Abstract: There is disclosed induction heated personal care appliances such as hair rollers, curling irons and massagers. The appliance is generally cylindrical and made of plastic. It has either a high permeability cylinder attached tightly on its inner surface, or has the high permeability material as a particulate filler in the plastic. The induction heater is a non-conducting plastic cylindrical well with from 20 to 60 turns of an insulated wire coiled around its outer perimeter. The coil is powered by an oscillator and produces about 1 to 100 kHz.

Abstract: An electric hair dryer having a radiometer which remotely senses the infrared radiation emanating from the hair being dried and which contains a control means that causes the heating means in the dryer to turn off when the infrared radiation indicates the temperature of the hair is about 50.degree. C.

Abstract: A telescoping electric hair curling iron includes a molded hollow handle of plastic material having front and rear openings and a longitudinally extending thumb-operated cantilever spring element integrally molded as part of the handle wall. The forward end of the cantilever spring element is downwardly bent to form a depressible thumb button immediately adjacent the front handle opening for operating a spring-biased elongated hair gripping clip pivotally mounted on an electrically heated hair curling rod arranged for slidable telescopic movement through the front opening between a retracted storage position within the handle and an extended operative position outside the handle when the curling rod is in the operative position. The curling rod as heated by a PTC heating element therein. A swivel cord connector is mounted on the inner end of the curling rod and is slidable therewith within the handle and in the retracted position of the curling rod extends out the rear handle opening.

Abstract: A hair dryer is provided which dries hair by directing thereagainst radiant infrared heat energy. The dryer includes an infrared (IR) energy source, such as a silicone carbide igniter, an anodized parabolic reflector for modifying the wavelength of IR radiation reflected by selective IR reflection, and a transparent IR filter lens on the outlet of the dryer to absorb unwanted wavelengths and a fan for developing a low velocity air stream which both cools the IR heat source and breaks up vapor layers on the hair. The wavelength of the IR radiation which is emitted is preferably from above about 0.8 microns to about 10 microns, which includes the maximum IR absorption spectrum of wet hair, i.e., about 2 to 3 and about 6 to 8 microns.

Abstract: A hair dryer, the temperature of the air stream from which is automatically controlled by the temperature of the hair being dried, is provided. The dryer includes a primary air inlet, a fan for blowing inlet air out of the dryer, and a heater by which the blown air is heated before it is directed against a user's hair. The dryer also includes a feedback air duct and a thermistor positioned in the duct to sense the temperature of the air being reflected off the user's hair as it is dried. In accordance with the temperature of the reflected air, the thermistor changes resistance, which change is sensed by an integrated circuit zero crossing switch that electronically signals a thyristor causing the thyristor either to switch off or proportionally reduce the power to the heater, and therefore the amount of heat energy input in the blown air.

Abstract: A shear is disclosed in a preferred form which is particularly suited for cutting and trimming hair and which includes means for varying the length of stroke of the cutting blade or blades which reciprocate generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, so that the unit can be manipulated in a manner similar to a comb or brush. The blade drive includes a transmission comprising a pair of eccentrics which are selectively phaseable to provide full range of stroke by addition and subtraction of their eccentric throws. The eccentrics are retained in their selected phase relationship by spring and frictional means which provide an overload release permitting the eccentrics to rephase to zero stroke when the imposed load overcomes the phase-retaining means. Control of the unit is effected by a rotatable and depressable button which controls the drive motor, adjusts the blade stroke by phasing of the eccentrics, and lowers the cutting blade or blades from a retracted position into a cutting position.

Abstract: A shear is disclosed in a preferred form which is particularly suited for cutting and trimming hair and which includes means for varying the length of stroke of the cutting blade or blades which reciprocate generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, so that the unit can be manipulated in a manner similar to a comb or brush. The blade drive includes a transmission comprising a pair of eccentrics which are selectively phaseable to provide full range of stroke by addition and subtraction of their eccentric throws. The eccentrics are retained in their selected phase relationship by spring and frictional means which provide an overload release permitting the eccentrics to rephase to zero stroke when the imposed load overcomes the phase-retaining means. Control of the unit is effected by a rotatable and depressable button which controls the drive motor, adjusts the blade stroke by phasing of the eccentrics, and levers the cutting blade or blades from a retracted position into a cutting position.

Abstract: An appliance or device for treating hair includes a tubular barrel containing a generator for heat and vapor and a plurality of hair winding mandrels which are slidably mounted over the tubular barrel. The mandrels have different external sizes and configurations, but have interior structures which, though they may differ, allow each mandrel to be used with the same tubular barrel. A mandrel for straightening strands of hair when moved relative to the strands and for waving strands of hair when held stationary relative to the strands is provided. The mandrel is adapted to be removably associated with the tubular barrel. In the preferred embodiment, the mandrel is comprised of a heat-treating surface having a sinusoidal configuration. Apertures through the surface convey vapor from the vapor generator in the tubular barrel to the strands of hair engaged therewith.

Abstract: A fluid delivery control device for regulating fluid delivery by a pump to the heated vaporization chamber of a steam curling iron through a fluid conduit provided with a spring biased valve in response to the temperature of a heating element in the chamber includes a bimetallic disc in the chamber having the property of changing its shape when heated to a temperature corresponding to the minimum temperature required of the heating element for vaporizing the fluid. A fluid delivery tube through which the fluid is delivered from conduit to the chamber has one end adjacent to the valve and the other end attached to the disc for movement therewith. When the chamber is below the minimum temperature, the disc pushes the one end of the tube against the valve to hold it closed and prevent delivery of fluid through the tube to the chamber.

