Heating Patents (Class 38/82)
  • Patent number: 11766701
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electric steam control method, a system thereof, and a steam cleaner. The method includes: obtaining current water temperature data of a hot water tank and a current power supply mode; determining whether a temperature corresponding to the current water temperature data is within a preset temperature range; and if the temperature is within the preset temperature range, entering a heat preservation mode, else detecting whether AC power is currently available; if the AC power is available, performing power supply using the AC power, else generating a water temperature alarm signal; and in the heat preservation mode, detecting whether a working state is currently in place; if the working state is in place, detecting whether the AC power is currently available and generating a steam ejection signal, and performing power supply by using the AC or DC power, else maintaining the heat preservation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Nanjing Dayoo Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Sun
  • Publication number: 20130227864
    Abstract: A sole plate assembly for an electric hand iron, said sole plate assembly comprises a metal outer frame member; a metal retaining ring member shaped to fit inside said metal outer frame member; a flat sole glass or ceramic plate member shaped to fit in said metal retaining ring member; and a flexible seal member arranged to locate in said metal retaining ring member. The construction provides for improved ease of assembly, and a robust sole plate construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: MORPHY RICHARDS LIMITED
    Inventors: George Ralph Adkins, Michael James, Jamie Michael Sellors
  • Patent number: 8481891
    Abstract: An ironing system (500) comprises an iron (510) with a soleplate (512) comprising an induction heatable material. The ironing system (500) further comprises a unit (520, 530) that includes at least one induction coil (540) and a device (550). The induction coil (540) charges the iron (510) whereas the device (550) detects the temperature of the soleplate (512) by sensing a change in current flowing through the induction coil (540) or by sensing a change in voltage across the induction coil (540). The current or voltage changes as self inductance of the induction coil (540) changes with magnetic permeability of the soleplate (512) as a function of its temperature. The device (550) switches the induction coil (540) on or off depending on the detected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Chandra Mohan Janakiraman, Job Jan Van Der Burg, Yong Jiang, Ronald Albert Plantinga
  • Patent number: 8454320
    Abstract: Control process for a piezoelectric pump (100) of an electric household appliance comprising a pump chamber (110) equipped with a mobile wall (111) displaceable under the action of a piezoelectric actuator (111A), characterized in that during a startup phase of the pump (100), the piezoelectric actuator (111A) is supplied during a plurality of alternations with an alternating supply signal having a voltage U bringing about a substantial deformation of the piezoelectric actuator (111A) for a maximum sweeping of the volume of the pump chamber (110) by the mobile wall (111), and further characterized in that the pump startup phase is followed by a normal operation phase during which the supply signal is modified so that the mean flow rate provided by the pump (100) is less than the flow rate provided during the startup phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Franck Mandica, Bertrand Couet, Serge Cubizolles, Olivier Lavillat
  • Publication number: 20130126512
    Abstract: Heating device for an iron (11) provided with an ironing plate (12), comprising at least a plurality of irradiation lamps (16), which are disposed in cooperation with a first portion (12a) of the ironing plate (12), in order to irradiate a luminous radiation toward a fabric (30) in correspondence with the first portion (12a) of the ironing plate (12). The heating device comprises localized heating means (20) of the reflection type disposed in optical communication with the irradiation lamps (16) through a radiation window (19), and oriented so as to direct at least part of the radiations emitted by the irradiation lamps (16) toward a second portion (12b) of the ironing plate (12), different from the first portion (12a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: DE'LONGHI APPLIANCES SRL CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • Publication number: 20120181263
