초록

A screed heating arrangement is provided for a screed assembly that is towed behind a paving machine. The screed heating arrangement includes at least one electric heater bonded to an upper surface of a screed plate.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A screed heating arrangement used on an asphalt paving machine, comprising: a screed assembly having at least one screed plate connected thereto; and at least one electric heater bonded directly to an upper surface of said screed plate, and said electric heater, which include

What is claimed is: 1. A screed heating arrangement used on an asphalt paving machine, comprising: a screed assembly having at least one screed plate connected thereto; and at least one electric heater bonded directly to an upper surface of said screed plate, and said electric heater, which includes a resistive conductor between a pair of layers, has a thickness in the range of about 101.6 μm (0.004 in) to about 355.6 μm (0.014 in). 2. The screed heating arrangement of claim 1, wherein said electric heater is bonded directly to said screed plate by a bonding layer. 3. The screed heating arrangement of claim 2, wherein said bonding is performed by one of a heating process and a chemical adhesion process. 4. The screed heating arrangement of claim 2, wherein said bonding layer is a fluoropolymer film. 5. The screed heating arrangement of claim 1, wherein said electric heater has a thickness of about 203.2 μm (0.008 in). 6. The screed heating arrangement of claim 1, wherein said pair of layers includes a pair of polyimide layers. 7. The screed heating arrangement of claim 6, wherein said pair of polyimide layers are bonded to the resistive conductor. 8. The screed heating arrangement of claim 6, wherein the pair of polyimide layers are thermoplastic. 9. The screed heating arrangement of claim 1, including a layer of insulation disposed over said electric heater. 10. The screed heating arrangement of claim 9, wherein said layer of insulation is retained by a plurality of straps fastened to a frame of said screed assembly. 11. The screed heating arrangement of claim 1 wherein said electric heater is at least as flexible as said screed plate, and is operable to flex therewith. 12. The screed heating arrangement of claim 1 wherein said electric heater includes said resistive conductor surrounded by said pair of layers, which include a solvent resistant outer layer.