Abstract: An appliance is provided which is capable of transmitting heat retained therein to cooked food placed in the appliance, so that the food can be kept hot when an electrical cord used for initially causing the appliance to be electrically heated is disconnected therefrom. The appliance includes an outer casing and a removable cover, both of which are made of materials that retard heat loss from the appliance, preferably non-metallic materials. It further includes a housing enclosed by the casing and cover and made of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, in which a non-metallic heat retaining material, such as wax, is confined. Disposed throughout the heat retaining material is a resistance heater, which is removably connected to the electrical cord for melting the material, so that the heat of fusion of the melted material may be transmitted into the food to reduce its cooling rate after the heater is disconnected from the cord.

Abstract: In a hair dryer having a housing including air inlets, a motor for driving a fan which draws air into the housing through the air inlets and blows the air over a heating element to discharge the heated air through air outlets, the improvement which includes providing abrasive means in the housing for cutting loose hairs which enter the dryer with the incoming air and become entrapped about the fan blades or motor shaft, thereby preventing the hair from jamming the motor and permitting the cut hairs to be discharged from the dryer housing with the air coming out of the air outlets.

Abstract: A tweezer useful for plucking hair comprising a housing; arms extending out of the housing and having jaws for grasping a hair to be plucked; first means for closing the arms around the hair until the hair is grasped between the jaws; second means for automatically retracting the arms into the housing after the hair has been grasped between the jaws; means mounted for movement along the housing, whereby a first movement thereof causes the first means to close the arms around and grasp the hair between the jaws, and a second movement thereof, in the same direction as the first movement, causes the second means to retract the arms into the housing, thereby plucking the hair; and means for automatically returning the arms to their unretracted and unclosed position.

Abstract: An electrically heatable article containing a layer of wax and adapted to conform to the shape of a body surface, when the wax is melted, for thereafter treating the body surface with the heat of fusion of the wax. In an article, such as a head treatment cap, the wax is contained in a layer of modules arranged near the scalp side of the cap, a resistance heating element is provided for initially heating the wax to its melting point, and insulation is provided for preventing heat loss through the outside of the cap.

Abstract: An appliance or device for treating hair includes a tubular barrel containing a generator for heat and vapor and a plurality of hair winding mandrels which are slidably mounted over the tubular barrel. The mandrels have different external sizes and configurations, but have interior structures which, though they may differ, allow each mandrel to be used with the same tubular barrel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner for domestic use includes a high-power circuit for driving an ultrasonic transducer and a low-power safety switch which enables the high-power circuit only when a cover is in place over the cleaner. The safety switch is a magnetically actuated reed switch, the contacts of which are closed by a magnet on the cover.

Abstract: An appliance or device for treating hair includes a tubular barrel containing a generator for heat and vapor and a plurality of hair winding mandrels which are selectively slidably mounted over the tubular barrel. The mandrels have different external sizes and configurations, but have interior structures which, though they may differ, allow each mandrel to be used with the same tubular barrel. In one embodiment, the vapor and heat are conveyed from the tubular barrel to the exterior surfaces of the mandrels to treat hair by fins which form ducts within the mandrels that extend radially inwardly toward the tubular barrel. There are apertures both in the mandrels and the tubular barrel with which the ducts register to convey the vapor. Pivoted to each mandrel by means of a sliding pivot is a clip having a clamping portion for initially engaging hair before the hair is wound around the mandrel.

Abstract: A massage device includes a rotatable housing containing a plurality of projecting spheres for engaging the skin and kneading the tissues therebeneath. The housing has a cavity therein for storing massaging fluid or lotion which is dispensed over and by the spheres. The massage device may either be permanently or removably attached to a rotary drive unit or may be in combination with a fluid metering means contained in a rotary drive means.

Abstract: A styling apparatus for treating hair with heat includes a tubular heated mandrel around which hair is wound to be heat treated and rows of bristles extending from the mandrel for tensioning the hair while the hair is wound. The bristles are preferably mounted on a removable attachment which is received in a slot extending along the mandrel. A row of teeth may also extend from the attachment so that the hair may be combed prior or subsequent to heat treatment.

Abstract: An electrical connection is made between an appliance and a power cord by means of a rotatable plug which is bonded to one end of the power cord and rotatably connected to a socket in the appliance. The plug effects electrical contact with the socket through a central contact member and an exposed concentric contact member which is coaxially disposed relative to the central contact member. The central contact member and the concentric contact member are engaged by spring contacts in the socket which allow the plug to rotate while always maintaining electrical contact. In order to isolate the electrical connection between the appliance and the plug from axial and transverse stresses, the plug is provided with a strain relief bushing which transfers stresses between the cord and appliance to the housing of the appliance. The bushing also allows the plug to rotate or swivel relative to the housing so that torsional stresses applied to the cord are kept to a minimum.

Abstract: A massage device includes a rotatable housing containing a plurality of projecting spheres for engaging the skin and kneading the tissues therebeneath. The housing has a cavity therein for storing massaging fluid or lotion which is dispensed over and by the spheres. The massage device may either be permanently or removably attached to a rotary drive unit or may be in combination with a fluid metering means contained in a rotary drive means.