Abstract: An iron having a housing, an electrically heated gliding surface, a power cord having a first end passing through an opening in the housing, a sleeve surrounding a portion of the power cord at the first end, and an indicator including a light source. The sleeve is at least partially transparent and the light source is arranged in connection with the sleeve to transmit light through the sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method for using color to indicate a state of a home appliance, such as an iron. The iron has a sole plate and a water tank in fluid communication with the sole plate, a heater for heating the sole plate, a sensor for sensing a temperature of the sole plate, a user interface for setting a desired temperature for the sole plate, and a controller in communication with user interface and the sensor for controlling the heater. An illumination device under the control of the controller is provided to illuminate the water tank, particularly the interior thereof, in a color that is representative of a state of the iron, such as a power condition of the iron and/or a temperature of the sole plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a patch cord connection are presented. The insertion of a patch cord into a device jack physically closes a circuit, thereby permitting determination of the patch cord connection. The connection of only one side of a patch cord to a jack is able to be determined. In addition, a particular jack with which a patch cord is connected is able to be determined.

Abstract: A system and method for using color to indicate a state of a home appliance, such as an iron. The iron has a sole plate and a water tank in fluid communication with the sole plate, a heater for heating the sole plate, a sensor for sensing a temperature of the sole plate, a user interface for setting a desired temperature for the sole plate, and a controller in communication with user interface and the sensor for controlling the heater. An illumination device under the control of the controller is provided to illuminate the water tank, particularly the interior thereof, in a color that is representative of a state of the iron, such as a power condition of the iron and/or a temperature of the sole plate.

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: 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.

Abstract: A medical instrument thermal treatment system according to the present invention is in the form of a stand including a thermally treated tray to thermally treat medical instruments. The stand includes a frame to support the tray, while a drape including a sensing device is disposed over the tray to form a drape container or receptacle within the tray for collecting a sterile medium. The tray is thermally treated to heat the sterile medium in order to warm medical instruments or other medical items placed in the tray. The sensing device provides a signal to the system indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to facilitate control of system operation.

Abstract: A clothes iron comprising a sole plate (2) and a handle (1), characterized in that said handle (1) comprises a first strain gauge (3) arranged in a direction approximately parallel to the plane defined by the sole plate (2) and a second strain gauge (4) arranged in a direction forming an acute angle with the plane defined by the sole plate (2), said angle being open toward the front of the iron, in such a way that any movement of the iron activates at least one of said strain gauges (3, 4).

Abstract: An externally powered temperature calibration device includes a system that provides a warning of high temperatures within the device after the device has been disconnected from the external power. The warning system includes a capacitor that provides power to a light-emitting diode (“LED”) after the calibration device has been disconnected from the external power. A temperature sensor monitors the temperature of an internal component. An output signal from the sensor is used to control a switch that connects the capacitor to one of several resistors having different resistances. The switch therefore controls the discharge rate of the capacitor based on the sensed temperature at the time the calibration device was disconnected from the external power. As a result, the period during which the capacitor powers the LED can be commensurate with the time required for the internal component to cool from its initial temperature.

Abstract: Device for detecting, monitoring and controlling the operating status of an electric iron which is provided with at least one electric heating circuit having a heating element and a first power switch of the iron connected in series to the heating element. The device includes a control unit being provided as an integrated circuit, a second power switch which is controlled by the control unit depending on the operating status of the electric iron and which is connected in series with the electric heating circuit. An indicator unit having at least one indicator element indicates the heating status of the electric iron. A low voltage power supply for energizing at least one of the control unit, indicating unit, and second power switch. A low-impedance measuring resistance is connected in series with the second power switch, and provides an indirect detection means of the switching status of both power switches.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a steam iron (1) equippped with an electrically heatable soleplate (9) and having a residual heat warning device (16) which operates preferably independently of the line voltage and issues a flashing warning signal via a light emitting diode (17) when the temperature of the soleplate (9) exceeds a threshold temperature of about 60° C. Due to a capacitor which is chargeable during operation of the iron, a preferred warning system is operable also when the iron is disconnected from the supply after use.

