Abstract: A high temperature externally heated hair-styling device is provided which has a hair-styling body. An over-temperature alarm is mounted in the hair-styling body. The over-temperature alarm has a temperature sensor which is thermally connected to the hair-styling body. The sensor provides a voltage signal representative of the temperature of the hair-styling body. A variable reference voltage signal generator is powered by a DC battery power source. The reference signal generator has an adjustable range and the reference voltage signal is calibrated to coincide with a predefined operating temperature range. A comparative device comparing the representative and reference voltage signals is used to determine when the predefined operating temperature range is exceeded. An indicator device responsive to the comparative device is used to indicate a temperature of the hair-styling body exceeding the predefined operating temperature range of the hair-styling body.

Abstract: A safety device for irons used for models includes a control electrical circuit board accommodated within an iron and mounted with a temperature setting knob controllable by a variable resistor, a central processing unit, an output control device, a heater, a sensor, and an indicator having three light emitting diodes of three different colors. When power is on, the central processing unit will examine the control circuit to ensure that the iron is in a normal state before causing the iron to be heated to a set temperature. The central processing unit will keep on checking the control circuit and, once the temperature of the iron is sensed to be unstable or abnormal, the light emitting diodes will indicate trouble and power will be cut off to protect the control circuit board.

Abstract: A low wattage device for heat-liquefying material is described which employs a low volume mass electrical heat exchanger structure to generate a high power density within a dispensing tip; and simultaneously by actuation of an operator controlled momentary on/off switch for energizing the heat exchanger structure heater, the heat-liquefiable material is pressed into effective contact with the heat exchanger structure. The heat exchanger structure is formed by positioning a resistive heating element in contiguous relation to the outer wall of a low volume thermal conducting mass formed into a heat-liquefying material conductor and generates sufficiently high heat at a relatively low wattage to effectively achieve the desired melting within a few seconds. In a further feature, an insulating shield partially envelopes the heat exchanger structure to prevent contact with the resistive heating element and to minimize heat loss.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having a resistively-heated heating component responsive to a power source for generating thermal excitation effective for cutting tissue and carrying out hemostasis. The surgical instrument includes a support assembly having two leg extensions connected in heat transfer relationship with the heating component. Two thermal transition regions are provided within the heating component and have extents effective to provide a decreasing temperature gradient and to restrict temperature levels exhibited at the support assembly. The support assembly is formed of high thermally conductive material and extends from the transition regions to an elongate shaft. This shaft is in heat transfer relationship with the support assembly and is formed from a high thermally conductive material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for heating a solid material and dispensing the material as a liquid. A central housing has an inlet, a dispensing orifice and a flow passage extending through the central housing for passing the material from the inlet to the dispensing orifice. A susceptor and induction coil are disposed within the flow passage for immersion within the material after it is liquified. The susceptor includes a conically shaped flow section which extends across the flow passage, and a plurality of flow ports for passing the material. The susceptor further includes a cylindrical section which extends downstream from the flow section for receiving the material from the flow section and passing material to the dispensing orifice. The induction coil is aligned with and spaced downstream from the flow section of the susceptor, surrounding part of the susceptor for electromagnetically inducing electric currents to flow within the flow section.

Abstract: A soldering system is disclosed having a stored program microcontroller by which one or more temperatures can be selected for a soldering iron tip. The system then automatically maintains such tip temperature during the soldering operation. The programmed microcontroller is coupled through input/output and interface circuits to a heating control that in turn is connected to the iron heater element for switching AC power in units of full waveform cycles across the element while the temperature of the tip is measured by a resistor sensor and an associated bridge measurement circuit so as to produce a signal that is applied to an input of the microcontroller forming a feedback loop. This causes the resistor sensor and hence the iron tip to reach the desired temperature.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the soldering process which comprises a soldering ans including a means for monitoring analog heat flow, a means, connected to said soldering means, for converting analog heat flow readings into a digital temperature data points, a computing means, connected to said means for converting analog heat flow readings into digital data points, which smoothes the temperature data points; locates the beginning of the temperature data point decay; locates the beginning of the temperature data point recovery; calibrates the system for monitoring the soldering process; and classifies the current temperature data point input as an iron cleaning operation or a soldering operation.

