Sole Plate-type Pressure Application Means (e.g., Flatiron) Patents (Class 219/245)
  • Patent number: 11203835
    Abstract: An appliance for ironing clothes and similar, comprising a body adapted to support a soleplate and fixed to a handgrip; heating means arranged within said body and connectable to an electricity network for the heating of said plate; and means for generating steam connected to a water tank and to said plate to diffuse steam towards the outside via first and second holes arranged on said plate; said body being mounted rotatable around an axis of lateral rotation passing through said handgrip; said axis passing through said handgrip at an anterior portion of the handgrip and being inclined by an angle with respect to said handgrip so as to allow a user of the appliance to move said body and said plate between a first operating position for ironing said clothes in direct contact with said plate, and a second operating position for vertical steam ironing of said clothes also not directly in contact with the clothes; characterized in that in at said second operating position for vertical ironing, said plate is arra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: De' Longhi Appliances S.r.l. Divisione Commerciale ARIETE
    Inventors: Carlo Rosa, Michele Picchi, Filippo Cifarelli, Alessio Rotondo
  • Patent number: 10463130
    Abstract: A hair styling device comprises a heating contact surface (HP) for applying heat to hair; a temperature sensor (TS) for sensing a hair temperature; and a control circuit to control a heating of the heating contact surface (HP) in such a manner that a first temperature setting that applies when hair is wet, does not exceed a threshold temperature, the threshold temperature not exceeding 120° C., while a second temperature setting of at least 140° C. applies when the hair is not wet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Nikolaj Vasiljevitsj Zjiroecha
  • Patent number: 10407821
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a substrate (16, 24, 34, 64, 71, 82, 102, 165, 171, 181, 201, 300, 310) with optical energy can comprise applying optical energy from a source of optical energy (12, 21, 31, 91, 103, 114, 121, 131, 141, 151, 164, 191, 202) to the substrate. The method can comprise applying the optical energy to a substrate having a cleaning agent applied thereto, the optical energy having one or more optical parameters selected for cleaning the substrate. The method can comprise reading data from a data bearing element (173) associated with the substrate, communicating the data to a processor (154) associated with a cleaning appliance (10, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 161, 200) comprising the source of optical energy, wherein the processor, responsive to the communicated data, controls the cleaning of the substrate with the optical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: John Redvers Clowes
  • Patent number: 10006164
    Abstract: An electric iron includes an iron body defining a steam generation chamber for generation of steam; an iron sole plate formed at a bottom portion of the iron body and provided with an electric heating pipe; a steam nozzle formed on the iron sole plate and being in communication with the steam generation chamber; and an ultraviolet generation device mounted inside the steam generation chamber. The electric heating pipe heats up water supplied to the iron body and produces steam which is disinfected by ultraviolet generated by the ultraviolet generation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Inventor: Lung Wai Choi
  • Patent number: 9999699
    Abstract: A chip sanitizing device comprises an area that is substantially enclosed and includes a sanitizing unit comprising a germicidal bulb and a power source. One or more chips is placed within the device and after the germicidal bulb is activated the one or more chips is sanitized. In another embodiment of the invention a chip rack is modified to include a sanitizing unit comprising a germicidal bulb, a power source and a fan stored in a housing attached to the chip rack. The slots are modified to contain openings to allow ultraviolet light to reach the chips sitting atop the rack. The ultraviolet light may sterilize microorganisms such as germs and bacterium found on chips. A fan is used to provide circulation and may increase the likelihood of germs and bacteria coming into contact with the ultraviolet light. In a further embodiment of the invention a lid is provided that substantially covers the chip rack and stores the sanitizing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Inventor: Assaf Sinai
  • Patent number: 9085848
    Abstract: A carpet seaming iron includes a base assembly and a top cover, within which the heating and control components are located. A bimetal thermostat, an over-temperature cutoff, and/or a thermistor and thermistor cover are secured between the base assembly and top cover by an elevated surface of the base assembly. The base assembly may include a base having an outer groove such that the top cover that fits over the base and in the outer groove of the base. To keep the cord away from a user during operation, the handle of the carpet seaming iron may also be attached to the cord by a rotatable cord guard holder that extends the cord away from the handle and a semi-rigid cord guard that reduces bending of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Crain Cutter Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance Darrell Crain, Gregory Joseph Chambers, Tan Dinh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8481891
