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All product recalls affecting North Dakota.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with North Dakota in the distribution area.
November 22, 1978 Release # 78-094 Amana Freezers WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 22)-- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Amana Refrigeration, Inc., Amana, Iowa, today announced that 96,000 owners of Amana side-by-side refrigerator-freezers made between February 1969 and September 1974, have been contacted by the company and given instructions for modifying the units to eliminate any possibility of shock hazard. In its first announcement of the possible defect made jointly with Amana in August 1977, CPSC described the voluntary repair program for about 240,000 units. According to Amana, it has exhausted all available lists of consumers to contact concerning the modification program and wants the remaining owners to get in touch with the company immediately. The Amana models to be modified are SR17, SR19, SR22, SR25, SD19, SD22, and SD25, whose serial numbers begin with the letters IS, E, B, L, A or C. The appliances in question can be positively identified by checking the model and serial number on the serial plate located behind the removable black grille at the lower front of the unit. The possibility of a shock hazard is caused by a defective hinge wire assembly which powers the butter-keeper heater and anti-sweat heater. CPSC has learned of 41 shock incidents to date. Anyone owning one of the 144,000 units that have not yet been modified should immediately furnish model, serial number, name and address to Amana Refrigeration, Inc., Amana, Iowa 52204. If consumers are unable to contact Amana directly they should call, with the same information, CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
November 22, 1978 Release # 78-095 Thermostat "Activator" Units Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 22) -- Fuel Sentry Corp., Mt. Vernon, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced a voluntary recall of the "Activator" part of some 20,000 Automatic Day/Night Thermostat Controls, model FS-5, because of a possible fire hazard. The thermostat control is packaged in a kit including the "Activator" unit and an electric timer. The controls were sold nationwide and retailed for $20-$25. The control allows residential heating systems to be automatically set at lower operating temperatures. The "Activator" unit may contain a defective carbon resistor which could cause a fire if it fails. Since July 1977, there have been 12 reported failures with minor fires occurring in ten instances. There have been no injuries reported. Subject to recall are "Activators" made between September 1976 and August 1977 and between November 1977 and May 1978, and bearing codes 396 through 526, 017 through 327, 437 through 527 and 018 through 218. The date codes are on the back of the "Activator" units. Note that these codes indicate week and year of manufacture (396 for example, means 39th week of 1976). Further verification may be made by visual inspection through the key hole slot in the back of the unit. The potentially defective resistors are brown. Any other color is not subject to this recall. Consumers who have an affected unit should stop use and return the "Activator" portion only, for repair, including refund of postage costs, to: Fuel Sentry Corp., 435 E. Third Street, Mt. Vernon, N.Y. 10553 (914/699-6192). Date codes and the model number can be verified by calling CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
Chain Guard Kit for Bicycle Offerred by Columbia NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 15, 1978 Release # 78-091 Columbia Bicycle Offers Chain Guard Kit WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 15) -- The Columbia Manufacturing Company, Westfield, Mass., in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is providing consumers with a chain guard kit. This kit will be furnished free to consumers who have purchased Columbia bicycles which do not meet Federal bicycle requirements. The bicycles in question, which were manufactured between November 13,1976 and August 13,1978 and distributed nationwide, consist of the following: 3-speed, 24-inch racers called "Miami," girls' Models Nos. 1433 and 1439, and boys' Model No. 1434; and "Gold Crest" 3-speed 26-inch racers, men's Model No. 3648. The round disc-type guard affixed to the front sprocket on these Columbia models, while acceptable on derailleur-type bicycles, does not provide coverage of the top of the chain or of any part of the chain to the rear of the front sprocket. To date, no consumer complaints or injuries have been reported. Federal bicycle regulations, effective 11/13/76, require a full coverage chain guard on all bikes having a single front and single rear sprocket, and set specifications for the extent of chain coverage for such bicycles which are intended to prevent entrapment of clothing or body parts. Consumers are advised to contact the place of purchase of their bikes to receive the chain guard kit. The kit consists of a new chain guard which is to be fitted over the existing disc-type guard and a complete set of instructions. According to Columbia, installation of the new chain guard can be easily accomplished by the owner using a screwdriver. Inquiries should be addressed to Customer Service Department, Columbia Manufacturing Company, Westfield, Mass. 01083.