Abstract: A contact point of a thermocouple sensor is welded to the nose of an iron tip of an electric soldering iron, and sensor wires of the sensor are laid along the surface of the iron tip through a groove to a columnar base of the iron tip. The columnar base of the iron tip is covered, together with the sensor wires situated on its outer surface, with a heater cover. A heater is fitted in an axial bore in the base of the iron tip. The temperature of the iron tip is directly detected by the thermocouple sensor, and on the basis of the detection and a reference temperature, an arithmetic processing is carried out by a signal processor of the temperature controller. Such arithmetic processing is used by the temperature controller to control the electric power supplied to the heater to cause the temperature of the iron tip to coincide with the reference temperature.

Abstract: A heated probe and sensor tip incorporating a thermocouple located near the distal end of the probe. Improved temperature monitoring and control are achieved through placement of a thermocouple at or near the heating surface. In one embodiment of the device, the heating tip surface forms one half of a thermocouple junction. In another embodiment, a spiral resistive ribbon is formed integrally with the tip and comprises a resistive heating element. In an alternative embodiment of the device, a replaceable tip is described. A method for producing the device is also described. The thermocouple is preferably formed by the junction between the heating tip and a heating wire that surrounds the tip. The tip is preferably mounted in an insulative body which is, in turn, mounted at the distal end of a conductive support tube. Power is then delivered to the heating wire through the support tube and a lead connected to the heating tip.

Abstract: A low cost heater element is disclosed which is formed of a wire wound mica paper substrate and a mica paper cover and a low cost diode acting as a negative temperature coefficient of resistance NTC temperature sensor. A control circuit provides power to the heater element in proportion to the line voltage. As a result, a light weight, low cost heater element is employed for various line voltages available throughout the world. The system employs digital logic to achieve temperature sensing, power sensing and indication that the system is on and operating at the correct temperature.

Abstract: A soldering tip is provided with a protrusion extending from its operative region to permit an opening to extend therethrough. Thermocouple wires are disposed in the opening and mechanically urged into thermal contact with the operative region. One embodiment of the present invention provides a protrusion extending from the central region of the soldering tip which is deformed by compression after thermocouple wires are inserted into an opening extending through the protrusion. An alternative embodiment of the present invention incorporates two protrusions to define a gap therebetween into which the thermocouple wires can be disposed. After disposing the wires in the gap, an annular member is placed around both protrusions and a spring urges the annular member downward to press the thermocouple against the bottom of the gap and in thermal contact with the central region of the soldering tip.

Abstract: A device for removing deer ticks and similar insects from a person's skin is disclosed. The device includes a heatable pointed needle and a spoon member located in spaced relationship alongside the needle with the bowl of the spoon facing the needle. The needle is used for poking the tick in order to cause it to retract its stinger and back off of the skin, at which point the tick may be removed in its entirety by scooping it with a spoon member located next to the hot needle. In a first embodiment of the invention, the needle and spoon member are carried on a body unit or base member in the form of a hand held gun, and the needle may be heated by an internal, self-electrical power source and heating element, or by a secondary heat source. In a second embodiment, the needle and spoon are mounted on a base member which may be attached to a flame-type cigarette lighter to heat the needle.

Abstract: An electrical lock thawing device includes a housing formed from a water-proof rubber material and enclosing a rechargeable battery and an electrical heating element. A switch on the housing is operative to selectively connect the battery to the heating element and a removable elongated blade extends through a slot in an end wall of the housing. The blade is heated by the heating element and is insertable into a key slot of a frozen lock. An electrical plug on a rotatable cylindrical member is mounted for movement between extended and retracted positions with respect to the housing and serves to connect the rechargeable battery to a conventional AC outlet. A resilient detent member selectively actuated by a spring-biased push button is operative to secure the rotatable plug in a selected position. The removable thawing blade may be formed in a variety of different key configurations for use in various different locks. A spring ball detent is utilized to removably retain the blade within the housing.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron has a barrel connected to a handle a one end and provided with an electric heating element for heating a tip at its other end. A detachable temperature sensor unit is located within the barrel and includes a tubular housing having a temperature sensor projecting from one end and positioned within a hollow bore in the tip to monitor the temperature thereof and electrical contacts on its other end readily detachably connected to electrical contacts of a heating control unit located within the handle. Either the temperature sensor or the housing is spring biased to urge the temperature sensor into close proximity with the tip.

