Abstract: A system and method may include a central security transaction-assisting machine receiving from at least a subset of a plurality of system participants initial orders to buy and sell a security; a processor of the machine matching at least a subset of the initial buy orders to at least a subset of the initial sell orders based at least on quantity; the processor forming an order block of at least a subset of the matched orders; responsive to a threshold volume of matching orders being reached, the central machine broadcasting a cross announcement to each of the plurality of participants, where the cross announcement indicates a beginning of a time window during which further matching orders to buy and sell quantities of the security are presentable for inclusion in the order block; and, at an end of the time window, executing the order block.

Abstract: A system and method may include a central security transaction-assisting machine receiving from at least a subset of a plurality of system participants initial orders to buy and sell a security; a processor of the machine matching at least a subset of the initial buy orders to at least a subset of the initial sell orders based at least on quantity; the processor forming an order block of at least a subset of the matched orders; responsive to a threshold volume of matching orders being reached, the central machine broadcasting a cross announcement to each of the plurality of participants, where the cross announcement indicates a beginning of a time window during which further matching orders to buy and sell quantities of the security are presentable for inclusion in the order block; and, at an end of the time window, executing the order block.

Abstract: A robot programming system is provided comprising a simulated work cell configuration, a tool position and orientation sensor assembly, and a programing computer. The simulated work cell configuration includes a tangible artificial tool and a tangible artificial workpiece, wherein the position and orientation of the artificial tool relative to the workpiece is variable. The sensor assembly is operative to sense the position and the orientation of the artificial tool. The programming computer is in communication with the sensor assembly and is programmed to (i) display a variable virtual robot configuration based upon the sensed position and orientation of the artificial tool, (ii) receive discrete artificial tool positions and orientations from the sensor assembly, and (iii) create a robot job data file including the discrete artificial tool positions and orientations.

Abstract: A beverage-brewing apparatus is provided which includes an outer cup member and an inner cup member. The outer cup member includes an open top, a sidewall and a bottom. The inner cup member has a sidewall, a first seal and a basket portion, with the sidewall of the inner cup member dimensioned to fit within the sidewall of the outer cup member. The first seal is disposed along an outer surface of the inner cup member for engaging the inner sidewall of the outer cup member to form a seal while still permitting the inner cup member to move within the outer cup member. The basket portion of the inner cup member is disposed at the bottom of the inner cup member. The basket portion includes a base with at least one aperture and a first filter medium, a sidewall, and a cap member having at least one aperture and a second filter medium. The cap member is releasably connected to the sidewall of the basket portion so that brewing material can be securely retained within the basket portion between the filter medium.

Abstract: A beverage-brewing apparatus is provided which includes an outer cup member and an inner cup member. The outer cup member includes an open top, a sidewall and a bottom. The inner cup member has a sidewall, a first seal and a basket portion, with the sidewall of the inner cup member dimensioned to fit within the sidewall of the outer cup member. The first seal is disposed along an outer surface of the inner cup member for engaging the inner sidewall of the outer cup member to form a seal while still permitting the inner cup member to move within the outer cup member. The basket portion of the inner cup member is disposed at the bottom of the inner cup member. The basket portion includes a base with at least one aperture and a first filter medium, a sidewall, and a cap member having at least one aperture and a second filter medium. The cap member is releasably connected to the sidewall of the basket portion so that brewing material can be securely retained within the basket portion between the filter medium.

Abstract: A switch assembly having a sliding plunger type actuator with the actuator assembled in a separate housing portion and snap-locked to a housing portion having a plurality of switches pre-assembled, with the ends of the switch blade engaging the actuator upon assembly. The plunger is surrounded by a collar having a plurality of fingers. Upon insertion of the plunger and fingers in a mounting structure aperture and upon rotation of the switch assembly, the locking fingers are spread by cam action. The plunger is friction-detentedly telescoped in said actuator for adjustment of the free position thereof after installation.

Abstract: An electrical snap-action type switch contact blade (80) is provided. Blade (80) has a base (6) and an electrical contact region (10) intermediate a pair of spaced-apart support legs (14) that extend angularly away from base (6) to respective free-ends. A tongue (12) extends arcuately away from region (10) in a direction opposite to support legs (14) and towards base (6) to a free-end (23). Free-end (23) of tongue (12) and the free-ends of support legs (14) respectively engage spaced-apart anchoring sites to secure blade (80) to the switch frame. Blade (80) can be actuated by application and removal of a Force (F) both against base (6) and for a prescribed distance (X) along support legs (14).

Abstract: A sealed rotary switch has electrical contacts insert-molded in a stator. The stator has generally open ends which are closed by a pair of covers. The joint between the covers and the stator includes a notch filled with adhesive sealant. The covers have aligned openings in which a rotor is mounted for rotation. Each cover has a seat formed around its opening, with a resilient seal member located in the seat and sealing against the rotor.

Abstract: Four switches are arranged at 90.degree. to each other. Each switch has a reversely bent blade having a short leg pivoted on a center terminal and a long leg having its free end normally spaced from a normally open terminal while the reversely bent portion engages a normally closed terminal higher than the other two terminals whereby the normally open terminal of an adjacent switch can be positioned under the normally closed terminal. The actuator handle actuates opposed parallel pairs in unison whereby one of the pair is actuated to close on its normally open terminal when the actuator moves in one direction and the other of the pair is so actuated when the actuator is moved in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The actuating knob is biased to a center (off) position and can be actuated in opposite directions in each of two planes. Actuation in one plane serves to actuate either of two switches. Actuation in the other plane will actuate either of the same two switches but prior to actuating the switch will mechanically actuate a transmission through a Bowden cable. The cable wire is connected to the free end of each of two levers pivoted on the mounting bracket. Each lever is engaged by a pin protruding from a disc carried on the end of a cylinder rockably mounted in the switch casing and actuated by the knob. When the cylinder is moved from its normal mid position, one of the pins lifts the lever (the other lever has to go along) to lift the cable wire.