Abstract: A heat generating element includes at least one PTC element, contact sheets flatly lying against the PTC element on either side, a housing which forms at least one opening for receiving the at least one PTC element and which has a terminal side at which contact tongues allocated to the contact sheets are exposed. The device also has a wedge element with a broader and a narrower end face which are connected to each other via first and second wedge surfaces, the first wedge surface extending in parallel to one of the contact sheets and lying against it with a slide plate being inserted, and the second wedge surface being exposed at the outer side of the housing. A heat generating element less susceptible to damages during assembly has a slide plate connected to the housing.

Abstract: A cigar lighter has a heating element and a movable knob biased by a spring. The heating element has a first electrical terminal in contact with a first contact element disposed around the perimeter of the heating element and a second centrally located terminal in contact with a centrally disposed fastener. A bimetal element is in contact with the second terminal of the heating element and has two engaging clips. A movable contact moves with the knob and has a first position wherein it does not engage the clips and the heating element is unenergized and a second position wherein it engages the clips to energize the heating element.

Abstract: When applying a current to a plated steel plate, plating often biases. In the present invention, when applying a current, the current is applied with a flux guiding member arranged in proximity to a side surface of the plated steel plate. The direction of the magnetic flux at the side surface of the plated steel plate is corrected, and the bias of the plating is efficiently suppressed.

Abstract: An electrical socket for powering an electrical/electronic accessory device having an electrical plug that is received in the socket, comprising: an electrically conductive socket well for slidably receiving the electrical plug of the electrical/electronic device; an electrical connector portion disposed distally on the socket well and comprising an insulator fastened to the socket well at a distal end thereof and having at least two electrical terminals for connecting to a vehicle electrical power source; a plurality of first electrical contacts disposed at a distal end of said socket well and extending radially and proximally from the center of said well and being electrically connected to a first of said electrical terminals of said electrical connector portion; a second of said electrical terminals of said electrical connector portion being electrically connected to said socket well; and said plurality of first electrical contacts being adapted to electrically slidably engage with an inner periphery of a

Abstract: A cigar lighter plug apparatus may include a case for surrounding a heating element which is equipped to a lower side thereof and including a groove therein, a cover fixing the case therein, a knob selectively engaged into the groove of the case through an upper side of the case, a lighting lamp formed to the knob, and a switching member formed on an inner wall of the groove and being selectively connected to the lightening member to turn on the lighting lamp according to a temperature of the case.

Abstract: A method and a device for connecting objects by means of a connecting element which can be plasticised by heat, on which connecting element a rivet head is formed by means of a heatable cap having a small-volume configuration. The cap is heated by a heating element which is moveable together with it in the direction of the connecting element and is configured as a large-volume heat store. The heating element is separated from the cap after forming the rivet head but before withdrawal of the cap from the rivet head, in order to enable rapid cooling of the rivet head.

Abstract: A heating plug for an electric cigar lighter, in particular for a cigar lighter equipping a motor vehicle, has a plug body designed to be inserted axially in a complementary female socket body equipped with electrical connection terminals. A push button is mounted so as to be able to move axially with respect to the plug body, between a neutral position and a pushed-in position in which it causes closure of an electrical circuit for supplying electrical current to a heating element arranged in the plug. The heating element has a lighting face which is accessible from the outside of the plug when the plug is removed from the socket body. The lighting face of the element is roughly parallel to the insertion axis of the plug.

Abstract: A double-element assembly for a cigar lighter, having a bimetallic disk, and a metal disk that is not bimetallic, the disks being riveted to one another in a center region of each disk.

Abstract: A cigar lighter comprising heating unit and socket in which heating unit is slidably received; heating unit having housing and further comprising switch having a first switch contact connected to a second end of a heating element, the switch further having second switch contact electrically connected to second electrical power contact, and heating unit further comprising a bimetal element for opening the switch when the electrical heating element reaches predetermined temperature; the socket comprising housing having base at distal end thereof, the base being provided with contact cup comprising a plurality of axially projecting fingers each biased radially inwardly for electrically contacting said annular contact element of heating unit when heating unit is inserted in socket, and further comprising an insulating connector assembly at the distal end of socket housing comprising at least one electrical terminal for connection to source of electrical power, electrical terminal being connected to contact cup.

