Abstract: An improved portable energy consuming device that uses an external power source to store kinetic energy in the device until a desired level is reached and then the external power source is disconnected from the device to form a portable device and an internal power source is automatically used to maintain the desired kinetic energy level. Thus, the external power source causes at least one device load to reach a desired operating level such as temperature and then, when the device is removed from a base on which it is mounted, the external power source is disconnected and an internal power source is automatically connected to the at least one device load to cause it to just maintain the desired operating level. A control circuit is coupled between the internal power source and its associated internal load to cause only sufficient power to be supplied to the load to maintain the desired operating level.

Abstract: An improved circuit for automatically controlling energy to electrical energy consuming devices according to the well-known equation Po=Pin?Pl+Pr??(1) where Po=Power output, Pin=Power input, Pl=Power losses, and Pr=Residual Power. Thus, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for obtaining a desired output power, Po, from an electrical load by supplying sufficient pulse time modulation energy, Pin, to the device to replace only losses, Pl, and to maintain only the residual power, Pr, thus maintaining the desired Power output, Po, and thereby conserving input energy, Pin, that would otherwise be wasted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solder heating appliance with variable duty cycle. Rather than applying power continuously to the heating element, the element power is intermittently switched over to a variable duty cycle. Savings are gained in three areas: extended life of the element; less heat lost to thermal radiation; and less solder waste due to dripping and overheating. The variable duty cycle may be adjusted manually or automatically based on the temperature of the heating element, or tip. Additionally, the voltage and/or current to the heating element may be adjusted, either manually or automatically, for more rapid recovery during high usage periods. Higher throughput is achieved by sensing the temperature, comparing the temperature to a desired temperature, and then increasing the variable duty cycle by either or both one of increasing the frequency of duty pulses and/or lengthening the duration of the variable duty cycle.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for improving hair management devices, preferably portable devices, such as curling irons and hot air brushes by including novel heating elements and circuits. A novel elongated heat transfer hollow tube is formed of a metal that is preferable perforated with small holes and that heats and cools quickly such as copper, aluminum, or brass. The hollow tube has sufficient wall thickness for rigidity but is sufficiently thin to allow rapid heating and cooling. In addition, a novel heat source is formed with a light bulb, preferably halogen, located with said hollow tube that likewise heats and cools quickly. The light bulb is removable and replaceable in case of damage. A unique circuit automatically applies full power to the unit until it reaches the desired temperature and then allows a control circuit to automatically reduce the power applied to a value sufficient only to maintain the desired temperature.