Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a steam pressing appliance that includes a handle connected to a steam release nozzle. The steam release nozzle includes a heating body with an instant vaporization chamber and an electrical resistor regulated by a thermostat in order to keep the temperature of the vaporization chamber around a set-point temperature. The appliance also includes an electric pump to inject liquid into the vaporization chamber. The pump is controlled by a drive circuit that receives information from the thermostat on whether power is being supplied to the electrical resistor. The drive circuit modifies the operating conditions of the pump in accordance with whether or not current is supplied through the electrical resistor, operating in a first flow mode when current flows through the electrical resistor and operating in a second flow mode when no current flows through the electrical resistor.

Abstract: A clothing care machine and a method and system for controlling the same are provided. The clothing care machine is provided with a steam generator and a steam handle. The steam handle is provided with a human body sensing component. The method includes: controlling the human body sensing component to sense whether the steam handle is operated by a user; and controlling an operation state of the steam generator according to a touch signal sensed by the human body sensing component. The method may realize an intelligent control of the steam generator according to an operation condition of the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to domestics appliance system which makes use of a push-fit fluid coupling (1) comprising a fluid feeding portion (2) and a fluid receiving portion (3) adapted to cooperate with each other to enable fluid to flow in a downstream direction (D1) from the fluid feeding portion (2) to the fluid receiving portion (3). The fluid receiving portion (3) comprises an actuator (65) comprising a fluid conduit (67) for fluid to flow from the fluid feeding portion (2) to the fluid receiving portion (3). The fluid feeding portion (2) comprises a housing (4) defining a fluid flow path (5) and comprising an opening (6) in which the actuator (65) is intended to be inserted, a chamber (37) arranged in the housing (4) in which fluid is intended to flow, a valve seat (8) and a valve member (7) engaging the valve seat (8) for closing the fluid flow path (5), a first piston (9) slidably received in the chamber (37) downstream of the valve member (7).

Abstract: The present application relates to a steam iron (1) for treating garments, comprising a heel (2) to rest the steam iron (1) on a supporting surface (S) when the steam iron (1) is not treating garments, a pressurization unit (3) having a chamber (4) comprising a water inlet (5) for receiving water and a water outlet (6). The pressurization unit (3) is adapted so that, in a rest position (PI) where the heel (2) is placed on the supporting surface (S), it generates an air vacuum in the chamber (4) to draw water into the chamber (4) via the water inlet (5) and, in a lifted position (P2) where the heel (2) is not placed on the supporting surface (S), pressurizes the water drawn in the chamber (4). The steam iron also comprises a steam engine (7) for generating steam from water towards the garments and a water output channel (8) for carrying water under pressure from the water outlet (6) to the steam engine (7).

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing and a conductive contact assembly disposed in the housing. A first contact member of the contact assembly receives a blade contact of an electrical device. A second contact member receives an electrical wire through a push-in connection. The electrical connector is receivable by an aperture in a rear surface of the electrical device.

Abstract: A cordless electrical appliance comprises an appliance part comprising at least two functional components (T1, M1) and a base for supplying electrical power to the appliance part. A cordless electrical connector (6) makes electrical connection between the appliance part and the base part in use. Both of the functional components (T1, M1) are connected between a pair of electrical connections provided by the connector (6) and arranged such that at least one of the functional components (T1, M1) is selectively energised in response to a change in the relative polarities of the two electrical connections. A switch such as a diode (D1) may be provided between the two functional components (T1, M1), so as to switch ON or OFF the current to a functional component (T1, M1) depending on the polarity of the connections.

Abstract: Iron body 1 includes pressing surface 6 having pointed front end portion 6a and rear end portion 6b and a concave power receiving portion 14 having power receiving terminals 15. Stand 16 includes seat 17 here iron body 1 is placed with the front inclined upward, convex power supply portion 18 having electrodes 20, and receiving portion 24. In a cordless iron with iron body 1 placed on stand 16, rear end portion 6b is received in receiving portion 24, power receiving portion 14 and power supply portion 18 are fitted, and power receiving terminals 15 and electrodes 20 are electrically connected. The joint of power receiving terminals 15 and electrodes 20 are positioned ahead of rear end portion 6b. Therefore, since the area of pressing surface 6 is ensured and thermal capacity is ensured, it is possible to make rear end portion 6b pointed. Further, it is possible to see rear end portion 6b.

