Abstract: Techniques or processes for providing markings on products are disclosed. In one embodiment, the products have housings and the markings are to be provided on sub-surfaces of the housings. For example, a housing for a particular product can include an outer housing surface and the markings can be provided on a sub-surface the outer housing surface yet still be visible from the outside of the housing. Since the markings are beneath the surface of the housing, the markings are durable.

Abstract: A process for improving a property of a conductive ink track on a substrate involves applying heat and pressure above a glass transition temperature of the binder to a conductive ink track deposited on a first surface of a substrate, while maintaining a second surface of the substrate at a temperature below a glass transition temperature, a melting temperature or a degradation temperature of the substrate. In particular, electrical conductivity of the track is improved. The process is particularly useful for producing electronic devices, for example electrical circuits, sensors, antennae (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for altering the temperature of a liquid, comprising: a pipe having a first end for receiving a liquid and a second end for discharging the liquid; and a thermal element for altering the temperature of the liquid, wherein the thermal element is located in the pipe such that the volume available for the liquid within the pipe is in the range 0 to 20% of the pipe volume.

Abstract: An iron according to the present invention includes an excessive temperature-rise preventing device coupled in series with a circuit of a heater, and an excessive temperature-rise preventing device securing part for attaching the excessive temperature-rise preventing device to a base. The base is disposed to be heatable by the heater with a different heating capacity. The excessive temperature-rise preventing device with a different operation temperature for breaking the circuit of the heater is selectively attached to the excessive temperature-rise preventing device securing part, in accordance with the heating capacity of the heater.

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.

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.

Abstract: A temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises steps of: outputting a forward square-wave signal by a first forward square-wave signal generation circuit; outputting a reverse square-wave signal by a reverse square-wave signal generation circuit; and outputting a varied forward square-wave signal by a second forward square-wave signal generation circuit. Above square-wave signal generation circuits are respectively connected with an AND gate. When the input square-wave signals are simultaneously logic high, a switch is triggered by a trigger circuit to heat the heating wire.

Abstract: A temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises steps of: outputting a forward square-wave signal by a first forward square-wave signal generation circuit; outputting a reverse square-wave signal by a reverse square-wave signal generation circuit; and outputting a varied forward square-wave signal by a second forward square-wave signal generation circuit. Above square-wave signal generation circuits are respectively connected with an AND gate. When the input square-wave signals are simultaneously logic high, a switch is triggered by a trigger circuit to heat the heating wire.

Abstract: A kind of temperature controlling device of heating element and method thereof detect the actual temperature of heating body of the heating element, and calculate the descending gradient and frequency of temperature based on the detected actual temperature. The norm signal is formed based on the actual temperature, descending gradient and frequency of the temperature to control the switch power as to achieve the split second control for the electric power of the heating element.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, computer implemented methods and systems are provided for representing and modeling the temporal structure of audio signals. In response to receiving a signal, a time-to-frequency domain transformation on at least a portion of the received signal to generate a frequency domain representation is performed. The time-to-frequency domain transformation converts the signal from a time domain representation to the frequency domain representation. A frequency domain linear prediction (FDLP) is performed on the frequency domain representation to estimate a temporal envelope of the frequency domain representation. Based on the temporal envelope, one or more speech features are generated.

Abstract: Ironing appliance comprising a heating element (1) controlled by means of a thermostat (2), the appliance having a safety device comprising motion detection means (5) and a safety relay (3) connected in series with the heating element (1) to interrupt the supply to said heating element (1) when the appliance is left stationary for too long, said appliance being characterized in that said safety device comprises means (2a) for determining the state of opening of the thermostat (2) and in that the safety device opens said safety relay (3) when, simultaneously, the determining means (2a) indicate that the thermostat (2) is open and the motion detection means (5) detect that the appliance has not been moved for a time t greater than a warning threshold t1.

Abstract: A control method of an iron and its device, wherein the method comprises the steps of: (1) keeping the output temperature of the iron a temperature T1 suitable for ironing; (2) determining whether the iron is in a working state; if yes, step (1) is carried out; if no, step (3) is carried out; (3) determining whether the time of the iron's non-working state exceeds a predetermined time S1; if yes, step (4) is carried out; if no, step (1) is carried out; (4), the output temperature of the iron is kept at a temperature T2 that is lower than T1. The invention sets a control mode of reducing electricity consumption of the iron according to users' use habit. If only the iron isn't used for a relatively long time such as 5 minutes, the output temperature of the iron will be controlled to fall from a higher constant temperature, such as 200° C., to a lower constant temperature, such as 120° C.

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.