Abstract: A temperature controlled soldering iron includes an elongated heater assembly with a hollow soldering tip at one end, containing a heating element and a temperature sensing element, which is responsive to the temperature of the tip. The heater assembly includes an outer conductive sheath concentrically disposed around an inner conductive sheath, both of which are attached to a steel bushing. A constantan rod is disposed within the inner sheath and connected to the bushing to form a thermocouple junction therewith. The heating element is connected at one end to the bushing and at the other end to a tubular conductor disposed around and insulated from the constantan wire. A temperature controller surveys the temperature sensed at the thermocouple junction by connection to the constantan wire and the outer sheath. The voltage applied between the tubular conductor and the inner sheath is automatically varied to control the temperature of the heater assembly.

Abstract: A device for sealing folders, parcels, and the like. The device comprises a handle which carries at its free end a metal plate containing an image to be printed, a thermoelectric element for heating the plate, and a heat accumulator for maintaining the temperature of the plate. An adhesive thermolabile tape comprises a semi-transparent film of cellulose acetate carrying on one of its faces a layer of colored adhesive material. The film is "scorched" by the action of the seal so as to display in an indelible way, the image of the latter.

Abstract: An electrically heated soldering iron which is particularly adapted for surface mounting components on printed circuit boards. A unitary member rotatably joins together a pair of channel-shaped arms and resiliently biases the arms in a normally open position which is defined by a pair of overlapping members in the center portion of the iron. The arms are selectively moveable by a user toward each other to a closed position and the channel portions of the arms are adapted to retain the unitary member, the pair of overlapping members, and detachable assemblies of U-shaped soldering tips for applying heat to surface mounted electronic components. The U-shaped soldering tips are comprised of dissimilar conductors joined together to unitarily provide a soldering tip, heating element for heating the tip and a thermocouple for sensing the temperature of the tip.

Abstract: A soldering tip is provided with a sensor to sense soldering tip temperature during a soldering cycle. The sensor is embedded in the soldering tip and positioned immediately adjacent to the tip's working surface. The sensor location provides rapid response to changing conditions at the tip's working surface. A microprocessor, responsive to the sensor, is provided to process the tip temperature data to control the power delivered to the heater which provides heat to the soldering tip. A visual and/or audio display also can be coupled to the processor. The microprocessor can be coupled to a further processor having long-term memory so that the collected data may be subsequently retrieved and displayed.

Abstract: A metallic soldering tip is disclosed having a forward, outer retaining rim and a rear inwardly tapered skirted end of the character to be fitted loosely over a ceramic rod heating element. The tip is axially slotted from its rear edge to a point forward of the retaining rim. An inner sheath over the rear portion of the ceramic rod has a flared forward end which engages the tapered skirted end of the soldering tip while the reduced diameter forward end of an outer retaining sheath engages the retaining rim of the soldering tip and is drawn forcefully rearwardly by a retaining nut threaded onto the handle or body of the soldering implement. The rearward displacement of the outer sheath forces the slotted skirted portion of the soldering tip to press inwardly against the ceramic heating element by virtue of the tapered relation between the inner sheath, the rear of the soldering tip, retaining rim and the forward end of the outer retaining sheath.

Abstract: A temperature controlled soldering iron with a heating element having a positive temperature coefficient arranged as one leg of a Wheatstone resistance bridge such that the voltage across the heating element signals the temperature of the soldering iron. A comparator is connected across opposite nodes of the bridge and turns off a switching element to cut current flow through the bridge when the heating element is above the desired temperature. A pulse generator continuously supplies pulses to briefly restart current flow through the bridge and allow the temperature to be sensed. The pulses are short duration and occur regardless of whether the comparator has previously turned off current flow, and independent of the temperature of the heating element. After each pulse the comparator controls current flow by leaving the flow on or turning it off according to the temperature of the heating element as measured by comparison of the voltages on the opposite nodes of the bridge.