Abstract: A cigar lighter assembly comprising a heating unit and a socket in which the heating unit is slidably received, the heating unit comprising first and second electrical power contacts and having a heating unit housing, the housing having an electrical heating element therein, the electrical heating element having a first end electrically connected to the first electrical power contact, the first electrical power contact comprising an annular contact element disposed at a distal end of said heating unit, the heating unit further comprising a switch, the switch having a first switch contact electrically connected to a second end of said heating element, the switch further having a second switch contact electrically connected to the second electrical power contact, and the heating unit further comprising a bimetal element for opening the switch when the electrical heating element reaches a predetermined temperature, the socket comprising a socket housing, the socket housing being sized so as to slidably and frict

Abstract: An electrical plug-like connector, in particular a socket or cigar(ette) lighter in motor vehicles having a sleeve-like guide part for axially accepting a cigar(ette) lighter or a connector plug of an electrical device. A first fixed contact is arranged in the sleeve base region on an insulation carrier. The fixed first contact is acted upon by a counter contact, and the electrically conductive guide part forms a second fixed contact that acts upon other counter contacts. Thermal overload protection is also provided. Parallel to the thermal overload protection and at a distance from the insulation carrier, a sheet metal insert is provided, extending in the sleeve base section. On the underside of the sheet metal insert, an electrically-conductive bimetal-switch spring is fixed such that such that in the non-operative condition the bimetal switch spring acts upon the first fixed contact or upon a side contact connected with the side contact.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cigar lighter, especially for a motor vehicle, comprising a heating body and a knob intended to be engaged in the heating body, this knob including a heating resistance element located in a cup and able to be supplied with electricity via a supply bimetallic strip in contact with the cup when the knob is pushed in into a heating position, and a safety device maintaining electrical contact with the cup, whatever the shape of the supply bimetallic strip, in order to continue to supply the heating resistance element as long as the knob is pushed in into the heating body in heating position, in which the electrical contact between the safety device and the cup is formed on the flank of the outer face of the cup.

Abstract: A control device with several stable positions, has a cam and a finger, the finger traveling along a cam track around the cam, when the finger and the cam are moved with respect to one another in translation. The cam track has curvature about an axis of rotation parallel to the axis of the translation to move the finger and the cam in rotation with respect to one another. The finger and the cam each are a cylindrical ring, these two rings being coaxial and capable of a rotational movement with respect to one another, along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cigar lighter, especially for a motor vehicle, comprising a heating body and a knob intended to be engaged in the heating body, this knob including a heating resistance element located in a cup and able to be supplied with electricity via a supply bimetallic strip in contact with the cup when the knob is pushed in into a heating position, and a safety device maintaining electrical contact with the cup, whatever the shape of the supply bimetallic strip, in order to continue to supply the heating resistance element as long as the knob is pushed in into the heating body in heating position, in which the electrical contact between the safety device and the cup is formed on the flank of the outer face of the cup.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cigar lighter, comprising a removable heating plug and a lighting body including a lighting socket in which the heating plug is accommodated along an assembly direction and the bottom of which carries a bimetallic strip with electrical insulation. A potential difference exists between the socket and the bimetallic strip for supplying electrical power to the heating plug. The cigar lighter includes a safety blade terminal in electrical contact with the bimetallic strip, and able to be linked electrically to the socket in the event of overheating.

Abstract: An electric cigar lighter includes a receptacle for receiving and energizing an igniting unit of an automatic electric cigar lighter, the receptacle having a pair of circuits having respectively a grounding contact and a polarizing contact both of which are engageable with the igniting unit to carry current thereto, and a heat-responsive device comprising a solid state positive temperature coefficient resistor disposed in series in one of the circuits, the resistor being adapted to receive heat from the igniting unit for limiting the current in the one circuit when the resistor attains a predetermined high temperature.

Abstract: An electrical power-operated accessory for automobiles and other vehicles, comprises an automatic electrical cigar lighter or power outlet device consisting of a holder structure which includes a socket having electrical contacts, and either an ignitor plug receivable in the socket for use with tobacco products, or else a power outlet plug to provide a source of power for operating other equipment. The ignitor plug has an electrical heating coil, and the socket has a base-mounted automatic switch to control the operating current. The socket also has safety overload protection in the form of a PTC wafer which functions to prevent overcurrent conditions. A glow ring on the holder or socket is illuminated concurrently with energization of the heating coil or the power outlet, or else separately controlled from an outside source.

Abstract: The lighter body comprises a lighter, a connecting bimetallic strip and a safety bimetallic strip mounted head to tail in relation to the connecting bimetallic strip and having two safety blade able to cooperate with convex contact parts belonging to a power supply part.

