Portable Patents (Class 392/365)
  • Publication number: 20030026600
    Abstract: A portable oscillating space heater is provided, which comprises at least one opening therein, at least one heating assembly including an electric heating element disposed within the housing for producing radiant heat energy, at least one fan mounted within the housing and adapted to produce a directed air flow introducing from the opening in the rear portion of the housing and passing through the electric heating element and thereby producing a heated air flow, and an oscillation mechanism for providing oscillatory movement at least to the heating assembly thereby to continuously change the direction of the heated air flow produced by the fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Giuseppe Delonghi
  • Publication number: 20030012563
    Abstract: A space heater remote control system according to the present invention includes a remote control device and a base unit attached to a gas- or electricity-powered space heater. The remote control device may include a case, a display, an RF transmitter, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor and a power supply connection. The base unit and space heater may include a container, an RF receiver, a variable flow control circuit, a status detection circuit, heater connection circuitry, electronic circuitry, a microprocessor, power supply, and heating elements. The remote control device transmits command controls to the base unit, and the base unit modulates the quantity of gas or electric current flowing through the space heater in accordance with the command controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Darrell Neugebauer, Jerald W. Ashton
  • Patent number: 6480672
    Abstract: A heater includes a housing having an outer surface and sidewalls defining an interior space that holds a heating element. The heater further includes a heating element having a lower portion and an upper portion, where the heating element has differing power densities from the lower portion to the upper portion. The heating element includes a heat shield positioned in substantially parallel relation to the heating element to create a duct where air may travel through. The heater is provided with an air displacement device positioned adjacent to the heating element to create a planar flow of air through the duct. The heater may be controlled by a control circuit having a circuit board, which controls the power supplied to the heating element and the air displacement device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Holmes Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Stan Rosenzweig, Jaideep Jayaram
  • Patent number: 6466737
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning air includes conditioning units that are removably attached together. The conditioning units may be separated from each other and individually perform conditioning functions, such as air moving, heating, humidifying or cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter G. Birdsell, Bruce Chute
  • Publication number: 20020076213
    Abstract: A portable heater includes a radiator having multiple tubular units and an electric heating element in the radiator for heating the diathermal fluid. A fan positioned above the sealed radiator directs air on the upper portions of the tubular units to enhance convection of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Kosta L. Pelonis
  • Patent number: 6381407
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat generating apparatus for a heater, and an object thereof is to provide the heat generating apparatus, which the durability of a heating element and a heating operation/effect are highly increased, and also the convenience of user is improved. The present invention uses a detachable halogen-heating lamp as a heating element, and reflects a high temperature light forwardly by the reflecting mirror and at the same time sends a heated air around the halogen-heating lamp forwardly by a fan to perform the heating operation. Therefore, the present invention obtains double heating effect by the reflected heat and heated air, increases a durability and heating effect of the heater, and improves the convenience is use of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Jong Kuk Choi
  • Patent number: 6321033
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Birdsell, John Lapetina, William J. Montague, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6289175
    Abstract: A portable radiator has a radiator body whose radiating members are defined by first and second metal plates which together define central portions in which a heating fluid is displaced convectively, the radiating members communicating with each other through passages in the central body. A heating unit is provided in the central body for heating the fluid and an additional heating member is provided in seats formed by the heating members outwardly of the central body for heating air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: De'Longhi S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De' Longhi
  • Publication number: 20010019661
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat generating apparatus for a heater, and an object thereof is to provide the heat generating apparatus, which the durability of a heating element and a heating operation/effect are highly increased, and also the convenience of user is improved. The present invention uses a detachable halogen-heating lamp as a heating element, and reflects a high temperature light forwardly by the reflecting mirror and at the same time sends a heated air around the halogen-heating lamp forwardly by a fan to perform the heating operation. Therefore, the present invention obtains double heating effect by the reflected heat and heated air, increases a durability and heating effect of the heater, and improves the convenience is use of the heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventor: Jong Kuk Choi
  • Patent number: 6222987
    Abstract: A pizza box delivery bag has disposed therein a flat container with a heater and fan within an insulating enclosure connected to an electrical outlet for the bag. The plug used for the connection has a cooling fan within the plug for blowing cooling air over the connection so as to provide greater amperage output for continuous useage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Inventors: William Lee Duke, Hugh A. Conway, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6167193