Smoke Detectors Recalled by BRK Electronics NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 1978 Release # 78-089 Pittway-BRK Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 6) - The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced an agreement with the Pittway Corp., Northbrook, Ill., doing business as BRK Electronics, whereby Pittway has agreed to pay $100,000 in settlement of a civil penalty action which the Commission had decided to file. The agreement was negotiated between Pittway and CPSC staff and accepted by the Commission on Nov. 1. The Commission's action against Pittway concerned the company's alleged failure to report a defect in the BRK SS749 series smoke detectors which could cause such products to fail to operate and, in certain instances, to catch fire. The defect consisted of incorrectly rated resistors used in the SS749 smoke detectors produced by the BRK Electronics division of Pittway from March 1974 to September 26,1975. The Consumer Product Safety Act requires a manufacturer to notify the Commission immediately after learning of a defect which could create a substantial product hazard. In agreeing to a settlement of this matter, the Pittway Corporation has neither admitted nor denied violating the notification requirements of the Act. The company has cooperated in voluntarily carrying out an extensive program to recall the approximately 115,000 smoke detectors involved. Thus far, approximately 60,000 smoke detectors have been returned. The company has agreed to continue, and to intensify, its efforts to locate the remaining smoke detectors. The units subject to this recall are 110 volt AC-powered detectors which sold for a suggested retail price of $39.95. No battery-powered detectors are involved. Some models were manufactured with ordinary power cords (line cord) which plug into wall outlets, others have pigtail leads (hard wire) for installation directly into electric wiring. The detectors were marketed by BRK, American Machine & Foundry (AMF), I-T-E Imperial Corporation (I-T-E) and Sears, Roebuck & Company (Sears). They have the following model numbers: BRK SS749AC (hard wire) SS749ACS (hard wire) SS749L (line cord) SS749SL (line cord) AMF 2000AC (hard wire) 2000ACL (line cord) I-T-E ITOl-AC (hard wire) Sears 9-57049 (hard wire) 9-57047 (line cord) 9-57048 (line cord) Homeowners who suspect they have one of these smoke detectors are urged to check the model number on their unit. (Caution: Before inspecting-hard-wired detectors, electrical power to the unit must be turned off at the fuse box or circuit breaker; line cord detectors must be unplugged before inspection). Once the power is off o remove the cover and examine the side of the plastic base for a label which contains the model number. Anyone who has one of the Sears units affected by this recall should contact the nearest Sears store, which will arrange for inspection and free replacement of the unit containing the defect. People who believe they have any of the other detectors under recall should contact BRK to obtain a fact sheet, which gives very specific criteria for identifying potentially defective units, as well as replacement instructions. Additional information concerning the recall can be obtained by contacting BRK Electronics, 780 McClure Avenue, Aurora, Illinois 60507, Attention: Dennis Wm. Clair, Project 749 Director; or by calling toll-free 800/323-9005 and asking for the Project 749 Department.
October 26, 1978 Release # 78-088 Fuel Cylinders Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 26) -- Cleanweld Products, Los Angeles, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary recall of all its yellow CleanBurn Fuel Cylinders, model CB-1000, manufactured from June 1977 to April 1978. A separation at the point where the threaded connector meets the cylinder may cause a fuel leak, resulting in possible ignition and burns to the user. Fuel leakage could also de-pressurize the cylinder quickly enough to propel it. The cylinders are used to fuel portable torches. They were sold as part of the "Whirlwind Torch Kit" (PR-3600) or separately. They cost about $4.75, and were distributed nationwide. Only the yellow cylinders are being recalled. Consumers should stop use and return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone who wants additional information should contact Cleanweld Products, 4000 Medf ord Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. 90063 (toll-free 800/421-6253). Model numbers can be verified by contacting CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
October 19, 1978 Release # 78-086 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 19) -- Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced it is voluntarily recalling two models of room air conditioners produced between 1962 and 1964. The company said engineering tests on several of the 14 to 16-year-old units had revealed the deterioration of a terminal board insulator which could cause an electrical short that might ignite adjacent combustible material. Three fires last May involving these unit models in an apartment complex in Anaheim, Calif., were reported by the company to CPSC. There were no reported injuries related to those fires. The product involved is a 6,000 BTU air conditioner sold under the Carrier "Weathermaker" brand name and identified by the mode1 number 51GA0661 or 51GB0661. The model number will be found on a metallic plate behind the unit's decorative front grille, which