Abstract: A motor vehicle cigar lighter has an illuminating sleeve carrying an illuminating module which includes a light source and which surrounds the lighter socket or body. A connecting module is fixed to the rear of the lighter body. Temporary locking means, comprising tongues, are interposed between the connecting module and the illuminating sleeve.

Abstract: The lighter body comprises a lighter socket, a masking socket, surrounding the lighter socket and an illuminant ring surrounding the masking socket. The ring has at least one attachment lug of a fixed wall and bears a lighting source. An attachment structure also acts between the ring and the masking socket.

Abstract: A lighter body (10) having a sleeve (11) with a base portion (12), a first electrical supply member (4), a safety element (1) with a safety tongue (9), a second electrical supply member (7), and a second electrical insulating member (3), whereby the safety element (1) is in contact with the second electrical supply member (7). The second electrical supply member (7) and the safety element (1) are interposed between the base portion (12) of the sleeve (11) and the second electrical insulating member (3). The safety tongue (9) is adapted to cooperate with a contact portion (8) which is electrically connected to the first electrical supply member (4).

Abstract: A cigar lighter receptacle construction includes a well part and a separate safety connector cartridge part adapted to be disconnectably carried at the rear of the well part. The parts have electrical connector structures forming engageable pairs of contactors. At least one pair of contactors is in the form of telescopic cup-like formations. There is further provided a bimetallic finger carried by the cartridge part, adapted to shunt the connector structures of the cartridge part in response to overheating of the well part. The arrangement is such that both the well part and the cartridge part are relatively simple sub-assemblies which can be manufactured at greatly reduced expense by virtue of the various assembly steps being carried out largely by automated equipment.

Abstract: A lighter body (10) having a sleeve (11) carrying, on the inside, a bimetallic device (5) provided with axially oriented blades (51). The sleeve is locally pressed outwards in line with the blades (51) to form axially oriented protuberances forming a space allowing movement of the blades.

Abstract: A motor vehicle electric cigar lighter in the form of a metal receptacle shell is adapted to receive a lighter plug, and a combined assembler and connector plug is attached to the rear of the shell. A bimetallic clip in the shell engages and energizes a usual lighter plug inserted therein. A fastener stud carries the bimetallic clip, and has a shank projecting from the rear of the shell. The combined assembler and connector plug includes a hollow molded plastic plug body having a recess adapted to receive a female electrical connector receptacle on the vehicle's wiring harness. The assembler and connector plug further comprises a contact prong member disposed in the recess of the plug body and adapted to mate with the female electrical connector receptacle. The prong member has a base portion which is molded or embedded in the plug body, and the base portion has an opening that receives the shank of the fastener stud, by a force fit.

Abstract: A device for reducing odors in the interior of a motor vehicle comprises a hollow body of polymer material adapted to contain the extractable cigarette-lighter. The heating of the latter results in the emission of active anti-odor substances contained in the body of polymer material.

Abstract: A cigar lighter receptacle construction includes a well part and a separate safety connector cartridge part adapted to be disconnectably carried at the rear of the well part. The parts have electrical connector structures forming engageable pairs of contactors. At least one pair of contactors is in the form of telescopic cup-like formations. There is further provided a bimetallic finger carried by the cartridge part, adapted to shunt the connector structures of the cartridge part in response to overheating of the well part. The arrangement is such that both the well part and the cartridge part are relatively simple sub-assemblies which can be manufactured at greatly reduced expense by virtue of the various assembly steps being carried out largely by automated equipment.

Abstract: An electric lighter for a vehicle includes a lighter plug insertable into a dashboard socket having a bimetallic yoke engageable with an end of the plug for energizing the glow coil of the plug. An overload protective device is disposed in the socket and comprises a bimetallic snap-action disc disposed immediately below the yoke and connected electrically in series therewith. The snap-action disc has a first shape in its operating condition where it completes the circuit to the glow coil through the yoke and assumes a second shape when it snaps to its switch-off position in response to an overload condition to open the circuit to the glow coil. The snap-action disc remains in its switch-off position after cooling and must be manually reset to its operating position to restore operability of the lighter by the engagement of a manually actuated reset device associated with the socket with a peripheral portion of the snap-action disc.

Abstract: A thermic protection device for vehicle lighters in which the electric contact holder base (16) is provided with a first bimetallic lamina (15) for thermic protection against superheating that causes a short circuit allowing the lighter to be reutilized.The base (16) is fitted with a second bimetallic lamina (18) for thermic protection that remains abut against the resistor (12) of the lighter's plug (10) when this is pressed into the base, maintaining the electric contact until at least the first lamina (15) is started up.

