Abstract: A portable electric hair dryer having an insulating housing enclosing a motor, fan and heating element with a first switch means for connecting or disconnecting the hair dryer from a source of power and a second switch for controlling the level of heat supplied by the heating element, the first switch being a normally open double pole switch which is completely moisture sealed. The first switch having a mechanical stop associated with a switch actuator to prevent inadvertent actuation of said first switch.

Abstract: A dual temperature curling iron has a plastic handle and a metal barrel connected thereto. An electric heater positioned within the metal barrel and is arranged to rapidly heat the barrel and is selectively controlled by either a low temperature thermostat or a high temperature thermostat located within the barrel to provide heat to the metal barrel. A hair clamp is pivotally mounted on the metal barrel, and when opened, causes a switch to generate an in-use signal which is fed to a safety timing circuit. The timing circuit is reset each time it receives the in-use signal. In the event that no further in-use signals are received, the timing circuit, after a preselected interval, provides a signal to a silicon controlled rectifier which is connected to the electric heater causing the silicon controlled rectifier to interrupt electric power to the electric heater. The curling iron is provided with a visual signal for indicating that has reached the selected temperature and is ready for use.

Abstract: A hand held hair dryer housing with a relatively small open end and a relatively large opposite open end, heater means, and a reversible motor-driven fan for selectively providing either a concentrated or a diffused flow of heated air through said small or large open ends of said housing, respectively.

Abstract: A portable hard hat type hair dryer having control means for directing heated air either to the front, back and sides of the head, to the back and sides of the head only, or to the back of the head only. This hair dryer is further characterized by a pin-and-slot hinge connection between the upper end of the tubular air conduit and the dome-shaped hood, by sliding latch means for releasably connecting the hood to the base, and by an improved air flow arrangement. Means may be provided in the base for introducing steam into the hood prior to a hair drying operation.