    Abstract: A portable electrical heater including a portable housing defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air flow path therebetween; a blower for circulating air through the air flow path; an electrically powered heater element disposed in the air flow path; and a control board including a selector for effecting operation of the heater, and a digital display. An ambient temperature sensor and an electronic controller controls energization of the display and heater element in response to inputs from the selector and temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Birdsell, Bruce Chute
  • Patent number: 6141495
    Abstract: A flue heater is detachably secured to the flue of a chimney. The flue heater uses an electrical power source to create heat and direct the heated air into the lower portion of a flue. The device can be attached to the flue before igniting a fire and removed immediately prior to lighting a fire. The device can be used with any pre-existing chimney without the need for any large expense in retrofitting a permanent flue heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Asher Roth
  • Patent number: 6091888
    Abstract: An appliance includes a housing defining an air inlet and an air outlet facing opposite to the air inlet, an inlet detector for detecting objects in an inlet zone projecting away from the inlet and an outlet detector for detecting objects in an outlet zone projecting away from the outlet. Also included is a control for deactivating the appliance in response to detection of objects in either of the inlet or outlet zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney B. Jane, John Longan, Jui-Shang Wang, Steven L. Hecker, Walter Birdsell
  • Patent number: 5943470
    Abstract: A hot-air appliance comprises a fan motor connected in series with a heating element to receive a.c. mains voltage. The alternating voltage across the motor is rectified and serves to power additional electronic circuits in the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Klaas J. Lulofs
  • Patent number: 5889260
    Abstract: An electrical heating device employing positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistors as heating elements, which provides direct contact between the thermistor heating elements and the radiation units on both sides with no intervening members and which also provides the electrical current to the heating elements via the radiation units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Body Heat Ltd.
    Inventors: Gad Golan, Yuly Galperin
  • Patent number: 5879516
    Abstract: Improved kugelrohr or apparatus for distilling or separating liquids. It includes a rugged, reliable air oven and drive unit with numerous safety features. One or more external guards eliminate burn hazard and risk of accidental contact. A thermal isolation support isolates the oven from its rest surface. A grounded heating element eliminates shock hazards. The oven is fitted with a grommet or bushing to support a flask connected to one or more additional flasks in a series. The outlet of the last flask in the series is connected to a drive tube via a flexible coupling. The drive tube is connected to a rotary bearing assembly mounted on a drive unit. The oven and the flasks may include impellers for circulating air to enhance heating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: David H. Kasman
  • Patent number: 5787228
    Abstract: A window defroster for a motor vehicle consists of a plenum with a resistive electrical heater and a blower that draws in cool air and directs it over the heater coils and on to the window to be defrosted. The plenum is plugged into a stand on a timer removably mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle. The time of start and duration are programmed into the timer which is connected to the vehicle battery. The device is designed to start ten minutes before the vehicle is to be driven and stop when the driver enters the vehicle to drive away with a clear windshield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Sharon K. Fiely, Michael J. Fiely, Darrell F. Lochtefeld
  • Patent number: 5781695
    Abstract: A Remote Car Heating System for heating an interior portion of a vehicle without starting the vehicle. The inventive device includes an electric heater, a pliable mat secured to the electric heater, a remote sensor electrically connected to the electric heater, and a remote control for transmitting a signal which the remote sensor detects. The remote sensor includes a clip for removably coupling the sensor to the rear view mirror of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Robert W. Summers, Tami Summers
  • Patent number: 5641420
    Abstract: A heater element assembly for an electric heater, with a first and a second spaced element support. The first spaced element support has a peripheral edge surface and first and second slots extending inwardly from the edge surface, and an aperture therebetween; and a resistive heating element including first and second coiled sections and a connecting section disposed therebetween. The connecting section includes a mediate loop portion, wherein the first and second coiled sections are disposed between and engage the first and second spaced element supports. The connecting section extends through the slots, and the loop portion extends through the aperture, to secure the resistive heating element to the first element support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Lakewood Engineering & Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: John W. Peterson, Robert E. Stewart, Ernesto Flores
  • Patent number: 5619612
    Abstract: A motor is located in the air inlet area is enclosed in a shock proof housing. The housing is of a cylindrical configuration, comprising a solid rear wall and a front wall which contains air inlet openings small enough to prevent access to the live electrical parts, the enclosure is further provided with a circumferential air outlet positioned between the front and rear walls. A motor is located in the air inlet area to facilitate its cooling by the entering air. A centrifugal blower impeller is mounted on the blower shaft, with its inlet coinciding with the inlet opening. The impeller is surrounded by a cage shaped heating element consisting of a multitude of inter connected strips of a resistance alloy, which are supported on two plastic rings. The circumferential air outlet is provided with a multitude of guide vanes that help direct and diffuse the air emanating from the heating elements while preventing contact with the heating element from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Appliance Development Corp.