Abstract: A car-borne electric cigar lighter includes a receptacle having a spring contact for receiving the heater element of the lighter for energization. A pair of spaced electrially conductive connecting plates form part of the electrical circuit to the spring contact. A circuit breakable electrically conductive spacer including a heat resistant, form-retaining resilient plate of an electrically insulating rubber, e.g., silicone rubber, penetrated between opposite surfaces with a thermally fusible, electrically conductive portion made from a low melting point metal, e.g., tin foils, to be in contact with the two connecting plates on both sides of the spacer forms an electrical connection between the plates through the tin foils. In case of overheating, the tin foils are melted down to open the electric circuit to the spring contact without losing the mechanical integrity of the spacer to serve as an insulator between the connecting plates.

Abstract: An electric cigar lighter for installation in a dashboard of a motor vehicle, has an electrically conductive lighter plug containing an electrically conductive glow coil dish with a glow coil having one end electrically connected to the glow coil dish and another end connected to the lighter plug. A socket having a plug-in contact electrically connected to a negative-pole terminal establishes electrical connection with the lighter plug when the lighter plug is inserted therein. A switch associated with the lighter plug includes a fixed non-flexible contact element secured in the bottom of the socket in electrically insulated relationship thereto and electrically connected to a positive-pole terminal and the glow coil dish which is mounted at the end of the lighter plug and arranged for movement relative thereto into and out of electrical contact with the contact element.

Abstract: A combined cigarette and chart/map lighter includes a elongated plug body which is adapted to cooperate with a socket connected to a source of electrical energy. An ignitor coil and cup are formed at a first end of the plug body, and a lamp socket, for receipt of a light bulb, is disposed interiorly of the plug body at a central portion of the plug body. A removable cap is formed at the second end of the plug body. A leaf spring electrical contact is provided within the plug body and is biased into engagement with a ground formed by the interior shell of the plug body. A cam follower is formed at the end of the leaf spring contact. A plastic generally U-shaped reciprocal element has linear cams formed at the free ends of each of the legs of the U, the linear cams capable of engaging the leaf spring cam follower and moving the leaf spring out of contact with the ground.

Abstract: A two-piece metal clamping shell for electric cigar lighters of the type employed in automobiles and other vehicles wherein a socket is carried in an aperture of the vehicle dashboard or other panel and an igniting unit or plug is receivable in the socket. The clamping shell includes a cylindrical body member which encircles the cigar lighter socket and which is adapted to secure the latter in its operative position. The body member of the shell is disposed behind the dashboard, and retains the socket by its engagement with the rear surface of the dash. The socket has a threaded portion at its inner end, and a similarly threaded clamp ring is applied thereto with the said body member being disposed between it and the dashboard's rear surface. The clamp ring has a peripheral nest portion adapted to centralize the body member with respect to the socket, and is capable of being tightened on the socket so as to secure the latter in place.

Abstract: The car cigar lighter of the present invention has such construction that it can easily be mounted on the panel nearby the driver's seat of a car and is superior in the operating ease and safety. Namely, it is characterized in that a holder and a positioning projection are formed on a socket by processing and on the other hand, at the center of a plug housed into said socket, a circular groove is formed and at the skirt portion of said plug, a ringed projection is formed respectively to enable controlling the sinking action of the knob by engaging the component members mentioned above with each other and also, with a base holder fixed into the cavity of the knob, a push nut secured to the base shaft of shaft body is press-fitted into the base holder to stick the knob easily to the shaft body. Further at the opening edge of a flange, a heat insulating resin ring is fitted to cover the edge, whereby any person who uses the cigar lighter can be prevented from getting burned.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric cigar lighter for use, for example in vehicles, having a circuit breaker. The circuit breaker includes an elongated fuse member having a fuse and a tube for covering the fuse. The tube has a melting point slightly lower than that of the fuse. Therefore, when the fuse melts and separates in two parts upon overheating of a heating element carried by an igniting of the lighter, the separated ends of the fuse are wrapped by the separated ends of the tube. Thus, even if the separated ends of the fuse member contact some portions of the lighter placed adjacent to the fuse member or other members, a short circuit can be prevented.

