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.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquifying a rod of binding by application of heat includes a die-cast aluminum heating member having an elongated conical first channel decreasing in diameter from an inlet adapted to receive a rod of liquifiable bonding material through an elastic funnel surrounding the inlet to an outlet for discharging liquified material through a one-way valve. An electric heater is disposed in a second channel in said member parallel to the first channel and includes an elongated electrically insulating and elastic housing defining a cylindrical cartridge receiving at least one flat PTC resistor disposed between at least a pair of pressure bodies in the housing on opposite sides of the least one PTC resistor. At least one elongated, curved leaf spring is disposed between one of the pressure bodies and at least one PTC resistor for applying pressure to the bodies and the at least one PTC resistor to maintain constant contact pressure therebetween even under thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: A soldering iron is heated by an electric resistance heating element comprising a PTC thermistor having a positive temperature coefficient. The soldering iron has an elongated bit of copper with a cone shaped bit tip and a cylindrical back portion coupled with said bit tip. The back portion has a pair of arms and a slit between the arms for accepting the heating element with spring contact whereby the arms operate not only to transfer the heat to the tip, but also to fix the heating element in the slit tightly. The PTC thermistor is made mainly of Barium-titanate and has the additive of a small amount of calcium for improving the withstand voltage of the thermistor so that a commercial power supply can supply the power directly to the soldering iron. The total contact area S.sub.1 between the PTC thermistor and the back body being from 1.0 cm.sup.2 to 25 cm.sup.2 and the transverse cross sectional area S.sub.2 of the back body which contacts the thermistor being from 0.1 cm.sup.2 to 3.0 cm.sup.2.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of monitoring the temperature of a cutting element in a sterile docking apparatus for splicing two sterile thermoplastic tubes together by using a resistor-heated cutting means, the method comprises (1) supplying a constant current to the resistor; (2) measuring the initial voltage of the resistor; (3) calculating, according to predetermined empirical relationship(s), the voltage, time or both required to achieve a desired cutting means temperature if the initial voltage is within a suitable range, (4) measuring repeatedly the voltage of the resistor and the time to determine whether (a) the voltage reaches the calculated voltage within a specified time frame or (b) the calculated time has been reached within a specified voltage range and (5) splicing the tubes with the cutting means if the time frame or voltage range is met. The method is also applicable to other resistor-heated elements in other devices having a constant heat load environment.

Abstract: The electronic circuit of a laundry iron comprises at least one heat-generating element such as a triac or a dropping resistor. The heat dissipator comprises a tubular metallic casing which contains the electronic circuit and is housed within the handle of the laundry iron. The internal cross-section of the handle is similar in shape to the external cross-section of the tubular casing and a thermal bond is provided between the casing and the handle.

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: The carpet seaming tape activator disclosed comprises a hand-operated electric iron having a base with an insulated bottom. The base of the iron defines a tunnel, through which heat-activated adhesive tape for carpet seaming can pass. The heating element of the iron is disposed inside the base, so that the adhesive on the tape is melted while the tape is entirely enclosed within the iron. The hot tape is thus temporarily isolated from the padding beneath, thereby avoiding damage to the padding and to the backing on the underside of the carpet, as well as avoiding the tendency of the carpet to adhere to the padding underneath.

Abstract: A hand-held device for the local heat treatment of a patient's skin comprises a casing composed of a lower treatment part having a bottom wall with an external treatment face, and an upper handle part, and an electric heating unit in the treatment part comprising a power transistor with a cooling vane and a heat sensor, the cooling vane and the heat sensor being in heat transfer contact with the interior surface of the bottom wall, and an electric circuit unit inside the treatment part for controlling electric current flow through the power transistor depending on temperature variations detected in the bottom wall by the heat sensor. The circuit is fed low voltage direct current from a source therefor.

Abstract: An apparatus for melting the occlusal surface of wax occlusal rims to approximate the patient's proper plane of occlusion. The apparatus includes a heated planar member inclined from horizontal to produce gravity induced flow of melted wax into a receptacle.

