Abstract: A heat-retractable shape memory clamp used in surgery applications is closed with a device for heating and closing heat-retractable clamps. The device includes an electronic power and control circuit which is capable of delivering different predetermined amounts of heat, each corresponding to a clamp of a given size. Settings of the electronic power and control circuit are matched to the type and size of the clamp being used so that the prongs of the clamp are closed automatically, and without the danger of accidental bone necroses. Any of a variety of heat-retractable shape memory clamps of the type generally referred to in the industry as “hot staples” may be employed with the heating device, including monocortical and bicortical bipodes, epiphysial bipodes and quadripodes, with preferred staples comprising a quantity of a nickel-titanium alloy which varies between 0.8 g and 2.8 g.

Abstract: The Retractable Cauterizing Knife is a handyman's tool which combines the utility of a pocket knife with the power of a cautery. It has a cautery filament installed on the cutting edge of the blade with wiring leading through the shaft of the blade to a AA-size battery pack which also serves as the handle of the knife. With just two standard AA-size batteries, the cautery filament can heat to a scorching, red-hot 2,200 degrees Fahrenheit. The cautery can be activated only when the knife is in the extended and locked back position, and a spring-loaded switch is pressed. Therefore, the knife is extremely safe and will not turn on if left alone or dropped. It has unlimited utility, and is particularly valuable for the handyman, cook, and hobbyist.

Abstract: A heat-retractable shape memory clamp used in surgery applications is closed with a device for heating and closing heat-retractable clamps. The device includes an electronic power and control circuit which is capable of delivering different predetermined amounts of heat, each corresponding to a clamp of a given size. Settings of the electronic power and control circuit are matched to the type and size of the clamp being used so that the prongs of the clamp are closed automatically, and without the danger of accidental bone necroses. Any of a variety of heat-retractable shape memory clamps of the type generally referred to in the industry as “hot staples” may be employed with the heating device, including monocortical and bicortical bipodes, epiphysial bipodes and quadripodes, with preferred staples comprising a quantity of a nickel-titanium alloy which varies between 0.8 g and 2.8 g.

Abstract: A handy electric sealer used for sealing a plastic bag or the like, including a casing, a sealing mechanism, a press bar, and safety means. The sealing mechanism has a heating wire, which produces heat for sealing the plastic bag or the like when turned on. The safety means controls the heating of the sealing mechanism, and stops the sealing mechanism from being triggered by an erroneous action.

Abstract: A solder head is adapted to direct the flow of solder from a solder fountain. The solder head includes a wall forming a passage through which solder can flow upwardly and having an edge portion over which solder can flow from the passage. The solder head also includes a shield connected to the wall. The shield and the wall at least partially define an overflow passage through which solder can flow downwardly. The shield is configured to prevent contact between solder and an electronic component adjacent the solder head. Corresponding soldering systems and soldering methods are also provided.

Abstract: An electric sealer including a housing, a heating unit mounted in the housing, a frame having an opening extending over at least a portion of the heating unit and a heat resistant cover sheet extending over at least a portion of the opening in the frame.

Abstract: A soldering device for soldering lead wires from a disc head to a circuit of the disc drive includes a heat shield adapted to provide a protective barrier for a soldering tip during operation of a soldering instrument. During operation, the soldering tip is heated by a heating element for use. A heat shield is coupled with the soldering tip and designed to provide a temperature barrier along the length of the soldering tip and prevent damage to other wires in close proximity.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an electrode tip for use in a bipolar electrosurgical instrument from a single flat blank of metal. The method uses a photo chemical machining process. The resultant electrode tip has a generally loop shaped working portion. Use of the flat blank of metal results in electrodes having working portions with sharp edges in cross-section. The working portions emit concentrated energy in the radial direction.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a resistively-heated heating component responsive to a power source for generating thermal excitation effective for cutting tissue and carrying out hemostasis. The surgical instrument includes a support assembly having two leg extensions connected in heat transfer relationship with the heating component. Two thermal transition regions are provided within the heating component and have extents effective to provide a decreasing temperature gradient and to restrict temperature levels exhibited at the support assembly. The support assembly is formed of high thermally conductive material and extends from the transition regions to an elongate shaft. This shaft is in heat transfer relationship with the support assembly and is formed from a high thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A tweezer-like heater structure includes a pair of arms that can be pivoted towards one another and a pair of legs having ferromagnetic temperature self regulating Curie point heaters at the ends of the legs, the legs being removably connectable to electrical connectors located in the arms whereby current is supplied to coils that energize the heaters. Heaters of different temperatures are provided by choosing heaters with ferromagnetic materials having different Curie temperatures. The structure is used as a soldering iron by inserting a heater with a proper shape in one arm and short circuitry the connector in the other arm.

