Light Means Patents (Class 219/220)
  • Patent number: 7133606
    Abstract: A pipe heating assembly includes a housing that has a pair of openings extending therethrough. The openings are axially aligned. A light emitter is hingedly attached to the housing and is selectively positioned in a first position facing inward of the housing or in a second position facing outwardly of the housing. A pipe may be positioned in the housing and heated by the light emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventors: Daniel F. Elliott, Paul E. Agans
  • Patent number: 7132084
    Abstract: A scent dispersion system, comprising a heating device having a top surface, and a container of scented wax disposed upon the top surface of the heating device. Upon heating, scent from the wax is caused to disperse into the surrounding environment. The system may further comprise an air circulating fan associated with the heating device, for circulating air around the container of scented wax, to help disperse the scent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Pende, Inc.
    Inventor: Deno N. Roumpos
  • Patent number: 7084375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking appliance used for boiling or cooking food, or more particularly, to a cooking pot, which can rapidly heat water or food, and thereafter can suppress overflowing of water or food therein, while simultaneously maintaining its suitable temperature and pressure, thereby shortening its cooking time while enhancing its safety and convenience during cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Byung-Doo Kim
  • Patent number: 7013080
    Abstract: A radiant electric space heater is provided with a halogen light source which provides light to the same general area to which radiant electric energy is transmitted by the heating elements. The halogen light source is located behind a grill that covers a window located at the front of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: The W. B. Marvin Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kostas Kaplanis, Charles M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6949718
    Abstract: A device used to thaw a volume of frozen ground where there is a need to dig a posthole, concrete footing, grave, or other cavity, essentially comprises an inverted housing having a closed top and open bottom and one or more light bulbs for providing heat, which are attached through holes in the top surface. The housing further comprises an outer wall with insulation attached to the inside surfaces. The open end of the device has a flange for securing the device to the ground and sealing in most of the produced heat. Light bulb sockets are mounted through rubber grommets, which provide water proofing, within holes in the top surface with 110-volt light bulbs being screwed in from the inside of the device. The device can be formed in many shapes, including rectangular, circular, 90-degree corner, 45-degree corner, and curved corner. Also, multiple devices can be fastened together for use over large area plots of ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Richard H. Hockenberry, Lisa Hockenberry
  • Patent number: 6921878
    Abstract: A warmth-keeping structure of cold cathode lamp comprises a cold cathode lamp, a soft electric heating component and two insulating components. The soft electric heating component is wound around the surface of the cold cathode lamp. Two ends of the soft electric heating component are joined at two sides of the cold cathode lamp with the two insulating components slipped onto the joint portions, respectively. Through holes are formed on the insulating components so that different power sources can be provided for the soft electric heating component and the cold cathode lamp via conducting wires. The soft electric heating component can heat the cold cathode lamp in advance before the cold cathode lamp radiates to let the cold cathode lamp raise its ambient temperature in a few seconds and keep a fixed working temperature, hence stabilizing the brightness thereof and dissipating less power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Ado Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Wei Liao
  • Patent number: 6892723
    Abstract: A baking oven includes baking oven lighting reduced by a dimmer device of a control device not suddenly each time, but such that the lighting becomes continuously weaker over a time period visually evident to a user. The light intensity is, preferably, also continuously increased when the baking space lighting is switched on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Eduard Anschütz, Sylvia Peter, Frank Rödelsperger, Bernd Strolz, Dieter Weiss
  • Patent number: 6846388
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for heating fluid with a gas heater and distilling fluid with the pilot light of the gas heater are disclosed. The apparatus for heating fluid and distilling fluid includes a main tank for containing fluid to be heated, a heater, adapted to have a pilot light, for heating the fluid in said main tank and an evaporator tank for vaporizing fluid received therein with heat from the pilot light. The method of heating fluid and distilling fluid includes heating a first volume of fluid with a heater having a pilot light and heating a second volume of fluid with the pilot light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Freeman Wilks
  • Patent number: 6810205