can be snapped out easily. The units generally would be used to cool a single small room, such as a bedroom, and, in most instances, would be installed in a window. The units are about 16 1/2 inches high, 22 inches wide, 11 1/4 inches deep and weigh 100 pounds. They were sold throughout the continental U.S. during the years 1962-65 at a retail price of $185 to $210. Carrier said the company had produced a total of 21,591 such units, that they are now well beyond their normally expected product life, and that age, moisture and heat contributed to the deterioration of the electrical terminal board. The company estimates that as many as 2,782 units or as few as 628, might still be in service. Consumers having units as identified for the recall are urged to disconnect the air conditioner from the electrical outlet and to cease using it immediately. They should telephone their nearest Carrier room air conditioning dealer, as listed in the Yellow Pages Directory. Units will be repaired at no cost to the consumers. Consumers who require additional information should write to Carrier Air Conditioning, Carrier Parkway, Syracuse, N.Y. 13221 or phone the company's Consumer Relations Department at 315/432-7651. To verify brand names and model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
October 18, 1978 Release # 78-085 Portable Water Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 18) -- Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers about a possible serious shock hazard stemming from its "Miti-Mite" portable, immersible electric water heater. About 15,000 to 25,000 heaters have been sold since production began 15 years ago. The heaters are primarily used to heat small quantities of water in rural areas without hot water facilities. The heater is to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. It consists of an exposed, resistive heating element contained inside a disc-shaped, perforated, aluminum case. This perforated case allows water to flow inside and directly into contact with the heating element, presenting a dangerous shock hazard if the appliance is "on" and immersed in water. To date, CPSC knows of no injuries involving the Rhinehart heaters. The heater does not bear a model number, but can be identified by the label "Miti-Mite" embossed on top. The heaters are sold in outlets such as hardware stores. They presently sell for about $4-$5 and distribution may be nationwide. An unknown number are currently in consumers' hands. Consumers are warned they may be electrocuted if they touch the water container or the water itself while the heater is "on" and immersed in water. Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and return them for a refund to: Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind. 47688 (telephone: 219/238-4442). Rhinehart no longer manufactures or repairs the "Miti-Mite" heaters
September 28, 1978 Release # 78-079 J.C. Penney Conducts Repair Program For Bench Grinders WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 28) -- The J.C. Penney Company, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and McGraw-Edison Co., has announced a voluntary repair program of about 2,700 J.C. Penney six-inch bench grinders that may pose an electric shock hazard. The model 4030 grinders were sold by J.C. Penney between June 1973 and approximately June 1975. A protective sleeve that insulates a lead wire may wear through if in contact with the motor shaft. Severe shock could result if the bench grinder is not properly grounded, and the user is grounded or touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. The repair program applies only to model 4030 grinders purchased after June 1973 which are not imprinted with a three-digit date code (such as 57C) on the nameplate. The bench grinder should not be used until it has been inspected and reworked. Owners of the bench grinders should contact their local J.C. Penney store to make free inspection and repair arrangements. A repair program that included the J.C. Penney grinders was first announced by the McGraw-Edison Co. and CPSC on August 29,1978. To verify the model number, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
September 27, 1978 Release # 78-078 Consumers Urged To Inspect Edger/Trimmer Garden Tools WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 27) --Weed Eater, Inc., Houston, Texas, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced an inspection and replacement program for the "406 Grass Getter", a nylon string edger/trimmer sold exclusively by Montgomery Ward and Co. The electrical insulation on some of the garden tools may have been damaged during shipping and could expose a user to an electric shock. No injuries have been reported. The units involved were sold by Wards between December 20,1977 and August 10, 1978. They were offered for sale through Wards' retail and catalog stores and sold for about $59.00. The only units affected can be identified by the model number WWH 2052A. This is the only model number affected. The model number appears both on the warning label on the metal shaft and on a name plate on top of the motor housing. The logo "406 Grass Getter" also appears on the name plate. To inspect the unit, the consumer is urged to unplug the unit, separate the upper and lower halves of the metal tubular shaft so as to expose the wiring, and check the visible wiring for cuts in the insulation of the wires. (About four inches of wiring is exposed when the unit is taken apart.
