Abstract: A faucet 10 includes a self closing faucet handle 16 having an escapement mechanism (77) in series with both a release ratchet (102) and a slip clutch (110) to provide ease in turning on the faucet and the option of a quick manual closing of the faucet valve. The ratchet (102), escapement mechanism (77) and slip clutch 110 are all concealed within the shell (42) of a blade handle (16) that is rotated between the on and off positions.

Abstract: A point of use water purification system including a housing supporting an untreated water container, a removable and disposable filter means and a treated water receiving container all of which are self contained in relation to the housing to enable the housing to be supported from a countertop or other suitable surface at the point of use. The filter means includes multiple compartments with purification media therein with two of the compartments including plate means coated with a photoactivated catalyst, preferrably titanium oxide (TiO.sub.2). An ultraviolet lamp and reflector directs ultraviolet light energy onto the catalyst. Flow control means is provided in the filter means to provide a slow rate of flow thereby providing long time contact between the water being treated and the purification media in the filter means to provide maximum purification efficiency.

Abstract: An electric iron is provided with an orientation-detecting switch and a timing circuit, which, after the iron is unmoved in the horizontal or vertical positions for preset times, respectively, activates a heating resistor in the iron to trigger a manually resettable thermostatic cutoff switch. The iron also includes a temperature-sensing resistor and a potentiometer in circuit with a comparator and indicator means, whereby when the temperature reaches a level to which the potentiometer is set, the indicator means indicate that the iron is at ready temperature.

Abstract: A conversion unit is provided which permits the conversion of a portable hand-held appliance, such as a mixer having a pair of beaters, to a stationary drink mixer having a single depending stirring shaft. The conversion unit includes a power unit receptacle that securely supports the portable appliance power unit in a manner which permits the driving engagement of the stirring shaft by a power take-off of the portable appliance power unit. Stabilizing fingers in the power unit receptacle additionally engage the power unit to provide enhanced stability. Storage for the pair of mixer beaters may be provided at the rear of the unit when the portable appliance is an electric mixer so that all components of the convertible mixer combination are maintained within a single integrated unit.

Abstract: The combined multi-purpose kitchen appliance includes a bracket unit for attachment beneath a kitchen cabinet and an appliance assembly which is pivotally mounted within the bracket unit to permit movement of electric kitchen appliances mounted on opposite sides of the appliance assembly into use positions. The appliance assembly is a unitary assembly which may be inserted or removed from the bracket unit without the use of additional mounting components, and the appliance assembly is designed to enhance the rigidity of the bracket unit when the appliance assembly is in a use position.

Abstract: A splatter shield (42) is positioned on a frontwall (34) of a hollow upright standard (14) of an electric drink mixer (10). The splatter shield includes a one-piece body (44) having a top flange (60) bent to form a rear flange (68) which engages an inner surface (38) of the hollow standard frontwall to cooperate with a mounting bolt (46) extending through an aperture (48) in the body into engagement with the frontwall to mount the splatter shield on the standard. A switch actuator mechanism (30) for activating a drink mixer motor (18) via a switch assembly (36) extends through a slot (32) defined in the frontwall and a slot (58) in the body to be contacted by a container (24) supported on a container support (54) which is also one-piece with the body.