    Abstract: An ironing system (500) comprises an iron (510) with a soleplate (512) comprising an induction heatable material. The ironing system (500) further comprises a unit (520, 530) that includes at least one induction coil (540) and a device (550). The induction coil (540) charges the iron (510) whereas the device (550) detects the temperature of the soleplate (512) by sensing a change in current flowing through the induction coil (540) or by sensing a change in voltage across the induction coil (540). The current or voltage changes as self inductance of the induction coil (540) changes with magnetic permeability of the soleplate (512) as a function of its temperature. The device (550) switches the induction coil (540) on or off depending on the detected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Chandra Mohan Janakiraman, Job Jan Van Der Burg, Yong Jiang, Ronald Albert Plantinga
  • Patent number: 8464445
    Abstract: A steam ironing device includes a water supply device, a steam generator for generating steam, a heating element for heating the steam generator, at least one atomizating device, a valve provided in a flow path between the steam generator and the atomizing device, and an electric pump for delivering water from said water supply device to said steam generator. To obtain wet steam at the atomizing device, the ironing device includes a control device for controlling the power of the heating element of the steam generator, for controlling the flow rate of the pump, and for controlling the opening and closing of the valve, the valve being open if the ratio between the flow rate (g/min) of the pump and the power (W) of the heating element is in a range of 1:20 to 1:38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V.
    Inventors: Yong Jiang, Bas Jeroen Oosterman, Boon Khian Ching, Kai Heng Kwok, Mohankumar Valiyambath Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20120136386
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a heat-generating device which includes a heat-generating unit 5a, having a resin member 10a which generates heat upon application of vibration and a vibration unit 11a which imparts vibration to the resin member 10a, and a heat generation control unit 6a which, by controlling the vibration generated by the vibration unit 11a, controls the heat generation of the heat-generating unit 5a in such a manner that the heat-generating unit 5a has a prescribed temperature; a heat-generating method utilizing this device; and a biological tissue-bonding device 1a utilizing the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Akio Kishida, Tsuyoshi Kimura, Seiichi Funamoto, Toru Masuzawa
  • Patent number: 8089030
    Abstract: A portable device is provided that is used to warm a mammography machine and which comprises a warmer and a holder for the warmer, the holder having a charging mechanism for charging the warmer. The warmer includes an enclosed heating element and power source. The heating element is precisely regulated to ensure that the sensitive imaging elements are not damaged by an over-temperature condition, while at the same time permitting a rapid heating of the warmer for high cycle use. The warmer warms surfaces of the mammography machine that contacts human skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Marvel Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Ann Wallin Harrington, Paul A. Pilosi, Nathanial R. Hallee, Ted Klein
  • Publication number: 20110185604
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ironing iron including a sole plate (1), wherein at least one V-shaped recess (6) is placed, said recess (6) being particularly defined by a removable insert (2) forming a contour relative to the plane of the sole plate (1) and comprising at least one steam outlet (3), the recess further communicating with at least one steam inlet (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Serge Voitchovsky
  • Patent number: 7923661
    Abstract: The present invention features an iron being adapted to guide a user through an ironing task. In some embodiments, the iron comprises a plurality of fabric selector switches, a message controller, a speaker, a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor. In some embodiments, said fabric selector switches are operatively connected as inputs to said microprocessor, said temperature sensor is operatively connected to a sole plate of the iron to measure the temperature of the sole plate, and the temperature sensor is also operatively connected as inputs to said microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventor: Chang Sup Lee
  • Patent number: 7838798