September 25, 1978 Release # 78-077 Portable Electric Fans Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 25) -- The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Co., Columbus, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a potential fire hazard in some of its 13- and 19-inch, portable electric fans. Vernco said that under certain conditions these fans may overheat and possibly catch fire. Some 72,000 fans manufactured in 1973 and 1974 and sold nationwide are being recalled. The affected fans have a plastic fan guard and circular plastic base. Approximately 75 percent were sold through Sears, Roebuck and Co., and are inscribed with the initials "SR" in the center of the plastic fan guard. The Sears units are light green. The 13-inch model sold for approximately $30, and the 19-inch for about $50. The Vernco fans bear the "Vernco" inscription on the plastic fan guard. They are light blue and were sold through other retailers at similar prices. The only fans involved are those having the 5-digit date code ending with the numbers 3 or 4 and bearing Sears model no. 758.80530 or 758.80550, or Vernco no. V-1001 or V-1003. Both the date code and model number are stamped on the bottom of the base. Consumers are cautioned against using these fans and are urged to return them to the place of purchase to arrange for free repair. For further information about the Vernco models, contact Mr. Norman Edwards of Vernco at 812/372-9901. For Sears fans, call the nearest Sears retail store
September 20, 1978 Release # 78-075 J.C. Penney Alerts Consumers To Potential Bike Defect WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 20) -- The J.C. Penney Co., Inc., New York City, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned bike riders that about 33,500 bicycles marketed under the "J.C. Penney" brand name may have a defective pedal crank that could break, possibly resulting in serious injury to the rider. The bicycles with the possibly faulty cranks are deraillure-type, 24-, 26-, and 27-inch, lo-speed, lightweight vehicles. They are painted light tan or dark grey and were manufactured in 1977 and 1978. J.C. Penney marketed the bicycles in their retail and catalog stores in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. One bike sold under the Penney's name was associated with a laceration injury that occurred when the pedal crank broke. Consumers can tell if they have one of the bicycles by looking for the numbers 2131A2, 2141A2, 2180Al or 2181Al on the outside of the left, rear, metal axle plate where the wheel is attached. Also appearing with each number is a J.C. Penney catalog number. The light tan bikes are imprinted with catalog numbers 927-3525, 927-3533, 927-7070, 927-7088, 927-7096, 927-7104 or 927-7112. The dark grey bicycles bear catalog number 927-7120. Penney's and CPSC strongly urge consumers who own one of the possibly defective bikes to contact a J.C. Penney store or catalog center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the pedal crank. A recall that included the J.C. Penney bicycles was first announced by the Huffy Corp. and CPSC on May 31, 1978. To verify model and catalog numbers, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
Bench Grinders Repaired by McGraw-Edison NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 1978 Release # 78-074 Bench Grinders To Be Repaired WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 29)-- The Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., Columbia, Mo., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary repair program for about 16,000 six-inch bench grinders, which may pose a shock hazard. A protective sleeve insulating a lead wire may wear through on some of the units, bringing the wire into direct contact with the motor shaft and possibly resulting in severe shock if the tool is not properly grounded and if the user is grounded or touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. Two cases have been reported where the insulation has worn through, one of which resulted in a shock. The tools were manufactured from April through July 1973, and for limited periods between February 1977 and January 1978. The repair program applies to the following models of six-inch bench grinders purchased after June 1973 and not showing any three-digit date code embossed on the nameplate (e.g., 57C): Manning Bowman model 715100, Toastmaster model 5577, Power House model 711100, J. C. Penney model 4030, Western Auto-Wizzard model POE 6203A, Ward's Power Kraft model TGB-5102A, and K-Mart model 30-09Tl. Also involved are K-Mart model 30-90Tl showing the date code 77B, 77D, 77E or 77F, and Ward's Power Kraft model TGB 5102A with the 77F date code embossed on the nameplate. Tools having these date codes and containing an orange inspection sticker on the carton or the unit have already been inspected and are not involved in the repair program. Anyone owning one of these bench grinders should temporarily stop use and write to: Bench Grinder Repair Program, c/o National Service Manager, Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., 2nd and Vine St., Boonville, Mo. 65233, to get instructions for having the unit checked and repaired free-of-charge. To verify brand names and model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
Stuffed Toys Recalled by Knickerbocker NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25, 1978 Release # 78-110 Knickerbocker Recalls 500,000 Stuffed Toys NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 25) -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Knickerbocker Toy Company of Edison, New Jersey is voluntarily recalling and replacing 500,000 stuffed toys. The toys were found to have an excessive amount of lead in the ink that was used to letter the toy's name on its sweater. The toys in question are the monkey, Curious George; the Easter chick, Chick-A- Dee; and the puppies, Puppy Love and Scooby-Doo. Imported from South Korea, they were distributed to stores nationwide between March 1977 and April 1978. To date, no consumer complaints or injuries have been reported. The toys can be identified by the numbers K-20, K-21, K-22, K-23, K-25 and K-32 imprinted on a tag affixed to the toy's seam, and the style numbers 5465, 5466, 5467, 9750, 2270, 2271, 2285, 2286 and 9416 imprinted on the toy's packaging. CPSC New York Area Director Richard D. Swackhamer commented, "Our tests revealed a range of 12 to 45 per cent lead in the lettering on the toys, an amount in excess of the permitted level. When informed of these findings, Knickerbocker issued this recall." Consumers are advised to return the toys to the place of purchase for replacement. Inquiries should be directed to the Customer Service Department, Knickerbocker Toy Company, 10 Clearview Road, Raritan Center, Edison, New Jersey 08817 (201/225-4073). Or for verification of the toy model, call the CPSC toll-free Hotline: 800/638-2772.