Abstract: Device for detecting, monitoring and controlling the operating status of an electric iron which is provided with at least one electric heating circuit having a heating element and a first power switch of the iron connected in series to the heating element. The device includes a control unit being provided as an integrated circuit, a second power switch which is controlled by the control unit depending on the operating status of the electric iron and which is connected in series with the electric heating circuit. An indicator unit having at least one indicator element indicates the heating status of the electric iron. A low voltage power supply for energizing at least one of the control unit, indicating unit, and second power switch. A low-impedance measuring resistance is connected in series with the second power switch, and provides an indirect detection means of the switching status of both power switches.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off and indication device for an electric heating appliance is provided which includes: a sensor (2) for sensing usage of the appliance and for providing a usage-signal (US) indicating a non-usage of the appliance; a switch (10) for off-switching a heater (12) of the appliance in response to a switching signal (SS) derived from the usage-signal (US); a sensor (4) for sensing orientation of the appliance and for providing an orientation signal (OS) for indicating different orientations of the appliance; a selector (18) for activating an indicator (22) in response to the switching signal (SS), the indicator (22) signaling the off-switching of the heater (12); and an indication timer (8) for providing a time delay between off-switching the heater (12) and activating the indicator (22), which time delay is dependent on the orientation signal (OS). The shut-off of the heater (12) is signalled to the user by the indicator (22).

Abstract: A pressing iron includes a soleplate mounted on a bottom portion of a housing, a temperature status indicator mounted on the housing, and a control circuit mounted in the housing and coupled electrically to the soleplate. A driver unit drives the temperature status indicator to emit a light output. A controller controls heating operation of the soleplate and operation of the driver unit to control light emitting activity of the temperature status indicator. A power storage unit is charged by a rectifying unit when electric power is supplied to the latter by an AC power source, and enables continued operation of the controller and the driver unit for a period of time to permit continued light emitting activity of the temperature status indicator after supply of the electric power from the AC power source to the rectifying unit is interrupted.

Abstract: A pressing iron includes a soleplate mounted on a bottom portion of a housing, an electroluminescent temperature status indicator mounted on an outer wall surface of the housing, and a control circuit mounted in the housing and coupled electrically to the soleplate and the temperature status indicator. The control circuit controls heating operation of the soleplate, and further controls light emitting activity of the temperature status indicator.

Abstract: An electric soldering iron includes a perforated metal barrel having a front end and a rear end, a soldering tip axially extended from the front end of the soldering tip, a handle having a front end and a rear end, a connector connected between the rear end of the perforated metal barrel and the front end of the handle, a power cord extended out of the rear end of the handle, an electric heater installed in the perforated barrel and connected between the soldering tip and the power cord, an integrated control circuit installed in the handle for heating energy regulating control, a multi-step control switch mounted on the handle and connected to the integrated control circuit, and a LCD provided at the handle to display values selected through the multi-step control switch.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating and thermal decontaminating, e.g. sterilizing, pasteurizing and/or disinfecting, pumpable or pourable material, includes a microwave unit forming a treatment chamber for receiving the material transported along a passageway and for subjecting the material to microwave radiation. Two pumps are respectively situated upstream and downstream of the treatment chamber, with a pressure sensor being arranged between the pumps for generating a a signal commensurate with the pressure in the passageway between the pumps. The signal is transmitted from the pressure sensor to a control unit which is operatively connected to both pumps.

Abstract: Control device for at least two luminous condition indicating signals (30, 41) mounted on a domestic electrical appliance provided with a quick opening adjustable thermostat (2) which passes over center. An insulating support (13, 14, 15) receives a thermostat arm (11), a blade (16) forming a fixed contact, a movable blade (7) provided with a flexible tongue (20) on which bears an insulating plug (22) controlled by a rotatable screw (10) permitting obtaining a predetermined temperature, and another movable blade (8) fixed to the movable blade (7) and whose free end bears against the fixed contact as well as an insulating partition (9) fixed to the bimetal (6) and controlling the movable blades (7 and 8). The blade forming a fixed contact (16) and the movable blades (7 and 8) are fixed to the insulating support, connected respectively to electrical terminals by electrical connections (3, 4) and supply the two luminous signals (30, 41).