    Abstract: An iron body includes a concave power receiving portion at the rear portion of a grip and power receiving terminals in the power receiving portion. Stand 16 includes seat 17 where iron body is placed with the front inclined upward, convex power supply portion 18 at the rear portion of seat 17, and electrodes in power supply portion 18. A support portion protruding vertically rearward is formed in the power receiving portion, slit 23 where the support portion is fitted is formed on the top of power supply portion 18, guide portion 18a inclining toward slit 23 and guiding the support portion is formed at the front of power supply portion 18, and bulged portion 18b protruding in an arc shape toward power receiving portion and guiding the power receiving portion is formed at the lower portion of the front of power supply portion 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Fujimoto, Kiichi Shimosaka, Yasuharu Otsuka
  • Publication number: 20120181262
    Abstract: Iron body 1 includes pressing surface 6 having pointed front end portion 6a and rear end portion 6b and a concave power receiving portion 14 having power receiving terminals 15. Stand 16 includes seat 17 here iron body 1 is placed with the front inclined upward, convex power supply portion 18 having electrodes 20, and receiving portion 24. In a cordless iron with iron body 1 placed on stand 16, rear end portion 6b is received in receiving portion 24, power receiving portion 14 and power supply portion 18 are fitted, and power receiving terminals 15 and electrodes 20 are electrically connected. The joint of power receiving terminals 15 and electrodes 20 are positioned ahead of rear end portion 6b. Therefore, since the area of pressing surface 6 is ensured and thermal capacity is ensured, it is possible to make rear end portion 6b pointed. Further, it is possible to see rear end portion 6b.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiichi Shimosaka, Hiroshi Fujimoto, Yasuharu Otsuka
  • Publication number: 20120061372
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical iron. An iron comprises a sole plate (1), of a glass or ceramic substrate bearing an electrical heating element. The electrical heating element comprises a transparent or translucent antimony tin oxide thin film which directly heats the glass or ceramic substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: MORPHY RICHARDS LIMITED
    Inventors: Mike James, Jamie Michael Sellors, George Ralph Adkins, Richard Gregory
  • Publication number: 20110299840
    Abstract: An electric water heating system (101) with limited scale precipitation comprises a container (102) for receiving water and defining an inner storing space for water to be heated. The water stored in said inner storing space can be heated by an electric heating element (104) present in the inner storing space. Furthermore, an anode element (105) and a cathode element (106) are provided, either connected to or connectable to a DC power source (107) to create a potential difference between the cathode element (106) and the anode element (105). The cathode element (106) is located in the inner storing space adjacent to the heating element (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Ytsen Wielstra
  • Publication number: 20110219646
    Abstract: Appliances, methods and systems in which steam can be applied to a fabric and a heated surface can be used to press and/or dry the fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Euro-Pro Operating, LLC
    Inventors: Ognjen Vrdoljak, James Russell Varney, Mark Rosenzweig, Peggy Lam
  • Publication number: 20110035974
    Abstract: An iron tote includes a soleplate rest, an iron seat, a cord guide, and a wall stand. The soleplate rest defines a soleplate resting surface for the soleplate of an associated iron. The iron seat connects with and projects generally forwardly from the soleplate rest. The iron seat defines a heel resting surface oriented generally normal with respect to the soleplate resting surface. The cord guide connects with the soleplate rest above the iron seat. The cord guide can have a contoured contact surface along which an electrical cord of the associated iron rides during operation of the iron. The wall stand connects with and projects generally rearwardly from the soleplate rest. A method of operating an iron and a kit are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Maurer
  • Publication number: 20100257761
    Abstract: An electric iron includes a control panel, a circuit board, and a temperature sensor provided on a soleplate. The temperature sensor is connected to the circuit board which is in turn connected to the control panel. The control panel includes a synchronizing temperature display, a temperature setting button, and a plurality of temperature setting indicators. The temperature setting button is employed to set a desired temperature, and the synchronizing temperature display is employed to indicate the actual temperature at the soleplate during ironing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Lung Wai Choi