    Abstract: A radiant electric space heater is provided with a halogen light source which provides light to the same general area to which radiant electric energy is transmitted by the heating elements. The halogen light source includes a halogen light bulb located behind a grill that covers a window located at the front of the heater. A translucent lens is mounted on the rear of the grill in front of the halogen bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: The W. B. Marvin Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kostas Kaplanis, Charles M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6797924
    Abstract: The present invention provides a soldering iron with a graphite tip having two separate halves that are electrically isolated from one another. The tip halves are each electrically connected to the opposite sides of an electrical power source. When both halves of the tip are applied to an electrically conductive material, such as the material to be soldered, an electrical circuit between the tip halves and electrical power source is completed. The halves are of the tip are constructed from material semi-conductive electrically and having high thermal conductivity. Therefore, the tip can reach operating temperatures quickly. When the tip is removed from the joint, the electrical circuit is broken and the tip material may quickly cool to a temperature safe for human contact. Because electricity is only able to flow when the two pieces of the tip are electrically connected, no separate switch is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Dragos Axinte, Grigore Axinte
  • Patent number: 6794613
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lighter assembly for use in a receptacle. A rigid elongate body is frictionally retained in the receptacle and an engaging arm projects into an axial passage way. An item to be lit engages the engaging arm, which completes a switch and actuates a heating element to ignite the item. An insulator block supports the heating element and protects the heating element from damage during use. Vents allow smoke and ash to escape the lighter assembly, and a lens assembly actuated by the engaging arm lights up for easy location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Liteglow Industries, Inc
    Inventor: Spencer Krumholz
  • Patent number: 6794609
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a prosthetic device, including a pointer region, an electrically conductive touch pad supported by the pointer region and configured for selectively contacting a touch-screen display, and an electric heating circuit which is configured to selectively heat the electrically conductive touch pad in response to an actuation of a switch. Also provided is a method for using a prosthetic device including using prosthesis of a user to support at least a portion of the prosthetic device that includes an electrically conductive touch pad, warming the electrically conductive touch pad in response to a user input to the prosthetic device, and selectively contacting the touch-screen display using the electrically conductive touch pad in response to a user manipulation of the prosthetic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Loren Mart
  • Publication number: 20040164065
    Abstract: Representative embodiments provide for a prosthetic device, including a pointer region, an electrically conductive touch pad supported by the pointer region and configured for selectively contacting a touch-screen display, and an electric heating circuit which is configured to selectively heat the electrically conductive touch pad in response to an actuation of a switch. Also provided is a method for using a prosthetic device including using prosthesis of a user to support at least a portion of the prosthetic device that includes an electrically conductive touch pad, warming the electrically conductive touch pad in response to a user input to the prosthetic device, and selectively contacting the touch-screen display using the electrically conductive touch pad in response to a user manipulation of the prosthetic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Loren Mart
  • Publication number: 20040151484
    Abstract: A radiant electric space heater is provided with a halogen light source which provides light to the same general area to which radiant electric energy is transmitted by the heating elements. The halogen light source includes a halogen light bulb located behind a grill that covers a window located at the front of the heater. A translucent lens is mounted on the rear of the grill in front of the halogen bulb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Kostas Kaplanis, Charles M. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20040149712
    Abstract: A warmth-keeping structure of cold cathode lamp comprises a cold cathode lamp, a soft electric heating component and two insulating components. The soft electric heating component is wound around the surface of the cold cathode lamp. Two ends of the soft electric heating component are joined at two sides of the cold cathode lamp with the two insulating components slipped onto the joint portions, respectively. Through holes are formed on the insulating components so that different power sources can be provided for the soft electric heating component and the cold cathode lamp via conducting wires. The soft electric heating component can heat the cold cathode lamp in advance before the cold cathode lamp radiates to let the cold cathode lamp raise its ambient temperature in a few seconds and keep a fixed working temperature, hence stabilizing the brightness thereof and dissipating less power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: ADO Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shu Wei Liao