Abstract: A dual temperature electric hair curling iron has a barrel rotatable relative to a rigid handle by means of a friction clutch therebetween. The barrel includes a plurality of apertures allowing steam or mist generated within the barrel to flow into contact with the hair being curled. An electric heater in the barrel is controlled by a low limit (220.degree. F.) thermostat and a high limit (270.degree. F.) thermostat located within the barrel. A normally open momentary contact switch manually operated by a ring-like arm encompassing the a front portion of the handle is arranged in circuit with the thermostats and heater in such a manner that the low limit thermostat controls the temperature of the barrel when the switch is in its normal open position. Closing of the switch by movement of the arm relative to the handle disables the low limit thermostat and allows the barrel temperature to increase to the limit set by the high limit thermostat thereby allowing tighter curls to be produced.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron includes an electric heating element mounted on an elongated stem rigidly secured in cantilever fashion at one end to a casing having a pistol grip handle. A soldering bit surrounds the heating element in spaced relation thereto for receiving heat essentially by radiation therefrom and is supported on one end of a protective tube resiliently mounted at its other end to the casing independently of the stem. A vibrator elastically mounted in the casing is coupled to the protective tube for vibrating the soldering bit at a frequency of 10-100 Hz without effecting vibration of the heating element. The handle is provided with a magnet for maintaining the soldering iron in an upright position on a stand comprising an iron plate adapted to be secured to a surface by vacuum cups. The soldering iron is provided with an adjustable light for illuminating the work area and an electronic heater control for regulating the soldering bit temperature.

Abstract: An electrically heated hair curling instrument, such as a curling iron, includes heating element having an outer tube enclosing a thermistor located between a pair of longitudinally spaced electric heating coils and arranged in contact with the tube interior surface. The heating element is detachably connected to the end of a handle assembly by mating electrical connectors. An electric cord connects the heating coils and thermistor through the mating connectors and a rotatable mandrel and slip rings in the handle assembly to a temperature control box mounted in a stand having means for supporting the curling instrument when not in use. A manually-adjustable temperature control circuit located in the control box and responsive to the temperature of the heating element as measured by the thermistor controls energization of the curling instrument, depending on the type of hair being curled. The stand and control box can be arranged to accomodate and control two curling instruments of different size.

Abstract: An electronic temperature control circuit for regulating the soleplate temperature of an electrically heated pressing iron is located in the handle and supporting structure of the iron. The electronic circuit includes a thyristor controlling energization of the soleplate heater and tending to emit heat. The thyristor is mounted to a heat dissipating cooling plate located within a leakproof cavity in the supporting structure remotely from the other electronic components of the control circuit tending to be adversely affected by heat. The cooling plate and thyristor are mounted on a detachable wall closing the cavity and shaped to provide a resting stand which allows the iron to be rested flatly on a horizontal surface without the soleplate contacting the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus having a high temperature probe and a low temperature probe, with each probe adapted to make thermal contact with a microelectronic device under test for sequentially heating the device first to a preselected high temperature and then cooling the device to a preselected low temperature. A control system is provided, connected to each of the probes by a small diameter, flexible cable. Each probe is a small, box-like structure having a heat sink as a base, a resistance heater attached to the heat sink, and a heat-sensing diode embedded in the heat sink. The control system senses the heat sink temperature and controls current through the heater to maintain the heat sink at a preselected temperature. The high temperature probe is placed on the top surface of a device under test and serves to add heat quickly thereto to bring the device to a preselected temperature above ambient.

Abstract: A thermoelectric diagnostic instrument including a housing, a thermocouple device in the housing and thermoconductor means for delivering heat and cold from the thermocouple device to contact elements located externally of the housing. Heat dissipating means including a heat sink for receiving excess heat from the thermocouple device and means for directing ambient air into engagement with the heat sink is also located in said housing.

