Electrical Components International, Inc.

Noma Company

Daniel P McNaught

Ping-Chung Wong

Steven W Ballem

An engine block heater and an engine block heater cord set. The heater has a cavity formed from a plurality of opposed lobes spaced symmetrically about its upper end. The lobes matingly engage a connector of a cord set. First and second electrical terminal are disposed within opposed lobes and are electrically coupled to a heating element. The cord set comprises an electrical power cord engagable with the heater. A connector includes a plurality of power contacts, where the number of power contacts is four or more and a multiple of two. Each of the power contacts is electrically bonded to one of first and second electrical conductors. The power contacts are positioned symmetrically relative to one another on the connector with diagonally opposite contacts having a different polarity and spaced apart by a distance generally equal to the distance between the electrical terminals of the heater.

Engine block heater cord set

An engine block heater cord set. The cord set comprises an electrical power cord engagable with the engine block heater. A connector includes a plurality of power contacts, where the number of power contacts is four or more and a multiple of two. Each of the power contacts is electrically bonded to one of first and second electrical conductors. The power contacts are positioned symmetrically relative to one another on the connector with diagonally opposite contacts having a different polarity and spaced apart by a distance generally equal to the distance between the electrical terminals of the engine block heater.

In accordance with the present invention, a cartridge-style heater received into a bore in an engine block is provided with a quick-release retaining member that attaches to the heater about its outer circumference. A pair of spaced legs and an arm extending from a center portion define the retaining member. The pair of legs frictionally engage the heater while permitting heater to rotate within the bore relative to the member even if the member is fixed to the engine. The rotation also permits the retaining member to rotate about the sleeve to align the retaining member to a predetermined attachment location on the engine independent of the orientation of the heater within the engine bore. This invention provides flexibility in the orientation of the heater to receive an electrical connector from an external power supply and attachment of the heater to the engine regardless of the engine configuration or vehicle model, thereby improving installation, serviceability, and use of the heater.

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Mississauga, Canada

Daniel P McNaught