  • Publication number: 20030209533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to warming apparatus'. More particularly the present invention relates to a hot plate warming apparatus adapted to warm a candle or other object resting thereon, as well as to provide illumination, to simulating the effects of a lighted burning candle. The apparatus can be configured to include one or a combination of features, such as an adjustable cord apparatus, a light source, or attachment means. The light source is adapted to be positioned proximal to the hot plate for providing illumination to an object or substance resting on the hot plate or housing. The adjustable cord apparatus is adapted to provide electricity to the warming apparatus while allowing a user to alter the length of the cord that is extending from the warming apparatus. Attachment means is adapted to permit additional peripheral components or materials to be removably coupled to the warming apparatus, such as interchangeable face plates, covers, craft objects, or module objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Brent Robert Tanner, Greg Gerard Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 6625393
    Abstract: A water preheating connection piece (6) including a connection body including a water flow channel (6a) and a bore hole (7), at least one heating rod (1) having an internal heating element and at least one regulating element for insertion into the bore of the connection body, the at least one heating rod projecting into the water flow channel (6a), the heating rod (1) including a connection pole (3) that extends from the heating rod (1) whereby the connection pole is electrically insulated from the heating rod (1). The heating rod (1) does not include external threads and the bore hole of the connection body does not include internal threads so as to permit the heating rod (1) to be press-fit therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Beru AG
    Inventors: Martin Eller, Martin Allgaier
  • Patent number: 6601983
    Abstract: A light assembly for mounting on the exterior of a vehicle such as a taillight, a stop light, or a turn signal is provided with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED's). These have distinct advantages over incandescent bulbs for longer life and reduced power. They have the disadvantage that they are so energy efficient that they do not heat up the external lens enough to melt snow and ice thereon. The invention overcomes this problem by providing an electrical heater in the assembly that is actuated by a thermal switch that is closed only when the temperature is below a preset value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventors: Vincent A. Runfola, Robert Fernandez
  • Patent number: 6563086
    Abstract: A vehicle lights defroster device for ensuring that motorists following the school bus see the flashing lights. The vehicle lights defroster device includes a cover member being essentially transparent and having an outer rim and being adapted to fastenably mount upon a light of a vehicle; and also includes a heating element extending throughout the cover member; and further includes a connecting assembly for connecting the heating element to a power source for energizing the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventors: Carl E. Meirndorf, Valerie L. Meirndorf
  • Patent number: 6363215
    Abstract: A hair curling brush comprises a convection heater and a barrel which encloses a halogen heating bulb. The barrel comprises a tube having both a plurality of bristles and a plurality of holes adjacent to the bristles. The heating bulb emits both visible light and infrared radiation. The barrel absorbs the infrared radiation but allows some visible light to escape through the holes. The brush includes a blower for forcing heated air from the barrel through the holes. The visible light glowing from the barrel provides an indicator of the heater's energization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Helen of Troy, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael Cafaro
  • Patent number: 6354710
    Abstract: An aromatic system (20) includes an aromatic member (22) such as a candle which includes a fragrance (25) disposed within wax, and a flameless heat source (24). Aromatic member (22) is disposed in the proximity of heat source (24) so that when heat source (24) is energized it melts the wax and releases fragrance (25). Heat source (24) can be a light or lamp, or alternatively can be a warming device (124) such as a hot plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: George J. Nacouzi
  • Publication number: 20020021891
    Abstract: A room conditioner provides an essentially uniform temperature within a room upon operation of a motor of a ceiling fan. The motor includes a stator supporting by a ceiling mounted shaft and a rotor supporting a set of fan blades of the ceiling fan for causing airflow upon energization of the motor. A heating element supported by the shaft and upwardly displaced from the ceiling fan heats air flowing therepast and a secondary fan responsive to the rotor via a sleeve about the shaft draws air past the heating element. Heated air flowing from the heating element is mixed with the airflow caused by operation of the set of fan blades to distribute warmed air uniformly throughout the space of the room wherein the room conditioner is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventor: Kenneth H. Reiker
  • Patent number: 6248979
    Abstract: A hair-curling roller heating system including a plurality of rollers supported on posts heated by both a resistive heating plate and a halogen bulb which emits both visible light and radiant heat in the form of infrared radiation. The posts have open top ends and the rollers have differently colored translucent upper tips which receive light from the posts and thereby identify different types of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Helen of Troy, L.P.