    Abstract: A collar iron buck on which the collar of a shift is mounted while being extended in a lateral direction and a press iron for press finishing the collar while pressing against the upper surface of the collar iron buck includes surface corresponding to the central part of the collar in its longitudinal direction that is notched in inverse triangular-shape as seen from a front elevational view. The right and left portions of the supper surface are communicated with the upper surface corresponding to the central part of the collar and corresponding to both ends of the collar in its longitudinal direction are formed into two horizontal plates. First resilient members support the right and left horizontal plates with a resilient pressure selected to be larger than the resilient pressure of second resilient members supporting the inverse triangular-shaped upper surface of the collar iron buck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sankousha Engineering Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Mitsuyuki Uchikoshi
  • Patent number: 7717104
    Abstract: A device comprising an improved electrical hot-air gun for fast ignition of the charcoal-bed of a barbeque charcoal grill for home use having a very short distance between the front of the hot-air gun and the electrical heating wire of the heating assembly and a very high outlet temperature. The hot-air gun also has a scraper mounted on the igniter/heater front to be able to aid in cleaning the grating of a BBQ grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Looft Industries AB
    Inventor: Richard Looft
  • Publication number: 20090159093
    Abstract: An iron for styling hair containing opposed plates having confronting surfaces for clamping a section of hair therebetween wherein surface one or both of the plates, is formed with a plurality of depressions, e.g., dimples, distributed over its surface. The depressions are of sizes that decrease from opposite outer edges of the plate toward the centerline of the plate. At least one of the plates is heated to a temperature in the range of 380° to 450° F. whereby heat can be applied to the section of hair while clamped between the plates. The plates are preferably formed of zeolite and coated with tourmaline. The hair iron is used to facilitate coloring of hair in which coloring is applied to the hair following which the hair is rinsed and is wet, in which the hair iron is used on the wet hair so as to dry the hair, in lieu of a hair dryer, thereby putting an end to all reactions in the coloring process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Kent Yu
  • Patent number: 7199334
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for heating and transferring a workpiece to a forming press for superplastic forming. The apparatus includes a heater assembly, having upper and lower heated platens, mounted to a frame. The heater assembly heats the workpiece to a predetermined temperature. A shuttle assembly operates to remove the heated workpiece from the heater assembly and transfer it to the forming press for forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Peter Friedman, Richard Allor, George Luckey, Jr., Warren Copple
  • Patent number: 7161087
    Abstract: A module is mounted to a object with a fastener and a special washer. The fastener engages the object through a mounting opening in mounting portion of a module case. The washer has a first portion extending obliquely outward and downward to be deformed between the fastener head and an electrically non-conducting surface of the mounting portion and thus increase a mounting force on the module with mounting advancement of the fastener. The washer has a second portion extending axially into the internal opening to contact an electrically conducting insert therein and thus create a series electrical circuit from the typically grounded object through the fastener, washer and insert to a detecting circuit, which verifies that the module is securely mounted with a predetermined mounting force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh R. Hunkeler, James F. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7155117
    Abstract: A hand held appliance for use in applying steam to a garment or other item made of fabric includes a pump, a boiler and a switch. Power is applied through the switch to the pump. The pump pumps water from the water tank to the boiler. The water is converted to steam in the boiler and is expelled from the appliance through a set of nozzles. The appliance may include optional attachments for performing other operations on garments or fabric, for example, applying pressure, brushing, scrubbing or lint removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony Kit Lun Leung, Chung Shun Tse
  • Patent number: 7108910
    Abstract: A carpet tape construction 10 designed for use on top of a layer of padding 100 and beneath the abutting edges of two segments of carpet 200 which form a seam 203 to prevent the peaking of the seam 203 in a finished carpet installation. The tape construction 10 includes a tape backing member 30 having a coating 50, hot melt adhesive provided on surface top 31 and a heat activated contact adhesive 60 on the bottom 32 surface of the backing member 30 so that the hot melt adhesives 50, an the heat activated contact adhesive 60 will penetrate and bond the carpet segments 200, 200 and the padding 100 to the backing member 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventors: Donald R. Smith, Sr., Kenneth D. Bond