Abstract: An iron body includes a concave power receiving portion at the rear portion of a grip and power receiving terminals in the power receiving portion. Stand includes seat where iron body is placed with the front inclined upward, convex power supply portion at the rear portion of seat, and electrodes in power supply portion. A support portion protruding vertically rearward is formed in the power receiving portion, slit where the support portion is fitted is formed on the top of power supply portion, guide portion inclining toward slit and guiding the support portion is formed at the front of power supply portion, and bulged portion protruding in an arc shape toward power receiving portion and guiding the power receiving portion is formed at the lower portion of the front of power supply portion.

Abstract: Iron body 1 includes pressing surface 6 having pointed front end portion 6a and rear end portion 6b and a concave power receiving portion 14 having power receiving terminals 15. Stand 16 includes seat 17 here iron body 1 is placed with the front inclined upward, convex power supply portion 18 having electrodes 20, and receiving portion 24. In a cordless iron with iron body 1 placed on stand 16, rear end portion 6b is received in receiving portion 24, power receiving portion 14 and power supply portion 18 are fitted, and power receiving terminals 15 and electrodes 20 are electrically connected. The joint of power receiving terminals 15 and electrodes 20 are positioned ahead of rear end portion 6b. Therefore, since the area of pressing surface 6 is ensured and thermal capacity is ensured, it is possible to make rear end portion 6b pointed. Further, it is possible to see rear end portion 6b.

Abstract: An iron body includes a concave power receiving portion at the rear portion of a grip and power receiving terminals in the power receiving portion. Stand 16 includes seat 17 where iron body is placed with the front inclined upward, convex power supply portion 18 at the rear portion of seat 17, and electrodes in power supply portion 18. A support portion protruding vertically rearward is formed in the power receiving portion, slit 23 where the support portion is fitted is formed on the top of power supply portion 18, guide portion 18a inclining toward slit 23 and guiding the support portion is formed at the front of power supply portion 18, and bulged portion 18b protruding in an arc shape toward power receiving portion and guiding the power receiving portion is formed at the lower portion of the front of power supply portion 18.

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.

Abstract: An electrical connector for use with providing an electrical termination to an end of a cable having a conductor helically disposed between a core and a layer overlying the core. The connector includes a first portion having an opening sized greater than a diameter defined by the helically disposed conductor but less than a diameter of the layer. A second portion has an opening sized greater than a diameter defined by the helically disposed conductor. A third portion is configured to receive a conductor of a second cable. As a result of the end of the cable being sufficiently inserted through the opening of the first portion, the helically disposed conductor is exposed about a length of the cable extending through another side of the first portion and received in the opening of the second portion.

Abstract: A garment care system includes a steam generator having a steam outlet, and a handset having a steam inlet arranged for coupling to the steam outlet, an opening for releasing steam and a steam control unit for controlling a valve for controlling the release of steam. The steam control unit includes a selector unit having at least two selection options, and a steam release switch connected to the selector unit and arranged for starting or stopping the release of steam in dependence on the selected option.

Abstract: An arrangement including an electric iron having a water tank, a steam chamber, and valve for controlling the water flow from the water tank to the steam chamber, a stand for supporting the iron, an electrical connector, and a locking mechanism for locking the connector to the stand or to the iron. When the cordless mode is selected, the electrical connector remains attached to the stand while the iron is detached therefrom, and when the corded mode is selected the connector remains attached to the iron while the iron is detachable from the stand. The arrangement is provided with an actuator acting on the valve for obtaining a higher maximum water flow rate in the corded mode than in the cordless mode. The actuator may be a spring-loaded push rod arranged in the iron, one end thereof cooperating with the connector and the other end thereof cooperating with the valve.

Abstract: An electric iron arrangement to be used as desired in either a corded mode or a cordless mode, the arrangement comprising an electric iron (1) having a water tank (5), a steam chamber (6), and valve means (7) for controlling the water flow from the water tank to the steam chamber, a stand (2) for supporting the iron when not in use, an electrical connector (3), and locking means (17) for locking the connector (3) to the stand (2) or to the iron (1), the arrangement being such that, when the cordless mode is selected, the electrical connector remains attached to the stand while the iron is detached therefrom, and when the corded mode is selected the connector remains attached to the iron while the iron is detachable from the stand, the arrangement being provided with actuating means (33) acting on the valve means (7) for obtaining a higher maximum water flow rate in the corded mode than in the cordless mode.

