Induction heating apparatus for heat treating a section of pipe

1. A heating apparatus for heating a section of metal piping comprising:

at least one opposed heating collars spaced substantially parallel and contiguous with a weld joint, each heating collar comprising a resistance wire network which is capable of creating a thermal resistance through the network when voltage is applied across the wire, an inner core which is contiguous with the piping and absorbs the thermal heat energy from the network and transfers it to the piping, each heating collar further comprising a protective layer, said protective layer providing a protective outer covering for supporting and protecting said heating collar from the external environment, said protective layer further comprising a fastener for securing each collar securely around the piping; and

a control mechanism for controlling the voltage applied across the network, wherein the control mechanism controls the voltage and modulates the voltage applied across the network thereby controlling the quantity of thermal energy transferred between the inner core and the metal piping.

2. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each heating collar is further comprised of an inner layer for absorbing thermal energy from the network, said inner core transfers thermal energy to the piping.

3. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein each heating collar is further comprised of a heat transfer element, said heat transfer element is contiguous with the inner core and transfers thermal energy between the inner core and the piping.

4. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein each heating collar is further comprised of an outer cover, said outer cover providing a thermally conductive heat transfer substrate for transferring thermal energy from the inner core to the piping.

5. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 4 wherein each heating collar is further comprised of an insulating layer, said insulating layer provides a heat insulating layer for protecting the hands of the welding operator from direct thermal contact with the heat transfer element.

6. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control mechanism is further comprised of a voltage input plug.

7. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein the voltage input plug receives voltage from a power source of 110 volts.

8. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fastener is comprised of both a first end and a second end on the protective layer.

9. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the first end is comprised of a releasable tab secured to a distal end of the protective layer, and a second end secured to a proximal end of the protective layer, said second end is comprised of a Velcro receiving end for receiving the Velcro tab of the distal end for fastening the heating apparatus around the circumference of the piping.

10. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein the fastening means further comprises D-rings and straps.

11. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the protective outer covering further comprises a hard shell.

12. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 11 where the hard shell further comprises two portions or halves hinged together.

13. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein the fastening means further comprises a spring-loaded button disposed on one portion or half and an opening for the button disposed on the other portion or half.

14. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein the fastening means further comprises a thumb catch disposed on the hard shell portions or halves.

15. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 12 wherein the fastening means further comprises a lynch pin and pin loops disposed on the hard shell portions or halves.

16. The heating apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein the control mechanism further comprises a thermostatic control mechanism.