Abstract: A hair roller holder comprises an elongated hollow handle defining a chamber for successively accommodating a plurality of hair rollers. Associated with the chamber is an arrangement for electrically heating the rollers therein. The chamber has an inlet opening at one end for insertion of the rollers in unheated condition and an outlet opening at the other end for discharge of the rollers in heated condition. Adjacent such outlet opening and externally of the chamber is a support for receiving a heated roller in a manner so that hair can be wrapped onto the roller and the roller can be manipulated by the handle. Provision is made in the chamber for guiding movement of the successive rollers therethrough onto the support. The movement guiding means may comprise guide pins in the chamber upon which the rollers are slidable and which are provided with electric heating elements for heating the rollers.

Abstract: A temperature control system for a resistance element which is heated by a power supply connected to it by a switching member, the switching member being controlled by an electronic circuit which is operative to produce alternate ON-cycles and OFF-cycles whose durations are controlled by separate time constants. The durations of these alternate cycles respectively set the higher and lower temperature limits within which the heating element temperature remains. The electronic circuitry further provides a single initial ON-cycle of greater duration which occurs only when the circuit is newly turned ON and operates to bring the resistance element up to operating temperature from ambient temperature, an indicator being provided to glow during each ON-cycle interval. The control system is illustrated for use with a soldering iron which is supportable in a cradle connected with a switch to turn OFF the system when the iron rests in the cradle.

Abstract: A heated hair straightener has a handle connecting to an electric source and a pair of scissor-like clamp housings pivoted on the handle and having facing coverplate surfaces for clamping and straightening the hair. This combination has an improvement in the heater sub-assembly fitting in one of the housings and formed as a sandwich arrangement including an aluminum coverplate, a copper elongated heater plate forming a first electrode connected to one side of the line and electrically insulated from the coverplate by a thin dielectric film. Plural PTC heater pellets are aligned on the heater plate and held by an insulating locator panel having cut-outs fixing the pellets on the heater plate. A second electrode, formed as a corrugated stainless steel spring plate covers and abuts the PTC pellets and is connected to the other side of the line. Next is a phenolic or ceramic insulator member with a recess for the corrugated spring plate to fit and abut therein.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and a power supply system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorrhage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasis).

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and a power supply system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasis).

Abstract: A manually operable device for pressing fabric comprising two triangular-shaped jaws, each of which has a flat surface portion. These surface portions face each other and constitute the working surfaces of the device. The two jaws are each secured to a handle. These handles are pivotally joined by a hinge so disposed that the two flat surface portions are separated from each other or are in parallel pressure engagement. The separated position of the surface portions constitutes the loading position of the device for inserting fabric between the two jaws and the other position constitutes the pressing position for pressing fabric inserted between the two jaws. Springs coacting with the handles bias the same into one or the other of the two positions.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and an automatic control system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue, and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorrhage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasis).

Abstract: A combined electrosurgery/cautery system wherein a common heater/electrode element is employed to effect electrosurgical and cautery procedures.

Abstract: A controllable electric heating device uses a PTC resistance body having first areal electrode on one surface and two spaced apart areal electrodes of different areal size on the opposite surface in overlapping relation with a part of the first electrode to provide at least two current paths through the resistance body between the opposite surfaces. The first electrode is connected to one terminal of a voltage source. A switching device selectively connects one or more of the two spaced apart electrodes to the other terminal of the voltage source so that the effective electrode areas are altered thereby adjusting the current flow in the PTC body to produce different temperature levels of the heating device.

Abstract: A self-regulating heating element comprising a tubular body closed at each end and containing two longitudinal electrically and thermally conductive flat strips arranged parallel to and spaced from each other. Each flat strip is provided along at least one longitudinal edge thereof with an abutting longitudinal resilient heat-conductive strip conforming with the adjacent surface of the inner wall of the tubular body so as to be in resilient heat-exchange contact with such inner surface for conducting heat from the flat strip to the tubular body. At least one PTC resistor is positioned between and in electrical and heat-exchange contact with the parallel flat strips, electrical terminals extending through the tubular body into contact with the flat strips. Such heating elements find particular use as immersion heaters for liquids and as the heat source in hair-curling devices.

