Abstract: A portable electric hair dryer having an insulating housing enclosing a motor, fan and heating element with a first switch means for connecting or disconnecting the hair dryer from a source of power and a second switch for controlling the level of heat supplied by the heating element, the first switch being a normally open double pole switch which is completely moisture sealed. The first switch having a mechanical stop associated with a switch actuator to prevent inadvertent actuation of said first switch.

Abstract: A non-resettable water actuated circuit interrupting means for use with a portable electric appliance such as a hair dryer to provide protection for the user against injury in the event that the appliance is accidentally dropped in water or otherwise develops leakage current. Both sides of the line are fused and circuit means are provided which respond to leakage current in the appliance to provide separate circuits to blow out each of the fuses.

Abstract: A heating cable for use with an electric underblanket the cable being of the type in which a sensor wire is employed coextensive with a heater wire and separated by a layer of meltable insulating material so that overheat conditions are sensed by contact between the sensor wire and the heater. A number of helically wound coextensive wires cooperate with switching means to provide overheat temperature sensing at various wattage levels of heating.

Abstract: A heating element for use in an electric blanket or the like including conductors spaced apart in a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material which serves as a self-limiting heater. The conductors are separated by a spacer which prevents the conductors from engaging each other when the PTC material softens or melts during annealing thereof. A coating of material having a higher melting point than the PTC material is placed over the PTC material to maintain its shape during the annealing process.

Abstract: A heating cable having spaced helically wound conductor wires separated by a layer of positive temperature coefficient material which functions as a self-limiting heating element. At least one of the conductor wires is helically disposed on a stranded core of insulating fibers which have been coated and impregnated with conductive carbon.

Abstract: A heating element for use in an electric blanket or the like including conductors spaced apart in a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material which serves as a self-limiting heater. The conductors are separated by a spacer which prevents the conductors from engaging each other when the PTC material softens or melts during annealing thereof. A coating of material having a higher melting point than the PTC material is placed over the PTC material to maintain its shape during the annealing process.

Abstract: A hair drying appliance having a cylindrical housing and a handle rotatably mounted at one end for movement between a pistol-grip position and a position in alignment with the housing. The housing has two air outlets with heated air being directed through one outlet when the handle is in its pistol-grip position and through the other outlet when the handle is in its aligned position. A single electric switch for a heater means in the housing has a plurality of heat settings being available when the handle is in its pistol-grip position but with the range of heat settings being automatically limited to the lower heat settings when the handle is in its aligned position.

Abstract: A hair-drying appliance having a cylindrical housing and a handle rotatably mounted at one end thereof for movement between a first position generally perpendicular to the housing and a second position in longitudinal alignment with the housing. A single locking lever is provided for latching the handle in either of its positions. The appliance has a first air outlet at one end of the cylindrical housing and a second air outlet in the side wall of the housing adjacent the first air outlet. An adaptor, which is mountable on the housing adjacent the second air outlet only when the handle is in its second aligned position, has a plate portion for blocking the first air outlet and means for supporting comb and brush attachments thereon.

Abstract: An electric blanket control circuit is provided which includes an overheat protection circuit to detect an overheat condition as well as a fail-safe testing circuit to assure that the electrical components in said overheat protection circuit are properly functioning. A simulation circuit is provided to electrically simulate an overheat condition in the blanket. An on-off switch is provided which will consecutively activate the overheat simulation circuit and then the fail-safe testing circuit so that said circuits are activated each time the electric blanket is turned off by the user.