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, John A. Deros
  • Patent number: 5471763
    Abstract: A nozzle attachment for a hair dryer has a cylindrical element for connecting a flow-directing member to the nozzle of a hair dryer. The flow-directing member deflects the air coming from the hair dryer by a certain acute angle. The flow-directing member is rotatable relative to the cylindrical element. Vanes are provided within the flow-directing member. They are slanted to the direction of air flow from the hair dryer, so that impingement of air on the vanes causes the flow-directing member to rotate thus providing air flow having a continually varying flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Wik Far East Limited
    Inventor: John McArthur
  • Patent number: 5414794
    Abstract: A structure for the heating device in a heater fan which can be manufactured quickly and easily and is standardized for mass production consists of a mount which in turn has a rear mesh disk which is separated from a rear casing of the device. The structure is used to replace the metal bracket of a conventional heater fan to secure a plurality of a heat insulating plates, electric heating coil structure and wiring to form an independent heating device structure. The heat insulating plates and rear mesh disk and the rear casing of the heater fan are configured to be assembled quickly and the rear mesh plate is standardized to be adapted to different models of the heater fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Steve Shao
  • Patent number: 5377298
    Abstract: A PTC semiconductor heating device includes: two half shells combinable for forming a housing of the semiconductor heating device, a plurality of linear arrays of PTC semiconductor heating elements parallelly mounted in the housing with each linear array containing a plurality of PTC semiconductor heating elements longitudinally disposed in a side-by-side linear arrangement in said housing and each linear array of PTC heating elements being sandwiched in between every two neighboring thermally and electrically conducting units respectively connected to two poles of a power source and longitudinally juxtapositionally mounted in the housing each thermally and electrically conducting unit including a corrugated fin plate formed with a plurality of continuous square waves and clamped by a pair of conducting plates, and a plurality of resilient embedding plates each embedding plate resiliently inserted in between every two neighboring thermally and electrically conducting units for firmly tensioning, packing and r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: Chiung-hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 5361321
    Abstract: A portable electric heater including a housing having a rear wall, a substantially planar front wall, a bottom support and a top wall. Retained by the housing are a resistive heating element and an electrical circuit for connecting the heating element to an electrical power source. The circuit includes a switch having a closed condition that connects the heating element to the electrical power source and an open condition that disconnects the heating element from the electrical power source. Included with the switch is a manually operable actuator projecting from the front wall and movable in a single motion between a stable first position producing the closed condition and a stable second position producing the open condition, and wherein the actuator is shaped and arranged to be moved into the second position in response to contact with a substantially planar surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Duracraft Corporation
    Inventor: Frank Marino
  • Patent number: 5334818
    Abstract: A heating element for an air flow comprises a channel shaped bracket including a base and side walls at right angles thereto within which is mounted a pair of mica sheets arranged parallel to the base and at right angles to the sides and connected to the sides by ribs longitudinally of the sides with transverse slots within which the sheets slide. Each sheet is wrapped with a heating wire formed into helical coils so that each side of the sheet carries a plurality of parallel helical coil portions with connecting portions wrapped over the edges of the sheet. The sheets are symmetrical and one is inverted relative to the other. Each sheet carries at ends thereof a male and a female connector of the blade and receptacle type so that the blade of one sheet engages into the receptacle of the other sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Temro Division, Budd Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Edwards, Ronald H. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 5278936
    Abstract: An electrically-powered portable space heater of the type having one or more vertically extending fin-tube heating elements disposed within an elongated housing has a selectively adjustable temperature controller responsive to a signal from an upwardly extending thermistor externally pivotally mounted on the rear of the heater housing for movement from a storage position behind the housing to an upraised operative position, thermistor also being used to supply a room temperature signal to an ambient temperature display device on the heater housing. Furthermore, the heater includes a selectively actuable energy saving feature which, when actuated, automatically reduces by 5 degrees F. after a period of one hour the temperature to which the heater has been pre-set by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Steve Shao
  • Patent number: 5259062
    Abstract: A single device adaptable to alter any one of a variety of air characteristics such as temperature, humidity, ion content, odor, etc. Several interchangeable cartridges are provided. Each cartridge has an apertured support structure, an air treatment element that alters a particular characteristics of an air flow through the cartridge, and male connectors. The device has a housing, a fan, and female connectors that cooperate with the male connectors to position any one of the cartridges on the housing to receive an air flow discharged from the fan. When interfitted, the connectors also complete an electric circuit to a power supply that provides current to any electrically-operable cartridge. A removable protective envelope contains the cartridge. The protective envelope has an arm that inserts through a housing slot to trip a switch controlling current flow from the power supply. When the protective envelope is removed, current flow to the cartridge is disabled, allowing safe handling of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Pelko Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kosta L. Pelonis
  • Patent number: 5245691
    Abstract: An electric heater circuit for an electric heater includes a set of heater coils for generating heat, a normally closed temperature sensitive switch for deactivating the heater coils when the temperature inside the electric heater exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature, a normally closed tilt sensitive switch for deactivating the heater coils in response to tilting movement of the electric heater beyond a predetermined amount relative to a normal upright position, a light and buzzer combination for providing signals when either the temperature sensitive switch is opened as a result of the temperature inside the electric heater exceeding the predetermined threshold temperature or the tilt sensitive switch is opened as a result of tilting movement of the heater beyond the predetermined amount relative to the normal upright position, fan and an adjustable thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Holmes Products Corp.