Abstract: A soldering system includes M soldering tools, where M is .gtoreq.1 and is an integer and N soldering tips where N is .gtoreq.1 and is an integer with one of the N tips attached to one of the M soldering tools. The soldering system also includes a control circuit connected to the one tool having the one tip attached to it. The control circuit maintains the one tip at a desired temperature. The control circuit has a device for inputting the desired temperature at which the control circuit maintains the temperature of the one tip. In a preferred embodiment, each of the N tips have an identity and each of the M tools have an identity. The control circuit maintains the one tip attached to the one tool at a desired temperature which is inputted into the control circuit through the input device. The control circuit identifies which of the N tips is attached to the tool by the identity of the one tip attached to the one tool being inputted into the control circuit through the input.

Abstract: A method is described for controlling the operating temperature of a soldering iron to a predetermined value, several temperature sensors being provided in the soldering iron distributed over the length of the soldering iron, the measured values of which are supplied to a computer which controls the heating element of the soldering iron.By this method the temperature of the soldering tip, which is especially important for satisfactory operation, can be adjusted especially exactly, because the computer infers the temperature of the soldering tip from the measured temperatures via an appropriate program.

Abstract: The invention provides for placing a material to be scribed in a gaseous atmosphere and contacting the surface of the material with a non-cutting heated tip. The heated tip is rounded to prevent cutting and is moved relative to the material. The tip is heated during the scribing operation, either continuously at a prescribed level, or discontinuously in order to maintain the average temperature at a prescribed level.

Abstract: A card controlled temperature control device for soldering iron in which only a specific person can set and control the tip temperature of the soldering iron. The device comprises a card having a specific identification code, a card identifier for identifying the idententification code, an input section for entering a set value, a set value judging component for judging if the entered set value is in the allowable range or not, and temperature control circuitry controlling the heater of soldering iron on the basis of the set value within the allowable range, whereby the iron tip temperature is allowed to be set and operated by a specific person having a specific card and its misoperation is prevented.

Abstract: A glue transporting mechanism for a molten glue discharging device essentially comprising a heating element, a transporting tube and a gear to move the introduced glue strip such that the heating element means the strip and the melted glue is delivered through the tube.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus comprises at least one soldering iron (19) with a heating element (21) and a regulating circuit including a temperature sensor (22) for regulating the working temperature of the soldering iron (19) to a predeterminable desired value (51). The apparatus is characterized by a circuit (45) connected to the soldering unit (19) which at least temporarily stores values corresponding to a time-dependent temperature plot for the soldering iron (19), and also by a monitoring circuit (14) which is connected to the memory circuit. The monitoring circuit monitors during the operation of the soldering iron, from the stored values for the temperature plot, determines whether the temperature undergoes an excursion beneath or above predeterminable upper and lower temperature limits (52, 53) and initiates an alarm signal when the duration of the excursion exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A desoldering system utilizes a hot air soldering instrument which includes a hollow elongated cylindrical heating element capable of generating a high temperature. The cold input air is forced to move about the outer surface of the heating element. It is then directed to move between the inner surface of the heating element and the outer surface of an inner tube, whereby a primary and a secondary heating chamber are provided. In each heating chamber an open coil form or spring may be disposed to further increase the tortuous path of the air, and the heated air exits from the inner tube into a soldering tip from it is discharged, thus to provide a very hot air jet for soldering or desoldering purposes. Various modified instruments are disclosed for permitting either a hot air jet tip or a conventional soldering tip to be used. Also, a permanent air connection is featured in another modification to obviate the necessity of disassembling the air hose and other connections.

Abstract: An accurate, setting-protected, temperature controlled soldering iron has a control circuit including a non-adjustable replaceable resistor mounted near the junction of the handle and the tube which holds the soldering tip. When it is desired to change the temperature of the soldering tip, the handle must be disassembled from the tube to replace the non-adjustable resistor. Very accurate control of temperature at the soldering tip is maintained by the utilization of different laser trimmed resistors having extremely accurate resistances. A window is provided in the soldering handle to observe a number associated with the value of the non-adjustable replaceable resistor.

