Abstract: A method of facilitating the maintenance of a pump and for facilitating changes in the operation of a pump is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a pump including wear parts, a processor and a memory; sensing at least one operating condition of the pump indicative of the operation of the pump; generating pump operational data reflective of the sensed operating condition; storing the generated operational data in the memory of the processor; storing parts identification data identifying wear parts of the pump in the memory; storing at least one predetermined level of operational information; and operating the processor to compare the stored predetermined level to the stored operational data and in dependent response thereto outputting information as to the desirability of replacing or repairing at least one selected wear part or modifying the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A tool has a tool element extending longitudinally of a handle. The handle has a body portion, a neck portion and a head portion with a forward base. The neck portion has a smaller cross-sectional dimension than the forward base. The body portion is generally oval in cross-section. The body portion has a major transverse axis dimension that decreases from a proximal end that is adjacent to the neck toward a distal tip and a minor transverse axis dimension that is less than the major transverse axis dimension. A skin of cushion material may be disposed over a major part of the body portion.

Abstract: A piercing tool to form a series of puncture marks in soft materials, such as pumpkins, is provided. The tool includes a handle, a working head, and a plurality of piercing elements, which may be formed as a one-piece plastic construction. The working head may be a flat blade terminating in an arcuate distal end with outwardly divergent side edges and an area of increased thickness to minimize lateral deflection of the blade while in use. The piercing elements project from the working head in a plane and may have a common height and configuration or include a primary tooth flanked by secondary teeth of a different height and configuration than the primary tooth. A method of forming a series of puncture marks is also provided and includes the steps of driving one piercing element into the material and advancing the tool to drive in an adjacent piercing element.

Abstract: An illumination device especially adapted for internally illuminating a decorative object wherein the decorative object is associated with a particular seasonal holiday, festive, or celebratory event. The device includes a dome shaped housing that is sized and configured to mount inside the decorative object. The housing has concavities with reflective surfaces and electric lights that are disposed in the concavities. Electric current is supplied to the light for illumination of the interior of the decorative object. The illuminative object has the optional capability to flash the electric lights to mimic the flickering of a burning candle and employ the use of fiber optics for special lighting effects.

Abstract: An illumination device especially adapted for internally illuminating a decorative object wherein the decorative object is associated with a particular seasonal holiday, festive, or celebratory event. The device includes a dome shaped housing that is sized and configured to mount inside the decorative object. The housing has concavities with reflective surfaces and electric lights that are disposed in the concavities. Electric current is supplied to the light for illumination of the interior of the decorative object. The illuminative object has the optional capability to flash the electric lights to mimic the flickering of a burning candle and employ the use of fiber optics for special lighting effects.

Abstract: A pumpkin carving kit includes a cutting die having a closed peripheral configuration defining a shape to be carved into the pumpkin shell, a striking tool for driving the die into the pumpkin shell, and a scoop and scraping tool. The die has a lower cutting edge and an upper driving edge, and a striking surface of the striking tool has a lateral dimension which is greater than the majority of the largest transverse dimension of the striking edge to uniformly distribute impact force to the die. Serrations of the cutting edge of the die are forced into the pumpkin shell to hold the die in position before it is struck. The scoop and scraping tool is used to scrape the thickness of the pumpkin wall so that the die will extend through it.