Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, a circuit for controlling a fusing system such as used in a printer, copier or the like, comprises a timing circuit; an averaging circuit which receives an output from the timing circuit and averages the signal to produce a voltage signal; a modulation circuit arrangement which receives the voltage signal from the averaging circuit and generates a train of pulses which varies with the voltage signal from the averaging circuit; and a switch driver circuit which is responsive to the pulse train from the modulation circuit and which drives a power supply switching circuit with a timing to apply a smoothly changing alternating current to the fusing system. The modulation circuit may be of the pulse width modulation type or the frequency modulation type.

Abstract: A heating unit includes a bridge having an arm in which there is located a heating element, and a circuit for directing a sensing current through the heating element. The circuit of the present invention reduces the duty cycle of the sensing current, thus reducing the average sensing current and allowing the use of higher peak sensing currents. In one embodiment, a set of zener diodes determines the start and stop points of the sensing current pulses. In another embodiment, the start and stop points are determined by electronic logic performed by a quad comparator. In another embodiment, one of the zener diodes is replaced by a SIDAC. The invention allows sensing of heating elements having very small temperature coefficients. The circuits of the invention produce a sensing current which is relatively unaffected by variations in supply voltage.

Abstract: A power supply system for outputting low voltage electrical power from a high voltage power source includes an isolation-type power conversion device, such as a transformer having a primary high voltage side and an isolated secondary low voltage side. The low voltage side is interconnected with a power output arrangement, which is adapted to supply low voltage power to a load, which may be in the form of an electric blanket or the like. A switching arrangement is interconnected with the high voltage primary side of the power conversion device, for providing intermittent operation of the power conversion device. The period of intermittent operation of the power conversion device is controlled via a control arrangement, to vary the power output from the low voltage secondary side of the transformer and thereby to the electrical load.

Abstract: A control circuit for a vehicle seat having at least one heating element and at least one fan is provided. The control circuit includes a two-pole switch having two synchronously actuated switch elements. The switch elements are operatively connected to the heating element and the fan to operate the heating element and the fan in a first operating mode wherein only the heating element is active, and a second operating mode wherein both the heating element and the fan are active. When two heating elements are employed, the two heating elements are connected in parallel by the switch elements in the first operating mode and are connected in series by the switch elements in the second operating mode.

Abstract: A cooking controller assembly includes a heating element, a push-to-turn rotary switch, and an electric controller. The heating element is coupled to the push-to-turn rotary switch and the electric controller. The push-to-turn rotary switch is manually pushed and turned to selectively connect power to the heating element. The electric controller is coupled to the push-to-turn rotary switch and the heating element, and electrically controls the power to the heating element in relation to the manual rotation of the push-to-turn rotary switch.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier, a cooking apparatus, or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, and time-automated switching of modes of operation. The circuit includes a single control switch to manually set power output, to set a value for automatically comparing and responding to a sensed condition, and to set a time-automated sequence of operational modes. The circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably an application-specific integrated circuit, to provide circuit logic. The single control switch, preferably a push-button switch, selects a mode of operation. The circuit includes a thermistor or humidity sensor. The unit responds to the sensed condition, in accordance with the temperature/humidity value set by the control switch. The unit bypasses sensor operation in manual mode. In timed mode, a manual or automatic mode operates for selected time, followed by an automatic mode or powering off.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention an operating device for a glass ceramic hob (25) can be provided and has an operating unit (11). The operating unit (11) has a rotary toggle (12), which is magnetically mounted on a glass ceramic hob (25). A bearing device (13) below the glass ceramic hob has guide magnets (15), which form a magnetically acting guide link, which permits both a rotary movement (R) and a linear movement (L) of the rotary toggle (12). The rotary toggle (12) has signalling magnets (19) along its outer circumference and with them are associated beneath the hob (25) Hall sensors (21). Further Hall sensors (22) are positioned between the guide magnets (15). A random movement (R, L) of the rotary toggle (12) can be detected with the Hall sensors (21, 22). The operating unit (11) can be removed. The glass ceramic hob (25) requires no openings or the like.