    Inventor: Jimmy Wu
  • Patent number: 5243683
    Abstract: A hair dryer includes a plurality of elongated positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) semiconductor heating units disposed in transverse side-by-side spaced relation in a linear array in a central air flow passage of an elongated tubular duct connected to a discharge port of a casing having an air fan rotatably mounted in the casing for blowing air through the air flow passage of the duct, each PTC heating unit defining a longitudinal axis disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the air flow passage of the duct and a plurality of elongated spaced fins longitudinally juxtapositionally mounted on the PTC semiconductor heating unit transversely of the longitudinal axis of the PTC heating unit, whereby upon a powering of the PTC heating unit and the fan to heat air as blown by the fan, the heated air will be guided in the tubular duct by the plurality of elongaed spaced fins to produce laminar air streamflow helpful for smoothly setting and drying hair or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Chiung-hsiang Yang
  • Patent number: 5239163
    Abstract: An electric heater for air supplied to the passenger compartment of an automobile has a plurality of extruded tubular metal members in side-by-side spaced parallel relationship within an open electrically insulative frame. Each tubular member has a pair of spaced heat sinks with a plurality of spaced lamenallae extending therebetween to form air flow passages. A plurality of PTC heating tablets are positioned in the space between the opposed outer surfaces of the heat sinks of adjacent tubular members, with one face of each PTC tablet fixed to one heat sink by a rigid electrically conductive adhesive and the other face thereof is fixed to the adjacent heat sink by a flexible electrically conductive adhesive. The heat sinks have integral platforms on which the PTC tablets are positioned with the edges of the tablets projecting beyond the edges of the respective platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Arnoldus M. Brouwers
  • Patent number: 5239610
    Abstract: An electric heating assembly adapted to be mounted onto and plugged into a wall-mounted electrical outlet includes a heating unit having a plug member an a back wall, thereof which is directly mateable with a power receptacle of the electrical outlet. The heating assembly also includes a mounting clip for securely coupling the heating unit to the electrical outlet so that the heating unit will not become inadvertently disengaged therefrom. The mounting clip includes a generally rectangular base portion securable to the outlet plate of the electrical outlet with the screw used to mount the outlet plate. The mounting clip also includes a pair of legs which extend away from the base portion and which mate with a pair of holes formed in the back wall of the heating unit above the plug member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Holmes Products Corp.
    Inventor: Steve Shao
  • Patent number: 5206476
    Abstract: A supplementary passenger compartment heating assembly for use in conjunction with an automobile HVAC system having a forced air duct opening to the compartment includes a generally rectangular cross section air distribution duct molded integrally with the forced air duct from a heat conductive PTC polymer material. The air distribution duct has a pair of sides separated by a plurality of ribs extending therebetween so as to provide increased heat transfer area to the air forced therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: John B. Fresch, Thomas P. Warszawski
  • Patent number: 5192853
    Abstract: A heating set having a plurality of positive temperature coefficient thermistor heating elements (PTCR pieces) sandwiched between two heat radiating devices made of metal with each of the PTCR pieces provided with sprayed-on electrodes having their exposed surfaces making close contact with long metal battens on the outer surfaces of the heat radiating devices through conducting thin metal pieces having predetermined surface areas. The PCTR pieces and the heat radiating devices making electrical contact through the thin metal pieces are bonded together by an electrically nonconductive adhesive spread on the border of the battens around the thin metal plate and on opposite parallel edges on the border of the sprayed-on electrodes of the PTCR pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Yuan-Chang Yeh
  • Patent number: 5174048
    Abstract: An improved carpet dryer is disclosed for drying carpets saturated with water. The dryer includes a securing mechanism for maintaining the edge of a carpet on the upper surface of the air outlet portion of the device. The device further incorporates a shroud disposed on one air intake of the dryer to minimize the effects of air turbulence within the dryer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: William K. Shero
  • Patent number: 5157850
    Abstract: A sole dryer comprising two electric air blowers respectively controlled by two trigger switches to blow heated air currents for drying the soles of the legs placed on a cover thereof, and a plurality of supporting spring means to automatically push said cover back to its original position so as to disconnect said trigger switches after the removal of said legs from said cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: You Terng-Shuh
  • Patent number: 5157757
    Abstract: A handheld electrically powered hair dryer includes a main outlet nozzle and secondary air outlets for producing a diffuse distribution of air. A baffle arrangement is moveable between first and second positions to selectively deflect some or all of the air from the nozzle to the secondary air outlets. The baffle arrangement consists of a flexible crown-shaped metal foil disposed on the inside of the nozzle, and a mechanism for bending the foil radially inwardly to partially or completely block the nozzle when the baffle is moved toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: China Pacific Trade Ltd.
