Abstract: An oscillating electric fan may be used in both a table supported position and a wall mounted position. The electric fan includes a fan unit and a pedestal for supporting the fan unit. The pedestal includes a base and an elongate fan unit support extending generally perpendicular to the base. A mounting joint is provided for moveably coupling the fan unit to the distal end of the fan unit support. The mounting joint permits pivotal tilting movement of the fan between first and second positions which define the wall mounted and table supported positions of the fan. A manually actuatable clip is engageable with the mounting joint. The clip permits movement of the fan unit from the first positions to the second positions without actuation of the clip. The clip further prevents movement of the fan unit from the second positions to the first positions without actuation of the clip.
Abstract: A light sensitive dimmer switch circuit for controlling the illumination level of a light as a function of the ambient illumination level surrounding the dimmer switch circuit by selectively controlling an AC power signal provided to the light includes a photocell and a phase control circuit. The photocell is responsive to the ambient illumination level and has a conduction state associated therewith. The conduction state changes, in response to the ambient illumination level, such that the photocell effectively exhibits either a substantially open circuit or a substantially short circuit. The phase control circuit selectively varies a conduction phase angle associated with the AC power signal which correspondingly causes a variation in the illumination level of the light.
Abstract: A portable heater providing both radiant and forced air heat includes a plurality of vertically oriented, horizontally spaced apart quartz heating tubes is partially surrounded by a common reflector configured to open at an obtuse angle at each quartz tube. The reflector is perforated to allow air to pass out from the interior of the heater. A housing surrounds the reflector and heating elements. A fan located toward the top of the heater draws air inward and down the channels behind the reflector from which it emerges past the heating elements. Control knobs for controlling a thermostat and output power level are located at the top surface of the housing. The heater also has automatic safety controls for shutting off power in the event the heater tips over or overheats, and an overcurrent device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 22, 1996
Date of Patent:
June 2, 1998
Assignee:
Holmes Products Corporation
Inventors:
Robert E. Wolfe, Johnson Hsu, Dov Z. Glucksman, Karl Weidemann