Abstract: A device for satellites is associated with heaters that are turned on when the device is turned off and turned off when the device is turned on. The device includes a power supply, a system for turning the device on and off and a system for turning the heaters on and off controlled by the system for turning the device on and off. The power supply supplies power to the heaters when they are turned on and do not supply power to the heaters to turn on the device. The device is more particularly suited to communication equipment for satellites associated with substitution heaters.

Abstract: A control unit (3) for controlling an electric household appliance, e.g. a refrigerator, is connected in series with a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistive unit (4) which, when supplied with electric current, generates sufficient heat to activate a thermally activated actuating element (6) for selectively turning on/off respective auxiliary switches (9) of the electric household appliance. The thermally activated actuating element (6) includes a temperature-deformable element (7), e.g. a bimetallic plate, the deformation of which is transmitted by kinematic links (10) to a camshaft (8), the cams (12) of which cooperate with the auxiliary switches (9) of the electric household appliance to selectively turn on/off the auxiliary switches (9).

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled steering wheel for heating and cooling the user's hands while steering a vehicle. The temperature-controlled steering wheel includes a steering wheel member having an arcuate channel disposed therein; and also includes an arcuate outer tubular member being disposed in the endless channel of the steering wheel member; and further includes an arcuate inner tubular member being disposed in the endless channel of the steering wheel member and the outer tubular member; and also includes an assembly for heating the steering wheel member including a liquid being disposed in the inner tubular member.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling electrically controllable appliances, such as electric cookers, has at least one manually operable control element placed on an outside of a plate, e.g. a glass ceramic plate of an electric cooker, which is secured by a magnetic holding device in non-contacting magnetic manner on the plate. A sensor device determines the position and/or position change of the control element and an associated control device, in order to set different operating modes of the appliance. The control element is constructed as a sliding key automatically returning to a rest position and which is displaceable in at least one displacement direction along the plate. Such sliding keys can be operated in a particularly easy manner and are well adapted to an at least partial digital processing of the sensor signals to controlling signals.

Abstract: A cooking controller assembly includes a heating element, a push-to-turn rotary switch, and an electric controller. The heating element is coupled to the push-to-turn rotary switch and the electric controller. The push-to-turn rotary switch is manually pushed and turned to selectively connect power to the heating element. The electric controller is coupled to the push-to-turn rotary switch and the heating element, and electrically controls the power to the heating element in relation to the manual rotation of the push-to-turn rotary switch.

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 thermal protector has a fixed plate provided with a fixed contact at the front end portion. There is a first terminal for external connection in the rear end portion and a movable plate having elasticity so that a movable contact provided in the front end portion is brought into contact with the fixed contact by the elasticity. There is a second terminal for external connection connected to the rear end portion of the movable plate; and a bimetal plate, the front end portion being engaged with the movable plate. The movable plate is driven in a direction such that the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact by reversing when a predetermined temperature is exceeded. A part of the movable plate has a double reconstruction provided by folding, and an increase in cross-sectional area due to this double construction substantially decreases the internal resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for signal control of a switch which outputs a first signal in response to a turning operation thereof and outputs a second signal in response to a depressing operation thereof. If one of the first and second signals is outputted in response to a corresponding one of the switch turning operation and the switch depressing operation and the other signal is thereafter outputted in response to the other operation within a predetermined period, the control device nullifies the other signal. With this arrangement, a heating cooker provided with the switch is prevented from performing an under-heat or over-heat cooking operation on the basis of a misoperation of the switch. Further, the need for resetting a cooking period is obviated which may otherwise arise from the misoperation of the switch.

Abstract: A portable electric appliance including a housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet and an air flow path therebetween; a conditioner disposed in the air flow path and operable to condition air in the air flow path; a power source; and an electrical switch connected between the conditioner and the power source and having an actuator movable between an inactive position and at least one active position, the switch in its one active position transmitting power from the source to the conditioner, and in its inactive position preventing power transmission therebetween. Also included is a lock mechanism including a release element adapted for predetermined movement between a locked position and an unlocked position, the actuator and release element being shaped and arranged to require independent manipulation by, respectively, first and second body parts; and in its locked position the element prevents the given movement of the actuator, and in its unlocked position allows the given movement of the actuator.

