Abstract: An electric crepe maker having a base and a separate skillet-like crepe-making-pan. The base has a heating plate with a configuration which is complementary to the inner surface of the pan whereby the pan is adapted to be supported thereon in an inverted position in heat exchange contact therewith during the cooking of a crepe on the outer surface thereof. The crepe pan may also be supported on the heating plate in an upright position for cooking other foods in a conventional manner. The crepe pan is provided with an insulated handle and the heating plate is provided with a heating element which is controlled by an adjustable thermostat switch.

Abstract: An automatic control for egg cookers, baby bottle warmer, etc. is designed around a conventional slide switch of the type normally biased to the open position. Manually actuated means are provided to move the slide switch to its ON position, whereupon a mechanical latch automatically latches onto the knob of the slide switch to hold it in its ON position. When the cooking has been completed, a bi-metal releases the latch and permits the biasing means to open the switch and terminate the heating.

Abstract: A multi-purpose kitchen appliance having two pairs of output spindles with each pair being driven at different preselected speeds, one pair of said spindles having dough hook receiving bores and the other pair having mixing beater receiving bores, a turntable-supported bowl with said dough hooks and said mixing beaters being selectively disposed in said bowl for mixing material therein, interlock means preventing simultaneous driving engagement of said dough hooks with their spindles and said mixing beaters with their spindles, and means for selectively ejecting said dough hooks and said mixing beaters from said pairs of spindles.

Abstract: A cooking assembly includes a heating plate and two identical outer plates each fabricated of heat conductive material and each including a handle. The outer plates and the heating plate each include a hinge to allow the outer plates to be coupled to opposite sides of the heating plate. Each of the first and second outer plates when coupled to the heating plate define a cooking chamber within which food may be cooked. The assembly further includes an insulating drip tray for insulating the cooking assembly from means upon which it is supported and for catching drippings from the food being cooked by the heating plate. The tray includes means for supporting the cooking plate and the first and second outer plates in either a horizontal or a vertical position relative to the bottom of the tray to permit different selective cooking operations depending upon the nature of the material cooked.

Abstract: A gas flow control valve having the means of adjusting the tension of the spring to the plunger through which the electromagnetic actuating coil moves the plunger from the valve seat in proportion to the required flow by an externally accessible adjustment means.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating portions of the arms or legs of a human body with heat and moisture by means of a moisture-resistant heating pad retained in a cylindrical configuration by means of a fabric enclosure having means to receive the heating pad and retain it in its circular configuration in close proximity to the body member being treated. A suitable moisture source is provided in the form of a pad positioned in the enclosing material.

Abstract: An appliance for slicing and shredding vegetables, fruits, cheeses and other food products having an improved safety interlock wherein the cover for the receptacle in which the slicing and shredding is performed includes means for completing the mechanical coupling between the motor and the slicing and shredding implement. The receptacle within which the slicing and shredding is performed is provided with a novel slicing and shredding implement which cooperates with the shape of the receptacle to minimize clogging and facilitate the discharge of the sliced and shredded food from the receptacle.

Abstract: A variable delay windshield wiper control system is provided in conjunction with a conventional windshield wiper system of an automobile to control the operation wiper drive source and wiper drive mechanism at predetermined variable intervals. The variable delay wiper control system operates independently of the conventional wiper switch and is effective to provide an adjustable delay interval between successive windshield wiper sweeps or reciprocative paths as is desirable during light rain or precipitation conditions.The wiper control system includes a timing circuit which generates variable duration intervals and directly effects operation of the drive source at the end of each of the intervals, and a delay control adjusted by the operator. A control switch is also provided for disabling the variable delay wiper control system and for effecting operation of the timing circuit.

