Abstract: A hair dryer has an electric heating element adapted to produce any desired intensity of heat output within a continuous range of heat intensities and an electric blower adapted to produce any desired speed of air flow within a continuous range of air flow speeds which is then heated by intensity of the heat output of the heating element to produce any desired heated air flow output. The hair dryer also has a control circuit electrically connected to the heating element and blower and being operable upon actuation by a pair of momentary switches to simultaneously regulate operation of the heater element and blower to produce a continuously variable heated air flow output. The continuously variable simultaneous regulation of the heat output intensity and air flow output speed is driven or powered in opposite directions by a user manually manipulating the pair of momentary switches respectively labelled "Up" and "Down".

Abstract: A low cost heater element is disclosed which is formed of a wire wound mica paper substrate and a mica paper cover and a low cost diode acting as a negative temperature coefficient of resistance NTC temperature sensor. A control circuit provides power to the heater element in proportion to the line voltage. As a result, a light weight, low cost heater element is employed for various line voltages available throughout the world. The system employs digital logic to achieve temperature sensing, power sensing and indication that the system is on and operating at the correct temperature.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hair styling appliance having heat conductive portion for applying heat to the hair and an electrically energizable heater element located in thermal relationship with the heat conductive portion for causing it to be heated upon application of energy. A temperature sensor is located in thermal relationship with the heat conductive portion. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the heater element and has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. A pulse switching device is operatively coupled to the heater and responsively coupled to the temperature sensor for controlling energization of the heater with temperature. A selectable temperature setting circuit is coupled to the pulse switching device for varying energization of the heater in accordance with a selected temperature operation.

Abstract: A forced hot air appliance comprises a main handle housing assemble that is generally tubular, a heater which is mounted within the main handle housing for heating air which flows therepast, a ventilator for forcing air to flow through the main handle housing, a bearing assembly which includes a generally tubular bearing sleeve, a swivel handle assembly including a head portion and a body portion, the head portion having a rear end which defines an air inlet screen and a front end which defines a circular opening through which the rear portion of the bearing sleeve extends for enabling the bearing sleeve and the main handle housing to be rotatably supported, and a submersible switch which is mounted within the swivel handle housing including a switch box and two spaced apart metallic contact which contact metallic contact rings on the bearing sleeve of the bearing assembly regardless of the rotational position of the bearing sleeve and the main handle housing relative to the head portion of the swivel handle

Abstract: A diffuser attachment for a hair dryer includes a perforated face plate having a diameter between 2 and 6 times that of the nozzle portion of the hair dryer to which the diffuser is attached, and a plurality of spaced apart slot portions in the sidewall of the diffuser attachment enabling unheated air to enter the diffuser attachment during use and enabling heated air to escape after use, thus avoiding overheating.