Abstract: A portable humidifier is provided which includes an induction heating system. The system includes an inductor coil and a metal target which functions as a heating element. The metal target is positioned within a tray beneath the inductor coil. The tray is adapted for holding water. The target is coupled to a float, which allows it to move towards or away from the inductor coil depending upon the water level in the tray.

Abstract: A heater comprising two or more heating units which are rotatably attached to each other about a common axis. Preferably, each heating unit is rotatably attached to the next successive heating unit along a vertical axis by a flanged coupling. Alternatively, each heating unit is rotatably attached to the next successive heating unit along a vertical axis by a pin and slot arrangement. Each of the heating units include a housing having at least one opening and a heater element within the housing.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing, a wick, a fan, and a wick change indicator. The housing has a upper and bottom portions. The bottom portion is formed with an air inlet and a reservoir. The reservoir holds water while supporting the wick. The wick is seated in the reservoir so that it is partially submerged in the water. The upper portion is formed with an air outlet with the fan mounted therein generally above the top of the wick. The wick change indicator generally includes at least one hygrometer and a display. At least one hygrometer is positioned within the airflow for measuring the exit-relative humidity of the airflow. The display is coupled to the hygrometer for indicating when the wick requires replacement based upon the measured exit-relative humidity reaching a predetermined value.

Abstract: A ceiling fan assembly includes a fan and a light-sensitive circuit for controlling an illumination level of a light as a function of an ambient illumination level surrounding the ceiling fan assembly by selectively controlling or fixing a conduction phase angle of an AC power signal provided to the light. The light-sensitive circuit includes a photocell, a phase control circuit and a cutoff Circuit which prevents flicker at low illumination levels. The photocell is responsive to the ambient illumination level and has a conduction state. The conduction state changes in response to the ambient illumination level. The phase control circuit selectively varies or fixes a conduction phase angle associated with the AC power signal, which correspondingly determines a variation in the illumination level of the light.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus including a housing having an interior which contains a heating device. A sensor is provided that is operatively connected to the heating device. The sensor having an actuated position, wherein the sensor affects a heat output generated by the heating device. A first and second cooking insert for containing the food to be cooked each being separately positionable within the housing interior. The first cooking insert actuating the sensor when positioned in the housing interior, and the second cooking insert not actuating the sensor when positioned in the housing interior.

Abstract: A heating element for use in a portable humidifier is provided, which is at least partially disposed within a tray of water within the humidifier. The heating element includes a mounting portion, a leg portion and a foot portion. The mounting portion is coupled to the housing and an tipper end of the leg portion, which extends vertically downward from the mounting portion. The foot portion is coupled to a lower end of the leg portion, and extends horizontally therefrom. The leg portion is elongated and separates the mounting portion and the foot portion. The foot portion is shaped such that a line from the upper surface to the lower surface must pass through a perimeter of the heating element when viewed from above. A bottom surface of the foot portion is curved or slanted upward from a nadir to the perimeter of the heating element.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing, a wick, a fan, and a wick change indicator. The housing has a upper and bottom portions. The bottom portion is formed with an air inlet and a reservoir. The reservoir holds water while supporting the wick. The wick is seated in the reservoir so that it is partially submerged in the water. The upper portion is formed with an air outlet with the fan mounted therein generally above the top of the wick. The wick change indicator generally includes at least one hygrometer and a display. At least one hygrometer is positioned within the airflow for measuring the exit-relative humidity of the airflow. The display is coupled to the hygrometer for indicating when the wick requires replacement based upon the measured exit-relative humidity reaching a predetermined value.