  • Patent number: 7021358
    Abstract: An apparatus for the application of aerospace composite laminates 10 is provided, including a non-contaminating outer layer 24 and an insulated base 12. The present invention further includes a constant temperature heating element 22 positioned between the non-contaminating outer layer 24 and the insulated base 12. A battery pack 32 is positioned within the insulated base 12 to power the constant temperature heating element 22. The present invention can further include an ergonomic element 34 mounted to the insulated base 12 to facilitate handling of the apparatus 10 for the application of aerospace composite laminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Landi, Terrance Gondek, Philip Persaud
  • Patent number: 7011797
    Abstract: An improved dry heat method and apparatus for thawing frozen biological fluids utilizing electrically heated plates and oscillatory motion to enhance heat transfer by mixing as the fluid thaws. Bags of frozen fluid to be thawed are lightly squeezed between two heating plates, one of which is gently oscillated to facilitate mixing of the thawing fluid, increasing heat transfer and reducing time required for thawing. Direct contact of the heating plates against the bag surfaces increases heat transfer by eliminating insulative effects of another bag wall and a water boundary layer, compared to water bath units. Flat (or curved to conform to bag) heat pipes are preferred as heating plates compared to plain aluminum sheet. Flat heat pipes have the property of an isothermal heating surface, thus maximizing heat transfer to the coldest areas, preventing hot spots, and simplifying heating plate temperature control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventor: Allan P Bakke
  • Patent number: 6992267
    Abstract: A kind of low-temperature steam electric iron, includes ironing plate, temperature-adjusting plate and temperature adjustable circuit, steam room and its temperature auto-adjusting circuit. A heat insulation layer is positioned between the temperature-adjusting plate and the steam room. A steam passage is formed between the temperature adjusting plate and the ironing plate. The temperature auto-adjusting circuit in the steam room can immediately sense and adjust the temperature variation in the steam room and make sure that the water in the steam room can be fully evaporated, so the low-temperature fabric material can be ironed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Elec-Tech International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Donglei Wang
  • Patent number: 6919537
    Abstract: An electric heat sealer is constructed to include two pivoted arms of substantially T-shaped profile and an electric heating mechanism in one of the arms, each arm having a handhold portion through which the user can hold the electric heat sealer with the left hand or the right hand as desired to directly seal the workpiece with the electric heat sealer, or to operate the electric heat sealer on a worktable when sealing the workpiece. An operation case is selectively used with the electric heat sealer for protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Welcome Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Richard Chang
  • Patent number: 6888102
    Abstract: A carpet seaming iron has two heating elements to maintain the iron at desired temperature with a minimum of temperature oscillation. One element remains energized as long as the iron is switched on, while the other is controlled by a thermostat. With proper selection of the power of the first heating element, the iron achieves a very steady, minimally-oscillating temperature by cycling the second element on and off in response to actual iron temperature during use, supplementing the first element as needed. Larger oscillations such as exhibited with single-element thermostat-controlled irons are avoided by the relatively smaller power of the second element, the only element cycled on and off, even when the thermostat is mechanical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Goodrich-Woo Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Goodrich, Carl Sparks
  • Patent number: 6814273
    Abstract: A system and method for reworking, repairing and upgrading flatwire is disclosed. A repair tool for reworking and/or repairing the flatwire is disclosed for creating subsequent electrical and mechanical joints of equal or greater quality as compared to the original system. The repair tool includes a heating blade, a power controller, a tool assembly, an inerting system, a cooling system, a flatwire cassette, a tool material, a flatwire material, an upgrade/repair procedure and various other aspects for rapidly heating flatwire two join two separate portions of the flatwire. The system and method of the present invention addresses the challenges of working with substrate materials which typically degrade at temperatures commonly used to form solder joints. Further, the soldering tool of the present invention may be a portable, lightweight unit that can be used in the field, for automotive and aerospace applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne Marie Sullivan, Xu Song, Lakhi N. Goenka, Yutaka Kawase, Cuong-Van Pham, Bhavani Shankar Tata, Peter Joseph Sinkunas