Abstract: A battery powered cautery assembly comprising a cautery and a removable safety cover wherein the cautery comprises a substantially cylindrical outer housing having at least one battery disposed in the proximal end thereof, a cautery element attached to the distal end thereof with a conductor disposed to selectively couple the battery to the cautery element and a switch movable between a first and second position hingedly attached thereto and disposed to selectively engage the conductor when in the second position to selectively connect the cautery element to the battery.

Abstract: A model airplane, airplane kit, method of making a model airplane, a plastic foam cutter useful for making the model airplane and a method for making the plastic foam cutter. The kit of the present invention enables children and adults to easily make a well flying model airplane using recycled plastic foam moldings such as polystyrene food trays well known as 10-S in the food packaging arts.

Abstract: A thermode solder blade for soldering small components in industrial soldering equipment comprises a shaped body formed from an electrically-insulating and heat-conducting material having an electrically-conductive heating element formed thereon and spaced away from a solder contacting surface thereof. The electrically-conductive heating element has an electrical resistance greater than about 4 ohms and preferably greater than about 5 ohms.

Abstract: An improved cooking tray for microwave oven has a tray body and a plurality of supporting racks, separating racks, and skewers for supporting foods such as meat or bread for toasting and cooking in a microwave oven. By way of the transverse and longitudinal inserting seats disposed on the base of the tray body, the supporting and separating racks can be assembled to the tray body to hold the food to be toasted or cooked on the cooking tray. When meat is to be toasted, the meat slices can be put in the guiding slots formed by the separating plates aligning with and parallel to each other and extending upwardly on the base of the separating rack. And a skewer supporting the meat slices can be suspended upon a pair of the skewer openings at the top of the supporting racks in accordance with the size of the meat slices. Furthermore, the cooking tray can be provided with different top and bottom sides for use with certain foods to be cooked or warmed in the microwave oven.

Abstract: A pen base electric heat sealer including a power supply unit attached with a taper socket at one end to hold dry battery cells and a electric heat seal unit, the electric heat seal unit being separated from the bottom wall of the battery chamber of the power supply unit, and a cap with a clip covered on the taper socket for fastening, whereby the electric heat seal unit is electrically connected to the power supply unit to produce heat for sealing as it is pressed on the workpiece to be sealed; the electric heat seal unit is electrically disconnectted from the power supply unit to stop from producing heat as it is released from the pressure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a resistively-heated heating component responsive to a power source for generating thermal excitation effective for cutting tissue and carrying out hemostasis. The surgical instrument includes a support assembly having two leg extensions connected in heat transfer relationship with the heating component. Two thermal transition regions are provided within the heating component and have extents effective to provide a decreasing temperature gradient and to restrict temperature levels exhibited at the support assembly. The support assembly is formed of high thermally conductive material and extends from the transition regions to an elongate shaft. This shaft is in heat transfer relationship with the support assembly and is formed from a high thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A solder gun or soldering iron contains a pair of electrical terminals that hold a solder tip containing a pair of straight parallel leads. Each lead has a substantially U-shaped cross-section that creates a circular cavity filled which is filled with an insulative material. The soldering tip is made from either a low impedance material such as copper or high impedance material such as a multi-layer material of steel, copper and nickel that automatically maintains the soldering tip at a constant temperature. The soldering device also comprises a universal connector that receives both a solid solder tip and a hollow soldering tip. A rack extending around the soldering device allows quick and easy exchange of various solder tips into the universal connector. In another embodiment of the invention, the soldering device includes a multiple position trigger that both initiates heating of a solder tip and activates a suction mechanism.

Abstract: A soldering system is disclosed having a stored program microcontroller by which one or more temperatures can be selected for a soldering iron tip. The system then automatically maintains such tip temperature during the soldering operation. The programmed microcontroller is coupled through input/output and interface circuits to a heating control that in turn is connected to the iron heater element for switching AC power in units of full waveform cycles across the element while the temperature of the tip is measured by a resistor sensor and an associated bridge measurement circuit so as to produce a signal that is applied to an input of the microcontroller forming a feedback loop. This causes the resistor sensor and hence the iron tip to reach the desired temperature.