    Inventor: Michael Cafaro
  • Patent number: 6234374
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively heating a structure capable of absorbing heat radiations in the 0.5 to 2 micron range relative to an adjacent structure wherein a first structure capable of absorbing heat radiations in the 0.5 to 2 micron range is disposed adjacent a second structure much less capable of absorbing heat radiations in the 0.5 to 2 micron range. An unfocused heat source which provides a major portion of its heat energy in the range of from about 0.5&mgr; to about 2&mgr; relative to heat energy above 2&mgr; and below 0.5 micron directs heat concurrently to the first and second structures to heat the first structure to a temperature sufficiently high and much higher then the second structure to permit a predetermined function to be performed in conjunction with the first structure while maintaining the second structure below a predetermined temperature. The function is then performed. The heat source preferably comprises an unfocused tungsten halogen lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Ming Hwang, Gonzalo Amador, Lobo Wang
  • Patent number: 6100501
    Abstract: A device for removal of a tick from the skin of a host and alternately to be used as a flashlight, such device having an open-ended casing for receiving the tick in a V-shaped alignment guide and slot defined in the casing, such tick to be trapped in the slot with structure to apply heat from an illuminating heating element in proximity to the tick to cause it to release its grip from the skin of the host after which it can be removed, with such illuminating heating element also acting as the light source when the device is used in its alternate flashlight mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Christian P. von der Heyde
  • Patent number: 6089726
    Abstract: A lamp shade heater device for providing a heating source on a lamp shade. The lamp shade heater device includes a lamp shade with open top and bottom ends, and an inner surface defining an inner space. The lamp shade has a support frame designed for mounting the lamp shade on a lamp. A fan with an impeller is provided in the inner space of the lamp shade. A coiled heating element is coupled to the inner surface of the lamp shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: James Eldridge, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6041994
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively heating a structure (20) capable of absorbing heat radiations in the 0.5 to 2 micron range relative to an adjacent structure (24) wherein a first structure capable of absorbing heat radiations in the 0.5 to 2 micron range is disposed adjacent a second structure much less capable of absorbing heat radiations in the 0.5 to 2 micron range. An unfocused heat source (28) which provides a major portion of its heat energy in the range of from about 0.5.mu. to about 2.mu. relative to heat energy above 2.mu. and below 0.5 micron directs heat concurrently to the first and second structures to heat the first structure to a temperature sufficiently high and much higher then the second structure to permit a predetermined function to be performed in conjunction with the first structure while maintaining the second structure below a predetermined temperature. The function is then performed. The heat source preferably comprises an unfocused tungsten halogen lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Ming Hwang, Gonzalo Amador, Lobo Wang
  • Patent number: 5947585
    Abstract: A cover for a flashlight handle comprising at least one heating coil positioned proximate to the handle so that heat generated by the heating coil warms the area gripped by a user. In the preferred embodiment, the heating coil is disposed within a flexible sleeve which is attached to the flashlight handle so that at least a portion of the flashlight handle is disposed within the flexible sleeve. A power source is preferably disposed within the flashlight handle. A switch in electrical communication with the power source and the heating coil is operative to enable a user to providing power to the heating coils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen C. Hill
  • Patent number: 5922227
    Abstract: A portable electric heater which can be used with different power supplies and can also be used as a lamp. The heater includes a compact housing having a top panel and a bottom panel and at least two removable heating elements mounted within the housing. The heater may be connected to different electrical power supplies having different voltages. A switch is provided to connect one or the other of the two heating elements to the electrical power supply, depending on the voltage of the power supply. An adjustable thermostat is provided to turn off the heating elements to prevent the heater from overheating. The heating elements may be light bulbs in which case the heater also includes a sliding door which may be opened in order to use the heater as a lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Dallas McMurtrie
  • Patent number: 5909534
    Abstract: A ventilation device having a housing with a grille at the bottom and two ventilation members at two sides of the grille is provided. A fan assembly is mounted on the housing and controlled to draw filthy air out of a room through air vents in the ventilation members. The ventilation device includes a plurality of electronic heating tubes mounted inside the housing and controlled to produce heat. A plurality of sleeves formed of a far infrared emitting material are respectively mounted on the electric heating tubes and heated by the electric heating tubes to emit energy in the far infrared portion of the spectrum. A reflector is provided which reflects far infrared rays into the room through gaps in the grille, and a light source provided for illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Li-Sheng Ko
