Abstract: An electric iron having a microprocessor-controlled relay which automatically connects an iron to and disconnects an iron from a source of electrical power based upon whether a user is grasping the handle of the iron and the position of the iron. The microprocessor is coupled to a proximity sensor comprised of a conductive sheet disposed within the iron handle, as well as a conventional orientation sensor. To determine whether a user is grasping the iron handle, the microprocessor detects the amount of time required to charge the proximity sensor to a predetermined voltage level, and compares the charge time to predetermined setpoints. The charge time will be greater than the setpoints when a user is grasping the iron handle due to the effective capacitance created by the conductive sheet, the iron handle, and the user's hand. To determine the position of the iron, the microprocessor detects whether the orientation sensor circuit is open or closed.

Abstract: An electric toaster having an automatic resetting heat reduction assembly. The toaster includes one or more cavities to receive bagels, bread, or other food products, and a plurality of heating elements located within the cavities to toast the food products. A carriage assembly movable between a raised nontoasting position and a lowered toasting position lowers and raises the food products into and out of the toasting cavities. When lowered to the toasting position, the carriage assembly activates a heat activation assembly which completes an electrical circuit between a power source and the heating elements, thereby energizing the heating elements to toast the food products. The toaster also includes a heat reduction assembly settable between an original full heat position and a depressed reduced heat position.

Abstract: A safety mechanism for disabling a portable room heater. A lever which extends from the heating face of the heater is coupled with a shut-off switch. Movement of the lever resulting from draping of an object over the heater opens the switch and shuts off the heater. A buzzer may be wired in parallel with the switch to provide an audible alarm when the switch opens.

Abstract: A long wavelength counter top radiation oven in which the top and bottom surfaces of the oven cavity are formed by metal radiator panels each heated by an electric resistance heating element. A low temperature cured ceramic surface coating applied to each panel gives it a surface emissivity near unity to enhance the thermal efficiency of the oven. Separate high temperature thermostats control the upper and lower heating elements independently.

Abstract: An electric space heater having a pair of feet which are initially detached from the heater body to permit shipping in a small carton. The heater body has downwardly projecting fingers which are resilient in order to snap into receptacles of the feet when the feet are applied to the heater body for permanent attachment thereto. Curved ribs project downwardly between the opposing sets of fingers and act to upset the heater if an attempt is made to operate it without the feet attached. A tilt switch deactivates the heater when it is upset. When the feet are attached to the heater body, the ribs fit in sockets of the feet to permit normal heater operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the heating of toast in a toaster oven broiler. The adjustment shaft for the thermostat which controls the baking and broiling modes receives a circular dial having toast color indications thereon corresponding to light, medium and dark toast colors. The dial is rotatable on the thermostat shaft under the control of a bimetal strip which responds to temperature changes in the oven cavity. As the oven temperature increases during each successive toasting cycle, the dial rotates and at the end of the cycle indicates the thermostat setting that will achieve the desired toast color for the next toasting cycle.