  • Publication number: 20040050837
    Abstract: The invention relates to an iron comprising, from the base upwards: a heating soleplate (1); a body (2) which is defined by a casing; and a handle (3), the rear end of which is connected to the body (2) of the iron. The aforementioned handle (3) is connected to the body (2) at the rear end thereof by means of arms (5) which extend outwards from said body in an essentially symmetric manner in relation to the mid-place of the iron, thereby creating an open cavity or space therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Cedric Bontems, David Hilary Powell, Edgar Hipp, Bernard Dugelay
  • Publication number: 20030121900
    Abstract: A kind of low-temperature steam electric iron, which is consisted of ironing plate, temperature-adjusting plate and temperature adjustable circuit, steam room and its temperature auto-adjusting circuit, wherein there is a heat insulation layer between the temperature-adjusting plate and the steam room, and a steam passage is formed between the temperature adjusting plate and the ironing plate. The temperature auto-adjusting circuit in the steam room can immediately sense the temperature variation in the steam room and adjust that, making sure that the water in the steam room can be fully evaporated, so the low-temperature fabric material can be ironed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Donglei Wang
  • Publication number: 20030111455
    Abstract: Disclosed is a domestic appliance, at least comprising an aluminum sole plate which is provided with a coating which is provided by means of a sol-gel process and wherein an intermediate layer is present between the aluminum sole plate and the sol-gel coating. The intermediate layer comprises a multi-layer structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Leo Hubert Maria Krings, Gerard Cnossen, Youg Ling Wu, Soo-Kong Chang
  • Patent number: 6516535
    Abstract: A dual purpose implement can be used as a hair dryer or flatiron. The implement includes a barrel, a barrel grille, a hot plate, a hot air obstruction plate, and a barrel cap. Without the use of the barrel cap, the implement serves as the hair dryer. With the use of the barrel cap in place of the barrel grille, and with the removal of the hot air obstruction plate, the implement serves as the flatiron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Shou Mao Chen
  • Publication number: 20020014479
    Abstract: A combination radio and electric ironing device. Standard radio components and an electrical heating element are built into the thermoplastic casing of the device, which is made of lightweight and durable polymeric material. The electrical heating element is flat bottomed and forms the iron portion of the invention. Standard radio components include an on/off switch, an AM/FM tuner, an AM/FM switch, an AM/FM dial face, two speakers and a retractable antenna. The iron portion of the invention includes an on/off switch and a slidable adjustment bar to control the temperature of the iron. The combination radio and electric ironing device also has a convenient handle and utilizes a standard electrical outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ruben E. Jones
  • Publication number: 20010030183
    Abstract: A heating iron apparatus including an elongate handle with a front end and rear end, a heating element secured to the front end of the elongate handle and powered by a voltage means, and a sole plate engaging means adapted to secure a heat conductive sole plate, the heat conductive sole plate abutting the heating element and translating heat from the heating element to a contact surface wherein the contact surface is pressed against a fabric surface. A temperature control switch in galvanic communication with the voltage means may be incorporated into the apparatus wherein the temperature of the heating element is regulated by the temperature control switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Lorelle LaBarge Bowen
  • Patent number: 6172335
    Abstract: A carpet seaming iron having an internal electronic temperature control circuit including a solid state temperature sensor, a power controller, and a solid state switching device is disclosed. The iron does not use a thermostat for temperature control. The iron includes a baseplate, an electrically powered heating element, a heat shield, a handle and the internally mounted control circuit. The control circuit includes a means for providing a signal to the power controller corresponding to a desired temperature of the iron. A solid state temperature sensor sends a signal to the power controller corresponding to the baseplate temperature. The power controller controls the switching device so that the amount of power supplied to the heating element is proportional to the difference between the baseplate temperature and the desired temperature. Thus as the baseplate becomes hotter, less power is supplied to the heating element, and the seaming iron maintains a stable and precise temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Orcon Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Goodrich