Abstract: A process for the thermal cutting of a running, meltable fabric run includes cutting the fabric run by a hot cutting wire. The cutting wire extends in a plane extending essentially perpendicularly to the travel direction of the fabric run. The cutting wire is inclined relative to the fabric run by an angle of greater than 0.degree. and smaller than 90.degree..

Abstract: Surgical apparatus for bipolar diathermy has a radio frequency generator connectible to a cutting assembly which includes a support structure having a pair of electrical supply conductors and, mounted at the distal end of the support assembly, a tissue cutting head. The cutting head comprises a loop of material which is electrically conducting and has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) of resistance, such as silicon carbide. In operation, radio frequency power from the generator causes heating of the loop to a temperature at which its resistivity rises to level which exceeds that of living tissue with the result that diathermy currents pass through the tissue. Also disclosed is a pair of forceps with electrodes made of NTC material, for cauterization.

Abstract: An electric heat sealer comprises a pen-shaped housing including a power supply unit and an end portion, preferably in the form of a tapered socket, containing an electric heat seal unit. The heat seal unit includes a heat sealing tip projecting from an opening in the end portion of the housing. The heat seal unit is movable axially within the housing end portion and includes an electric contact connected to the electric heating element and arranged to engage an electric terminal on the housing to complete an electrical circuit between the power supply unit and the electric heating element. A spring disposed between the one end of the housing and the heat seal unit axially biases the heat seal unit toward the opening in the end portion of the housing sufficiently to separate the contact on the heat seal unit from the terminal on the housing.

Abstract: An electrically heated thermal wire stripping hand tool device is provided which uses electrically heated ceramic blades or jaws having severing edges to remove insulation from electrical wire. The tool includes a pair of arms hingedly connected which removably mount stripping jaws thereon at their distal ends. Each jaw has an insulation severing edge which when heated will melt or otherwise degrade the insulation on the wire when it coacts with the severing edge on the mating jaw. Electrically heated wires and circuitry are provided which heat the severing edges of the jaw. Contacts are provided which removably secure each jaw to one of the arms to provide electrical power thereto. The jaws and contacts are also provided with alignment devices which coact with each other when the jaws are mounted on the arms to provide alignment in both the x and y axes of the plane on which the jaws mate for severing insulation.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically heating an electrically conductive workpiece by passage of electric current therethrough includes a pair of hinged levers, each having a handle end and a jaw end. The jaw end of each lever is provided with a refractory metal ribbon heater selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, Nichrome, chromel, tungsten, and molydenum. The ribbon has an elongate cross-section and is bent to form a V-shaped contactor for achieving good thermal contact with a workpiece of relatively high conductivity, such as copper, aluminum or brass pipes and fittings. A copper conductor assures good electrical contact between the ends of the metal ribbon heater and the jaw and serves as a positioning block. A bolt and wing nut detachably secure the metal ribbon heater to the jaw.

Abstract: A component installation/removal tweezer-type handpiece having two arms and a tinnable or nontinnable tip including a pair of legs respectively removably mounted with respect to the arms and a plurality of serially connected bands attached to the first and second legs such that an opening is formed within the serially connected bands so that the bands are adapted, upon closure of the tweezer-type handpiece, to clamp the terminals of an electronic component or the like and transmit heat to the terminals. In another embodiment a tweezer-type or probe-type handpiece includes a tinnable or nontinnable tip having first and second legs and one or more bands extending between the legs whereby the band(s) is adapted to transfer heat to terminals associated with an electronic component. In all embodiments of the invention the tips may be provided with a variety of sheathing or overlayer combinations to achieve a variety of application requirements.

Abstract: A thermode having a relatively long and thick blade composed of a high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion material, e.g., molybdenum, provides an elongated contact surface for bonding a row of leads of an electronic component to a circuit board. A thermode holder is coupled to the blade by means of a plurality of struts, including a pair of outer struts, each connected at one end of the respective ends of the blade and at an acute angle facing the other outer strut, and a pair of shorter inner struts, each connected with the blade intermediate the ends of the blade and at an acute angle facing the outer strut adjacent thereof, such that in response to a force urging the blade against the circuit board, the outer struts cause a negative deflection of the blade with respect to the board and the inner struts decrease the magnitude of the deflection. The blade is heated by electric current supplied thereto from a transformer through the inner and outer struts.