  • Publication number: 20100242314
    Abstract: A steam iron includes a sensor for detecting and measuring movement of the steam iron. The sensor is coupled to an actuator that regulates the flow of steam via a valve located between a steam chamber and steam outlets. The sensor can detect movement in three directions (X, Y, Z) and adjust steam generation based on speed of movement of the iron and tilt angle. A pre-heater is used to pre-heat water in a water chamber. The pre-heated water is provided to a steam chamber where it is later converted to steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR, INC
    Inventor: Masami AIURA
  • Publication number: 20100242315
    Abstract: Provided is an iron which enables ironing to be performed efficiently through both forward and backward movements of the iron and which provides improved usability thereof when moved backward in the direction of a rear end portion of a soleplate. A support is provided for supporting an iron main body to be in a self-standing state where the soleplate, which has the front and rear end portions each formed in a pointed shape, is substantially vertically disposed. The support has first and second support portions that are provided to both sides of the rear end portion so as to protrude backward from the iron main body, and has a third support portion provided at a rear portion of a grip part. A space that allows the rear end portion of the soleplate to be visible is provided between the first and second support portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: KIICHI SHIMOSAKA, YASUHARU OTSUKA
  • Publication number: 20100236110
    Abstract: An automatically cooling iron has: a housing with an electric heating plate on the bottom, a fan inside of the housing, a motion status detector and an automatic switch circuit. The motion status detector is a ball switch providing three kinds of status information: statically and horizontally placing/statically and vertically standing/motion. The automatic switch circuit has a heating switch, a fan switch and a microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates horizontally placing time or vertical standing time according to the information of statically and horizontally placing/statically and vertically standing/motion provided by said ball switch, and if the horizontally placing time or vertical standing time reaches a predetermined value, the microprocessor controls the heating switch to cut off power to the electric heating plate and controls the fan switch to turn on the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-hwa LEE
  • Publication number: 20100199528
    Abstract: A hand-held clothes steam ironing apparatus includes first and second elongated substantially rectangular arm members having an inner portion and an outer portion, a hinge mechanism rotatably connecting the two arm members at one narrow end of each such that said inner portions are substantially opposing. Imbedded in inner portions of each arm members is at least one heat plate, this heat plates containing a plurality of steam orifices distributed longitudinally along the heat plate with fluid communication between the orifices. An electrical power supply is wired in adjacent the hinge mechanism and electrically connects to the heat plates with power control capability between the two for regulating the amount of power supplied to the heat plates. Water tanks with removable caps are attached to outer portions of each of the body members, and water conduits run between each water tank and the heat plates in the corresponding arm members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Jordan Fabrikant
  • Publication number: 20100192427
    Abstract: A handheld telescopic ironing device for pressing clothing, fabric and the like comprising two handles joined at the distal end with a pivotal hinge, each handle comprised of an elongated hollow outer handle housing and at least one elongated hollow inner handle housing concentrically aligned and telescopically mounted within outer handle housing with a locking means to hold the with inner handle housing and outer handle housing at extended or contracted lengths. Attached to the two handles are heads each having a pressing surface mounted on a hollow head housing so that the two pressing surfaces oppose each other. The telescopic ironing device is further comprised of at least one heating element disposed within one or more of internal cavities of the head housing and has an optional steam feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Patti Bearley
  • Patent number: 7681342
