Abstract: The present invention provides a portable heating pad capable of transferring heat to an anatomical region of a subject by means of a removable gel pack member which is releasably attached to a heat pad member with a detachable electrical power cord. The present invention can also include an inflatable bladder having an integrally formed pump. The portable heating pads of the present invention are useful for the rapid and convenient treatment of various muscular and orthopedic aches and pains of a mobile subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heating pad capable of rapid initial heat transfer to a heating pad member by means of a removable gel pack member which is releasably attached to the heating pad member. The heating pads of the present invention are useful for the rapid and convenient treatment of various muscular and orthopedic aches and pains.

Abstract: A vaporizer having a heating chamber which may be quickly and easily removed and replaced when scale buildup interferes with the operation of the vaporizer. The vaporizer may have an improved electrode configuration, whereby the bottom portion of the electrodes provide most of the boiling energy. The vaporizer may be easily and safely maintained, as user access to the electrodes is prevented. In addition, a vaporizer is described having an electrode cartridge which may be quickly and easily removed for replacement or cleaning. A unique reservoir design provides for a flat or rising lip surrounding the main reservoir opening, which allows the reservoir to be compatible with dishwasher cleaning. The vaporizer may be provided with mineral salts to enhance the flow of electric current between the vaporizer elements.

Abstract: A charcoal grill includes a mechanism whereby a user may adjust the vertical distance between a fuel grate and a cooking grid by rotating a control knob located on the surface of the charcoal grill. This mechanism provides a safer and more convenient way of adjusting the distance between the burning fuel and the food being cooked. The charcoal grill further includes a removable ash collector located at the bottom of the charcoal grill. To empty ash a user slides the ash collector out from its position at the bottom of the charcoal grill, empties it, and then replaces it to resume ash collection. Thus a user may conveniently dispose of ash without the use of an ash sweep tool and without interrupting operation. Furthermore the charcoal grill includes a metal skirt inside its lower shell, which protects the lower shell of the charcoal grill from excessive heat, lengthening its operational life.

Abstract: A heating appliance such as an electric heating blanket having a control circuit which controls the application of power to the heating element of the blanket based on the condition of the heating element. The circuit senses the voltage at the end of the heating element in order to determine if the heating element has a short or an open circuit condition therein. Under normal conditions, the sensed voltage will be above a predetermined threshold value. If the sensed voltage falls below the threshold value, the control circuit shuts off power to the heating element. The control circuit will keep power off until the fault condition has been corrected and power has been removed and reapplied to the control circuit.

Abstract: An iron includes a soleplate and a water tank connected to the soleplate for supplying steam to the soleplate. The water tank includes a cavity for holding water, a fill opening for filling the cavity with water, and a guide arrangement associated with the fill opening. A handle is connected with the water tank. A rear cover is connected to a rear end of the water tank, the rear cover having a rear plate in covering relation to a rear portion of the iron, and the rear plate including an arrangement for stabilizing the iron in an upright position on a soft surface. The arrangement includes a recess in an outer surface of the rear plate, and at least one non-slip foot extending from the outer surface of the rear plate. A fill door is slidably mounted on the guide arrangement between a closed position in covering relation to the fill opening and an open position to permit filling of the cavity with water through the fill opening.