  • Patent number: 5511145
    Abstract: A portable electric heating or lighting fixture that uses infrared radiation to heat air efficiently, which is uniquely configured with no moving parts, having both fixed and removable ideal black body surfaces (28), (40), (42), (44), and a plurality of air convection chambers (30), (34), (38), that surround a replaceable radiant energy infrared or quartz heating lamp (24). In the lighting mode of operation, replaceable clear or colored incandescent lamps (98), or compact fluorescent lamps (100), are used for decor and indirect lighting applications. Decor matching fabric or fiber skirts and sleeves, silk screening, decals and paint can be used to decorate the exterior surface of outer pipe (36). Circular shaped colored glass or plastic panels can placed on air outlet register (58) for unlimited lighting effects. Natural resources and electricity can be conserved with this combination portable electric heater or floor lamp fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventors: Ralph E. Bailey, Thomas P. Jeffords, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5467423
    Abstract: An electrically powered bathroom fixture for use in conjunction with a mirror having a straight side. An electrical housing is mounted adjacent to the mirror to pivotally support a telescopic housing. The telescopic housing includes a hot air outlet extending parallel to the straight side of the mirror. The hot air outlet is adjustable to approximately the length of the straight side of the mirror. An end cap, mounted adjacent to the mirror, pivotally supports the opposite end of the telescopic housing. Electrical power is provided to the electrical housing for powering a receptacle with ground fault protection and an electrical hot air source. The electrical hot air source forces hot air through the length adjustable hot air outlet against the mirror. The telescopic housing is rotated between the electrical housing and the end cap to adjust the angle of the hot air outlet and the forced hot air with respect to the side of the mirror to selectively defog the mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Henryk P. Jakubowski
  • Patent number: 5434386
    Abstract: An electric circuit is disclosed which includes a heater element for generating heat, a power switch for controlling the current to the heater element, a night light for providing illumination, and a night light switch for controlling the current through the night light. The night light is operable separately and independently of the heater element. In one embodiment for use in a humidifier the electric circuit further includes a thermo fuse, a thermo disc and a refill light. In another embodiment for use in a heater the circuit further includes a fan, a power light and a second heater element for generating heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Holmes Products Corp.
    Inventors: Neville R. Glenn, Jordan Kahn
  • Patent number: 5132518
    Abstract: An apparatus for warming medical instruments, such as a stethoscope, includes a wall mountable, multi-walled, vented housing having a front access opening closed by a hinged translucent panel and an open bottom. A reflective, flexible metal liner having a lower portion overlying the open housing bottom reflects radiant heat from an electric lamp heat source in the housing toward an instrument to be heated vertically positioned in a support formed in the lower portion of the liner and aligned with a slot in the lower portion leading to the access opening. The heat source is thermostatically controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: K. K. Solacoff
  • Patent number: 5128518
    Abstract: This invention is a device that warms a horse bit while holding the bit assembly. The bit is placed on top of a cylindrical, or other shaped housing that captures the heat from an internal heat source. The housing is attached to a heat element base. The heating element that attaches to the base creates the internal heat source for the housing. The housing and base combined are secured to a vertical member or wall. All of the included parts are non-combustible under the standard of the art regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Inventor: Stanley W. Reifel
  • Patent number: 5113223
    Abstract: The flash units are housed in reflector assemblies and actuated in a sequence that entirely exposes both sides of the sheet while drawing a constant amount of electrical power. Constructions of the reflector include an extruded housing, snap-in replaceable reflector surfaces, and a manifold structure that achieves cooling, fume scavenging and paper flattening. In one embodiment a two-sided sheet moves past a pair of oppositely directed flash units which are powered by a single power supply. A specularly reflective surface provides a level of reflected illumination which complements the light received directly from the flash tube to provide a constant level of illumination and fuse a toned image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Delphax Systems
    Inventors: Sotos M. Theodoulou, Duncan Gibbons, Christopher W. Thomson, Hassan A. Khataan
  • Patent number: 4962295
    Abstract: An incandescent heating unit uses a low wattage incandescent light bulb to warm the occupant of a metal chair. The light bulb generates heat which is absorbed by the metal and radiated to the occupant. A dispersion disk spaced between the bulb and the chair prevents the formation of a hot spot in the portion of the chair nearest the bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph D. Gilmore
