Abstract: A hair dryer is provided which reduces static electricity in hair being dried. A point source for electron release, such as a needle, is positioned in a reflector in the air stream of the dryer. The point source is electrically connected to an electron source, such as a piezoelectric crystal, located in the handle of the hair dryer. The piezoelectric crystal is wired to produce an electric charge, the charge being initially a negative electric charge. The crystal is connected to the point source and thus provides electrons to the point source. These enter the air, ionizing air molecules, and the resulting ions are carried to the hair, neutralizing the static charge in the hair. The piezoelectric crystal, a supporting frame, a lever arm, and an arm lever cover are mounted in the dryer handle. The lever arm cover can be pivoted, resulting in the lever arm being moved when the handle is squeezed or released. Release of the lever arm results in it returning to its original position.

Abstract: A moldable central body for use in a catalytic burner has a generally rotational symmetry about a longitudinal axis. It provides a cover retaining surface for the cover of the unit; furnishes the bayonet pin for receiving the cover; carries spacers positioning itself within the outer casing; holds the wave member in position; holds the stem support in position, which, in turn, holds the valve seat; provides a pivot hole for the spoon pivot for a curling iron; is a seat and shoulder for the diaphragm; provides an inner surface to hold alignment members for the control stem; holds the seat for the spring for the control stem; and provides a barrel retaining surface for a curling iron barrel. The control stem of a regulation element moves axially within the central body.The central body can be molded of plastic as a single integral piece. Since this central body serves so many functions and, yet, can be molded as a single integral piece, it reduces the cost of manufacture of the burner of this invention.

Abstract: A butane burner for personal care appliances includes a receptacle at one end for a gas canister. Upon insertion of a canister, a probe presses against the canister valve, opening it; and it thereafter remains open. Gas then flows to the input end of the control stem and, depending upon the longitudinal positioning of the control stem, flows into the stem through a gas inlet orifice in one side of the stem and travels in a channel within the stem to an outlet orifice at the other end. There it enters a Venturi, is mixed with air, passes from there through a mixing chamber and to a burning chamber within the barrel of the curling iron. The catalytic burner is located in the burning chamber. The control stem is spring-pressed in a direction to keep the gas inlet orifice normally in the open position. Movement of the control stem a slight distance in a direction away from the canister and toward the Venturi blocks the gas inlet orifice and stops gas flow.

Abstract: A hot air curling iron is provided which can alternately be used as a curling iron or used to heat a hair roller. It has a spoon that is separate from the spoon control lever, but which has a common pivot with it. A releasable detent connects them. The unit normally operates as a curling iron. However, when a roller is placed over the curling iron barrel, the roller prevents the spoon from pivoting upwardly, so pressure on the control lever serves to release the detent. The lower portion of the control lever then serves as a clamp to hold the roller in place. Inwardly projecting detents on the roller serve to lock it in position over the clamp with the openings in the clamp aligned with those in the roller, permitting free air flow.