Thermally Conductive Sleeve, Heating System, and Method of Use

Abstract

A thermally conductive sleeve is disclosed which is used to heat a wide range of components. The sleeve can be used in conjunction with one or more heating elements to provide a heating system. Also described are various methods of using the sleeves and heating systems and forming the sleeves and heating systems.

1 . A thermally conductive sleeve adapted for heating an item having an outer contour, the sleeve defining a recessed interior region, the interior region sized, shaped, and configured to fittingly engage the outer contour of the item to be heated, the sleeve comprising a material exhibiting a thermal conductivity of at least 0.4 W/mK and a flammability rating of at least V-1 according to UL-94 standard. 
     
     
         2 . The thermally conductive sleeve of  claim 1  wherein the material is a silicone material. 
     
     
         3 . The thermally conductive sleeve of  claim 2  wherein the silicone material is a curable material and prior to curing, is liquid at ambient temperatures. 
     
     
         4 . The thermally conductive sleeve of  claim 3  wherein the silicone material cures upon exposure to temperatures of at least 100° C. 
     
     
         5 . The thermally conductive sleeve of  claim 1  wherein the material exhibits a thermal conductivity of at least 0.65 W/mK. 
     
     
         6 . The thermally conductive sleeve of  claim 1  wherein the material exhibits a flammability rating of at least V-0 according to UL-94 standard. 
     
     
         7 . A heating system for heating an item, the heating system comprising:
 a thermally conductive sleeve, the sleeve defining an interior region for receiving and at least partially contacting the item to be heated, and an outer surface, the sleeve formed from a material exhibiting a thermal conductivity of at least 0.4 W/mK and a flammability rating of at least V-1 according to UL-94 standard;   at least one heating element positioned adjacent the sleeve and in thermal communication therewith.   
     
     
         8 . The heating system of  claim 7  wherein the heating element is in contact with the outer surface of the sleeve, and the interior region of the sleeve exhibits an asymmetrical configuration that is adapted to receive the item having an asymmetrical outer surface. 
     
     
         9 . The heating system of  claim 7  wherein the material forming the sleeve is a silicone material. 
     
     
         10 . The heating system of  claim 9  wherein the silicone material is a curable material and prior to curing, is liquid at ambient temperatures. 
     
     
         11 . The heating system of  claim 7  further comprising:
 a thermally insulating material disposed on at least one of the sleeve and the heating element. 
 
     
     
         12 . The heating system of  claim 7  wherein the material exhibits a thermal conductivity of at least 0.65 W/mK. 
     
     
         13 . The heating system of  claim 7  wherein the material exhibits a flammability rating of at least V-0 according to UL-94 standard. 
     
     
         14 . A method of heating an item having an outer surface configuration, the method comprising:
 providing a thermally conductive sleeve defining a recessed interior region, the interior region sized, shaped, and configured to fittingly engage the outer contour of the item to be heated, the sleeve comprising a material exhibiting a thermal conductivity of at least 0.4 W/mK and a flammability rating of at least V-1 according to UL-94 standard;   positioning the thermally conductive sleeve on the item such that the item is fittingly engaged within the interior region of the sleeve;   placing at least one heater in thermal communication with the sleeve;   operating the at least one heater to thereby emit heat, whereby said heat is transferred from the at least one heater through the sleeve, to the item.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising:
 positioning thermal insulating material about at least one of the sleeve and the heater(s). 
 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the outer contour of the item to be heated is asymmetrical in shape and the interior region contacts at least 60% of outer contour of the item to be heated.