Abstract: An electric air heating appliance includes a housing defining an air flow path in which is positioned a resistance heater assembly which includes a plurality of air vanes for reducing air swirling. The heater assembly includes a semi-rigid assembly of mica plates in a cruciform arrangement and stiffened by use of a corrugated resistance heating element helically wound about the plates. An improved terminal means provides a tap intermediate the ends of the helical heating element. Additional terminals means are provided for connecting the ends of the heating element to a power source. The terminal means, which are in the form of metallic strips defining extending leg segments, cooperate with an impeller fan tube surrounding an air impeller in the housing to support and captivate the heater assembly in the housing.

Abstract: An airstream is established and flows about a resistance heater element in an electrical appliance. The heater element is energized by a cyclical potential. A temperature control circuit is provided which includes a switch connected in series with a heat sensor for applying the cyclical potential to the heater. A half-wave rectifier in the control circuit is electrically connected in series with the switch and across the heat sensor. Energization of the heater heats the airstream to an operating temperature T.sub.1. The heat sensor is operable to detect an undesired increase in temperature above a safe limit temperature T.sub.2 which is greater than T.sub.1. At a temperature greater than T.sub.2 the heat sensor automatically opens the series circuit to interrupt energization of the heater. During the open circuit condition of the heat sensor the half-wave rectifier is operable for applying half-cycles of the cyclical potential to the heater.

Abstract: A heater assembly for an electrical appliance such as a portable hair dryer. The heater assembly includes an elongated flexible foil resistance element having opposite longitudinal edge portions mounted on spaced disc support members. T-shaped tabs extend from the foil edges and are seated in recessed portions or notches located in the periphery of the discs with the T-end portions thereof locked to the discs by detent means provided on the discs.

Abstract: An electric hair curling iron having vapor generating means includes a handle portion having an elongated hair curling body extending from an end thereof. Stationary thermostatically controlled electric heating element and a movable heat conducting means in heat exchange relation therewith are arranged in the body. A liquid reservoir is supported at the end of the hair curling body and includes liquid transfer wick spaced from the heat conducting means to define therebetween a vaporization space. Actuator means are provided on the handle for selectively moving the heat conducting means into and out of engagement with the wick to effect generation of vapor in the vaporization space. The vapor produced is passed exteriorly through openings in the body into contact with the hair wound on the curling body.