Abstract: This disclosure relates to an auto run mode for initiating a heating cycle of a heated bedding product. A heated bedding product can include a bedding product body comprising a heating element and a controller electrically connected to the heating element. The controller can include a processing circuit, such as a microcontroller, that is configured to operate in an auto run mode in which a heating cycle of the heating element is automatically initiated in response to alternating current power being provided to the controller.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an auto run mode for initiating a heating cycle of a heated bedding product. A heated bedding product can include a bedding product body comprising a heating element and a controller electrically connected to the heating element. The controller can include a processing circuit, such as a microcontroller, that is configured to operate in an auto run mode in which a heating cycle of the heating element is automatically initiated in response to alternating current power being provided to the controller.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an auto run mode for initiating a heating cycle of a heated bedding product. A heated bedding product can include a bedding product body comprising a heating element and a controller electrically connected to the heating element. The controller can include a processing circuit, such as a microcontroller, that is configured to operate in an auto run mode in which a heating cycle of the heating element is automatically initiated in response to alternating current power being provided to the controller.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an auto run mode for initiating a heating cycle of a heated bedding product. A heated bedding product can include a bedding product body comprising a heating element and a controller electrically connected to the heating element. The controller can include a processing circuit, such as a microcontroller, that is configured to operate in an auto run mode in which a heating cycle of the heating element is automatically initiated in response to alternating current power being provided to the controller.

Abstract: In general, the controller of the present invention senses the temperature of the electric blanket in which the controller is used, and controls the temperature accordingly. The temperature is sensed using both the PTC and NTC methods discussed below, and contained within the wire. The controller adjusts the power delivered to the electric blanket based on the temperature sensed as well as on a heat setting by the user of the blanket. Additionally or alternatively, the controller uses the sensed temperature information to guard against overheating, caused either by inadvertent consumer misuse or component failure.

Abstract: A control circuit for a heating pad. The control circuit includes a two-pole, four-position slide switch. The four positions of the two-pole, four-position slide switch include off and three different heat settings of the heating pad. The control circuit also includes three heat setting indicators that are alternatively illuminated when the switch is in the three different heat settings. Diodes are used to direct electrical currents through the indicators as appropriate. The diodes and the two-pole, four-position slide switch are arranged so that current may be appropriately flow through, or may be blocked from flowing through, the indicators when the two-pole, four-position slide switch is in each of the three heating settings.

Abstract: A control circuit for a heating pad. The control circuit includes a two-pole, four-position slide switch. The four positions of the two-pole, four-position slide switch include off and three different heat settings of the heating pad. The control circuit also includes three heat setting indicators that are alternatively illuminated when the switch is in the three different heat settings. Diodes are used to direct electrical currents through the indicators as appropriate. The diodes and the two-pole, four-position slide switch are arranged so that current may be appropriately flow through, or may be blocked from flowing through, the indicators when the two-pole, four-position slide switch is in each of the three heating settings.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff which, when the cuff is being applied to the patient, automatically indicates when the proper amount of tension in the cuff has been reached. The blood pressure cuff includes a tension sensor disposed on an end which the user grips, constructed of elastomeric or elastic material, including accordion-like ridges. The ridges include a graphic which is partially or substantially hidden when less then the proper amount of tension is applied to the blood pressure cuff, and which is substantially viewable when the proper amount of tension is applied to the blood pressure cuff. The tension sensor may include an indicator area which is substantially hidden by a set of folds until a pre-set amount of tension is applied.

Abstract: An allergen particle detecting apparatus has a sample area through which environmental air is directed. A light beam is directed through the air sample so that portions of the beam will be scattered if any particles are present in the path of the beam. A beam blocking device on the opposite side of the air sample is arranged to block all light except light scattered in a predetermined angular range corresponding to a predetermined allergen particle size range. Light transmitted through the blocking device is detected by a light detector and an alarm output signal is produced if the detected amount of light is above a predetermined level.