    Abstract: A cordless ironing apparatus includes an iron and an ironing board adapted to be used with the iron. The iron includes a soleplate. The ironing board includes an ironing surface on which fabric is placed and an electromagnetic generator. The electromagnetic generator is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron. Alternatively, the ironing apparatus includes an iron and an induction device which is removable or separate from an ironing board. The induction device includes an electromagnetic generator which is adapted to generate an electromagnetic filed which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Lung Wai Choi
  • Publication number: 20100043259
    Abstract: An ironing system (500) comprises an iron (510) with a soleplate (512) comprising an induction heatable material. The ironing system (500) further comprises a unit (520, 530) that includes at least one induction coil (540) and a device (550). The induction coil (540) charges the iron (510) whereas the device (550) detects the temperature of the soleplate (512) by sensing a change in current flowing through the induction coil (540) or by sensing a change in voltage across the induction coil (540). The current or voltage changes as self inductance of the induction coil (540) changes with magnetic permeability of the soleplate (512) as a function of its temperature. The device (550) switches the induction coil (540) on or off depending on the detected temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Chandra Mohan Janakiraman, Job Van Der Burg, Yong Jiang
  • Patent number: 7610701
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cooling a soleplate of an iron are disclosed. A method may include flowing a cooling fluid adjacent at least a portion of the soleplate and transferring heat energy from the soleplate to the cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Applica Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Luis O. Cavada
  • Publication number: 20090165341
    Abstract: A soleplate (101) comprises a metallic layer (102), a non-ferromagnetic layer (104) and a ferromagnetic layer (103) sandwiched between the metallic layer (102) and non-ferromagnetic layer (104). The soleplate (101) is used in an induction heating-based cordless iron (100). The electromagnetic field from an induction coil (109) located in a stand (108), where the iron rests and gets charged, can pass beyond the non-ferromagnetic layer (104) and heat the ferromagnetic layer (103) efficiently. The non-ferromagnetic layer (104) that is forming an ironing plate ensures a uniform heat transfer to the metallic layer (102) for good steaming performance for effective cordless ironing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Chandra Mohan Janakiraman, Yong Jiang, Job Van Der Burg
  • Publication number: 20080235998
    Abstract: An electric iron includes a soleplate and at least one heating element. The heating element includes multi-layer conductive coating of nano-thickness disposed on the soleplate. The heating element further includes electrodes disposed on the multi-layer conductive coating. The multi-layer conductive coating has a structure and composition which stabilize performance of the heating element at high temperatures. The soleplate can be made of ceramic glass. The electric iron can perform heating and ironing functions using alternating current electrical power, direct current electrical power, solar energy power, or one or more batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Wing Yiu Yeung, Keith Mario Torpy
  • Publication number: 20080189993
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling the temperature of a soleplate of an iron, the method having the following steps: energizing a heater element associated with the soleplate, wherein heat energy is transferred from the heater element to the soleplate; and heating the soleplate from 60° C. to a temperature of greater than 100° C. in less than 45 seconds. A method and device for controlling an iron, the method having the following steps: setting a soleplate of the iron to a first temperature; and setting a steam boiler of the iron to a second temperature, wherein the first and second temperatures are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Luis Cavada
  • Publication number: 20070256336
    Abstract: A cordless ironing apparatus includes an iron and an ironing board adapted to be used with the iron. The iron includes a soleplate. The ironing board includes an ironing surface on which fabric is placed and an electromagnetic generator. The electromagnetic generator is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron. Alternatively, the ironing apparatus includes an iron and an induction device which is removable or separate from an ironing board. The induction device includes an electromagnetic generator which is adapted to generate an electromagnetic filed which generates heat in the soleplate of the iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Lung Wai CHOI
  • Patent number: 6953912
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Celaya Emparanza y Galdos, Internacional, S.A.