Abstract: A battery cell bypass protection technology for use with NiH2 (or other energy storage) cells on a spacecraft or other high reliability application. The device is a thermally activated switch, designed to bypass the current around a failed (open) or failing cell so that the other cells in the battery are unaffected. One unique aspect of the design is a “pre-loaded” compression action, solder shorting mechanism. Another unique aspect is that the construction employs series redundant heaters and blocking diodes in multi-chip packages. These unique aspects provide consistent and complete shorting to provide a low-resistance cell bypass in any orientation on earth (1g) or in orbit (0g). Another unique aspect is the use of non-lead-based solder that minimizes “creep” over time and temperature.

Abstract: A hand dryer timer having a switch in electrical communication with, and controlling the operation of a heater, a fan motor and a timer motor which are electrically connected to two nonneutral lines of a power source. A cam is mounted on a drive shaft of the timer motor such that the cam rotates with the drive shaft and also slides longitudinally over the drive shaft. The cam has a cam lobe adjacent an actuating arm of the switch. A biasing element is located between the timer motor and the cam and biases the cam to a first position aligning the cam lobe with the actuating arm of the switch. The switch includes two sets of switch contacts in a power circuit for the heater and fan motor, so that at the end of a drying cycle, the two sets of switch contacts are effective to electrically isolate the heater and fan motor from both non-neutral lines of the power source.

Abstract: An electrical switch including a body, fixed and movable contacts in the body, a principal switching member supported by the body for movement between ON and OFF positions, and a subsidiary switching member supported by the principal switching member for movement in directions different from directions of movement of the principal switching member. The principal switching member has an inner part providing a switching profile to operate the movable contacts with respect to the fixed contacts for switching. The subsidiary switching member has an inner part positioned at the switching profile for changing the switching profile while the principal switching member is in the ON position. The switch may be used to control the operation of a hair dryer to provide, in particular, a COOL shot by operation of the subsidiary switching member.

Abstract: A control device for an electrical cooking appliance having a case, a bowl and a heating element associated with the bowl.

Abstract: A temperature controller for electric cooking appliances includes a activating button movably provided on an outer surface and a temperature controller fixed inside an electric cooking appliance. The temperature controller has a shaft and a gear fixed on an end of the shaft. The activating button has a connect member extending in the electric cooking appliance, and a base connected to the connect member, which has a rack formed under an upper wall to engage the gear. The rack has a width at least equal to the linear moving distance of the shaft. Then the activating button is moved rightward and leftward, letting the base with the rack move also so that the gear is rotated by the rack, with the shaft rotating to move forward or backward so as to set the wide range of temperature with many stages to be got for heating the electric cooking appliance.

Abstract: An automatic, dynamic window anti freezing system for the windshield and the rear window of a motor vehicles parked in cold weather, connected to a battery, comprises a temperature range control-switch unit, an optic frost-monitor, and a sweeping time (frequency)- control to drive a wiper system to work for preventing frost accumulating on the window glass. The temperature unit sets up a certain working range to turn on the system, covering the real freezing stage of the windows. The sweeping time control sets up predetermined sweeping timely manner for the wipers to sweep. The monitor emits light signals to monitor the frost accumulating on the window glass, and actuates the sweeping control to drive wipers to sweep it off when detecting it. The energy consumption is generally exceptional low due to that working is effectively controlled and easily done. Thus a related window is substantially able to avoid freezing on.

