Abstract: A portable electric appliance includes a housing, an electrically operable element positioned within the housing, a transmitter adapted to transmit a beam of radiation, and a receiver responsive to the beam of radiation. The transmitter is positioned external to the housing, and the receiver is positioned to receive the beam of radiation. The electrically operable element is de-energized in response to the beam of radiation being blocked or interrupted. A method adapted to disable a portable electric appliance includes transmitting a beam of radiation from a transmitter on the portable electric appliance, receiving the beam of radiation by a receiver on the portable electric appliance, and de-energizing an electrically operable element associated with the portable electric appliance in response to the beam of radiation being blocked or interrupted.

Abstract: A portable electric appliance includes a housing, an electrically operable element positioned within the housing, a transmitter adapted to transmit a beam of radiation, and a receiver responsive to the beam of radiation. The transmitter is positioned external to the housing, and the receiver is positioned to receive the beam of radiation. The electrically operable element is de-energized in response to the beam of radiation being blocked or interrupted. A method adapted to disable a portable electric appliance includes transmitting a beam of radiation from a transmitter on the portable electric appliance, receiving the beam of radiation by a receiver on the portable electric appliance, and de-energizing an electrically operable element associated with the portable electric appliance in response to the beam of radiation being blocked or interrupted.

Abstract: A heater operates at a first power to heat a space and a second power to maintain the temperature. The heater uses a first heating element and a second heating element, which are configured to automatically supply the first power during an initial heating period, then step down to the second power for continuous operation. The heater may use a phase chopper circuit and heating element; switched diode and heating element; positive temperature coefficient thermostat, isolated heater, and heating element; latching mechanical timer switch and heating element; and/or a positive temperature coefficient heating element and multi-speed fan to provide dual power levels. The heater may include a first heating element energized during a portion of a heating cycle and a second heating element continuously energized during the heating cycle. The heating cycle is repeated for a period after which both elements are de-energized.

Abstract: A programmable slow-cooker appliance uses an application-specific integrated circuit digital controller, in which a user sets a time and temperature for cooking a food item. The digital controller prevents the unit from functioning only as a “keep warm” appliance, and a unique design allows cooling of the application-specific integrated circuit digital programmable controller during cooking.