  • Patent number: 6140610
    Abstract: A seaming iron is disclosed for use in carpet repairs requiring a replacement patching plug to be fitted into a cut-out opening in a carpet and attached to carpet surrounding the cut-out opening by hot-melt adhesive seaming tape positioned under the carpet and around a periphery of the cut-out opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Michael A. Siragusa
  • Patent number: 6054679
    Abstract: A molded product is thermally bonded mutually with another molded product by disposing the resistance heating element (20) to the bonding face of product molded with the thermoplastic resin, making the bonding electrode (10) contact the resistance heating element (20) and by impressing the voltage for its heat generation. The heat generation temperature of the resistance heating element (20) at the voltage impressed portion (21) is suppressed to the level lower than the fusion temperature of resin by blowing the cooling gas toward the voltage impressed portion (21) from a vent hole (11) provided on the bonding electrode (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Tohoku Munekata Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ito, Hideaki Sakuma
  • Patent number: 5944943
    Abstract: An improved carpet seaming electric iron of the kind used for making carpet face seams with hot melt adhesive tapes is disclosed. Improved heat transfer and control is achieved by reducing the thermal mass of the iron baseplate, and by providing a raised channel, integral with the top surface of the base plate, for mounting the heating element to efficiently transmit the heat generated by the heating element through the baseplate. A temperature control switch having a sensor is provided for sensing the temperature of the baseplate at the top surface, and for controlling the flow of current to the heating element to return the baseplate to a desired temperature set by the operator. A heat shield is provided to protect the operator and carpet backings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Orcon Corporation
    Inventors: John Bing Hon Kwok, Gary Goodrich
  • Patent number: 5922228
    Abstract: An iron is provided with heat buffering spacers which vertically set apart component elements in a stacked arrangement. The spacers cause gaps between stacked parts thus allowing for improved air convection through the iron as well as spacing the metallic heated elements from the thermoplastic elements which attach to it to prevent melting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen M Hall, Peter A Czerner
  • Patent number: 5804791
    Abstract: A heating structure for use in an appliance, the heating structure being a sandwich structure composed of two rigid elements constituting external elements of the sandwich structure, with at least one of the rigid elements being a heating plate; a heating unit composed of an electrical resistance component disposed between the rigid elements for producing heat which is diffused through the rigid elements, and electrical insulation material covering the electrical resistance component; and bonding layers securing the heating unit to the rigid elements. The heating unit further includes a primary layer of thermoplastic resin material into which the electrical resistance component is inserted, the electrical insulation material is composed of first and second layers of electrical insulation material which enclose the electrical resistance component, and the primary layer of thermoplastic resin material adheres to the layers of electrical insulation material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Dominique Gelus
  • Patent number: 5637931
    Abstract: A safety circuit for an electrical iron is provided comprising a double through position sensitive switch having a common contact that is connectable to connect a horizontal position sensing contact and a vertical position sensing contact. When the iron is in use, the common contact will continually shift its contact between the two position sensing contacts, which enables the coupling of power to the heating circuit of the iron. When the iron is placed either horizontally or vertically, a delay timer of a control unit will start to count passage of time. When a preset time has elapsed, the control unit will deactivate the coupling of power to the iron's heating circuit. However, during this period when time is being counted or subsequent to the deactivation of power, if use of the iron is resumed, the control unit delay timer will start to count from the very beginning and the power will be activated again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Lundar Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony Hsu
  • Patent number: 5532455