Abstract: An electric cigar lighter, such as used in a motor vehicle, has a bimetallic switch in the form of a snap disk positioned within a socket. When using commercial appliance plugs with such a snap disk, the diameter of the socket does not need to be enlarged compared to conventional sockets. Contact bounce and contact interruptions are prevented. These advantages are achieved by placing the contact disk and a contact part on an adjustment ring inserted with a sliding fit into a tubular member located within the socket. A control knob for the lighter fits into a plug sleeve within the socket. A spring spider on the control knob locks onto an annular bulge on the plug sleeve provides a pressure point for quickly switching the heating element to the on-position.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electric cigar lighter for use, for example in vehicles, having an improved circuit breaker which includes at least two thermostatic contacts mounted on a bottom of a tubular holder for receiving an igniting unit, an end cap secured to the outer face of the tubular holder, a movable contact unit which is movable in the end cap and a spring mounted in the end cap so as to rearwardly urge the movable contact unit. The thermostatic contacts are adapted to contact a bimetallic latch mounted in the tubular holder, and to rearwardly extend into the end cap. The movable contact unit includes a contact member in a form of a cap which, at a front end portion of a cylindrical wall thereof, a rib which is adapted to be engageable with ribs formed at the rear ends of the thermostatic contacts.

Abstract: The electrical resistance hot-plate of the plug of the lighter comprises a holder which houses and retains a heating element in the form of a metal strip shaped, for example, in accordion-pleated folds or a coil, so as to have consecutive turns which together define respective flat faces at the two opposing edges of the strip, at least one of which is so situated in correspondence with an open side of the holder for receiving the tip of a cigarette. The consecutive turns of the strip are spaced apart so as to define a plurality of interstices, and the holder has at least one opening opposite its open side to expose a greater part of the corresponding flat face of the heating element and allow a flow of air from one face of the element to the other.

Abstract: An electrical cigarette-lighter device for mounting on a vehicle dashboard has a fixed hollow body part and a removable elongate candle part normally stowed in the body part. The candle part includes an electrically-energizable burner and a surrounding outer sleeve. To facilitate use of the device, the operative front face of the burner is arranged to face sideways in the sleeve and an access aperture is provided in the sidewall of the sleeve. With such an arrangement of the candle part, a user upon removing the candle part out of the dashboard-mounted body part, will normally only need to turn the candle part through 90.degree. to light a cigarette held between his lips.

Abstract: The bimetallic clamping member of a cigar lighter socket is expanded and lengthened to completely disengage the burner cup when the cigar lighter is pressed fully into its socket. An insulating coating on a stop member ensures that no electrical circuit is established through the burner while the cigar lighter remains pressed.

Abstract: A quick-acting electric cigar lighter employing a bimetallic disk constituting an electric switching member. The disk is secured in place by a mounting stud, utilizing a welding procedure. The welding does not adversely effect the functioning of the switch due to the provision of a central offset portion in the disk, which tends to relieve stresses on the weld, preventing any failure at that location. The lighter is activated by pushing the igniting unit inward to bring the heating element cup into physical contact with the bimetallic disk. Over-stressing of the bimetallic disk is prevented by mounting the same in a recessed insulating block which has lands that are engaged by the cup after a pre-determined amount of actuation of the plug has occurred. An effective, long-life contact between the cup and the disk is had by the use of special metals which co-act to minimize pitting, deterioration, etc., one metal comprising aluminum which cooperates with other metals such as copper or silver.

Abstract: An electric cigar lighter for automobiles and the like, comprising a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and an ignitor plug receivable in the socket. The plug comprises a manually operable part, and carries a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a normally-closed heat-responsive switch that is disposed in the holder device. The socket, in addition to its grounding circuit, has a "hot" contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the circuit through the heating element when the manually operable part is depressed. The holder device also carries a bimetallic member which is engageable with one of the parts of the switch. The member normally occupies a closed-circuit position wherein it is separated from the one switch part.

Abstract: An automatic electric cigar lighter for automobiles and the like having a socket and an ignitor plug receivable in the socket. The plug comprises a manually operable part carrying an electric heating element which can be electrically connected to the socket circuit, the latter having a normally open heat-responsive switch that becomes closed normally-open the manually operable part is first pushed to a deep position in the socket. The socket has a grounding circuit and a "hot" contact that is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the electrical circuit through the heating element. The socket also carries a bi-stable bimetallic member which is engageable with one of the parts of the noramlly-open switch to control the latter. The bimetallic member normally occupies an open-circuiting position wherein it abuts the one switch part to maintain the switch open.

