초록 ▼

An ice and snow melting system includes at least one sensor configured for sensing a temperature or moisture associated with an ambient environment and providing a signal indicative thereof. A heater for melting the ice and snow includes a heater wire, a layer of insulation substantially surrounding

An ice and snow melting system includes at least one sensor configured for sensing a temperature or moisture associated with an ambient environment and providing a signal indicative thereof. A heater for melting the ice and snow includes a heater wire, a layer of insulation substantially surrounding the heater wire, and a conductive shield substantially surrounding the layer of insulation. A ground fault circuit interrupter is coupled with the shield of the heater. The ground fault circuit interrupter detects a ground fault condition between the heater wire and the conductive shield and provides a signal indicative thereof. An automatic controller is connected to the at least one sensor. The controller includes heater control circuitry receiving each of the sensor signal and the ground fault circuit interrupter signal. The heater control circuitry selectively controls operation of the heater dependent upon the sensor signal and the ground fault circuit interrupter signal.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An ice and snow melting system, comprising:at least one sensor, each said sensor being configured for sensing one of temperature and moisture associated with an ambient environment and providing a signal indicative thereof;a heater for melting the ice and snow, said hea

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An ice and snow melting system, comprising:at least one sensor, each said sensor being configured for sensing one of temperature and moisture associated with an ambient environment and providing a signal indicative thereof;a heater for melting the ice and snow, said heater including a heater wire, a layer of insulation substantially surrounding said heater wire, and a conductive shield substantially surrounding said layer of insulation;a ground fault circuit interrupter, said ground fault circuit interrupter coupled with said shield of said heater, said ground fault circuit interrupter detecting a ground fault condition between said heater wire and said conductive shield and providing a signal indicative thereof;a DC power supply configured for applying a DC voltage to said conductive shield one of directly and via said ground fault circuit interrupter; andan automatic controller connected to said at least one sensor, said controller including heater control circuitry receiving each of said sensor signal and said ground fault circuit interrupter signal and selectively controlling operation of said heater dependent upon said sensor signal and said ground fault circuit interrupter signal.