    Inventor: Francisco Javier Alday Lesaga
  • Patent number: 6720537
    Abstract: Device for detecting, monitoring and controlling the operating status of an electric iron which is provided with at least one electric heating circuit having a heating element and a first power switch of the iron connected in series to the heating element. The device includes a control unit being provided as an integrated circuit, a second power switch which is controlled by the control unit depending on the operating status of the electric iron and which is connected in series with the electric heating circuit. An indicator unit having at least one indicator element indicates the heating status of the electric iron. A low voltage power supply for energizing at least one of the control unit, indicating unit, and second power switch. A low-impedance measuring resistance is connected in series with the second power switch, and provides an indirect detection means of the switching status of both power switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventor: Helmut Prager
  • Patent number: 6649882
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Benoît Hervieu, Joseph Letorey
  • Publication number: 20030208935
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet comprising a support; a first layer which is formed on one side of the support and is contactable with a slidable heating device; and a second layer which is formed on the other side of the support and is contactable with a hot-melt resin layer formed on a fabric. The sheet is interposed between the hot-melt resin layer and a heating surface of the slidable heating device, and a wrinkle in the hot-melt resin layer is smoothed out by sliding the slidable heating device under a load. The support may comprise a paper. The first and second layers may comprise a silicone compound. Further, the present invention provides a transfer kit comprising the sheet and a transfer sheet in combination, wherein the transfer sheet comprises a substrate and a transfer layer separable from the substrate, and the transfer layer is receivable an image and comprises a hot-melt adhesive particle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventor: Hideki Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20020130123
    Abstract: Device for detecting, monitoring and controlling the operating status of an electric iron which is provided with at least one electric heating circuit having a heating element and a first power switch of the iron connected in series to the heating element. The device includes a control unit being provided as an integrated circuit, a second power switch which is controlled by the control unit depending on the operating status of the electric iron and which is connected in series with the electric heating circuit. An indicator unit having at least one indicator element indicates the heating status of the electric iron. A low voltage power supply for energizing at least one of the control unit, indicating unit, and second power switch. A low-impedance measuring resistance is connected in series with the second power switch, and provides an indirect detection means of the switching status of both power switches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Helmut Prager
  • Patent number: 6421939
    Abstract: A carpet seaming iron is provided for heating adhesive seaming tape without direct contact to the adhesive. The carpet seaming iron has an outer housing forming a cavity therein and a handle with an open end leading to a passageway to the cavity. A heating element is located within the cavity and spaced from a lower base plate. The base plate has apertures therethrough. An electrically operated fan is disposed in the cavity, between the open end of the handle and the heating element. The fan draws ambient atmospheric air through the open end and directs the air past the heating element and through the apertures in the base plate toward the adhesive seaming tape. The air is heated by the heating element so that the air melts the adhesive. The base plate is attached to rollers or ski devices to space the base plate from the adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventors: Michael A. David, Christopher T. Steinhelper
  • Patent number: 6399919
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen USA Inc.
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Patent number: 6396027
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Publication number: 20020053562
    Abstract: A heating element for a soleplate of an iron, composed of: a substrate constituted by a plate containing aluminum; an insulator covering one surface of the plate; and a heating circuit carried by the insulator, wherein the insulator includes an anodized oxide layer having a thickness between 10 and 200 microns and resistant to abrupt temperature variations of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Pascal Cuillery, Jean-Louis Compeau
  • Patent number: 6384379
    Abstract: A protective device for an iron having an iron surface and a thermostatically controlled heating device for heating the iron surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gerd Reime
  • Publication number: 20020014479
    Abstract: A combination radio and electric ironing device. Standard radio components and an electrical heating element are built into the thermoplastic casing of the device, which is made of lightweight and durable polymeric material. The electrical heating element is flat bottomed and forms the iron portion of the invention. Standard radio components include an on/off switch, an AM/FM tuner, an AM/FM switch, an AM/FM dial face, two speakers and a retractable antenna. The iron portion of the invention includes an on/off switch and a slidable adjustment bar to control the temperature of the iron. The combination radio and electric ironing device also has a convenient handle and utilizes a standard electrical outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ruben E. Jones