Abstract: A warming tray is provided for holding and preheating removable heating cartridges of hot glue guns. The heating cartridges include electrically powered heating elements and releasable interfaces for releasably connecting the heating elements to a power supply. The warming tray includes a platform having a drip pan, and plurality of heating cartridge stations which are spaced apart and extend adjacent to the drip pan. Each of the heating cartridge stations has a power interface member for releasably connecting to a releasable interface of one of the heating cartridges to provide electric power to the heating element. The heating cartridge stations have lineally extending, upwardly protruding portions which define alignment members for engaging within an alignment channel formed into the heating cartridges. A mounting rail extends across the platform, parallel to and spaced apart from the drip pan.

Abstract: A cordless electric kettle comprises a power base unit to be connected to a power supply and an extension unit connected to a kettle body, the units being molded from plastics material and each incorporating an electrical connector located substantially on the kettle vertical axis, the electrical connectors being interengagable to form an electrical connection with one another (in the preferred form when the kettle is placed on the base unit at any orientation around the axis). The kettle includes an ON/OFF switch movable to an ON position by a manually operable actuator and a biasing member biasing the switch to an OFF position.

Abstract: An ironing apparatus which includes an ironing head, an ironing head rest including an electrical connection for supplying an electrical current to the ironing head placed on the ironing heat rest, a main tank for containing water and supplying the water to the ironing head, a water supply unit for supplying the water into the main tank, a controller for controlling the water supply unit and a load detector for detecting the placement of the ironing head on the ironing head rest, wherein the water supply unit is driven in response to an input from the load detector in response to the placement of the ironing head on the ironing head rest, thereby supplying water to the ironing head. When the ironing head is no longer in use, it retracts into the ironing head rest and is protected by a movable housing which is opened and closed by an electric drive.

Abstract: An electric iron is provided together with a temperature control module whereby the iron is electrically connectable to the module and is temperature controllable from circuitry therein. The iron is cordless and the control module includes a support platform for the iron. The control module may be part of an ironing board which itself is electrically heatable and may be adapted to form a trousers press. The iron cooperatively interengages the platform in a rest position at a forwardly sloping angle which enhances stability, allows gravity to maintain the iron in interengagement with the platform and enhances convenient removal of the iron from the platform for use.

Abstract: An electrical logic circuit for incorporation in the common power supply system of an appliance including a plurality of electrical components which have intermittent power requirements comprises a system for designating the components as dominant and subsidiary components and circuitry to direct power to the dominant component preferentially and to the or a subsidiary component only in dependence on the instantaneous power requirement of the or a more dominant component. The logic circuit may include a standby facility to direct power selectively to the subsidiary component. The invention may be applied to an ironing system including a heatable iron as the dominant component and a heatable board as the subsidiary component.

Abstract: An electric iron arrangement has a housing provided with electrical contacts through which the heating means of the iron can be energized, a base for supporting the iron when not in use, and a detachable power cord having a connector engageable with the contacts of the iron and enabling the iron to be used for cordless or corded ironing. A three-position actuator is provided on the base for selectively actuating cooperating locking devices in the base and connector to:(1) lock the connector to the iron to allow for corded ironing,(2) lock the connector to the base to allow for cordless ironing, or(3) lock the connector to both the iron and the base to allow for transport of the iron and base as a unit.

Abstract: A cordless electric iron assembly has an iron removably mounted on a power supply stand adapted to be connected to a power supply. Separable mating electric terminals interposed between the iron and stand establish an electrical connection between the electric heater in the iron and the stand so long as the iron is placed on the stand. A detector on the stand detects the presence or absence of the iron on the stand and is used to activate an adjustable counter in response to removal of the iron from the stand. The counter activates an audible alarm after the elapse of a predetermined time period during which the iron is removed from the stand and in use to signal that the iron should be returned to the stand for reheating. A carrying case is detachable from the stand and accommodates the iron positioned on the stand with the mating terminals connected for storage of the iron during non-use.

Abstract: A cordless iron includes a stand and an iron body placeable on and detachable from the stand. The iron body has a sole plate. The sole plate of the iron body is heated when the iron body is placed on the stand. An electrically powered temperature sensor senses the temperature of the sole plate of the iron body and outputs a signal representative of that sensed temperature. An alarm device responsive to the signal outputted from the temperature sensor serves to indicate that the sensed temperature drops to or below a reference temperature. The temperature sensor is kept activated when the iron body is detached from the stand.

Abstract: A cordless iron which includes an iron body and a rest upon which the iron body is mounted when the ironing is not being done, the iron body including a soleplate and a steam chamber both heated through electrical connection effected by the mounting of the iron body on the rest, the steam ejection being stopped when the iron body is mounted on the rest.

