Abstract: A rotary clamping device includes a rotary actuator and an L-shaped base, with a gripper device mounted on the output shaft of the rotary actuator. The construction is very simple and lightweight, so that, in the preferred embodiment, it is made up primarily of four extruded parts in addition to the actuator.

Abstract: An espresso apparatus having a brew head which is in liquid communication with a heat exchanger that is positioned within a boiler and a secondary heater for supplng additional heat to the water in the boiler, the second heater being turned off when the pump supplying water to the heat exchanger is on. The brew head has a thermostat component and an electric heating element positioned about the brew head infusion chamber. The thermostat component is independent of the heater coil in the boiler, set at a predetermined temperature level, and is responsive to changes in the temperature of the brew head and appropriately opens or closes the circuit connected to the electric heating element.

Abstract: A sorter uses pushers to push products over angled idler wheels in order to sort the products off of the main conveyor path.

Abstract: A coffee bean grinding and brewing apparatus having a control circuit for initiating grinding and brewing cycles. The control circuit has a brew basket sensing switch that is positioned adjacent the brew basket retaining arms and is engaged into an open position by one of the arms when no basket is positioned between the arms and becomes closed when a basket is positioned between the arms. The control circuit does not initiate any cycle as long as the sensing switch is open avoiding the problem of grounds being delivered accidentally when no basket is present. Additionally, the control circuit has a grind-only switch and a brew-only switch that respectively permit an operator to select a grind-only or a brew only cycle when a basket is held properly between the arms. Finally, the circuit may be provided with a partial and full brew selector switches that permit an operator to select a full and predetermined amount of ground coffee and/or hot water to be delivered to the brew basket or a lesser amount, e.g.

Abstract: A local area network for the simultaneous, bi-directional transmission of video bandwidth signals includes an economical switching matrix. The switching matrix defines upstream connections, downstream connections, and user connections and a plurality of switching points in order to provide bi-directional switching capability between every user and every upstream connection, between every user and every downstream connection, and between every user and every other user connected to the matrix, while using fewer than half of the usual N.times.N number of switching points, where N equals the number of user connections plus the number of upstream connections plus the number of downstream connections.

Abstract: A modular conveyor system includes modular conveyor units and modular transfer units, which are driven by the driveshafts from adjacent modules. The transfer units include a first driveshaft segment extending below the conveyor frame and first and second multi-direction wheels mounted on the shaft segment such that when the first driveshaft segment rotates, it drives the first wheel in a forward direction and the second wheel in a backward direction, the wheels being independently shiftable relative to the top surface of the conveyor frame so as to either convey a product or not convey a product.

Abstract: A conveyor includes electrification rails and modules mounted on those rails to provide electricity to a pallet, so that appliances being carried on the pallet can be plugged in as they travel along the conveyor. The modules include an improved T-shaped shoe for contacting the bottom surface of the pallet, toe bars which prevent the shoe from pivoting sideways as the pallet pushes on the shoe, and a switch for turning power to the shoe on and off, depending upon whether there is a pallet on top of the shoe.

Abstract: A device for preventing eye drops disposed in the human eye from entering the nasolacrimal system includes at least one pad to be located over the exterior surface of the inside corner of an eye covering the juncture of the upper and lower eyelids of the eye in the area of the nasolacrimal ducts located on the inner surfaces of the upper and lower eyelids of the eye for occluding the nasolacrimal ducts while allowing the eye to remain open so that eye drops can be deposited in the eye.

Abstract: A conveyor chain is made up of carrier links and connector links, and the carrier links provide forward and rear drive surfaces, so as to provide a smooth drive.

Abstract: A shelter to be used with a mobile home in which the mobile home is positioned on a foundation with an entrance spaced a distance above the ground. The storm shelter defines an enclosed volume for receiving at least one individual and includes a top wall juxtaposed to the mobile home beneath the entrance and extends horizontally away from the home, forming a floor of a stoop. A side wall, secured to the top and bottom walls, extends into and is anchored to the ground. The side wall also has at least one door for access into the interior of said volume.

Abstract: A golf ball kicking device adapted to be worn on the toe of a shoe comprisinga first member having a concavity including a flexible surface adapted to be positioned against a toe of a shoe;a second member detachably connected to said first member and having a golf ball striking surface adapted to be mounted in front of the toe of the shoe, said striking surface having an area approximating the area of a selected golf iron and a slope approximating the slope of said selected golf iron; andan adjustable strap fastened at opposite ends thereof to the first member for maintaining said first member in a fixed and abutting relationship with said toe of said shoe.

Abstract: A conveyor chain carries products at a speed which is higher than the speed at which the chain moves and provides a low backline pressure when it accumulates products. The product-carrying roller is driven by two side rollers which run on rails on the conveyor frame.

Abstract: A seat lift includes a cylinder, a frame, a seat, and a block which wraps around the cylinder and moves with the frame to support the frame.

Abstract: A discrete deck board remover apparatus comprises a pallet pusher assembly for pushing a pallet into a position in which a selected deck board can be removed by a deck board plow assembly. Once the defective deck board is removed, the pallet can be optionally removed from further operation or moved to a second position in which the pallet can be turned over and returned to the position with the opposite side up whereupon further defective deck boards can be removed by the deck board plow assembly.

Abstract: A connector member for a concrete form includes connecting mechanisms adjacent its top and bottom edges for holding two connecting members together.