Abstract: In order to separately detect an abnormal temperature rise at a fixing roller of an image forming apparatus and a disconnection of a thermistor that detects the temperature of the fixing roller, the first and the second resistors are selected and connected to a thermistor for predetermined periods of time. When the first resistor is connected to the thermistor, a disconnection of the thermistor is detected based on a detection voltage that corresponds to the voltage division ratio of the reading for the first resistor to the reading for the thermistor. When the second resistor is connected to the thermistor, an abnormal temperature rise of the fixing roller is detected based on a detection voltage that corresponds to the voltage division ratio of the reading for the second resistor to the reading for the thermistor.

Abstract: For reducing the click rate and improving the setting accuracy, in the case of a power control unit (11) for electric heating appliances, a contact separation (D) of two contacts (14, 15) can be varied independently of a position change of an appliance switch (12) with a snap-action element (16). Preferably, the position of the counterstop (33) is modified by an application thereof to a separation cam disk (36). The appliance switch position is fixed by means of a power cam disk (28) and determines the power level.In this way it is possible to randomly set within wide limits the click rite for each setting of the relative on period.

Abstract: Proposed is a temperature measuring device for a regulating circuit (10) in particular of an electrical radiant heating appliance with a heating conductor (2) arranged beneath a glass ceramic cooking surface (1), in which the heating conductor (2) itself suffices for temperature detection. There is provided a change-over switch (6) which cyclically connects the heating conductor (2) to a resistance measuring circuit (7). It detects the respective temperature-dependent ohmic resistance value of the heating conductor (2) and produces a temperature-proportional control signal for the regulating circuit (10).

Abstract: A switch control mechanism in a liquid boiling apparatus employs the lifting force of bubbles formed in the boiling liquid to actuate a switching system which controls the application of energy to boil the liquid.

Abstract: An oven assembly having a housing enclosing a cooking compartment and a blower compartment, and having a blower for circulating air within the cooking compartment, a door mounted to the housing, and a failsafe switch that is capable of deactivating the blower when the door is opened beyond a set point in the range between at least about 10% to 50%.

Abstract: A convection oven includes a plurality of modular control panels which can be interchanged with one another to change the functional capability of the oven. The base unit contains the basic structural and mechanical components of the convection oven including a heating element and blower. Each of the individual control panels can control the operation of the heating element and blower in the base unit. Each control panel will include a different group of controls. All of the available control panels plug into a standard interface on the base unit. Therefore, the functional capabilities of the oven can be changed by removing the existing control panel on the base unit and reinstalling a different control panel.

Abstract: Safety device for an electric part mobile relative to a complementary unit cooperating in use with the electric part in a close together position. The safety device includes a system for controlling operation of the electric part movable between an on position and an off position and a system for sensing the position of the electric part relatively near or relatively far away from the complementary unit. A single switch has a connection position in which the electric element is connected to an electric power supply and a disconnection position in which the electric element is disconnected from the electric power supply. The switch is in the disconnection position if the control system is in the off position or if the sensing system detects the position of the electric element relatively far away from the complementary unit.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a self-contained control module consisting of the electronics necessary to the control the various operations of the cooking appliance in which the module is installed, preferably including the high voltage control electronics. The control module is easily accessible and removable from the front panel without the risk of exposure to high voltage due to the presence of a safety interlock that automatically cuts the high voltage to the control module and, if desired, to other subassemblies the instant the control module is removed. In addition, the control module is housed within an electrically conductive liner to control EMI emissions. Once the control module is removed, the interior of the appliance is sufficiently sealed off by a perforated cage to prevent further access to power lines or any high voltage circuits interior to the appliance which may have not been wired through the safety interlock.

Abstract: A control circuit is disclosed which uses AC power input and provides DC power output which is not limited by DC semiconductor switch power dissipation capabilities. Switching is performed on the AC signal to provide time proportional AC power which is then transformed and rectified to provide relatively high proportional or adjustable power to a DC load without electrical noise. The DC load is monitored for a controlled characteristic, such as temperature, and a monitor signal is provided to a control for controlling the time proportional AC power output, in accordance with the DC load demand. A dimensionally stable temperature controlled semiconductor test chuck is described presenting a DC heater load for the control circuit.