Abstract: A rotary retort furnace wherein the retort is supported for rotation at only one end outside of the heated furnace shell such that the retort is cantilevered into the shell. The rotary retort has a charging door mechanism that cooperates with a skip hoist loading mechanism to provide charges of the parts to be heat treated that are of a uniform size and are introduced into the retort so as to minimize the loss of any controlled atmosphere. The skip hoist loading mechanism has a vibrating feed hopper that dispenses a weight controlled charge into a skip hoist bucket which, after receiving the predetermined charge of parts, is held in a ready position until such time as a cam mechanism controlling the opening and closing of a door on the charge end of the retort causes the door to open and the skip bucket to be moved to a position wherein the parts are dumped into the retort for heat treating.

Abstract: Electric dry shaver having a shaving head and a trimmer for cutting long hair, the trimmer being equipped with adjustable means to control the height or length to which the trimmer may cut hair. Control means within the shaver are provided to adjust the height of the trimmer guard and to retain it in the selected position.

Abstract: A bag sealer having an electrically heated wire and a pivotally mounted sealing member which is substantially parallel to and normally biased away from the wire. An integral transformer and solenoid are provided for reducing the voltage supplied to the wire and for bringing the sealing member into pressure bearing relationship with the wire. The primary winding of the transformer serves as the solenoid coil while the solenoid armature, upon being closed, completes the transformer. In order to facilitate activating the switch to energize the transformer winding, a lever extends out through the housing. Molded side pieces carry an extruded channel on which is mounted a resilient pressure bar.

Abstract: A steam iron is provided with a feed valve to supply water to a vaporizing chamber. The feed valve comprises a valve member of metal which is encased in a plastics part, both the valve member and plastics part having a through flow aperture which supplies water to the vaporization chamber in response to operation of a valve stem. The said plastics part is so shaped and arranged that it extends into the vaporization chamber. In this way deposits of lime on the outer surface of the plastics part is avoided and movement of the valve stem in the aperture prevents lime deposits on the stem or in the aperture.

Abstract: A multi-purpose kitchen appliance for performing the functions of food mixing, blending, and the grinding or chopping of food. A power unit includes a low speed and a high speed power delivery shaft at the upper end thereon which are connectable alternatively to a blender vessel or a transversely extending head including gearing to drive a pair of food mixing elements. The head for driving the mixing elements is provided with means for detachably supporting and driving other attachments such as a food grinder. The power unit rests on a base having a laterally extending portion which has a turntable supporting a bowl into which the food mixing elements extend when the transversely extending head is positioned for food mixing. The transverse head is mountable on the power unit in alternate positions so that by connecting the food grinder to the gear train in the head, the chopped food or meat may be delivered to the bowl position on the turntable.

Abstract: Apparatus for brewing small quantities of coffee in a receptacle which may be used for a drinking mug or serving vessel, the brewing portion of the apparatus being detachably mounted so that a portion thereof extends within the mug and including a brewing basket and liner adapted to utilize a disposable paper filter. The liner having a capacity substantially equal to the portion of the receptacle below the brewing apparatus and being provided with a spreader plate at its bottom which limits the expansion of the coffee grounds when the liner and basket are locked together.

Abstract: A rotary retort furnace wherein the retort is supported for rotation at only one end outside of the heated furnace shell such that the retort is cantilevered into the shell. The rotary retort has a charging door mechanism that cooperates with a skip hoist loading mechanism to provide charges of the parts to be heat treated that are of a uniform size and are introduced into the retort so as to minimize the loss of any controlled atmosphere. The skip hoist loading mechanism has a vibrating feed hopper that dispenses a weight controlled charge into a skip hoist bucket which, after receiving the predetermined charge of parts, is held in a ready position until such time as a cam mechanism controlling the opening and closing of a door on the charge end of the retort causes the door to open and the skip bucket to be moved to a position wherein the parts are dumped into the retort for heat treating.

Abstract: A gas lighter burner having a porous throttle disc for controlling the flow of gas therethrough and a mechanism which interacts with the throttle disc as a result of changes in its axial length due to changes in temperature whereby the throttle disc maintains a desired gas flow despite such variations in temperature.