Abstract: Soleplate of domestic steam iron, basically constituted by a an ironing element (1), which is that which comes into contact with the item to be ironed, and a heating element (2) which heats said ironing element (1) by means of a thermostatic element (3) which regulates the ironing temperature, which independently of the assembly of ironing element (1), heating element (2) and thermostatic element (3), the soleplate of domestic steam iron (1-2) according to the invention incorporates an autonomous steam assembly (4) which is composed of a steam chamber (5) which has a water supply conduit (6) connected to the reservoir of the domestic iron, and whose steam chamber (5) has a separate heating element (7) which has its own thermostat (8) which regulates the temperature in that steam chamber (5); the steam assembly (4) has a steam outlet (9) connected to a complementary steam intake (10) which exists in the ironing element (1) for the correct passage of steam to the outlet holes.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An iron comprises a sole plate heated by an electrical resistance and a heat-regulating system, wherein a control member indicates the temperature set value, a sensor displays the sole plate temperature, and a management system controls the electrical resistance power supply circuit to be opened or closed, on the basis of the difference between the set value and the measurement. The iron comprises a safety system comprising an electronic module, which: a) receives from the management system information for closing the electrical resistance power supply circuit; b) produces over a fixed time interval the total supply times; and c) opens the electrical resistance power supply circuit if the resulting value is less than a predetermined threshold value.

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.

Abstract: Soleplate of domestic steam iron, basically constituted by a an ironing element (1), which is that which comes into contact with the item to be ironed, and a heating element (2) which heats said ironing element (1) by means of a thermostatic element (3) which regulates the ironing temperature, which independently of the assembly of ironing element (1), heating element (2) and thermostatic element (3), the soleplate of domestic steam iron (1-2) according to the invention incorporates an autonomous steam assembly (4) which is composed of a steam chamber (5) which has a water supply conduit (6) connected to the reservoir of the domestic iron, and whose steam chamber (5) has a separate heating element (7) which has its own thermostat (8) which regulates the temperature in that steam chamber (5); the steam assembly (4) has a steam outlet (9) connected to a complementary steam intake (10) which exists in the ironing element (1) for the correct passage of steam to the outlet holes.

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: 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 iron having a microprocessor-controlled relay which automatically connects an iron to and disconnects an iron from a source of electrical power based upon whether a user is grasping the handle of the iron and the position of the iron. The microprocessor is coupled to a proximity sensor comprised of a conductive sheet disposed within the iron handle, as well as a conventional orientation sensor. To determine whether a user is grasping the iron handle, the microprocessor detects the amount of time required to charge the proximity sensor to a predetermined voltage level, and compares the charge time to predetermined setpoints. The charge time will be greater than the setpoints when a user is grasping the iron handle due to the effective capacitance created by the conductive sheet, the iron handle, and the user's hand. To determine the position of the iron, the microprocessor detects whether the orientation sensor circuit is open or closed.

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.

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: An electric smoothing iron is provided which has a soleplate (3) which has a low heat capacity and which is heatable by means of light energy produced by lamps (6), reflectors (7) being provided to reflect the light to the soleplate (3), and the temperature of the soleplate (3) being monitored by means of a sensor, which iron comprises a microprocessor (13) which receives the measurement values from the sensor (12) and compares said measurement values with presettable nominal values of a temperature control device (14), which microprocessor is connected to a power control unit (15) which acts as a half-wave control and operates the lamps separately, in series or in parallel.

Abstract: An electric iron has a printed circuit board mounted to a rear wall in the iron's housing. An operating switch is mounted on the circuit board. The operating switch connects the iron to a source of electrical power when moved by a first manual force and disconnects the iron from the source of electrical power when moved by a second manual force or moved responsive to energization of a solenoid winding.

Abstract: An electrical appliance, such as a pressing iron (10), includes a user proximity sensor for removing electrical power from the appliance after a period of non-use. When a user's hand is in close proximity to, or is in a grasping relationship with, a handle (28) of the pressing iron, an antenna (44) that is disposed within the handle is capacitively coupled to the user through a dielectric material that forms the handle wall. When so coupled to the user, a displacement current having a frequency equal to the AC line electrical power frequency signal (50 Hz or 60 Hz) is capacitively coupled between the user's body and the antenna. The displacement current is detected and amplified by circuitry (60) that is connected to the antenna by a conductor (46). This circuitry outputs a signal that indicates the proximity of the user to the handle of the pressing iron. The output signal is in turn employed to disable the operation of a time-out circuit (70).

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: 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 safety cutout device for electric loads, particularly for use in pressing irons and portable heating apparatus, has a temperature switch, such as a bimetallic switch, which is adapted to be connected in series with the electric load. An electrical component adapted to be connected in parallel with the load and having an open and a closed switching state, and being normally open, is connected in series with a resistor adapted to be connected in parallel with the load and arranged in heat transfer relationship with the temperature switch and for heating the temperature switch to its operating temperature to open the switch. A further resistor, which continuously bridges and heats the temperature switch to an extent sufficient to maintain the temperature switch in its actuated open position, is connected in parallel with the temperature switch and adapted to be connected in series with the load.

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: An electric steam iron includes a sole plate maintained at a temperature of about 200.degree. C. by an about 800 watt electric heating element and provided with apertures for conveying steam to a surface to be ironed from a single flooded steam chamber on the iron maintained at about 100.degree. C. by an about 1200 watt electric heating element through a steam tube connecting the chamber to the apertures. The article being ironed is heated continuously by the the condensation of the steam to water in the article thereby increasing heat transfer to the article, with the article being subsequently dried by the heat produced by the sole plate, which heat is at least equal to the heat of evaporation of the condensed water. The sole plate and chamber may be thermally connected to compensate for heat losses from the chamber to the environment.

