Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing, a wick, a fan, and a wick change indicator. The housing has a upper and bottom portions. The bottom portion is formed with an air inlet and a reservoir. The reservoir holds water while supporting the wick. The wick is seated in the reservoir so that it is partially submerged in the water. The upper portion is formed with an air outlet with the fan mounted therein generally above the top of the wick. The wick change indicator generally includes at least one hygrometer and a display. At least one hygrometer is positioned within the airflow for measuring the exit-relative humidity of the airflow.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a housing, a wick, a fan, and a wick change indicator. The housing has a upper and bottom portions. The bottom portion is formed with an air inlet and a reservoir. The reservoir holds water while supporting the wick. The wick is seated in the reservoir so that it is partially submerged in the water. The upper portion is formed with an air outlet with the fan mounted therein generally above the top of the wick. The wick change indicator generally includes at least one hygrometer and a display. At least one hygrometer is positioned within the airflow for measuring the exit-relative humidity of the airflow. The display is coupled to the hygrometer for indicating when the wick requires replacement based upon the measured exit-relative humidity reaching a predetermined value.

Abstract: A portable heater operates at a first power rating to rapidly heat a space and a second power rating, lower than the first, to safely maintain the temperature of the space. The heater uses a first resistive heating element and a second resistive heating element which are configured to automatically supply the first power rating during an initial heating period then step down to the second power rating for continuous operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a hair styling appliance having heat conductive portion for applying heat to the hair and an electrically energizable heater element located in thermal relationship with the heat conductive portion for causing it to be heated upon application of energy. A temperature sensor is located in thermal relationship with the heat conductive portion. The temperature sensor is electrically connected to the heater element and has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance. A pulse switching device is operatively coupled to the heater and responsively coupled to the temperature sensor for controlling energization of the heater with temperature. A selectable temperature setting circuit is coupled to the pulse switching device for varying energization of the heater in accordance with a selected temperature operation.