Abstract: A collapsible cordless electric hair curling appliance includes a hollow handle adapted for grasping by a user. A heating wand is extensibly slidably retained in the hollow portion of the handle. An improved positive temperature coefficient heating element assembly is positioned inside the wand. An electric plug assembly is also slidably mounted in the hollow portion of the handle. The plug is mounted so as to extend from the handle for connection with a conventional electric socket only when the wand is substantially fully inserted into the hollow handle. The novel plug assembly eliminates the need for a conventional electric cord and is also rotatably mounted in the handle to provide added convenience for plugging the appliance into a conventional electric socket. For storage, both the wand and plug assembly may be enclosed within the handle.

Abstract: A compact light-weight axial-flow type hair styling appliance incorporates improved bayonet mountings between respective body housing portions of the styler, and between the air outlet port of the styler and styling attachments which are removably affixable thereto. The styler-housing bayonet mounting includes a resilient arm extending from one of the bayonet mounting members which biases the mating bayonet mounting member in a rattle-free engagment. Additional detent-indent engagement between the respective bayonet mounting members locks the styling attachment in place on the styler housing until removal of same is accomplished by a quick twist in either direction of the attachment mounted to the housing.

Abstract: A motor-driven electric shaver operable over a wide range of alternating line voltages includes a capacitor for supplying unidirectional current to the motor. The capacitor is periodically charged through a current switching device serially located between the line and the capacitor. The switching device is rendered conductive only when the instantaneous voltage level of the applied line current is less than a predetermined level such that the average voltage developed across the capacitor and applied to the motor corresponds to the nominal requirements of the motor. Since the switching device is operated in either a saturated or nonsaturated state, power dissipation within the shaver is minimized.

Abstract: A portable combination moisturizer and dryer which includes a base, a head supporting assembly, and a head assembly into which the rest of the unit can nest for carrying and for storage. The head assembly includes a generally annular air distribution plenum for receiving moisture-laden or drying air and directing it radially inwardly. In a preferred embodiment, a squirrel-cage blower is contained in an impeller housing disposed in the lower portion of the head supporting assembly, which lower portion is mounted for adjustable pivotal movement with respect to the base. The upper portion of the head supporting assembly terminates in a horizontally disposed manifold constituting a portion of the plenum, to provide for passage of either moisture-laden air or drying air through the head mounting assembly and into the interior of the plenum, while also permitting adjustment of the position of the head assembly with respect to the head mounting assembly.

Abstract: A portable hair dryer of the hard hat type having the general configuration of an articulated, collapsible "Z." The head assembly and a base are pivotally mounted at the ends of a head mounting assembly on parallel, horizontal axes so that the base and the head assembly can be pivoted to nest the base and head mounting assembly within the head assembly. Electrical cord retaining means are provided on that portion of the head mounting assembly, the middle element in the hinged "Z," which is exposed to the head space within the head assembly when the dryer is in the collapsed or nested storage condition, and the cord is introduced to the dryer through that same portion. The cord can therefore be stored out of the way within the head assembly, without interfering with pivot hinges, or with moving surfaces which are closely spaced apart during nesting.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for the treatment of respiratory, skin, eye and related ailments and conditions wherein steam or a related vapor at a reduced temperature is admixed with particulate medicament and exposed to an afflicted area within a confined space.

Abstract: A portable hair dryer comprises a flexible bonnet, a combined blower and heater power module for supplying heated air under pressure to the bonnet, and a control module for selecting the operating mode of the dryer. The power module is suspended against the back of the user by means of a pair of support straps which extend over the user's shoulders to the control module. By balancing the weights of the power and control modules, a stable condition is obtained which enables the user to perform other activities during the drying operation. The power cord of the dryer depends from the control module to assist in balancing the weights, and flexible electrical conductors in one of the support straps convey electrical power to the power module. The other support strap is removably attached to the control module to facilitate setting up and taking down the appliance.

Abstract: A hair curling appliance includes two hair curling wands and a base assembly for heating the wands to a desired temperature. The base assembly includes two overlapping plate-like retention members having trough-like end portions which coact to form sockets for receiving the wands, and center portions which coact to form a cavity for holding an electrical heating element. The wands include hair retaining clamps operable from the handles of the wands, and heat insulating end caps which reduce the possibility of a user coming into accidental contact with the heat transfer portions of the wands.