  • Patent number: 4914718
    Abstract: For reducing the energy required for lighting and heating in a room (2) of a building (1), windows (4) and opaque wall parts (3) of the outside wall are designed so that their heat transfer numbers (k.sub.F and k.sub.W, respectively) are smaller than 1 W/m.sup.2 K. Electric lighting fixtures (7) and heaters (8) which have at least approximately equal power ratings are used for lighting and heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Geilinger AG
    Inventors: Peter Geilinger, Bruno Keller
  • Patent number: 4882467
    Abstract: A bathroom mirror defogger includes a translucent spherical psuedo light bulb-type housing having an electric plug base extending therefrom along the central axis of the housing and adapted to be screwed into a lamp socket in a light bar immediately juxtaposed to a side and/or top edge of a bathroom wall mirror. The housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet and encloses an electric heating coil and motor driven fan. The air outlet is positioned laterally of the central axis on a portion of the housing rotatable about the central axis so that the orientation of the outlet can be adjusted relative to the mirror surface. The fan aspirates air through the inlet across the heating coil and pumps the resultant warmed air out through the outlet and against the mirror surface to remove or prevent moisture condensation thereon from a shower or hot water present in the bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Keene P. Dimick
  • Patent number: 4868369
    Abstract: A solder assembly for facilitating soldering operations includes a stand having a pivotally mounted soldering iron rack for receiving and supporting a soldering iron plugged into a power outlet socket on the stand during periods of non-use. The soldering iron rack is arranged to operate a switch upon withdrawal of the soldering iron from the rack for use to activate a motor driven fan housed in a hood supported above the stand by an articulated member on the stand. The fan upwardly sucks the noxious gases produced by the soldering process through an activated charcoal filter positioned an a trumpet-shaped air passage defined by the hood for discharge through a nozzle rotatably and angularly adjustably mounted in the exhaust outlet port of the hood. A lamp manually energized by a separate switch is provided in the hood to illuminate the work area. A sponge pad and a solder reel support strut are provided on the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Shu-Mu Chen
  • Patent number: 4724304
    Abstract: A planer heater includes a thin metal plate having a relatively high specific resistance such as stainless, nichrome, nickel-chrome iron alloy, etc. The thin metal plate is subjected to etching-working to form a mesh-like heat generating body, opposite ends of which are provided with terminal portions for connection into an electrical circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Stanley Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Teshima, Kazuo Ariga, Mitsunari Yoshida
  • Patent number: 4713733
    Abstract: A cigar lighter assemblage for mounting through an opening of a vehicle dashboard from the front thereof, including a tubular socket having an opening for receiving an ignitor plug, a light-conducting bushing surrounding the socket and constituting a bezel therefor, and a lamp-holder carried by the bushing. There are cooperable structures on the bushing and holder for slidably mounting the latter on the bushing, and enabling it to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The lamp holder has a projection for engagement with the panel, which functions to shift the holder from its extended position to its retracted position as the bushing is being frontally inserted in the panel. An especially simple arrangement results, characterized by both manufacturing economy and ease of assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Casco Products Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Fitz, Dominic Pesapane
  • Patent number: 4681024
    Abstract: A combination heater-light-ventilator unit for mounting in a ceiling, is disclosed. A cylindrical housing supports the unit and an annular grille on its bottom includes an arcuate heat discharge outlet around part of its circumference and an arcuate air intake through the remainder, with a light diffuser supported in the center. The heat discharge outlet is configured to direct heat flow relatively straight down from the unit to minimize its recirculation through the arcuate air intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Fasco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles W. Ivey
  • Patent number: 4650962
    Abstract: A cigar or cigarette lighter, particularly for mounting on the instrument panel of a motor vehicle, is effective to light the cigar or cigarette when a control knob is moved within a cylindrical casing, the control knob being connected to a metal rod which is provided at its inner end with a movable contact engageable with a fixed contact to energize an electrical heating resistance element within a hot plate, the cigar or cigarette being lighted when placed against the heating plate on energizing the heating resistance element to incandescence. A bimetal safety contact is insulatingly fitted on a threaded stem below the hot plate, the threaded stem also carrying the hot plate at its inner end and feeds electric power thereto. The bimetal safety contact expands under prolonged heat action to establish a contact to the cylindrical casing which is grounded thereby producing a short circuit which blows a fuse in the instrument panel to interrupt the feed of electrical power to the lighter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Inventor: Luigi Pramaggiore