August 2, 1978 Release # 78-070 Black And Decker Cord Adapters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 2) -- The Black and Decker Manufacturing Co., Towson, Md., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary recall of its no. 86-210 extension-cord adapters because of a potential shock hazard. The adapters were packaged with Black and Decker electric hedge trimmers during the spring and summer of 1978, and distributed nationwide. According to the company, less than 1,000 of the more than 200,000 adapters produced could have exposed brass electrical contacts protruding through the molded material, a condition which could cause a serious electrical shock. The adapters are orange and can be identified by the number "86-210" molded on the outside surface. The adapters are supplied as standard equipment with hedge trimmers, along with instructions for attaching the adapter to an extension cord. Consumers should immediately stop using the adapters and closely examine them for any metal showing through the outside surf ace. Adapters showing metal should be returned for free replacement to any Black and Decker Service Center, or a Black and Decker-authorized service center listed in the yellow pages. The company, which informed CPSC of the potential safety hazard on July 11,1978, sent letters providing recall instructions to all consumers who mailed in the registration card packed with the hedge trimmers. Consumers who have questions about the condition of their adapters or who need additional information can call Black and Decker collect at 301/828-2955 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. To verify the model number, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
Sweat Shirts Recalled By Huk-A-Poo NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 1978 Release # 78-069 Sweat Shirts Recalled By Huk-A-Poo WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 2) -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Huk-A-Poo Sportswear, Inc. today announced a recall of some women's sweat shirts that may not have met federal flammability standards. The garments had been imported from a Hong Kong manufacturer. The garments in question were distributed to retailers between July 1976 and September 1977. It is estimated that 30,000 garments have been sold nationwide. To date no consumer injuries have been reported. The garments are long sleeved, 100 percent napped cotton and can be identified by the number RN34104 and the words "Made in Hong Kong" on the label. Further identification data includes the style numbers, 502, 506, 507, 509, 619, 620, 621, 623 and 624 which appeared on the garment's hang tags. Consumers who have purchased these garments can return them to the place of purchase for repayment or credit. Any questions from the consumer should be directed to the Customer Service Department, Huk-A-Poo Sportswear, Inc., 48 West 38th St., New York, N.Y. 10018.
July 7, 1978 Release # 78-059 Sears Stepladders Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 7) -- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, III. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced the continuing recall of approximately 7,500 five-foot household aluminum stepladders sold in 20 states from January 1977 to March 1978. This second notice of the recall, first announced by Sears on March 14,1978, has been issued in hopes of receiving a better return of the ladders. Sears said that the ladders may pose a potential hazard because under certain conditions the top cap may split, causing the ladder to collapse. No accidents or injuries have been reported, but owners are cautioned against using the affected ladders and are urged to return them to any Sears store for exchange or refund. The ladders being recalled sold for about $13, have green feet and carry either model number 133.42435 or stock number 42435 on the upper end of the side rail. They were sold in Sears retail stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wyoming and parts of Iowa and Kentucky. Anyone needing to verify model numbers on the recalled ladders should call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772. --
June 28, 1978 Release # 78-056 Sewing Machine Quality Assurance Program Announced WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 28)-- Bernina Sewing Machines of Switzerland, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary corrective action program involving the Type 213 foot pedals of Bernina sewing machines manufactured between late 1969 and January, 1976. Sewing machine owners will be notified directly by the company and sent an easy- to-install kit, free of charge, to remedy the problem. The foot pedal (or speed regulator) of the sewing machine may overheat if a switch within the pedal remains in a "closed" position. This may increase the possibility of a short circuit or fire in the pedal. As a safety precaution, owners are urged to unplug the machine when not in use and to avoid placing foreign objects on or near the foot pedal. According to Bernina, no injuries have been reported in connection with the sewing machines sold with this foot pedal. To correct the overheating problem, Bernina is offering a thermally activated switch for all the Type 213 black foot pedals. This number is stamped on the bottom of the foot pedal. (Those pedals stamped with a blue "T" already contain the thermally activated switch.) Bernina is identifying and contacting the owners of these sewing machines by letter to advise them that the thermally activated switch should be installed without delay. In addition, Bernina retailers will assist any consumer having difficulty in replacing the switch and have posted in-store notices explaining the problem. Consumers with the Type 213 foot pedals should contact their local Bernina retailer or any of Bernina's four American distributors if they have not been notified by the company or if they have questions concerning the recall program. The four American distributors are: Larson Bernina Corporation, 2017 E. 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407; Swiss-Bernina Inc., 534 W. Chestnut Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521; Bernina Sewing Machine Company, Inc., 70 Orchard Drive, North Salt Lake, UT 84054; and Bernina Distributors, Inc., 2401 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
