Patent ID: 6051818
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: A47J,H05B

Abstract:
An electric toaster comprising a first heating element and a second heating element, the first and second heating elements being electrically connected in series for receiving an alternating supply voltage, the first heating element being divided into two sub-elements electrically connected in series and defining a first node where the sub-elements are connected together, and switching means for effectively deactivating alternate ones of said two sub-elements during alternate half cycles of a selectable mode of heating operation, wherein the switching means for effectively deactivating comprises: a series arrangement of a first unidirectional element and a second unidirectional element electrically connected in parallel with said first heating element, the first unidirectional element and the second unidirectional element having corresponding electrodes connected together at a second node, and means for interconnecting the first node and the second node.