Flat iron controller

Abstract

The flat iron controller is an item of hairdressing equipment. The flat iron and the personal data device are defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The flat iron controller incorporates a flat iron and a personal data device. The personal data device controls the operation of the flat iron. Specifically, the personal data device: a) initiates the operation of the flat iron; and, b) sets the operating temperature of the flat iron.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flat iron controller comprising
 a flat iron and a personal data device;   wherein the personal data device controls the operation of the flat iron;   wherein the flat iron is a heated device.   
     
     
         2 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 1  wherein the personal data device: a) initiates the operation of the flat iron; and, b) sets the operating temperature of the flat iron. 
     
     
         3 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 2   wherein the flat iron is a heated device;   wherein the flat iron applies heat to the hair of a person such that any curl in the hair of the person is flattened out.   
     
     
         4 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 3   wherein the flat iron comprises a heating element and a control circuit;   wherein the control circuit controls the operation of the heating element.   
     
     
         5 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 4   wherein the heating element is an electrically resistive circuit element;   wherein the heating element converts electric energy in the form of electric current into heat.   
     
     
         6 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 5   wherein the control circuit is an electric circuit;   wherein the control circuit controls the operation of the flat iron controller by controlling the operation of the heating element;   wherein the control circuit controls the heating element by controlling the flow of electric energy through the heating element.   
     
     
         7 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 6   wherein the control circuit measures the temperature of the heating element;   wherein the control circuit compares the measured temperature of the heating element with a desired temperature of the heating element;   wherein the personal data device transmits the desired temperature of the heating element to the control circuit using the wireless communication link;   wherein the control circuit adjusts the amount of electric energy that flows through the heating element to maintain the desired temperature.   
     
     
         8 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 7   wherein the control circuit is an independently powered electric circuit;   wherein by independently powered is meant that the control circuit can operate without an electrical connection to an external power source.   
     
     
         9 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 8   wherein the control circuit comprises a logic module, a communication module, a transistor, and a power circuit;   wherein the logic module, the communication module, the transistor, and the power circuit are electrically interconnected;   wherein the communication module further comprises a wireless communication link;   wherein the wireless communication link forms a communication link with the personal data device.   
     
     
         10 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 9   wherein the logic module further comprises a temperature sensor;   wherein the temperature sensor is a sensor;   wherein the temperature sensor electrically connects to the logic module;   wherein the temperature sensor transmits an electric signal to the logic module;   wherein the logic module uses the transmitted electric signal to determine the actual temperature of the heating element.   
     
     
         11 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 10   wherein the power circuit comprises a battery, a diode, a charging port, and an external power source;   wherein the external power source further comprises a charging plug;   wherein the battery, the diode, the charging port, the external power source, and the charging plug are electrically interconnected;   wherein the battery further comprises a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal;   wherein the external power source further comprises a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal.   
     
     
         12 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 11   wherein the logic module is a programmable electronic device;   wherein the communication module is a wireless electronic communication device that allows the logic module to wirelessly communicate with a personal data device;   wherein the communication module establishes the wireless communication link between the control circuit and the personal data device.   
     
     
         13 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 12   wherein the personal data device instructs the logic module: a) to initiate the operation of the flat iron; and, b) the desired operating temperature at which to maintain the flat iron;   wherein the logic module transmits the current operating temperature of the flat iron to the personal data device;   wherein the logic module monitors the temperature sensor to determine the temperature of the heating element;   wherein the logic module controls the operation of the heating element by controlling the flow of electric energy through the transistor.   
     
     
         14 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 13   wherein the logic module actuates the transistor between operating as an open switch and operating as a closed switch to control the electric energy flowing through the heating element;   wherein the logic module actuates the transistor by controlling the electric current flowing into the base of the transistor;   wherein the logic module controls the temperature of the heating element by controlling the electric current flowing into the base of the transistor.   
     
     
         15 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 14   wherein the transistor is a three terminal electrical device;   wherein the transistor operates as an electrically controlled switch;   wherein the transistor physically controls the flow of electric energy from the power circuit into the heating element;   wherein the logic module controls the operation of the transistor;   wherein the transistor further comprises a collector, an emitter, and a base;   wherein the transistor operates as a switch;   wherein when a voltage is applied to the base, current will flow into the base and the transistor will act like a closed switch allowing current to flow from the collector to the emitter;   wherein the emitter electrically connects to the heating element such that when the logic module transmits an electric current into the base, the transistor allows electric current to flow from the power circuit into the heating element.   
     
     
         16 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 15   wherein the power circuit is an electrical circuit;   wherein the power circuit powers the operation of the control circuit;   wherein the power circuit is an electrochemical device;   wherein the power circuit converts chemical potential energy into the electrical energy required to power the control circuit.   
     
     
         17 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 15   wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery;   wherein the charging port is an electrical circuit that reverses the polarity of the rechargeable battery;   wherein the charging port forms an electrical connection to an external power source using a charging plug;   wherein the charging plug forms a detachable electrical connection with the charging port;   wherein the charging port receives electrical energy from the external power source through the charging plug.   
     
     
         18 . The flat iron controller according to  claim 17   wherein the diode is an electrical device that allows current to flow in only one direction;   wherein the diode installs between the rechargeable battery and the charging port such that electricity will not flow from the first positive terminal of the rechargeable battery into the second positive terminal of the external power source.