    Inventor: John G. McDougall
  • Patent number: 5140666
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating the inner cylindrical wall of a device, such as a bearing, gear, sprocket, coupling, sleeve, or the like, for expanding the cylindrical wall to facilitate the installation of the device on a receiving element includes a source of heated air coupled to an elongated cylindrical air distributor having an outer diameter small than the inner diameter of the cylindrical wall. Adjustable supports position and align the air distributor and the device to allow distributor to be inserted into the device with their central axes substantially coaxially aligned so that an annular space is created therebetween into which heated air is communicated from the distributor through a plurality of opening on the distributor. Annular baffles on the distributor close the opposite sides of the annular space while allowing exhaust of sufficient heated air to prevent undesired pressure buildup in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Inventor: James E. Lamb
  • Patent number: 5133042
    Abstract: A single device adaptable to alter any one of a variety of air characteristics such as temperature, humidity, ion content, odor, etc. Several interchangeable cartridges are provided. Each cartridge has an apertured support structure, an air treatment element that alters a particular characteristic of an air flow through the cartridge, and male connectors. The device has a housing, a fan, and female connectors that cooperate with the male connectors to position any one of the cartridges on the housing to receive an air flow discharged from the fan. When interfitted, the connectors also complete an electric circuit to a power supply that provides current to any electrically-operable cartridge. A removable protective envelope contains the cartridge. The protective envelope has an arm that inserts through a housing slot to trip a switch controlling current flow from the power supply. When the protective envelope is removed, current flow to the cartridge is disabled, allowing safe handling of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Kosta L. Pelonis
  • Patent number: 5125070
    Abstract: A PTC heater for securely positioning resistors is disclosed. The PTC heater has two insulating plates having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes, a conductive position plate having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes facing toward those in the insulating plates and a resistor cavity defined by four angular-shaped fixing chips fixed on each of the four inside faces for positioning a PTC resistor therein, and a conductive elastic plate having a plurality of square or rectangular through holes facing toward those in the insulating plates. The elastic plate has an elastic projection on each of the four inside faces of a through hole for pressing a lateral surface of a PTC resistor positioned in a through hole of the position plate after the elastic plate and the position plate have been sandwiched between the two insulating plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Chang Chung-Tai
  • Patent number: 5111527
    Abstract: A forced gas electric heater has a serpentine heating element in series with a preheat coil. Gas to be heated first flows through the preheat coil before flowing through the serpentine heating element. A thermistor is disposed between two adjacent turns of the preheat coil. The thermistor controls the "on" time of a solid state power control device which is in series with the preheat coil and the serpentine heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: GTE Products Corporation
    Inventors: Johathan B. Arold, Joan L. Mishou, Charles R. Parent, Joseph P. Stark, Edward A. Webb
  • Patent number: 5083011
    Abstract: An air heater with a safety control circuit is disclosed. A heat source is mounted within a hollow housing having an air inlet end and an air outlet end. The heat source is actuated in response to the presence of a heat control signal. The heat control signal is produced when both a predetermined minimum pressure differential between static air pressure outside the hollow housing and the air velocity pressure within the housing is reached and the temperature of a portion of the housing is lower than a predetermined maximum sensed temperature. Application of the heat control signal to the heat source can be manually initiated or interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Coppus Engineering Corporation
    Inventor: Richard W. Munroe
  • Patent number: 5058193
    Abstract: An electric hair dryer provided with an elongated rigid housing having inlet and outlet apertures at opposite ends is provided with an elongated handle secured to and spaced from the casing and extending lengthwise of the casing. The casing has a bottom surface facing the handle. The bottom surface is anatomically shaped to fit the back of a hand inserted between the bottom surface of the casing and the handle to support the hair dryer casing on the back of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Anna N. Appierto