  • Publication number: 20010030183
    Abstract: A heating iron apparatus including an elongate handle with a front end and rear end, a heating element secured to the front end of the elongate handle and powered by a voltage means, and a sole plate engaging means adapted to secure a heat conductive sole plate, the heat conductive sole plate abutting the heating element and translating heat from the heating element to a contact surface wherein the contact surface is pressed against a fabric surface. A temperature control switch in galvanic communication with the voltage means may be incorporated into the apparatus wherein the temperature of the heating element is regulated by the temperature control switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Lorelle LaBarge Bowen
  • Patent number: 6172335
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Orcon Corporation
    Inventor: Gary Goodrich
  • Patent number: 6144014
    Abstract: An electrical component having a small electrically isolating ceramic plate carrying on one of its faces a screened resistive and/or conductive pattern, the other face being in contact with a metal plate intended to be heated or the temperature of which is to be measured. The pattern has at least one metallized extremity to establish an electrical connection with a conductive wire. The conductive wire is soldered onto the metallized extremity and the small ceramic plate is entirely covered by a metal cover the peripheral edges of which surround the small plate and are fixed in a watertight manner to the metal plate by a resin. The lateral wall of the cover has at least one opening for the passage of the conductive wire or wires, the opening or openings being blocked by a sealing resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Philippo Dodier, Thierry Gailhard
  • Patent number: 6018897
    Abstract: A mini electric iron includes a housing made of non-metallic material and having a lower portion provided with a receptacle and two openings, a metal base having a flat bottom, a T-shaped mounting having three depending legs secured to an upper side of the metal base thus forming a space between the T-shaped mounting and the metal base the T-shaped mounting being provided with a lug at an entrance of the space, the T-shaped mounting being formed with three threaded holes, a sleeve fitted inside the space, a ceramic heating member fitted inside the sleeve and electrically connected with the receptacle, the ceramic heating member being provided with a sheet of metal at a top and bottom thereof and inserted within an insulating high temperature resistant enclosure, a first screw extending through one of the threaded holes to bear against a top of the sleeve, two second screws extending the two openings and other two of the threaded holes to bear against the top of the sleeve, and a detachable electrical connecto
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: Chun-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 5852279
    Abstract: A clothes iron comprises an automatic shut off system that is controlled by multiple switches. A first switch located on the iron's handle is closed when the iron is held by a user. A second switch located on the iron's heel is closed when the iron stands in the upright position. The switch on the handle prevents the automatic shut off from functioning when the iron is in use. The switch on the heel determines which of two fixed timing periods are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Windmere Corporation
    Inventors: Chi Kin Mak, Ka Hong Wo, Wai Man Yeung
  • Patent number: 5844204
    Abstract: A detection device associated with an electrical apparatus for detecting by contact the presence of a user, composed of an electronic circuit for detecting a presence of a user by detecting a leakage current traversing, at least partially, a portion of the body of the user using the electric apparatus when the body portion comes into contact with an electric contact providing for the transmission of the leakage current from the electronic circuit to the portion of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Serge Cubizolles, Christian Giovalle
  • Patent number: 5802749
    Abstract: The recharging time for reheating the soleplate of an iron can considerably be reduced by accumulating energy from an energy supply, e.g. the mains, in a stand for the iron and by transferring this energy to the iron when the iron is attached to the stand. The iron is reheated very quickly, e.g. by exchanging cooled down liquid from the iron with hot liquid accumulated in the stand every time the iron is put back in the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Maarten Barmentlo, Gerrit Bijker, Robert E. F. Einerhand, Paul A. J. Ackermans, Jan P. Elkhuizen, Adriaan Netten
  • Patent number: 5780812
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Klinkenberg
  • Patent number: 5391859
    Abstract: An iron comprises a heating element (97), heating-control (96) for the heating element (97), and a motion detector. The motion detector can be an electrostatic detector (35) which determines an amount of electrostatic charges present at the fabric. The motion detector can be a humidity detector (60) which detects a resistivity of the fabric between two electrodes (62.sub.a, 62.sub.b) which are in contact with the fabric. A counting circuit (89) calculates a number of halfwaves of an electric signal supplied by one of the detectors and determines whether the iron is in use or is not in use. Moreover, the degree of humidity of the fabric can be determined by a measurement circuit (99).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Hazan, Remy Polaert, Jean-Louis Nagel