  • Patent number: 4549070
    Abstract: A combined cigarette and chart/map lighter includes a elongated plug body which is adapted to cooperate with a socket connected to a source of electrical energy. An ignitor coil and cup are formed at a first end of the plug body, and a lamp socket, for receipt of a light bulb, is disposed interiorly of the plug body at a central portion of the plug body. A removable cap is formed at the second end of the plug body. A leaf spring electrical contact is provided within the plug body and is biased into engagement with a ground formed by the interior shell of the plug body. A cam follower is formed at the end of the leaf spring contact. A plastic generally U-shaped reciprocal element has linear cams formed at the free ends of each of the legs of the U, the linear cams capable of engaging the leaf spring cam follower and moving the leaf spring out of contact with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1985
    Assignee: N. A. Taylor Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jiann-Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 4499365
    Abstract: A portable heater for radiantly heating the underbody, particularly the engine oil pan or crankcase, of a motor vehicle to facilitate starting in cold weather includes an elongate wheeled support member horizontally positionable adjacent and under the vehicle by a handle on one end of the support member. A radiant energy generator, such as a conventional infrared lamp or an electric resistance element, is mounted on the support member and oriented to project a beam of radiant energy substantially parallel to and along the longitudinal axis of the support member to a planar reflector on the support member downstream of the generator and disposed at an angle to reflect the beam of radiant energy upwardly to portion of the vehicle underbody desired to be heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Inventor: Abe Puziss
  • Patent number: 4321458
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric temperature setback device which is placed in proximate relation to a conventional thermostat and is operatively controlled by a timing device for providing local warmth to the thermostat at pre-determined times and for pre-determined intervals. The setback device includes spades with integral female lamp connectors for arraying a plurality of incandescent lamps in series across an electrical circuit. By so doing, the voltage to each lamp is proportionally reduced, decreasing the filament temperature of each lamp and thereby increasing the amount of heat energy produced proportional to the amount of light energy produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Inventor: William R. Comber
  • Patent number: 4298788
    Abstract: A toy oven assembly having a light bulb acting as a light and a heat source, is disclosed. The toy oven includes two identical component parts which are assembled to one another. In their assembled form they incorporate a substantially circular opening on a substantially horizontal top surface of the assembly. The circular opening is surrounded by a rim. A translucent or transparent dome shaped member is disposed above a heating chamber of the toy oven assembly and is held by the rim so that during operation of the toy oven assembly the dome shines with light giving the toy an interesting science fiction like appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: California R & D Center
    Inventors: Lawrence T. Jones, Anson Sims, Ashley G. Howden, Mark S. Knighton, LC James Kingsbury
  • Patent number: 4293761
    Abstract: A cigarette lighter, particularly for mounting on the dashboard of a motor vehicle, having a control knob mounted for sliding movement within a cylindrical casing and acting through a spring upon a control rod extending up to and in engagement with a pivotally mounted contact plate for energizing and deenergizing a hot plate adapted to light a cigarette when it is placed with its end thereagainst. A bimetal tongue is secured adjacent the hot plate and grips one edge of said pivotally mounted contact plate in the operative position thereof to release it when the bimetal tongue gets hot and thereby deenergize the hot plate.The cigarette is held in a removable insert in the control knob. When the insert is removed, the lighter can be used for lighting cigars. The cylindrical casing is surrounded by spring means for attachment of the lighter in a hole in the dashboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Inventor: Luigi Pramaggiore
  • Patent number: 4273992
    Abstract: An electric heating apparatus for preventing recrystallization or to dissolve existing crystals of pharmaceutical compositions, such as mannitol, which tend to recrystallize during storage. Single dose sealed vials of the pharmaceutical are received in a receptacle having an open top, closed bottom and reflective inner surfaces. A light bulb is supported in the receptacle above the vials and the radiant energy therefrom reflected from the inner surfaces of the receptacle heats the vials.The light bulb and support therefor are of such dimension that visual observation of the vials through the open top is not obstructed. The support for the light bulb includes a swivel joint permitting horizontal movement of the light bulb to provide access to the interior of the receptacle for removal of the vials. The temperature within the receptacle is controlled by a control means, such as a thermostat, in circuit with the light bulb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Inventor: Arend J. Thomas