Abstract: An electrical heater assembly comprising a heat generating element and a temperature regulating device supported by a heat conducting core of electrically insulating material is constructed to provide a thermal path for conducting heat from the heat generating means to the temperature regulating device with minimum thermal resistance, whereby temperature fluctuation is minimized. The temperature regulating device is substantially encircled by terminal means electrically coupling the temperature regulating device in circuit with the heat generating element. The temperature regulating means is disposed substantially entirely within a cavity in the core so that substantially all of the outer peripheral surface of the terminal means is in friction contact with the surface of the cavity.

Abstract: A hair curler includes an apertured cylindrical shell about which hair to be curled is wound. Mounted within the shell are two semicylindrical mounting components which donfine between themselves a plurality of spaced apart pill-shaped PTC resistor bodies. The engaging surfaces of the pill-shaped resistor bodies and of the semicylindrical mounting components are complementary and cylindrical, to establish good electrical and thermal contact between the engaging surface portions. Voltage is applied across the two semicylindrical mounting components, causing the generation of heat within the PTC resistor bodies. The PTC action of the latter causes an automatic limiting of temperature, preventing damage to hair. The generated heat is transmitted to a heating plate in contact with a wick extending into a water container. Water evaporates from the wick and steam passes into the interior of the apertured cylindrical shell, out through the apertures thereof, and into contact with the hair wound around the curler.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument includes an electrically heated cutting edge and an automatic control system for maintaining the cutting edge at a constant high temperature for sterilizing the blade, cutting tissue, and cauterizing the incised tissue to reduce hemorrhage from the cut surfaces of the tissues (hemostasie).

Abstract: A tool adapted to simultaneously heat a plurality of spaced electrical elements for soldering includes an elongated heat generating member connected between spaced, parallel, relatively massive and high conductivity rectangular cross section bars. An arcuate lower portion of the heat generating member disposed between the bars is adapted to contact the surface to be soldered. Electrical current applied to one end of one bar and to the opposite end of the other bar is directed uniformly through the heat generating member transverse to the elongated dimension thereof to provide a uniform temperature to all the spaced elements. Upon discontinuation of the electrical current the relatively massive bars are operative to rapidly remove heat from the heat generating member.

Abstract: In a hot melt adhesive dispensing gun, an electronic circuit is constructed to enable the operator to set a desired temperature to which the glue is heated. This set point is automatically raised a predetermined amount when the glue is flowing in order to compensate for the drop in temperature caused by the loss of heat to the glue and atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved soldering-desoldering instrument is disclosed which includes a stainless steel, thin walled sheath having a front end which is both internally and externally threaded: internally for securing the electric heater cartridge, and externally for securing the soldering tip, all in very high thermal energy flow relation. The rear of the sheath is formed integrally with a hexagonal nut to facilitate the indicated threaded assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: A thermal hair styling appliance includes interchangeable attachments, such as hair retaining clips, comb-brush clips or other types of attachments which are selectively attached to an operating button that is pivoted on a handle of the appliance. The appliance further includes a main electric heater which is controlled by a thermostat which, in turn, responds to a pair of auxiliary heaters. By selectively energizing the auxiliary heaters, the temperature of the main heater is controlled. A versatile hair styling appliance is thus provided. According to one embodiment, the operating button includes at least one projection which engages a slot in the end of the attachment being used. The attachment is held within the button by detents which engage other slots in the end of the attachment.

Abstract: A vapor generating hair styling implement is arranged to style hair in contact with a portion of a tubular body uniformly heated by an internally disposed electrical heating assembly having a spacer arranged to contact the tubular body at predetermined points.

Abstract: In an electrical soldering iron having a soldering tip which is heatable to a predetermined operating temperature by means of an electrical heater element and in which electrical heating and control circuits are provided to supply electric current to the heater element in response to predetermined changes in temperature of the soldering tip an electrically conducting sensing element is operatively connected with the soldering tip having a resistance which varies directly with changes in its temperature. The heating circuit has a controlled rectifier as a switch and the control circuit is adapted to regulate said controlled rectifier to open and close the heating circuit in response to a predetermined change in the resistance of the sensing element. The control circuit includes a bridge circuit in which a bias compensating diode is connected to compensate for bias of the controlled rectifier.

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.