Abstract: Safety device for an electric part mobile relative to a complementary unit cooperating in use with the electric part in a close together position. The safety device includes a system for controlling operation of the electric part movable between an on position and an off position and a system for sensing the position of the electric part relatively near or relatively far away from the complementary unit. A single switch has a connection position in which the electric element is connected to an electric power supply and a disconnection position in which the electric element is disconnected from the electric power supply. The switch is in the disconnection position if the control system is in the off position or if the sensing system detects the position of the electric element relatively far away from the complementary unit.

Abstract: A remote control antifreeze device for a vehicle locking unit comprising a housing with an upper end having a bore centrally formed therein. A slot is formed between the bore and top surface thereof for allowing the bore to be situated about a conventional cylindrical locking unit. Also included is a helical heating element situated in a serpentine configuration within the housing adjacent to the locking unit and further secured thereto. A thin electrical insulator sheath is positioned about a surface thereof. The heating element is adapted to radiate heat energy upon the application of a voltage thereto. A control receiver switch is also situated within the housing. The control receiver switch comprises control circuitry coupled to a power source, a radio receiver element, and the heating element. The receiver control circuitry switch is adapted to allow the application of a voltage to the heating element upon the receipt of an actuation signal manually deployed by a portable transmitter unit.

Abstract: A stirring blade driving device for a bread maker. In the device, a stirring blade is rotated by a motor having a main coil and speed-changing coils, and the respective coils of the motor are selectively connected to an ac power supply by a plurality of triacs. The on/off operation of the triacs is controlled by a microcomputer in accordance with the number of revolutions of the stirring blade.

Abstract: The bead source for the thermionic detector of a gas chromatograph is heated by the secondary winding of a transformer having a center-tapped primary and operating in the push-pull configuration. The voltage drop across the bead is compared with a preselected reference voltage and an error signal is generated. The error signal is used to control the output of a pulse width modulation control which supplies the transformer primary winding.

Abstract: In a temperature controlling method of a kitchen-heating apparatus having a temperature sensor at a certain place in the heating area, the temperature control is performed by comparing a temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a set temperature. In this case, an acceleration of the temperature ascent and descent at each certain interval is required and the temperature of the above heating portion is controlled with a duty ratio which corrects the duty ratio of the above heating portion of each interval with the acceleration of the temperature ascent and descent in the front step.

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: A visual indication is provided in a heater of an electric cooking appliance which incorporates a user-operable multi-position switch for switching the heater from one power output to another. The heater incorporates at least one heating element which is capable of emitting a significant amount of visible radiation, the at least one heating element being de-energized and subsequently re-energized as the heater is switched from one power output to another. Such a heater is of particular value where the heating element is capable of emitting fewer distinct levels of visible radiation than the number of distinct heat settings of the heater selectable from the multi-position switch. The heating element may be de-energized and subsequently re-energized only between adjacent heat settings in which there is no substantial change in the level of visible radiation.

Abstract: A heater control circuit is provided to control the heating condition of a cooking oven by means of a triac. In the heater control circuit, an electrical heater is incorporated. The heater further has a switch which is electrically connected in series with the heater so as to actuate and deactuate the heater in combination with on-off operation of the switch. A control relay is electrically connected in series with the triac and the heater to be actuated and deactuated in association with on-off operation of the switch so as to break an electrically conductive path through the triac.

Abstract: A clamshell housing encloses a nail dryer. The housing includes a cover pivotally connected to a base. The cover may be opened by applying leverage to it and exposing a nail drying zone. The cover may be pivotally closed to form a compact package when not in use. A nail drying fan is actuated when the cover is opened thus closing an electrical circuit. The electrical connection is interrupted when the cover is tipped into a closed position.

Abstract: A system for curing advanced composite workpieces including a portable heat gun that provides a flow of heated air against a workpiece. The heat gun is controlled to direct a flow of heated air against an advanced composite workpiece at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time period and upon cessation of the time period to thereafter direct an unheated flow of air against the advanced composite for a second period of time thereby causing a resin component of the advanced composite to flow within the composite in a prescribed manner and to cure to a desired hardness.