Abstract: A soldering iron temperature regulator capable of calibrating the measuring error of the temperature sensor for detecting the tip temperature of a soldering iron at ordinary temperature. It comprises a temperature control part for adjusting the heating temperature of the heater on the basis of the set value of a temperature setting part and the measured temperature by a temperature sensor, a variable resistor connected to the temperature sensor, and a calibration circuit for matching the tip measured temperature by the temperature sensor with the ambient temperature of the tip at room temperature, in which after matching the measured temperature by the temperature sensor with the ordinary ambient measured temperature by the output adjustment of the calibration circuit, the heating temperature of the tip is set to a specified temperature by the temperature setting parts, and this value is entered into the temperature control part.

Abstract: A card controlled temperature control device for a soldering iron in which only a specific person can set and control the tip temperature of the soldering iron. The device comprises a control card having a temperature setting part, a card identification part for identifying that the control card is capable of setting the temperature, a set value judging part for judging if the input numerical value of the temperature setting part is in the allowable range or not, and a temperature control part for controlling the heater of the soldering iron on the basis of the set value within the allowable range. These enable the iron tip temperature to be set and operated by a specific person having specific control card and unauthorized improper operation is prevented.

Abstract: A dual temperature hair curler has a hollow heat transmitting metallic barrel enclosing a pair of PTC heaters connected in series to each other and electrically insulated from the barrel by an oxide-filled silicone rubber material. The PTC heaters have different anomaly temperatures and a switch arrangement is provided for (1) energizing the higher anomaly temperature heater a series with the lower anomaly temperature heater to produce a low temperature limited by the anomaly temperature of the lower temperature heater and (2) effectively energizing only the higher anomaly temperature heater to produce a high temperature limited by the anomaly temperature of the higher temperature of the higher temperature heater by bypassing the lower anomaly temperature heater.

Abstract: An electric iron for heating and releasing the adhesive of a bonding tape used to join fiberglass panels for insulating heating and air conditioning ducts includes a generally S-shaped resistance heating element disposed in a recess on the upper side of a planar sole plate of the iron. A body section is secured over the upper side of the sole plate and covers a layer of refractory material continguously covering the sole plate and heating element to prevent heat dissipation upwardly therefrom. Additional thermal insulation in the form of planar gaskets and layer of spun fibrous material is provided above the refractory layer and the body section is vented by openings through the walls thereof. The heating element is thermostatically controlled and is protected by a high temperature limit fuse as well as an excess current fuse. The sole plate may be made V-shaped so as to engage inside or outside corners formed by abutting panels being joined.

Abstract: A temperature controlled soldering iron wherein the same pair of dissimilar conductors, joined together, unitarily provides a soldering tip, a heating element for heating the soldering tip and a thermocouple for sensing the temperature of the soldering tip. When current is supplied to the conductors, a temperature effect is produced which is in addition to the normal heating of the conductors and results in a corresponding voltage which varies directly with the temperature of the conductors. The voltage is applied to a control circuit where it is amplified, compared against a reference voltage, corresponding to a pre-selected soldering temperature, and the voltage derived from said comparison is applied to regulating the current used for heating the dissimilar conductors. The dissimilar conductors are formed from wires of dissimilar metals and mounted in a generally cylindrical handle by a means which minimizes handle temperatures.

Abstract: An indirectly heatable curling iron (10) has a curling mandrel (12) inserted into the cradle (17) of an electric heating assembly (18) of a separate heating station (11) to establish an intimate thermal contact therebetween for heating the mandrel (12) to a temperature of between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. First and second force components of relatively opposite direction act directly on the inserted curling mandrel such that the first force component, provided by a spring (21) or gravity, causes disengagement of the mandrel (12) from the heating assembly (18), while the second force component causes the mandrel (12) to intimately contact the assembly (18).