Abstract: The safety switching means comprises a source of radiation (21) which is switched on and off periodically. Only in the event that radiation (22) was detected by the detector (6) when the source of radiation (21) is switched on, it will be checked--with the source of radiation (5) switched off--whether the detector (6) is applied by radiation (22) nonetheless, and, in the event of no radiation being found by the detector (6), the current consumer will be switched on automatically by the switching means, since it is certain that the hand of a user covers the window (4).

Abstract: An electronic temperature control for a cordless ironing apparatus. The temperature of the sole plate of the iron is sensed by a thermistor embedded therein; the thermistor is part of an astable multivibrator circuit, and any change in temperature of the sole plate causes a change in resistance of the thermistor, and a corresponding change in frequency at the output of the multivibrator. This output drives an infrared LED, and the light emitted by the LED in the iron is sensed by a phototransistor in the base, which relays the sensed temperature information to a microprocessor therein which controls the current applied to the heating element accordingly, to maintain the desired temperature of the sole plate.

Abstract: An electric flat-iron safety device includes a magnet pivotally supported in a flat-iron and arranged to actuate a first magnetically operated switch only when the flat-iron is in a horizontal ironing position and to actuate a second magnetically operated switch only when the flat-iron as tilted to a vertical rest position. Should the flat-iron remain motionless in the horizontal ironing position for a first predetermined time interval shorter than the time necessary for the flat-iron to reach its normal operating temperature, closure of the first switch by the magnet causes a resettable dual interval timing circuit to interrupt the power supply to the flat-iron. If the flat-iron remains motionless in the vertical tilted rest position for a second predetermined time for a interval longer than the time necessary for the flat-iron to reach its normal operating temperature, closure of the second switch by the magnet causes the dual interval timing circuit to interrupt the power supply.

Abstract: An electric iron is provided with an orientation-detecting switch and a timing circuit, which, after the iron is unmoved in the horizontal or vertical positions for preset times, respectively, activates a heating resistor in the iron to trigger a manually resettable thermostatic cutoff switch. The iron also includes a temperature-sensing resistor and a potentiometer in circuit with a comparator and indicator means, whereby when the temperature reaches a level to which the potentiometer is set, the indicator means indicate that the iron is at ready temperature.

Abstract: An electric pressing iron having a motion and attitude sensor including a mercury switch connected to a timer, and in conjunction therewith is adapted to disable the electric heater of the iron when the iron is oriented with the soleplate substantially horizontal and is not moving. The motion and attitude sensor and timer are also adapted to disable the electric heater when the iron is oriented with its soleplate vertical after the passage of a preselected period of time.

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: An electric steam iron includes a plastic housing shell forming a hollow handle structure and a soleplate with steam generating means and ports for distribution of steam. A pump actuated by a handle button delivers water from a tank within the housing shell to the steam generating means. The iron is controlled by a low DC voltage electronic control including a printed circuit board disposed in the housing shell away from the soleplate and having means including a power resistor for reducing high AC line voltage to low DC supply to the circuit. The shell and hollow handle structure are open to the soleplate and the printed circuit board is directly exposed to heat from the power resistor.

Abstract: An electric resistance heating device including a body having a metal mass and a sheathed electric heating element for heating the mass is provided with a temperature sensing thermistor designed for electronic temperature regulation. The thermistor together with the leads thereof is housed in a shrunk thermoplastic, e.g., PTFE, sheath and is inserted into a cavity within the mass closely approaching the heating element sheath through an orifice closed by a metal sealing plug having substantially the same composition and thermal characteristics as the mass. The cavity and the face of the plug are shaped to closely correspond to the sheath containing the thermistor and leads and any air spaces existing between the sheath, the mass and plug are filled with a silicone putty, such as silastene. The sealing plug is force fit within the orifice or inset therein by plastic deformation of the metallic mass.

Abstract: A temperature sensor for a sheet-shaped heating element includes a thermistor which is fixedly mounted in a mounting aperture formed in a sheet-shaped heating element. The thermistor is disposed in the mounting aperture so that lead wires within the envelope of the thermistor extend normal to the plane of the heating element.

Abstract: The specification describes a portable tire repair apparatus which is sleevable within a tire and is provided with heating elements which are positioned to effect repairs to both tire treads and tire sidewalls. The heating elements are resilient so that they do not deform the tire during the repair operation.

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

Abstract: A clamp heater for heating shoe upper portions prior to molding them comprises an inner metal form and a cooperating outer band constructed of silicone rubber. The inner metal form has a cartridge heater accommodated therein. The outer band is heated by a radiant heater arranged about its outer surface. When the inner form carries a shoe upper portion into the outer band, the outer band wraps around the shoe upper portion and clamps it about the inner form, to ensure efficient heat transfer. To protect the outer band from heat damage, a temperature control device in the form of a thermostat is provided. The inner form also has a temperature control device therein. To ensure adequate heat is available in the operation of the clamp, when the inner form is moved to carry the shoe upper portion into the outer band, the temperature controls are both overridden and the heaters are rendered operative.