Abstract: An electrical impulse hot hole punch apparatus is presented herein for making a tear-resistant hole in a sheet of thermoplastic film. The apparatus includes an electric heating element which is supported for selective reciprocal movement transverse to a sheet of film between a first position, remote from the film, and a film melt position at which the heating element is positioned proximate to the film. An impulse generating circuit is operative in response to the heating element being moved to its film melt position for purposes of supplying an electric current pulse to the heating element. The current pulse has a time duration on the order of one half cycle of an AC voltage pulse and is of a magnitude sufficient to heat the heating element to a temperature in excess of the melting point of the film.

Abstract: A small solder tip, which advantageously allows for the rapid production of reliable solder joints without the addition of extra solder, flux or striping the insulation on the wire. The solder tip is preferably formed of tungsten carbide and is used in conjunction with a reflow power supply. In a specific application, the solder tip is utilized for hook-up of magnetic head wires to solder pads. The solder tip comprises a center shaft which allows expanding gases to escape in order to prevent solder from being squeezed out by the pressure build up. The base extremity of the solder tip which contacts the wire is structured with a stepped surface having an opening for accepting the wire therethrough and a projecting leg for contacting the wire and immersing the wire in molten solder. The solder tip additionally comprises a room which provides space for excess solder, enabling the solder tip to accommodate larger variation in solder volume on the pads.

Abstract: The device for cutting textile material and sealing the edges of the cut material comprises a heated resistance wire of round cross section supported in a supporting means. The wire forms a flattened central portion shaped to form a semi-circular bow having a symmetrical shape with a curved outer edge ground to a feather cutting edge, an inner edge and two lateral flat faces parallel to each other along which the edges of the textile material are moved after being cut by combined mechanical and thermal action of the wire. The edges of the textile material are sealed thereby. Since the temperature of the wire can be kept relatively low, no ridges of melted material are formed along the edges of the textile material.

Abstract: A tool for shaping wax and wax-like substances has a handpiece containing an electrical connector for connection to a source of electrical power and an opening in which an electrically heated tool tip is removably mounted for the convenient interchange of tips. The tool tip is held in a fixed predetermined position in the opening by ridges in the opening interlocked with complementary notches on the tip and is removably mounted within the opening in electrical connection with the connector. A cooling air gap is formed between the outer surface of said tip and the inner surface of said opening by the interlocked ridges and notches to prevent overheating of the handpiece. The tip comprises two spaced apart electrically conductive parallel wires which are connected at one end to form a continuous tip which defines a confined air gap of a defined configuration which is suitable for holding and shaping wax.

Abstract: A soldering device comprising at least one strip electrode which can be electrically heated and wherein so as to avoid thermal deformation and to assure good contact between the stirrup electrode (B) and the soldering joint wherein at the outer ends of the soldering strip (Ls) of the stirrup electrode (B) is closed expansion-compensation guards (AK) are provided which are U-shaped and which are attached to the soldering strip (Ls). Vertically extending retaining strips (Hs) are attached to the ends of the expansion-compensation guards (AK) so as to provide soldering which is particularly suitable for soldering high-pole electronic components on a PC board. The two retaining strips (Hs) may be approximately one-half the length of soldering strip.

Abstract: An electrically heated soldering iron which is particularly adapted for surface mounting components on printed circuit boards. A unitary member rotatably joins together a pair of channel-shaped arms and resiliently biases the arms in a normally open position which is defined by a pair of overlapping members in the center portion of the iron. The arms are selectively moveable by a user toward each other to a closed position and the channel portions of the arms are adapted to retain the unitary member, the pair of overlapping members, and detachable assemblies of U-shaped soldering tips for applying heat to surface mounted electronic components. The U-shaped soldering tips are comprised of dissimilar conductors joined together to unitarily provide a soldering tip, heating element for heating the tip and a thermocouple for sensing the temperature of the tip.

Abstract: A hair treating implement which has an electrical heating wire, a slidably removable support which the heating wire under tension, and a hand grip which can be connected with the support. The support is detachably connected to the hand grip by a longitudinally slidable tongue--and--groove interfit, and when connected, is engaged with electrical contacts in the hand grip. Electrical power is supplied to the heating wire through either an internal power source or an external power source, and hair is cut by the heating wire which is heated by the electrical power.