    Abstract: A sole for an electric steam iron, which comprises, on its lower surface (9), from the point (3) toward the heel (20), after a first steaming region (14), a first drying region (16), free from steam outlet openings, and extending transversely between the lateral edges (30 and 40) of the sole (1). This first drying region (16) is followed by a second steaming region (17) extending transversely between the lateral edges (30 and 40) of the sole (1) and into which open steam outlet openings (10). The second steaming region (17) is in turn followed by a second drying region (18) free from steam outlet openings, that extends over all the remaining rear surface of the sole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Moulinex (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jean-Paul A. A. Bouleau, Gerard L. H. Guillot
  • Patent number: 5478984
    Abstract: Pressing iron comprising a casing (1), a pressing sole (2) comprising a heating resistance (3) which is embedded in the sole (2) and whose ends (4, 5) project from the upper surface of the sole (2) in the rear region of the iron. A thermal shield (7) is interposed between the upper surface of the sole and the casing, and is maintained on the sole by fasteners. Securement structure of the thermal shield (7) comprises, in the forward portion of the sole, an anchoring member (9) for the shield (7) to the sole (2) and, in the rear portion of the sole, a hooking device (10) for the shield (7) on the projecting ends (4, 5) of the resistance (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Moulinex (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jean-Paul A. A. Bouleau, Gerard L. H. Guillot
  • Patent number: 5453150
    Abstract: A carpet seaming system and method include a seaming tape iron, a hot melt carpet seaming tape and a method of installation wherein seam peaking is minimized. The seaming iron has a grooved base plate and connected liquid channels which accomplish seam welding of carpet backings at the seam. The device feeds molten adhesive from the tape through the base plate of the iron up to an elevated location at or near a rear end of the iron, in a position to be picked up by and applied to opposed edges of the two carpet backings as the iron is moved along on the carpet seaming tape. As the two carpet edges come together behind the iron, the backings are seam welded or seam sealed by the liquid adhesive in a butt joint, adding significant strength to the seam in the carpet. In one embodiment, the carpet seaming iron further includes a tape dispenser connected to the iron, for storing and feeding a roll of hot melt seaming tape under the front of the iron's base plate as the iron advances along the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Step Loc Corporation
    Inventor: Merle R. Hoopengardner
  • Patent number: 5444216
    Abstract: A distribution chamber (12) of an electric steam iron comprises two compartments separated in part by a partition (24) whose upper edge (20) is in sealed contact with the cover (13). A first of those compartments (26) is connected to the inlet orifice (14) of the reservoir (15) and through it passes the valve (10) of a first water injection device (11). A second of these compartments (28) communicates with the first compartment (26) through at least one throat (30) and constitutes a water reserve when the iron is used with the sole in a vertical plane. There is immersed, through the cover (13), the opening (27) of a second water injection device (21) for the second compartment (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Moulinex (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jean-Paul A. A. Bouleau, Gerard L. H. Guillot
  • Patent number: 5384001
    Abstract: A carpet seaming system and method include a seaming tape iron, a hot melt carpet seaming tape and a method of installation wherein seam peaking is minimized. The seaming iron has a grooved base plate and connected liquid channels which accomplish seam welding of carpet backings at the seam. The device feeds molten adhesive from the tape through the base plate of the iron up to an elevated location at or near a rear end of the iron, in a position to be picked up by and applied to opposed edges of the two carpet backings as the iron is moved along on the carpet seaming tape. As the two carpet edges come together behind the iron, the backings are seam welded or seam sealed by the liquid adhesive in a butt joint, adding significant strength to the seam in the carpet. In one embodiment, the carpet seaming iron further includes a tape dispenser connected to the iron, for storing and feeding a roll of hot melt seaming tape under the front of the iron's base plate as the iron advances along the tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Step Loc Corporation
    Inventor: Merle R. Hoopengardner
  • Patent number: 5349160
    Abstract: An iron comprises a heating element (97) and heating-control means (96) for the heating element. It has a humidity detector (60) which measures the degree of humidity of the fabric and which influences the electric power dissipated in the heating element. In order to measure the degree of humidity a circuit (99) measures the resistivity of the fabric between two contact electrodes (62a, 62b) and subsequently averages the electric signal resulting from the movement of the iron on the fabric. A circuit (89) may be added which measures the rhythm of the variations of said electric signal and which thus detects whether the iron is in use or not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Hazan, Remy Polaert, Jean-Louis Nagel