Abstract: A bobbin assembly for a soldering/desoldering device may be readily produced by utilization of a heater assembly comprising an electrically insulating tape having an etched foil heater in the form of serpentine comprising a plurality of coextensive side by side parallel leg portions bonded to one side thereof. The bobbin assembly is formed by wrapping the heater assembly about a cylindrical bobbin with the heater leg portions parallel to the bobbin axis so as to form a first insulating layer in contact with the bobbin, a layer comprising the heater in contact with the first layer and a second insulating layer in contact with the heater. A wire is then wound about the entire assembly, in a helical manner, to hold all elements in place. Additionally, a dissimilar metal lead may be spot welded to the bobbin to form a thermocouple junction used for sensing the bobbin assembly temperature.

Abstract: A hand held, electronically controlled soldering instrument in which the electronic control module is placed several feet along the power cord away from the tool utilizes the power cord leads to measure the resistance of the heater element during each inflection point of the AC input power. The resistance magnitude is used to provide a signal which is a function of the temperature of the heater element. This signal, in turn, is used to control the electric current to the heater element. This arrangement thermally isolates the heater element and the sensitive electronic control circuit and also removes the heat generating circuitry from the handle of the soldering tool. The handle is further cooled by minimizing the heat flow from the heater element to the handle and by using conductors in the power cord as heat sinks to remove heat from the base end of the heater element shaft.

Abstract: An electric heating element with a resistance element, a metal sheath in heat transfer relation to the resistance element on one side of the sheath and a thin, dry coating of refractory material major proportion by weight of which is boron nitride on another side of the sheath to be placed in heat transfer relation to an object to be heated. A method of enhancing the heat-transfer qualities of a metal sheathed electric heating element includes coating the metal sheath, on a surface to be placed in heat-transfer relation to an object to be heated, with a liquid slurry of refractory material a major proportion of which is boron nitride, drying and outgassing the coating and mounting the sheathed element on an object to be heated with the coating in contact with the object.

Abstract: A heating structure is described having both a return conductor and a heating element consisting of a substrate of a non-magnetic material having high thermal and electrical conductivity, clad with a surface layer of a ferromagnetic material of relatively low electrical conductivity.

Abstract: A thermal cautery system having an endoscopically deliverable probe connected to a power supply and display unit. The power supply and display unit, when triggered by a footswitch, energizes a voltage regulator having a current limited output that supplies power to the probe. The current limiting function of the voltage regulator is disabled for a predetermined period that power is initially applied to said probe to minimize the heating time of said probe. The current through said probe is sensed and used to increase the voltage at the output of the voltage regulator as the current increases to compensate for the voltage drop in the conductors connecting the probe to the power supply. A manually selected portion of the sensed current through the probe is also integrated and used to terminate the flow of current through the probe when the integral of the current with respect to time has reached a predetermined value.

Abstract: A soldering iron bit is heated by an electrical heating element including a resistive element consisting of granular boron carbide packed in a quartz tube embedded in a piece of copper. A first power lead is electrically connected to the boron carbide at one end of the quartz tube. This first power lead passes through and is electrically insulated from the piece of copper. The second power lead is electrically connected to the boron carbide at the other end of the quartz tube, either directly or via the piece of copper. In use, connection of the first and second leads to an electrical power source causes the resistive element to generate heat in a very fast manner and to transmit this heat to the piece of copper. The piece of copper may be connected to or constitute the soldering bit and can be provided with a built-in thermostat comprising a meltable salt inserted in a hole provided in the piece of copper.

Abstract: A device for bipolar high-frequency coagulation of biological tissue between two contact faces of a coagulating instrument. The two contact faces are connected to an output of a high-frequency generator. A temperature sensor is arranged near each of the two contact faces. A circuit for evaluating the measured temperatures and/or the temperature differential controls the coagulation temperature and the shutoff of the high-frequency generator as a preselected temperature or temperature differential is exceeded. Moreover, an indicating device is provided for acoustically and/or optically indicating the temperatures on the contact faces as well as the temperature differential between the contact faces.

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: Heater bar assembly for a reflow solder machine comprises first and second fingers (50, 52) carrying U-shaped heater bar (54) which is pivotable on main member 22. A spring urges the heater bar assembly to the centered position. First and second thermocouples (82, 84) are secured to the heater bar (54) and are connected through a transfer switch (104) by which their electrical connections can be alternated. One controls the power supply and the other cuts off the power supply if temperature exceeds the selected temperature.