Abstract: In the cordless iron assembly, an iron (10) includes a base (11), a heater (12) for heating the base (11), a thermosensitive element (13) for sensing the temperature of the base (11), a temperature detecting circuit (14), and terminals (P1, P2, P3, and P4), and a stand (15) including a terminals (P5, P6, P7, and P8), a pulse detecting circuit (16), a temperature control circuit (17), and a cord (18). The temperature detecting circuit (14) produces a pulse signal in accordance with the temperature signal outputted from the thermosensitive element (13). The pulse signal detecting circuit (16) receives the pulse signal, and outputs the pulse signal to the temperature control circuit (17). By the temperature control circuit (17), the temperature of the heater (12) is controlled in accordance with the plate signal whereby the base temperature of the iron (10) can be correctly controlled when the iron (10) is supported on the stand (15).

Abstract: A soldering iron holder for holding an electric. Soldering iron having a large square tip at the end of a barrel, such as an iron that is used with surface mounted integrated circuits, has a base with a shield attached to a depressible mounting rod that extends through the upper surface of the base. The shield has a large frontal opening and mounted inside the shield, offset to one side, is a bracket with a side facing slot. The large opening allows a soldering iron with a large tip to be inserted into the shield, then moved sideways to insert the barrel of the iron into the slot of the bracket. When the iron is inserted into the slot, it depresses the shield which activates a weight switch connected to the base of the mounting rod. Activating the weight switch starts a timer that removes power from the iron if the iron remains in the holder for a long period of time. Also disclosed is a spring clip that may be attached to the slot in the bracket to aid in inserting the barrel of the iron into the slot.

Abstract: An ironing device includes an iron body having an electric heating element, a seat on which the iron can rest when not in use and a power supply cord terminating in a connector having a socket adapted to connect with prongs on the iron body for supplying power to the heating element. The connector is provided with a first releasable latch for detachably interlocking the connector with the iron body so that the iron can be used as a corded iron and a second releasable latch for detachably interlocking the connector to the seat so that the iron can be used as a cordless iron. The user can selectively interlock the connector to either the iron body or the seat by activating a button device on the seat which selectively releases either the first or second latch.

Abstract: Electrical apparatus comprising an appliance, a stand to support the appliance and an electrical connector device which can be selectively coupled mechanically to either the appliance or the stand, by coupling means incorporating a bistable mechanism so that the appliance can be used selectively in a corded manner or a cordless manner.

Abstract: An electric iron stand having a vertically oriented rear wall member, an electric support platform, and a clamping leg. The support platform extends from the front wall surface of the rear wall member at a predetermined height intermediate its top and bottom edges. The clamping leg has its rear end hingedly attached to the bottom edge of the rear wall member to form a space into which can be slid the top horizontal member of an ironing board. The rear wall surface of the rear wall member has a timer that is connected to a power outlet therein to which the plug of the electrical iron may be removably connected.

Abstract: Cordless-iron apparatus in which the sole plate of the cordless iron is covered with a polyimide film synthesized by a polycondensation reaction between an aromatic tetrabasic acid and an aromatic amine. Such a film exhibits a broad range of temperature stabililty, thus permitting the heating of the sole plate to relatively high temperatures without wrinkling of the film and without causing scorching of the fabric to be ironed. Steam pressing without spotting is achieved by metering the water flowing to the heated recess in the non-exposed region of the sole plate, which sole plate has apertures for the passage of steam therethrough, the polyimide cover for the sole plate also being apertured.

Abstract: A cordless adhesive dispensing system includes an electrically-heated dispensing gun and cooperating base that supports the gun and effects both a mechanical and electrical connection to the gun. The gun accepts solid adhesive and melts the adhesive in response to an electrical current provided to the gun through a mechanical and electrical interface. The electrical interface includes cooperating electrical contacts on both the gun and the base that effect electrical contact as the gun is mounted to the base by the operator and electrical disconnection as the gun is dismounted. A switch is in-circuit with the contacts and closes the circuit to the gun after the gun is fully mounted to the base and effects electrical interruption as the gun is dismounted. The mechanical interface maintains the mounted gun at a convenient, easy-to-grip attitude and includes pivoted interface surfaces that allow the gun to be pivoted into and out of its mechanical and electrical interfacing with the base in a reliable manner.

Abstract: A combination of a base and an electrical connector switch which can be removably disposed in the base. The switch is adapted to be removably disposed in a conforming rear recess in an electric iron so that when the switch is disposed in the base and is electrically connected to a source of electric power, the iron can be supported on the base with the switch engaging the recess to charge the iron.