  • Patent number: 5294284
    Abstract: A heat shield for the upper surface of a carpet seaming tape iron, preferably formed of polytetrafluorethylene or other heat resistant synthetic material, covers only so much of the upper surface of the iron as is needed to assure that the carpet backing coming into contact with the iron will not be overheated. Since some heating of the carpet backing is desirable in the hot melt carpet seaming tape operation, the forward and rear surfaces of the iron are left at least partially exposed so that the carpet backing will have some direct contact with the hot metal heat transferring surface at the top of the iron's body. The heat shield is contoured so as to fit closely down against the surfaces of the carpet seaming tape iron, avoiding any unnecessary deflection of the carpet edges during the seaming operation and providing an integral feel to the assembly. Assembly may be as original equipment or as a retrofittable addition to an iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Roofing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith A. Papulski
  • Patent number: 5252806
    Abstract: A carpet iron adapter plate of the type primarily intended for attachment to the sole plate of a carpet iron for extending the working surface of the iron so that wider carpet tape can be used. The adapter plate comprises a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface has a recessed portion formed therein that is configured to receive at least a portion of the sole plate of the carpet iron therein. The adapter plate has at least two arms attached to the top surface of the base, each arm having first and second ends. The first end of one of the arms is attached proximal to one edge of the base and the first end of another one of the arms is attached proximal to an opposing edge of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: David A. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5250139
    Abstract: A lighted bonding iron having a heating unit which defines a plane. A handle is mounted to the heating unit. First and second light sources are incorporated in the handle. The light sources project nonintersecting beams obliquely toward the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Inventor: David W. Hall
  • Patent number: 5210394
    Abstract: A smokeless carpet seaming iron for melting an adhesive on a carpet tape wherein non-contaminated air is discharged into the ambient from the seamer includes a housing which contains a vent outlet and an open bottom. First and second filters are disposed internally of said housing and are accessible externally of said housing for removal and replacement. An electrically heated sole plate is disposed internally of said housing for creating heat at said open bottom of said housing. And a motor and a fan with filters are disposed internally of said housing between the first and second filters for creating a suction within said housing drawing smoke and fumes created during the carpet seaming operation through the open bottom into the housing for filtration by the first and second filters before discharge through a vent head to the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Frank Kerremans
  • Patent number: 5170577
    Abstract: An electric steam iron having a heating baseplate (1) and a vaporization chamber (2), and further including a plate (7) on which are fixed or formed at least part of the device (3) for feeding water to the vaporization chamber (2), an assembly (4) for regulating the flow of water and components for regulating the heating temperature and the electrical connections. The plate (7) and parts mounted thereon are preassembled and then assembled as a module into the iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Seb S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Louis Brandolini, Gilles Reguillon
  • Patent number: 5170038
    Abstract: An iron unit adapted to be used with a hair dryer includes an ironing plate formed of a heat conductor having a groove and an exhaust groove in communication with the groove on a lower side thereof providing a contact surface with an object to be heated, and a plurality of air outlets extending from the upper side to the groove. A hot air source receiver includes a mounting plate having a cylindrical member engageable with the hair dryer for supplying hot air. A hot air-feeding space is in communication within the cylindrical member. The mounting plate is attached to the ironing plate, with the hot air-feeding space being in communication with the outside through a plurality of passages. A covering member defines a space on the outside of the engaging cylindrical member of the hot air source receiver. The mounting plate is attached in place with the space being in communication with the outside on the side of the cylindrical member and on the peripheral side of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Midori Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Aida