operate as described herein. Software code  216  or instructions are stored in memory  214  and accessible to processing circuit  212 . As an illustrative example, in one or more arrangements, software code  216  or instructions may configure processing circuit  212  of control circuit  202  to monitor sensors  206  and perform various preprogramed actions in response to signals from sensors  206  satisfying one or more trigger conditions. 
     As some illustrative examples, some actions that may be initiated by control circuit  202  in response to signals from sensors  206  and/or user input from user interface  204  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 , 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  210  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  200 . In one or more arrangements, as one example, communication circuit  210  includes a transmitter (for one-way communication) or transceiver (for two-way communication). In various arrangements, communication circuit  210  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  206 : 
     Sensors  206  are formed of any suitable size, shape, design, technology, and in any arrangement and are configured to measure factors pertaining to operation of system  10  and/or monitoring and/or management of livestock. In some various arrangements, sensors  206  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  206  may be formed along with control circuit  202  as a single combined unit. Alternatively, in some arrangements sensors  206  and control circuit  202  may be communicatively connected by communication circuit  210 . 
     User Interface  204 : 
     User interface  204  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  204  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  204  includes a display (not shown). The 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, the 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 a housing (not shown) that are configured to light up 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 the status of system  10  as infrared heat generated by system  10  may not be easily visible. Such a 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, the display of system  10  may additionally or alternatively be configured to provide a visual indicator indicating a heat and/or temperature setting of system. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, in one or more arrangements, the inputs and/or the display may be implemented on a separate device that is communicatively connected to control circuit  202 . For example, in one or more arrangements, operation of control circuit  202  may be customized or controlled using a smartphone or other computing device that is communicatively connected to the control circuit  202  (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 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.