Abstract: A blending appliance in accordance with the principals of the present invention includes a linear motor drive comprising a magnet structure secured to a reaction mass and a coil structure secured to a shaker platen, the shaker platen adapted to secure a blending cup. A third mass is secured to the reaction mass via at least one biasing member. A ground is secured to the third mass via at least one biasing member. The shaker platen is secured to the reaction mass via at least one biasing member. The magnet structure and coil structure impart a force to the reaction mass and the shaker platen, which force is driven by the biasing members and the masses of the shaker platen, the reaction mass, and the third mass into resonance, thereby maximizing payload amplitude, minimizing forces transmitted to ground, and minimizing driver amplitude.

Abstract: A locking, hand-held holiday light storage and dispenser device, comprising a base, a rotating tube coupled to the base, and a locking mechanism adapted to lock the rotating tube in position relative to the base in order to permit the storage and dispensing of holiday lights in a tangle-free manner.

Abstract: A water filter device mountable on a faucet facilitates water flow in substantially one linear direction through a filtering cartridge which comprises activated carbon or charcoal material. The water filtration device includes a valve assembly for selectively operating the filtering device for generating filtered or unfiltered water. The filtering device preferably includes a disc shaped filtering housing having a disc shaped filtering block of activated carbon material therein for filtering water. The present invention simplifies the flow path of water from the inlet through the filtering cartridge and provides for a more compact and lower profile filtering device which saves space in the sink associated with the water filtration device. It also provides for little or no pressure differential for flow through the filter.

Abstract: A juvenile seat cradle bouncer apparatus of the type having a base portion and a back support member operably attached to the base portion. The back support member is pivotally positionable relative to the base portion between a substantially collapsed orientation and one or more upright angular orientations. Retention members are associated with the base portion for releasably retaining the back support member in a desired one of the upright angular orientations. A foot support member is operably associated with the back support member, and is pivotally attached to the base portion.

Abstract: An improved ball controlled float control unit wherein a slotted raceway housing pivotally accomodates a narrow ball cage within the slot and with the ball cage being in constant contact with said ball while the ball is permitted to be rollingly supported by the edges defining the slot, with the ball being precluded from getting out of or behind the ball cage, thereby eliminating any possibility of the ball locking up the control function of the unit.

Abstract: A pump including an impeller adapted to be removably mounted on a powered shaft, the impeller including a bore opening for complimentary reception of the shaft. The bore opening of the impeller has a torque inducing surface which abuts a complimentary torque inducing surface on the shaft. The impeller includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flexible finger members disposed in axially extending relation about the bore opening which include inwardly directed bosses for axially securing the impeller to the shaft, and a cap element to retain the finger members compressively against the shaft.

Abstract: A motor having a stator and a rotor core rotatable therein and a rotor shaft secured for rotation with the rotor core comprising a motor housing, the stator supported by the motor housing, the rotor core having a counterbore extending partially along the axial length thereof and circumscribing a portion of the rotor shaft, the motor housing including a cylindrical unit bearing tower extending into the counterbore and surrounding the portion of the rotor shaft whereby the portion of the rotor shaft is free to rotate in a bore in the unit bearing tower.

Abstract: A novel housing assembly is disclosed. The housing assembly includes a cover section and an end frame which may be of dissimilar materials. The cover section and end frame define abutting openings. The end frame opening is circumscribed by a radial projection and the cover section opening is circumscribed by an axial flange. The radial projection is frictionally retained within the axial flange. A retaining ring is integrally secured to the cover section and holds the end frame to the cover section. Shear elements are provided by the retaining ring and cover section to substantially increase the shear force resistance capacity of the juncture between the cover section and the end frame.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed float switch having a bistable ball cage therein. The ball cage is free to pivot between either of two spring biased, over center positions responsive to the position of a ball which is free to roll from either end of the race through the cage to the other end of the race. An over center spring holds the ball cage in its last operated position. A safety arm prevents the ball cage from changing its attitude in any manner which, if uncontrolled, might permit the ball to escape into an inoperative position which might capture it behind the ball cage. Adjustment is provided for the on and off levels of the switch responsive to tether length.

Abstract: A novel fluid pump housing for a fluid pump with a float switch is disclosed. The housing includes a clamp adapted to removably hold the float cable in a predetermined position and to allow manual release and reinsertion of the float cable at different positions along the length of the cable without the use of tools.