Abstract: A curling iron is provided which is easy to assemble and, so, more economical to manufacture. The unit is molded in two snap-together halves, one half being the bottom portion (divided axially) and the other half being the top portion, and a molded spoon. The molded sections would include all the parts except for the electrical components. The curling iron is assembled by inserting the electrical components in one half, snapping the two halves together, and then snapping the spoon into place over the upper half. The molded sections are formed of a high temperature thermoplastic material. This material is transparent to infra-red rays; and, so, if an infra-red heater is used, the rays can pass through the plastic and heat the hair directly.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a coffeemaker with a variable brew strength apparatus which comprises a base which contains a water reservoir and a heater and which supports a coffee carafe. The base supports a variable brew strength apparatus directly over the coffee carafe. The variable brew strength apparatus includes a water restrictor member which is rotably mounted on the cover of a coffee basket member. The water restrictor member and the coffee basket member, in combination, form a valve which either admits heated water to an inner basket which is mounted in the coffee basket and which contains ground coffee, or causes a portion of the heated water to bypass the inner basket and enter the coffee basket to mix with and dilute coffee brewed in the inner basket. The coffee basket supports a special coffee scoop which has a tabular indicia relating the number of cups of coffee desired, the brew strength desired, and the number of scoops of coffee required.