Abstract: A fiber cutting tool is disclosed which comprises a heated element cartridge and a body. The heated element cartridge comprises (a) a blade formed from a fast heating resistance heating element encased in a thermal shock resistant and electrical resistant material, such blade having a distal end and a proximate end; (b) an element cover having a distal end and a proximate end which encloses the proximate end of the blade; and (c) a cartridge housing that encloses a portion of the proximate end of the element cover. In preferred embodiments, the blade is formed from a tungsten resistance heating element encased in a silicon nitride composite material.

Abstract: A tool for use in soldering a single termination of a wire end to a terminal solder tail or other wire end within a dielectric sleeve enclosing a solder preform, and in desoldering a single existing termination needing repair, includes an arcuate tip shaped to be placed against the outside surface of the dielectric sleeve. A substrate of bipartite metal foil is secured along the inner arcuate surface of the formed dielectric tip and has a first layer of conductive metal such as copper and a thin second layer of high resistance second metal having high magnetic permeability such as nickel-iron alloy. When a constant amplitude high frequency alternating current is conducted through the foil, the foil generates thermal energy until achieving a known maximum temperature. For soldering to form a termination, the thermal energy is transmitted to the adjacent sleeve melting the solder of the preform therewithin to join the conductors in the sleeve.

Abstract: The soldering apparatus using at least one resistance heated stirrup electrode that is place onto soldering locations on a printed circuit board includes a pivotable suspension of the stirrup electrode. The pivotable suspension is such that a dislocated rotational axis of pivotable suspension lies in a plane of the working surface and extends perpendicular to a long side of the rectangular working surface of electrode and at the center thereof. The working surface of the stirrup electrode thus achieves reliable contact with parts to be soldered. Embodiments having two or four soldering stirrups, each individually pivotly suspended, are also possible.

Abstract: A portable thermal wire stripper has a pair of heatable stripping blades which are electrically attached to an electrical power and control system. The electrical system converts a direct current output from a battery which is housed in the wire stripper into a variable alternating current power which is used for controlling the surface temperature of the heated blades.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus includes a holding device, which is composed of a ceramic material and fits over and covers partially, a thermod having an electrically grounded conductor portion to distribute heat uniformly to a soldering surface. The soldering apparatus is moved so that the thermod engages the surface to be soldered. Thermal energies are then uniformly transferred by the thermod to heat the connecting joint to soldering temperature and for heating a solder bead for soldering purposes. After soldering, the apparatus is retracted, or the current is turned off, to permit the surface to cool.

Abstract: A branding device for marking articles which includes a holder having a socket cavity and an elongated ceramic type block having one end removably attached to the holder cavity and a branding indicia on a forward end face which projects from the cavity. A ceramic plate is embedded in the forward end of the type block and a heat generating member is printed as an electrically resistive pattern on a surface of the ceramic plate facing the forward, branding indicia end of the type block to heat the branding indicia. The heat generating member is provided as an electric resistance element having a positive temperature coefficient. Lead wires extend from the resistance element and are connected to electrodes received in plug portions of the socket cavity.

Abstract: The transverse member (29) of a reflow soldering heater bar (23) is slotted at intervals to reduce thermal expansion. The slots (63), which typically extend orthogonally through the transverse member (29) and the connecting legs (61) of the heater bar (23), may extend diagonally therethrough to prevent missed welds.

Abstract: A tool for removing insulation from electrical wire is provided. The tool includes a set of intersecting arms from which extend blade support members. A pair of replaceable ceramic blades having imbedded resistance heater elements are mounted on the blade support members. The blades are movable toward and away from each other upon application of pressure on the set of intersecting arms to effectuate contact between the blades and the insulation.

Abstract: A heated tool comprises a one piece tool member having a plurality of bar portions with different cross sections. A single current path is defined through the bar portions for heating various areas of the bar portions to different extents. Advantageously, one or more U-shaped heating bars can be defined in the single tool member.

