Description

An improved electrothermal apparatus includes a stranded heater wire having a plurality of strands, the number of which vary as a function of position to provide a varying output power density. The stranded resistance wire is disposed within a blanket which is conformable to the item to be heated. The heater wire is broken into a number of zones, with each zone having a varying number of strands. The strands of the wire are soldered or crimped together at the beginning of each zone. A controller provides electrical energy to the heater assembly.