Brian Allen Wicks

US Patent:

7614388, Nov 10, 2009

Filed:

May 2, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/381207

Inventors:

Brian E. Wicks - Eden Prairie MN, US

Assignee:

Phillips & Temro Industries Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

F02M 31/12

US Classification:

123549, 123556

Abstract:

An air heater for heating air entering a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The air heater includes a heating element having a substantially planar portion and a flange portion. The flange portion is positioned at an angle to the planar portion. The planar portion is positioned within an air flow at an upstream location relative to the flange portion. A structure is operable to position the heating element in communication with the air entering the combustion chamber of the engine. In addition, a thermal expansion joint for interconnecting a heating element and a frame is disclosed.

US Patent:

7882825, Feb 8, 2011

Filed:

Sep 29, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/568808

Inventors:

Brian E. Wicks - Eden Prairie MN, US

Assignee:

Phillips & Temro Industries Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

F02M 31/00

US Classification:

123556, 123549

Abstract:

An air heater for heating air entering a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The air heater includes a heating element having a substantially planar portion and a flange portion. The flange portion is positioned at an angle to the planar portion. The planar portion is positioned within an air flow at an upstream location relative to the flange portion. A structure is operable to position the heating element in communication with the air entering the combustion chamber of the engine. In addition, a thermal expansion joint for interconnecting a heating element and a frame is disclosed.

US Patent:

60622067, May 16, 2000

Filed:

Jul 31, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/127060

Inventors:

Kirk A. Nelson - Invergrove Heights MN
Brian E. Wicks - Edina MN
Gary C. Edwards - Apple Valley MN

Assignee:

Phillips & Temro Industries Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

F02M 2500

US Classification:

123573

Abstract:

A PCV heater including a fitting having a plug and a heat sink coupled to the fitting. The fitting and the heat sink define a gas flow path having a first end and a second end. The second end of the gas flow path defines a discharge port and the heat sink is proximate to the discharge port. The heater also includes a heating element coupled to the plug and electrically connectable to a power source. The heating element thermally engages the heat sink to communicate heat from the heating element to the heat sink when the heating element is electrically connected to the power source.

US Patent:

59709626, Oct 26, 1999

Filed:

Mar 19, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/044723

Inventors:

Kirk A. Nelson - Invergrove Heights MN
Brian E. Wicks - Edina MN
Gary C. Edwards - Apple Valley MN

Assignee:

Phillips & Temro Industries Inc. - Eden Prairie MN

International Classification:

F02M 2506

US Classification:

123573

Abstract:

A PCV heater including a plug and a heat sink coupled to the plug. The plug and the heat sink define a gas flow path having a first end and a second end. The second end of the gas flow path defines a discharge port and the heat sink is proximate to the discharge port. The heater also includes a heating element coupled to the plug and electrically connectable to a power source. The heating element thermally engages the heat sink to communicate heat from the heating element to the heat sink when the heating element is electrically connected to the power source. A method for manufacturing the PCV heater includes the steps of placing a heat sink into a mold cavity, coupling a heating element to the heat sink, electrically connecting a first lead wire and a second lead wire to the heating element, and providing a high temperature plastic to the mold cavity to overmold the heat sink and the heating element.