Abstract: A portable branding device which uses a high current/low voltage power source such as a twelve volt tractor battery, for heat branding of livestock. The device includes a hollow body having first and second ends and a handle portion. A plurality of brand elements are detachable mounted to the second end and spaced from the second end. The branding device has an insulating panel. A plurality of legs is connected to the insulating panel for supporting the brand element. A series of terminals extend through the insulating panel and the brand element is attached to the terminals. Electrical connecting devices connect the brand element in spaced relation to the second end of the main body and a high current relay switching means, such as a solenoid switch is mounted within the main body for transmitting electricity to the brand element. A low current finger actuated switch is connected to the handle for actuating the high current relay switching means.

Abstract: A heating tool for soldering or otherwise heat treating first and second objects, comprises a first heating surface which is engaged against one of the objects and a second heating surface which is engaged against the other object. The first and second heating surfaces are offset from each other to accommodate the width of the first object.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating components to be connected to each other which are supported on a thin substrate comprises a U-shaped heating tool which is brought down on the components and a U-shaped support which engages a lower surface of the substrate. Both the tool and the support are heated to reduce a temperature gradient or thermal losses through the substrate. The support also absorbs the forces of the tool when the tool is pressed against the parts to be connected to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting one part to another by heating the parts comprises a heated tool with a heating bar, having a heated surface for being brought into contact with the one part and for being moved toward the other part, and a stop mechanism in the form of a mechanical stop bar, or sensing arrangement for stopping the movement of the heated tool toward the other part when a selected spacing between the heated tool and the other part is reached.

Abstract: An electrically heated thermode mounts to a support movable to position the thermode for multiple lead reflow soldering and includes a flat resistance element folded on its flat side in a U-shape structure in which the bight portion forms the pressing portion and the legs the terminal portions of the thermode. To overcome a problem arising where a group of joints to be soldered have varying height tops, the way in which the thermode is mounted to the movable support provides freedom of rotational movement of the thermode relative to the support while providing a low resistance electrical connection between support and the thermode terminal portions. To overcome a problem arising because opposite end joints sink more heat than interior joints, terminal plates are shaped and connected to the terminal portions so as to distribute a sheet of current in a way that more of the current flows along side edges than along the interior portion of the U-shaped structure.

Abstract: A thin wafer for cutting plastic tubes which are to be butt welded together includes a high temperature insulated plate-like core with a resistance circuit on the core for heating the wafer to a temperature sufficiently high to melt through the tubes. A glass layer may be on the outer surface of the water, particularly in the contact area with the tube. The wafer may be used in an arrangement wherein residue is removed from the water by having the residue adhere to unused portions or stubs of the tubes which then would be stripped from the wafer.

Abstract: An adjustable heater bar arrangement (8) for integrated circuit attachment and removal apparatus including a base plate having four slots (14) in which heater bars (12) are slidably mounted and held in position by clamping screws (18). By directing the slots (14) at an appropriate angle, inward and outward movement of the heater bars (12) is accompanied by lateral movement of each heater bar (12), such that the device (8) may be adjusted to accommodate large and small sized ICs (13A, 13B), as well as lot-to-lot variations between ICs (13A, 13B). For example, to accommodate a square IC (13A, 13B), each slot (14) extends outward at an acute angle of 45 degrees, respectively, with reference to the sides of a substantially rectangular base plate (10).

Abstract: A temperature controlled soldering iron wherein the same pair of dissimilar conductors, joined together, unitarily provides a soldering tip, a heating element for heating the soldering tip and a thermocouple for sensing the temperature of the soldering tip. When current is supplied to the conductors, a temperature effect is produced which is in addition to the normal heating of the conductors and results in a corresponding voltage which varies directly with the temperature of the conductors. The voltage is applied to a control circuit where it is amplified, compared against a reference voltage, corresponding to a pre-selected soldering temperature, and the voltage derived from said comparison is applied to regulating the current used for heating the dissimilar conductors. The dissimilar conductors are formed from wires of dissimilar metals and mounted in a generally cylindrical handle by a means which minimizes handle temperatures.

Abstract: A hand-held electrically heated tool for applying heat to an object includes an elongated metallic tubular handle open at its forward and rear ends and having a plurality of raised relatively-spaced longitudinally extending vanes formed on its the inner surface and extending between the forward and rear ends thereof. An exposed metal electrical resistance heating element forming a wire tip is mounted in an insulator disposed in the forward end of the handle in engagement with the vanes with the tip extending forwardly of the handle. A spherically concave portion of the insulator reflects heat away from the handle.