Abstract: A soldering tool wherein the soldering tip comprises part of a single loop of iron that forms the energizer means, temperature sensor, heating element and solder melting member. The power oscillator comprises a primary transformer coil that is in series with a primary capacitor to form an LC resonance circuit. The primary transformer coil is inductively linked to the iron loop so that the resistance of the soldering tip forms a load resistance on the LC resonance circuit. The power supply includes first and second power transistors connected to a source of DC current. The base of each power transistor is inductively linked to the primary transformer coil so that the power transistors alternately conduct and supply power to the power oscillator. The frequency and amplitude of oscillations in the power oscillator determines how often and how long the power transistors conduct.

Abstract: Method and device for supplying electric current to ceramic heaters comprising heating resistors embedded in ceramic sintered bodies, being characterized in that direct current is supplied from a direct current supply circuit as the first current supply step and the direction of the direct current supplied to the heating resistors at the first current supply step is reversed by a switching circuit or alternate current is supplied as the second current supply step in order to eliminate or considerably reduce cracking of the ceramic sintered bodies of the ceramic heaters when the heaters are repeatedly used for a long time at high temperatures.

Abstract: The specification discloses a vehicle electrical control system capable of switching the alternator output between a uniform standard voltage and a uniform higher voltage. The control system includes a supplemental voltage regulator and a switching circuit for selectively switching the supplemental regulator into the system to regulate the conventional voltage regulator. Preferably, the control system further includes a timing circuit for powering a plurality of electrically heated windows in a timed sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a power supply to a glow plug for a vehicular internal combustion engine to preheat the glow plug, in which in addition to the conventional power supply circuit to the glow plug which allows the power supply current to flow into the glow plug so as to preheat the glow plug at an earlier stage when an engine key is inserted into an engine key switch apparatus, a cancel circuit is provided which halts the function of the glow plug power supply circuit for a predetermined period of time when a power supply is connected to the glow plug power supply circuit.

Abstract: An electrical hair dryer or like appliance has insulated power supply conductors, heating element, motor and fan, overload protection, thermal cutoffs, switches and controls, and the necessary internal wiring and thermal and electrical insulation confined in a hand-held housing having body and handle portions. The appliance has a pair of switches, both enclosed in the handle portion of the housing, for coupling power lines from an electrical source to the conductors to operate the appliance, which switches are sealed against water entry. The appliance also has an actuator external of the seal requiring continuous manual pressure to hold the switches in their closed position. When the pressure is released, for example if the appliance is dropped, the switches are open thereby avoiding risk of electric shock if, for example, the appliance, when connected to the supply, is immersed in water.

Abstract: An iron includes a heater, a thermostat, a temperature select knob, a READY indicator, a WAIT indicator, an audible transducer, a relay, a motion detector, and a microrprocessor-based electronic control circuit. Whenever the temperature select knob is moved, an interrupting signal is supplied to the microprocessor which causes the WAIT indicator to be illuminated and the READY indicator to be extinguished. Following this operation, the READY indicator is illuminated, the WAIT indicator extinguished and a single beep produced by the audible transducer whenever the thermostat deenergizes the heater. If the READY indicator is illuminated a total of ten minutes without the motion detector sensing movement of the iron, a ten-beep signal is produced by the transducer. If the READY indicator is illuminated for a total of twelve minutes without the iron being moved, the electronic control circuit deenergizes the relay to produce an automatic shut-off of the iron.

Abstract: A power controller for placement between a source of electricity and a user of electricity such as heaters for heating thermoplastic material. The controller comprises a normally closed switch allowing electrical communication between the source and user. An electrical control circuit including a coil which is connected to the normally closed switch.The control circuit further includes a switch assembly operable between an on and off condition. The switch assembly prevents or allows the energization of the coil when in the on or off condition, respectively. A first timing assembly causes the switch assembly to be in the on condition for a first selected duration after energization of the control circuit. A second timing assembly causes the switch assembly to be intermittently placed in an on condition after energization of the control circuit.