Abstract: A method for attaching a planar electrical element (5), such as a thick film printed circuit, to a vessel (1) whereby the element (5) is integrated in the body of the vessel (1) to form a heating apparatus such as an electric kettle. The vessel (1) defines an aperture (4) at a position where the element (5) is to be secured thereto and the element (5) includes a plate capable of covering the aperture (4). The element (5) is retained in position covering the aperture (4) by subsequent deformation of the body of the vessel. In the method, a sealing member (7, 11, 12, 13) is located between the periphery of the aperture (4) and the element (5) and a securing member (6) is positioned on the element (5) on the opposite side to the sealing member (7, 11, 12, 13).

Abstract: A heating apparatus for a liquid includes a vessel (1) having a base and a side walls (2, 3), and a planar electrical element (5) integrated in the base wall (2). In order to render the apparatus efficient when only a small quantity liquid is to be heated, the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) surrounding the element (5) is inclined towards the element (5) so that the liquid retained in the vessel (1) is directed on to the element (5). Preferably, the portion of the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) surrounding the element includes a lip (9) whereby the element (5) is stepped downwardly from the base wall (2) to form a well whereby a small quantity of liquid is retained either in direct contact with or directly above the element (5). The angle (.alpha.) of inclination of the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) to the element (5) is preferably at least 5.degree..

Abstract: A kettle which includes a vessel that provides a chamber for holding water, a pouring spout for dispensing water from the chamber, and a handle for lifting and tilting the vessel during pouring, also includes an electric heating element in the form of a conductive track of a thick film printed circuit on a metal substrate that forms a heated portion of the vessel, the electric heating element being located externally of the chamber.

Abstract: A temperature control arrangement for an electrical appliance comprises means for the attachment of the arrangement to the appliance and for the connection of the arrangement to an electricity supply whereby the appliance is supplied with electricity via the arrangement. A thermostat arrangement is provided in the arrangement and comprises a switch operable by a heat sensitive actuator. Heat transfer means are also provided whereby when the arrangement is connected to said appliance transfer of heat can take place from the appliance to the actuator so that, in use, on attainment of a predetermined temperature the actuator acts to operate the switch and affect the supply of electricity received by the appliance.

Abstract: An electric kettle comprises a bowl closable by a lid. An electric element is connected to the lid and is thereby suspended within the bowl. A spout is provided for pouring and through which the bowl can be filled with water. Means are also provided for the connection of the element to an electricity supply.

Abstract: A linear drive arrangement comprises a prime mover which is capable of rotatably driving a screw threaded rod. A carriage is mounted on the rod and carries a plurality of bristles, for example in the form of a brush, which bristles contact the surface of the screw threaded rod. Rotation of the rod by the prime mover causes the bristles to follow screw thread of the rod to drive the carriage along the rod. The advantage of this is that no clutch mechanism is required as if force is applied to the carriage either to prevent it from moving along the rod or to push it along the rod, the bristles will flex to ride over the screw threaded surface of the rod.

Abstract: A toaster for toasting a slice of bread comprises a casing in which a reciprocable carriage is located and is movable towards and away from an aperture defined by the casing through which aperture a slice of bread when mounted on the carriage can pass. A pair of enclosed electric bar heating elements is disposed within the casing respectively adjacent opposed side edges of the casing defining the aperture. A motor arrangement is provided for the carriage which can thereby be driven from a first position remote from the aperture into a second position at a predetermined speed. In this way a slice of bread mounted on the carriage can be made to pass between the elements to toast both sides of the slice progressively as the slice passes out of the casing through the aperture. The degree of toasting is determined by the speed of movement of the carriage.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus comprising a fixed, hermetically sealable, thermostatically controlled, water-heating, electric kettle mounted above a removable infusion vessel in which the beverage is prepared using hot water which syphons from the kettle via a syphon tube into the vessel through an opening in the top thereof. The syphon tube, which is in a generally vertical plane, has an upper part which is coiled and extends through a base of the kettle to discharge the water into the opening in the vessel.