Abstract: A heater comprising two or more heating units which are rotatably attached to each other about a common axis. Preferably, each heating unit is rotatably attached to the next successive heating unit along a vertical axis by a flanged coupling. Alternatively, each heating unit is rotatably attached to the next successive heating unit along a vertical axis by a pin and slot arrangement. Each of the heating units include a housing having at least one opening and a heater element within the housing.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing, a wick, a fan, and a wick change indicator. The housing has a upper and bottom portions. The bottom portion is formed with an air inlet and a reservoir. The reservoir holds water while supporting the wick. The wick is seated in the reservoir so that it is partially submerged in the water. The upper portion is formed with an air outlet with the fan mounted therein generally above the top of the wick. The wick change indicator generally includes at least one hygrometer and a display. At least one hygrometer is positioned within the airflow for measuring the exit-relative humidity of the airflow. The display is coupled to the hygrometer for indicating when the wick requires replacement based upon the measured exit-relative humidity reaching a predetermined value.

Abstract: A ceiling fan assembly includes a fan and a light-sensitive circuit for controlling an illumination level of a light as a function of an ambient illumination level surrounding the ceiling fan assembly by selectively controlling or fixing a conduction phase angle of an AC power signal provided to the light. The light-sensitive circuit includes a photocell, a phase control circuit and a cutoff Circuit which prevents flicker at low illumination levels. The photocell is responsive to the ambient illumination level and has a conduction state. The conduction state changes in response to the ambient illumination level. The phase control circuit selectively varies or fixes a conduction phase angle associated with the AC power signal, which correspondingly determines a variation in the illumination level of the light.

Abstract: A heating element for use in a portable humidifier is provided, which is at least partially disposed within a tray of water within the humidifier. The heating element includes a mounting portion, a leg portion and a foot portion. The mounting portion is coupled to the housing and an tipper end of the leg portion, which extends vertically downward from the mounting portion. The foot portion is coupled to a lower end of the leg portion, and extends horizontally therefrom. The leg portion is elongated and separates the mounting portion and the foot portion. The foot portion is shaped such that a line from the upper surface to the lower surface must pass through a perimeter of the heating element when viewed from above. A bottom surface of the foot portion is curved or slanted upward from a nadir to the perimeter of the heating element.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus including a housing having an interior which contains a heating device. A sensor is provided that is operatively connected to the heating device. The sensor having an actuated position, wherein the sensor affects a heat output generated by the heating device. A first and second cooking insert for containing the food to be cooked each being separately positionable within the housing interior. The first cooking insert actuating the sensor when positioned in the housing interior, and the second cooking insert not actuating the sensor when positioned in the housing interior.

Abstract: A portable heater operates at a first power rating to rapidly heat a space and a second power rating, lower than the first, to safely maintain the temperature of the space. The heater uses a first resistive heating element and a second resistive heating element which are configured to automatically supply the first power rating during an initial heating period then step down to the second power rating for continuous operation.

Abstract: A lamp including a base for supporting the lamp on a surface, an upwardly directed shade assembly having a top opening to permit light and heat to be directed outwardly therefrom and a stem extending between and connecting the base to the shade assembly. A light socket is provided within the shade assembly and an electrical circuit provides power to the light socket. The shade assembly includes at least a lower shade portion and an upper shade portion. The upper and lower shade portions forming an interface therebetween. The upper shade portion is removably attachable from the lower shade portion for purposes of packaging. The shade assembly opening is also provided with a protective guard extending substantially across the opening. The electrical circuit includes a safety interface device positioned at the interface of the lower shade portion or the upper shade portion such that power to the light socket is terminated unless the upper shade portion is properly affixed to the lower shade portion.

Abstract: A lamp with improved safety features, to avoid fire and burn hazards, includes an electrical circuit having a thermostat connected in series with the bulb of the lamp. The thermostat is mounted in close proximity to the lamp's bulb and, upon the ambient air temperature in the vicinity of the thermostat reaching a predetermined temperature, the thermostat effectively opens the electrical circuit, shutting the lamp off. Once power is turned off for a period of time, the thermostat resets and the lamp may be operated again. A protective guard is positioned over at least a portion of the bulb of the lamp to prevent accidental burning. Alternatively, the electrical circuit further includes a detector for sensing an object being placed within the lamp shade and generating a signal in response thereto. The detector is electrically connected to a switching device which terminates power to the lamp in response to the detector signal.

Abstract: An air purifier unit having a mounting assembly that allows the mounting of the unit underneath a cabinet or on any like flat surface. A cartridge filter is provided and easily ejected or replaced through a filter door in the face of the enclosure. A motor speed indicator circuit enables the user to visually monitor the speed of the motor and blower. Air is drawn into the housing of the unit through an intake opening on the bottom surface of the housing, forced through a cartridge filter, and expelled out an air exhaust opening.

Abstract: A heater, humidifier or fan has a control circuit including a microcontroller having an algorithm for controlling power to the appliance. The power to the appliance is varied in accordance with a target temperature/humidity signal and an actual temperature/humidity signal. Preferably, a sensor electrically connected to a clock oscillator input of the microcontroller is used to vary the clock oscillator frequency in response to changes in ambient temperature/humidity. The frequency of the clock oscillator varies in response to changes in temperature/humidity and the microcontroller in response to the frequency of the clock oscillator variably controls the power to the appliance.

Abstract: A ceiling fan assembly includes a fan and a light-sensitive circuit for controlling an illumination level of a light as a function of an ambient illumination level surrounding the ceiling fan assembly by selectively controlling or fixing a conduction phase angle of an AC power signal provided to the light. The light-sensitive circuit includes a photocell, a phase control circuit and a cutoff circuit which prevents flicker at low illumination levels. The photocell is responsive to the ambient illumination level and has a conduction state. The conduction state changes in response to the ambient illumination level. The phase control circuit selectively varies or fixes a conduction phase angle associated with the AC power signal, which correspondingly determines a variation in the illumination level of the light.