Abstract: An automatic electric cigar lighter, particularly a cigar lighter igniting unit for automobiles and the like. The cigar lighter comprises a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and a unique ignitor plug receivable in the socket. Disposed at the inner end of the plug is a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a heat-responsive switch that is also carried by the plug. The socket in addition to its grounding circuit has a "hot" contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the circuit through the heating element. The plug comprises a manually operable part by which the heat-responsive switch can be closed, thereby to complete the heating circuit through the element. A bimetallic member is also carried by the plug, engageable with one of the switch parts and normally lying in a circuit-opening position wherein it maintains the switch parts separated and from which it can be shifted to a closed-circuit position.

Abstract: A manual electric cigar lighter for automobiles and the like, comprising a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and a unique ignitor plug receivable in the socket. Disposed at the inner end of the plug is a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a heat-responsive switch that is also carried by the plug. The socket in addition to its grounding circuit has a "hot" contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to close the circuit through the heating element. The plug comprises a manually operable part by which the heat-responsive switch can be closed, thereby to complete the heating circuit through the element. A bimetallic member is also carried by the plug, engageable with one of the switch parts and always normally lying in a closed-circuit position when cold.

Abstract: An electrical cigar lighter for automotive vehicles is provided with a socket assembly and a plug assembly including a heater element adapted to be electrically heated when the plug assembly is in a connected position within the socket assembly. Electrical circuitry is provided within the socket assembly to effect electrical heating of the heater element. A bimetallic switch including a snap disc for making and breaking contact with the electrical circuitry in response to the temperature of the heating element is also provided in the socket assembly. A dish-shaped contact member formed as part of the heater element of the plug assembly operates to place the heater element in circuit with the electrical circuitry of the socket assembly.

Abstract: An automatic electric cigar lighter, and especially a cigar lighter igniting unit as used for automobiles and the like. The cigar lighter has a holder which presents an outwardly facing socket, and embraces a unique ignitor plug that is received and stored in the socket. At its inner end the plug has a heating element for electrical connection in the circuit of a heat-responsive switch which is also carried by the plug. The latter comprises a manually operable part by which the heat-responsive switch can be closed to complete the heating circuit through the element. A bimetallic member is also carried by the plug, being engageable with one of the switch parts and normally having a circuit-opening position wherein it maintains the one switch part separated from the other. The member is shifted to a closed-circuit position when the plug is actuated. In both positions it receives radiant heat when the heating element is incandescent.

Abstract: An automatic electric cigar lighter, particularly a cigar lighter igniting unit for automobiles and the like. The cigar lighter comprises a holder device presenting an outwardly facing socket, and a unique ignitor plug receivable in the socket. Disposed at the inner end of the plug is a heating element which is electrically connected in circuit with a heat-responsive switch that is also carried by the plug. The socket in addition to its grounding circuit has a "hot" contact which is engageable with a cooperable contact on the plug to effect the circuit through the heating element. The plug comprises a manually operable part by which the heat-responsive switch can be closed, thereby to complete the heating circuit through the element. A bimetallic member is also carried by the plug, engageable with one of the switch parts and normally lying in a circuit-opening position wherein it maintains the switch parts separated and from which it can be shifted to a closed-circuit position.

Abstract: The plug portion of a cigar lighter is assembled using a decorative disc held in place by the shaft of a knob being threaded into a disc which is secured against protuberances in a cup by a rolled flange.

Abstract: An electric igniting element as used in automobile cigar lighters, jet engine igniters and like devices, comprising a spirally wound tight coil made of metal heater ribbon which is transversely formed to have a cross-sectional configuration roughly similar to a wide-spread letter "V" but with a flattened bottom portion and two beaded edge surfaces along one side, which greatly facilitate the coil winding process, effect a greater uniformity, extend the range of coil stock that can be handled while at the same time resulting in a nesting and interlocking of the convolutions that not only provide a mutual support of the same but also produce a small coil having a high metal density.

Abstract: A quick-acting electric cigar lighter employing a bimetallic disk constituting an electric switching member. The disk is secured in place by a mounting stud, utilizing a welding procedure. The welding does not adversely affect the functioning of the switch due to the provision of a central offset portion in the disk, which tends to relieve stresses on the weld, preventing any failure at that location. The lighter is activated by pushing the igniting unit inward to bring the heating element cup into physical contact with the bimetallic disk. Over-stressing of the bimetallic disk is prevented by mounting the same in a recessed insulating block which has lands that are engaged by the cup after a pre-determined amount of actuation of the plug has occurred. An effective, long-life contact between the cup and the disk is had by the use of special metals which co-act to minimize pitting, deterioration, etc., one metal comprising aluminum which cooperates with other metals such as copper or silver. .Iadd.