Abstract: A mixing machine including a frame; a first roller rotatably supported by the frame; a second roller rotatably supported by the frame in a position parallel to the first roller and closely adjacent thereto so as to facilitate compression of material therebetween; a rotary drive mounted for reciprocating movement on the frame in a direction substantially parallel to the first roller; and a reciprocating drive for producing the reciprocating movement of the rotary drive. Also included is a mixing roller operatively coupled to the rotary drive so as to be rotated thereby, the curling roller including an outer end disposed for movement with the rotary drive means along a path closely adjacent to the first roller and extending between outer and inner surface portions thereof so as to move material on said first roller from the outer portion thereof toward the inner portion thereof.

Abstract: A coupling assembly for use in connecting one end of a first tubular member to a component of a piping system includes a receiving tubular member defining an opening adapted to receive the first tubular member, the receiving tubular member having an inner portion defining an inner bore dimensioned to receive the one end and an outer portion defining an internal annular cavity intersecting the inner bore and projecting radially outwardly therefrom, the annular cavity comprising an annular wall portion tapered radially inwardly and projecting longitudinally toward the opening. Also included in the assembly is an annular seal member and a lock ring both disposed in the annular cavity between the first tubular member and the receiving tubular member, the lock ring having an outer circumferential surface portion adapted to engage said tapered wall portion and an inner circumferential surface portion adapted to engage an external wall portion of the first tubular member.

Abstract: A method for removing an individual surface mounted electrical component from a printed circuit board retaining a plurality of other components. The individual component has a plurality of leads connected to circuitry on said board by a connection alloy comprising at least two constituent metals and having a given melting point less than that of either of said constituent metals. The method includes the steps of obtaining a removal alloy composed of a plurality of constituent metals and having a particular melting point below the given melting point; heating the removal alloy to a temperature greater than the particular melting point but below the given melting point so as to produce a molten state thereof; contacting the connection alloy on all of the leads with the molten removal alloy and causing thereby a reaction producing a molten state for the connection alloy; and separating the individual component from the printed circuit board while retaining thereon the other components.

Abstract: A litter box has a fluid impervious bottom wall and fluid impervious side walls defining an exhaust opening. An insert is disposed at a peripheral portion of the bottom wall and includes a substantially vertical screen separated from the side walls by an exhaust channel communicating with the exhaust opening. A blower produces air flow from the receptacle into the exhaust channel for discharge through the exhaust opening. Also included are electrical blower controls including a timer switch, a manually operated on-off switch and a pressure switch all connected in parallel.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector including an annular outer conductor; an inner conductor disposed coaxially within the outer conductor; an annular insulator retained between the inner conductor and the outer conductor; and an annular mounting flange rotatably mounted on the outer conductor and projecting radially outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system including a brake structure defining an annular surface; an annular magnet support disposed adjacent to the annular surface; a plurality of permanent magnets mounted on the magnet support and circumferentially spaced apart thereon, the polarities of the plurality of permanent magnets alternating circumferentially and each permanent magnet having circumferentially spaced apart end portions of substantially equal cross-sectional area joined by a middle portion of substantially smaller cross-sectional area; an annular pole piece support; and a plurality of ferromagnetic pole pieces mounted on the pole piece support and circumferentially spaced apart in positions between the annular surface and the permanent magnets, each pole piece having a circumferential length substantially equal to the circumferential length of a radially adjacent permanent magnet.

Abstract: A gun jig including first and second templates defining first and second end surfaces, a first substantially planar surface extending between the first and second end surfaces, a second substantially planar surface oriented substantially perpendicular to the first planar surface and extending between the first and second end surfaces, a first recessed surface extending between the first and second end surfaces, a first plurality of guide holes extending between the first planar surface and the first recessed surface, a second plurality of guide holes extending between the second planar surface and the first recessed surface, a first connecting surface extending between the first and second end surfaces and joining the first planar surface and the first recessed surface, and a second connecting surface extending between the first and second end surfaces and joining the second planar surface and the first recessed surface.

Abstract: A portable electrical fan including a housing defining inlet and outlet openings for transmitting air flow; a fan blade disposed in the housing; a motor disposed in the housing and rotatably coupled to the fan blade; and an elongated support having opposite end portions attached to the housing and an intermediate stand portion shaped and arranged to support the housing on a surface. Also included are electrical controls connected to the motor and retainer means retaining the electrical controls fixed to the elongated support. This arrangement provides a portable electric fan in an efficient, low cost configuration.

Abstract: A portable humidifier unit includes a base defining a water reservoir and a humidifier unit mounted over the base and movable relative to the base to provide access thereto. The humidifier unit contains an electrically energized humidification mechanism for inducing dispersion of the water from the reservoir into the space to be humidified. The humidifier unit is provided with a manually actuated On/Off switch for inducing energization of the humidification unit in the switch on position and deenergization thereof in the switch off position. In order to prevent unsafe operation, the switch and base are provided respectively with a latch arm and cooperating latch receptacle. The latch arm and latch receptacle are so arranged that in the switch on position the latch arm engages the latch receptacle to prevent movement of the humidifier unit relative to the base thus preventing access to the interior of the humidifier while the humidification unit is energized.

Abstract: A circuit board standoff including a body adapted for disposition between first and second boards so as to maintain a predetermined minimum spacing between facing sides thereof; a stem fixed to the body and adapted to engage an opposite side of the first board; a fastener fixed to the body and adapted to engage an opposite side of the second board; and a ground mechanism retained by the standoff and including a first electrical contact adapted to engage the first board, a second electrical contact adapted to engage the second board, and an electrical connector connecting the first and second contacts.