June 22, 1978 Release # 78-052 Repair Program Announced For Baby Car Seat/Stroller WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22) -- Collier-Keyworth Co., Gardner, Mass., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary repair program for about 5,600 of its models 6805, 6806, 7805 and 7806 car seat/stroller conversion kits. The kits are used to convert a baby car seat into a stroller by snapping the seat onto a frame. CPSC staffers believe that a design defect in the metal seat supports of the stroller frame could cause the supports to spread apart, allowing the seat to disengage and throwing the infant forward. CPSC has learned of 13 incidents where this happened. At least five of the children received lacerations and other facial injuries. The stroller kits in question, which were distributed nationwide, retail for about $28 and were manufactured before March 14,1977. Some, but not all, the units may have the model number on the back leg of the frame. More important, if your stroller conversion kit does not have two hinged metal braces riveted at right angles to the top of the stroller frame seat support and reinforcing the seat from directly beneath, call or write Collier-Keyworth Co., P.O. Box 528, Gardner, Mass. 01440 (617/632-0120) to get a free repair kit. After July 1, 1978, retailers selling the conversion kits should be displaying an illustrated recall poster which consumers can check to see if they own one of the affected kits. To verify model numbers, contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
June 13, 1978 Release # 78-046 WASHINGTON, DC (June 13) -- Coast to Coast Stores, Inc., Minnetonka, Minn., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers that some "Coast King" bicycles sold in Coast to Coast Stores after January 1, 1978, may contain a pedal crank which could break and result in serious injury to the rider. The bicycle with the problem crank is Coast to Coast model C8798T men's, 27-inch, 10-speed, deraillure-type bicycle sold under the "Coast King" brand name in 26 states. The model number is on the bicycle's left rear axle plate. The bicycle is the only 1978 "Coast King" model which is royal blue. Anyone who bought this model should return it to the Coast to Coast store where purchased for a free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the crank. A recall which included the "Coast King" model was originally announced by the bicycle manufacturer, Huffy Corp., Dayton, Ohio, and CPSC on May 31, 1978. Other "Coast King" bicycles sold by Coast to Coast Stores have different cranks and are not subject to this recall
June 5, 1978 Release # 78-042 CPSC Announces Replacement/Refitting Program For Electric Deep Fryers WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5) -- American Electric Corp., Culver City, Calif., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary replacement, refitting and refund program involving two styles of its model 7000 "Great American Frying Machine," mini electric deep fryers, because they may pose an electric shock hazard. CPSC is aware of one alleged electric shock incident involving each fryer style out of approximately 260,000 marketed. Both styles retailed for about $14.95, and were sold nationwide. This program does not apply to model 7000A fryers. One of the model 7000 styles has two white plastic carrying handles and stands on three black plastic legs. It is encased in a two-tone metal housing with a black top half and a gold bottom half. This style was marketed between January and April 1977. The company will replace this style free of charge. The second style is similar to the first, except it has a black plastic circular base and a single bucket-type plastic handle. This style was marketed between April and December 1977. The company will refit this style with additional electrical insulation. The company warns consumers to immediately stop using these mini fryers and return them to American Electric Corp., 9937 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, Calif. 90230, Attention: Consumer Relations Department. CPSC believes that these two styles of mini deep fryers may, in some instances, pose a potential shock hazard because of the possibility that internal wiring may move during use and contact the metal casing. Any consumer who wants a refund for either style must send the unit to the American Electric Corp., along with proof of purchase indicating the price. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage costs. Consumers who desire information about this program should contact the Consumer Relations Department of the American Electric Corp. at the address cited above, or call the company at (213) 871-2222. To verify the model number, contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772