Abstract: A curling iron provided with an infrared radiation source within a hollow barrel for radiating infrared radiation within a predetermined band. The barrel is substantially transparent to radiation within the band emitted by the source. The curling iron is provided with a hair clip for retaining hair wound about the barrel, the clip also being substantially transparent to this infrared band. A fan is provided for blowing cooling air past the infrared source and through the barrel, the tip of the barrel being sufficiently perforated to pass this cooling air. The curling iron is further provided with a circuit for energizing the infrared source in a predetermined cyclical manner in order to maintain the temperature of the barrel within a predetermined range. A temperature sensor is further provided to sense the temperature of the barrel in order to activate the control circuit accordingly.

Abstract: An improved solder extractor has a tip temperature sensor coaxially disposed about the hollow tubular tip forward of the electric heat generating assembly into the which the tip is inserted and thermally insulated therefrom. The tip is held within the heat generating assembly by a plurality of springs formed as angular sections of a hollow cylinder which are symmetrically disposed about the tip between the tip and the heat generating element. The tip is also provided with a chamfered end which mates with a corresponding chamfer on a detent within the heat generating assembly to form a vacuum seal with a source of vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a line of separation in a plastic work surface includes a tool having a tool holder of thermally conductive material, an electric heating element and a tool member having a separating point. The holder is surrounded by an insulating member and includes a sleeve portion in which the tool member is releasably secured, the tool member projecting from the body in freely exposed manner with the separating point remote from the holder whereby the work surface may be engaged solely by the separating point which comprises a tip from which a surrounding surface extends in divergent manner. The holder is arranged to conduct heat from the heating element to the tip and suitable control means are provided for regulating the heating element temperature to a desired value.

Abstract: A miniaturized, endoscopically deliverable thermal cautery probe for cauterizing internal vessels. The probe is applied to tissues cold, and a large number of electric heating pulses of equal energy are then applied to an internal heating element in the probe. The probe has an internal heating element in direct thermal contact with an active heat-transfer portion that has a low heat capacity to insure quick heating and subsequent cooling, thereby adequately coagulating tissue while minimizing heat penetration and resulting tissue damage. The electrical power applied to the probe is continuously measured and is terminated when the energy delivered reaches a preset value. The number of such pulses applied to the probe (and hence the total energy delivered) may be preset while the duration of the period during which the pulses were applied is displayed.

Abstract: An electrical ice cream dipper is provided and consists of a handle portion having a finger grip area, a scoop portion having a semi-spherical bowl therein affixed to the handle portion, means for heating the scoop portion, means for controlling the temperature in the scoop portion and a stand having a pair of folding legs built into the handle portion so that the scoop portion will be supported when not in use.

Abstract: In a device for melting and dispensing measured amounts of a thermoplastic adhesive, the adhesive is melted in a housing having a handle with a pistol-like grip. Two separate heating stages are provided in the housing, a higher temperature heating stage for use during operation and a lower temperature heating stage effective when the operation of the device is temporarily interrupted. A control member, such as a sensor, is provided in the handle so that when it is gripped by an operator, and the device is connected to a power supply, the sensor switches over to the higher temperature heating stage. With the device connected to the power supply, but the handle and the sensor not gripped by the operator, only the lower temperture heating stage is effected. If there is a temporary interruption in use, and the handle is released, the sensor effects a changeover from the higher temperature heating stage to the lower temperature heating stage.

Abstract: A soldering iron is heated by electric resistance heating elements comprising barium titanate PTC thermistors. The soldering iron has an elongated copper bit with a cone shaped bit tip and an elongated back body having a generally rectangular cross section coupled to the bit tip. A pair of flat PTC thermistor heater assemblies sandwich the back body of the bit and are in thermal contact therewith. The heater assemblies are pressed against the back body of the bit with spring contact. A hand-grip is coupled with the bit. The total contact area S.sub.1 between the PTC thermistor heater assemblies and the back body is in the range from 1.0 cm.sup.2 to 25 cm.sup.2 and the transverse cross sectional area S.sub.2 of the back body is in the range from 0.1 cm.sup.2 to 3.0 cm.sup.2.