  • Patent number: 5349160
    Abstract: An iron comprises a heating element (97) and heating-control means (96) for the heating element. It has a humidity detector (60) which measures the degree of humidity of the fabric and which influences the electric power dissipated in the heating element. In order to measure the degree of humidity a circuit (99) measures the resistivity of the fabric between two contact electrodes (62a, 62b) and subsequently averages the electric signal resulting from the movement of the iron on the fabric. A circuit (89) may be added which measures the rhythm of the variations of said electric signal and which thus detects whether the iron is in use or not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Hazan, Remy Polaert, Jean-Louis Nagel
  • Patent number: 5323550
    Abstract: Thermostatic control of an electric iron is achieved through utilizing the expansion and contraction of the iron's sole plate relative to a low expansion reference member. In one embodiment, a flexible reference member extends from a fixed mounting at the tip of the sole plate to a switch unit at the rear of the sole plate. The reference number is connected to, and held in tension by, a snap acting actuator within the switch unit, such that as the sole plate expands, the free end of a blade is pulled by the reference member to cause a contact carrying tongue to snap away from a contact to interrupt the power supply. In addition, the temperature of operation may be controlled by varying the effective length of the reference member such as, for example, by deflecting it laterally by a cam member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Strix Limited
    Inventors: John C. Taylor, Vincent J. Garvey, Martin C. Critchley
  • Patent number: 5210394
    Abstract: A smokeless carpet seaming iron for melting an adhesive on a carpet tape wherein non-contaminated air is discharged into the ambient from the seamer includes a housing which contains a vent outlet and an open bottom. First and second filters are disposed internally of said housing and are accessible externally of said housing for removal and replacement. An electrically heated sole plate is disposed internally of said housing for creating heat at said open bottom of said housing. And a motor and a fan with filters are disposed internally of said housing between the first and second filters for creating a suction within said housing drawing smoke and fumes created during the carpet seaming operation through the open bottom into the housing for filtration by the first and second filters before discharge through a vent head to the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Frank Kerremans
  • Patent number: 5210395
    Abstract: An electric iron includes a handle having first and second members. Electronic components are mounted in a first one of the handle members. An electrostatic protection carrier is mounted in the second of the handle members. The electrostatic discharge protection carrier includes a first electrically conductive track extending parallel to and lying adjacent a first section of a seam formed by joining said first and second handle members. A second electrically conductive track extends parallel to and is spaced from said first track and extends parallel to and lies adjacent a second section of the seam. A third electrically conductive track interconnects the first and second tracks. An electrical conductor is connected to a selected one of the first or second tracks and to a portion of the iron normally held at a relatively low potential for transmitting any electrostatic discharge voltage collected by said electrostatic discharge protection carrier to said low potential iron portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur H. Freeman
  • Patent number: 5170038
    Abstract: An iron unit adapted to be used with a hair dryer includes an ironing plate formed of a heat conductor having a groove and an exhaust groove in communication with the groove on a lower side thereof providing a contact surface with an object to be heated, and a plurality of air outlets extending from the upper side to the groove. A hot air source receiver includes a mounting plate having a cylindrical member engageable with the hair dryer for supplying hot air. A hot air-feeding space is in communication within the cylindrical member. The mounting plate is attached to the ironing plate, with the hot air-feeding space being in communication with the outside through a plurality of passages. A covering member defines a space on the outside of the engaging cylindrical member of the hot air source receiver. The mounting plate is attached in place with the space being in communication with the outside on the side of the cylindrical member and on the peripheral side of the mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Midori Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaaki Aida
  • Patent number: 5142124
    Abstract: An electric iron arrangement has a housing provided with electrical contacts through which the heating means of the iron can be energized, a base for supporting the iron when not in use, and a detachable power cord having a connector engageable with the contacts of the iron and enabling the iron to be used for cordless or corded ironing. A three-position actuator is provided on the base for selectively actuating cooperating locking devices in the base and connector to:(1) lock the connector to the iron to allow for corded ironing,(2) lock the connector to the base to allow for cordless ironing, or(3) lock the connector to both the iron and the base to allow for transport of the iron and base as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Pieter J. Driessen