Abstract: An electrical connection installation for a cordless electric appliance, such as a flatiron, has an electrical contact part carried by a stationary base serving as a stand for the appliance and which is adapted to mate with the electrical contacts of the appliance when the appliance is placed on the base. The contact part is coupled to an electric power source in in the base by a switch having a pair of contacts normally biased to an open position by springs formed from curved sheet metal strips and which are closed by a magnetically reactive contact actuating member responsive to the proximity of a permanent magnet in the appliance when the appliance is placed on the base.

Abstract: An electroceramic heater including a pair of metallized electrodes disposed upon the sides of an electroceramic body and a pair of lead wires gap is welded to said heater. A specially sized copper pad is disposed between the lead wires and the electrodes.

Abstract: A hand tool (implement) such as a glue gun and a support for the hand tool. The support is designed for engaging the hand tool and supporting the hand tool in a manner that enables the hand tool to be conveniently removed therefrom. In the preferred embodiment, the support comprises an upstanding post adapted to engage a first portion of the hand tool. The support includes a special lever which is adapted to exert a prying force upon the first portion of the tool to disengage the tool from the upstanding post. The construction of the tool and the support allows the user to readily disengage and remove the hand tool from the support with a single hand simply by grasping the tool and imparting a slight rocking or rotational force thereto. The tool and support are particularly useful in constructing a cordless glue gun that is electrically energized while on the support and which is conveniently detached from the support and from the source of electricity.

Abstract: A stream iron includes a support base, a handle, a reservoir portion which has an elbow-like water entry tube for preventing water stored inside the reservoir portion from spilling out when the steam iron is tilted forward, and an ironing plate having a bi-metallic plate. A related arrangement prevents water from flowing out of the ironing plate and getting clothes being ironed wet after the steam button has been pressed if the temperature of the ironing plate is lower than a certain minimum value.

Abstract: A cordless flatiron includes a sole plate with an exposed bottom surface forming an ironing surface and a top surface including a number of projections extending upwardly therefrom. A protective hood attached to the periphery of the top surface of the sole plate forms an evacuated, sealed chamber thereabove and a heat storage element is positioned in the chamber so as to be movable toward and away from the projections of the sole plate. The heat storage element is heated by an electric heating rod extending therein. A temperature responsive regulator element positioned between the heat storage element and the top of the sole plate and responsive to the temperature of the sole plate is arranged by its configuration to position the heat storage with respect to the upper ends of the projections of the sole plate and thus determine whether or not heat is conducted from the heat storage element to the projections of the sole plate and to the ironing surface of the sole plate.

Abstract: A soldering iron holder includes a box-shaped housing having mounted thereon a support supporting an electric soldering iron while not in use. A manually actuated power switch on the housing applies electric power to a soldering iron supported by the support means to heat the iron to operating temperature. An indicator arrangement carried by the housing is controlled by a first timing circuit in the housing and activated concurrently with operation of the power switch. The indicator arrangement includes an "iron heating" LED which is extinguished and an "iron ready" LED which is illuminated and an audible alarm which is sounded by the first timing circuit after lapse of a preset, predetermined time duration, e.g., five minutes, sufficient for the soldering iron to reach operational temperature.

Abstract: A stand for an electric iron incorporates an automatic time delay safety switch arrangement which reduces the chances of fires being started by an unattended iron and serves to save a substantial amount of electric energy by cutting off the current to the iron when it is left turned-on but unattended. The stand includes a hinged, spring biased platform of insulating material for supporting an electric iron during non-use periods. Placement of the iron on the platform causes the platform to pivot closing a normally open switch. Closure of the switch energizes a standard electrically energized time delay relay mounted on the platform. After lapse of a predetermined time period, the time delay relay actuates a manually resettable electric relay from a first condition allowing the electric iron to be energized from a power supply socket on the platform to a second latched condition whereby the iron is deenergized.

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 stand for holding one or more heatable hair curlers or curling irons has a well or receptacle for each curling iron, each well having two contact poles connecting through normally open switches to a source of power to the stand. Each curling iron has a heating element thermally connected to a hair mandrel and electrically connected to separated electrical contact zones on the iron beyond a thermal insulating handle. The handle terminates remote from the mandrel in a reduced actuating tip that passes a restriction in a receptacle and moves a switch actuator to close the switches and supply current to the curling iron heating element, through the contact poles and contact zones. Removal of the iron from the stand closes the switches and no current flows.