Abstract: A shear is disclosed in a preferred form which is particularly suited for cutting and trimming hair and which includes means for varying the length of stroke of the cutting blade or blades which reciprocate generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, so that the unit can be manipulated in a manner similar to a comb or brush. The blade drive includes a transmission comprising a pair of eccentrics which are selectively phaseable to provide full range of stroke by addition and subtraction of their eccentric throws. The eccentrics are retained in their selected phase relationship by spring and frictional means which provide an overload release permitting the eccentrics to rephase to zero stroke when the imposed load overcomes the phase-retaining means. Control of the unit is effected by a rotatable and depressable button which controls the drive motor, adjusts the blade stroke by phasing of the eccentrics, and lowers the cutting blade or blades from a retracted position into a cutting position.

Abstract: A shear is disclosed in a preferred form which is particularly suited for cutting and trimming hair and which includes means for varying the length of stroke of the cutting blade or blades which reciprocate generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, so that the unit can be manipulated in a manner similar to a comb or brush. The blade drive includes a transmission comprising a pair of eccentrics which are selectively phaseable to provide full range of stroke by addition and subtraction of their eccentric throws. The eccentrics are retained in their selected phase relationship by spring and frictional means which provide an overload release permitting the eccentrics to rephase to zero stroke when the imposed load overcomes the phase-retaining means. Control of the unit is effected by a rotatable and depressable button which controls the drive motor, adjusts the blade stroke by phasing of the eccentrics, and levers the cutting blade or blades from a retracted position into a cutting position.

Abstract: A portable, battery-operated manicuring machine is disclosed in which the batteries and the final output shaft are aligned substantially coaxially. The motor and actuating switch are positioned within the housing intermediate the battery chamber and the final drive unit with the motor being radially offset from the axis of alignment of the drive unit, batteries and housing and the switch being positioned diametrically opposite the motor. The drive between the motor and the final output shaft includes a gear reduction train comprising a pinion gear on the motor output shaft, a cluster gear having its larger-diameter gear in meshing relationship with the pinion gear and its smaller gear in meshing relationship with an internally-toothed gear and the output shaft.The motor and gear-reduction train are mounted on opposite sides of a bulkhead which is mounted transversely within the forward part of the machine housing.

Abstract: An electrically heatable article containing a layer of wax and adapted to conform to the shape of a body surface, when the wax is melted, for thereafter treating the body surface with the heat of fusion of the wax. In an article, such as a head treatment cap, the wax is contained in a layer of modules arranged near the scalp side of the cap, a resistance heating element is provided for initially heating the wax to its melting point, and insulation is provided for preventing heat loss through the outside of the cap.

Abstract: An electrical connector for attaching an electrical cord to an electrical appliance is provided. The connector has an ejector which allows for one hand disengagement of the connector and cord from the appliance. The ejector has a first portion movable through and out of the connector and an integral hinge shaped second portion. By application of finger pressure on the second portion to flatten it, the first portion is moved out of the connector and against the appliance causing an oppositely directed movement of the connector, thereby disengaging the connector and cord from the appliance.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner for domestic use includes a high-power circuit for driving an ultrasonic transducer and a low-power safety switch which enables the high-power circuit only when a cover is in place over the cleaner. The safety switch is a magnetically actuated reed switch, the contacts of which are closed by a magnet on the cover.

Abstract: A portable, battery-operated manicuring machine is disclosed in which the batteries and the final output shaft are aligned substantially coaxially. The motor and actuating switch are positioned within the housing intermediate the battery chamber and the final drive unit with the motor being radially offset from the axis of alignment of the drive unit, batteries and housing and the switch being positioned diametrically opposite the motor. The drive between the motor and the final output shaft includes a gear reduction train comprising a pinion gear on the motor output shaft, a cluster gear having it's larger-diameter gear in meshing relationship with the pinion gear and its smaller gear in meshing relationship with an internally-toothed gear and the output shaft.The motor and gear-reduction train are mounted on opposite sides of a bulkhead which is mounted transversely within the forward part of the machine housing.