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling the electrical heating element of an appliance has a user-activated control shaft for controlling the overall operation of the appliance. The thermostat includes a first switch controllable by a temperature sensing element for turning the heating element on and off. When the control shaft is turned to an off position, the shaft disables the operation of the first switch, maintaining it in an open condition. The thermostat also has a second switch which operates a pilot light for indicating when the appliance is on. The second switch is continuously open when the control shaft is in the off position and continuously closed when the control shaft is in an on position.

Abstract: A dual temperature curling iron has a plastic handle and a metal barrel connected thereto. An electric heater positioned within the metal barrel and is arranged to rapidly heat the barrel and is selectively controlled by either a low temperature thermostat or a high temperature thermostat located within the barrel to provide heat to the metal barrel. A hair clamp is pivotally mounted on the metal barrel, and when opened, causes a switch to generate an in-use signal which is fed to a safety timing circuit. The timing circuit is reset each time it receives the in-use signal. In the event that no further in-use signals are received, the timing circuit, after a preselected interval, provides a signal to a silicon controlled rectifier which is connected to the electric heater causing the silicon controlled rectifier to interrupt electric power to the electric heater. The curling iron is provided with a visual signal for indicating that has reached the selected temperature and is ready for use.

Abstract: 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: Ready light circuit is provided which comprises a simple third switch blade added to the standard thermostat two-blade switch in an electric iron. The invention involves the improvement of mounting the third blade on one of the other blades of the two-blade switch.

Abstract: A control system having a control unit provided with a single thermostatically operated control device for operatively interconnecting a heater to a source of energy when the output temperature effect of the heater is below a predetermined setting of a selector of the control unit and to disconnect the heater from the source of energy when the output temperature effect of the heater is above the predetermined setting of the selector, the single thermostatically operated control device also operating an indicating light to indicate that the output temperature effect of the heater is still above a certain value only when the selector of the control unit is in an "off" setting thereof. The selector of the control unit also operates a pilot light to indicate that the selector is set in an "on" setting thereof.

Abstract: Ready light circuit is provided comprising a simple third switch blade added to standard thermostat two-blade switch in electric iron. Light is activated when bimetallic element of switch drives third blade into engagement with other blade as iron reaches set temperature. Light stays illuminated as long as main contacts of standard-type blades remain open. When thermostat calls for more heat, light in circuit which is across main contacts, is shorted out.

Abstract: In a steam iron having a horizontal slot in the upper forward portion of the handle and a temperature control rod with its upper end disposed centrally of the slot, an improvement is provided in the temperature control assembly for operating the rod. A semi-circular crowned disc spring plate is provided with a projection and a depressed hollow recess in the crown surrounds the rod and has an upper annular bearing surface around the recess. The spring plate curves down from the bearing edge to the plate periphery and is fixed in the slot against withdrawal by a projection abutting the inner handle. A generally half-circular polypropylene dial plate support is provided with U-arms straddling the rod and with upper projections on each arm and in the bight of the U for locking the dial support in the handle slot.

Abstract: A control system having a thermostatically operated control device for operatively interconnecting a heater to a source of energy when the output effect of the heater is below a predetermined setting of the control device and to disconnect the heater from the source of energy when the output effect of the heater is above the predetermined setting of the control device, the control device operating an indicating light to indicate that the output effect of the heater is still above a certain value when the control means is in an "off" setting thereof.

Abstract: An electric percolator having a liquid containing section formed from an assembly of glass and other materials fixed together by means of a locking collar. The lid of the percolator is held in place by means of a quick-release latching mechanism which prevents the lid from being disengaged by the lifting motion normally used to open a lid and instead requires a twisting motion which rapidly releases the lid. Simplified electrical circuitry in the percolator utilizes a single lamp that indicates both the "Brewing" and the "Keep Warm" modes of percolator operation.A method is also set forth for assembling a composite apparatus, having a glass component which does not require threading, strapping or gluing of the glass component.

Abstract: A control system having a thermostatically operated control device for operatively interconnecting a heater to a source of energy when the output effect of the heater is below a predetermined setting of the control device and to disconnect the heater from the source of energy when the output effect of the heater is above the predetermined setting of the control device, the control device operating an indicating light to indicate that the output effect of the heater is still above a certain value when the control means is in an "off" setting thereof.