Abstract: Some embodiments provide an interface unit interfacing with an irrigation controller, comprising: a housing; a controller configured to instruct an interruption of a watering schedule executed by the irrigation controller, the interruption based on one or both of sensed temperature and sensed rainfall amount, and based on one or both of user entered temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; a switching device coupled with the controller, and configured to cause the interruption in response to signaling from the controller; and a user interface comprising: a plurality of user input devices configured to provide signaling to the controller based upon user's engagement, and configured to allow the user to define the temperature and rainfall threshold parameters; and a user display comprising a display screen; wherein the controller is configured to cause the display screen to display a plurality of pictorial representations that in combination convey whether irrigation is being interrupted.

Abstract: Coated cutting implements having increased longevity, corrosion and stain resistance, a smooth and uniform appearance and color, and/or reduced friction between cutting blades are provided. The coatings on the cutting implements have at least two layers. The first layer is a metal-based layer that imparts hardness or wear-resistance to the cutting implement. The second layer is comprised of an organic polymer.

Abstract: A method for procuring a customized first aid kit having a case and multiple first aid items comprises displaying numerous web pages and making interactive selections based on the information accessed and displayed by said web pages. A kit size and a compliance standard or no compliance standard may be selected. A multiplicity of available first aid items is displayed on a website content page and various items are interactively selected from the content page. The final first aid kit is compiled in accordance with the various selections. The case for the first aid kit may also be specified from various possible materials as well as logos and color schemes for the first aid kit.

Abstract: A utility knife has a receiving cavity which opens through the body. A cartridge comprising a magazine of blades is removably insertable into the receiving cavity. A carrier within the body is manually operable for receiving a blade from the cartridge and positioning the blade for extension through the opening to present a cutting edge. The cartridge may be released from the utility knife body by depressing a button and withdrawing the cartridge. The cartridge is releasably held in place within the knife body and releasable when the blade carrier is in its retracted position and the release button is depressed. When the thumb button moves the blade carrier into its extended position to expose the knife blade, the cartridge is rendered unreleaseable even if the release button is depressed.

Abstract: A portable cabinet for a first aid kit is configured with a matrix of compartments. Each of the compartments has an open box-like shape defined by four panels with a generally uniform depth. One panel has a projecting retainer at an intermediate position thereof. The first aid items are contained in substantially rectangular packages which each have an aperture. The packages are closely received in corresponding compartments so that the retainer in each compartment engages into the aperture to retain the package with the compartment. In one embodiment, the cabinet employs a back plate to facilitate mounting the cabinet to a wall. The inside of the cover is also configured to receive various first aid items.

Abstract: A rotary trimmer for cutting and/or trimming paper and related sheet material is disclosed. The rotary trimmer comprises a trimmer housing having: (i) a first end portion; (ii) a second end portion; and (iii) a cutting platform having: (a) a first platform; (b) a second platform; and (c) a base platform. The first and the second platforms are pivotably connected at least indirectly to (1) the base platform; and/or (2) the first and the second end portions. The rotary trimmer further includes a blade carriage guide disposed between the first and the second end portions and a blade carriage having one or more cutting blades, and slidably mounted to the blade carriage guide wherein the blade carriage can slide along the blade carriage guide to cut and/or trim a sheet or sheet-like material positioned on the cutting platform. A method of using a rotary trimmer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A utility knife has a receiving cavity which opens through the body. A cartridge comprising a magazine of blades is removably insertable into the receiving cavity. A carrier within the body is manually operable for receiving a blade from the cartridge and positioning the blade for extension through the opening to present a cutting edge. The cartridge may be released from the utility knife body by depressing a button and withdrawing the cartridge. The cartridge is releasably held in place within the knife body and releasable when the blade carrier is in its retracted position and the release button is depressed. When the thumb button moves the blade carrier into its extended position to expose the knife blade, the cartridge is rendered unreleaseable even if the release button is depressed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pencil-sharpening device having a titanium chromium nitride coating disposed on the cutting blade of the device. The titanium chromium nitride coating is metallurgically bonded to the steel blade. The coated blade provides enhanced properties for the pencil-sharpening device.

Abstract: A utility knife has a receiving cavity which opens through the body. A cartridge comprising a magazine of blades is removably insertable into the receiving cavity. A carrier within the body is manually operable for receiving a blade from the cartridge and positioning the blade for extension through the opening to present a cutting edge. The cartridge may be released from the utility knife body by depressing a button and withdrawing the cartridge. The cartridge is releasably held in place within the knife body and releasable when the blade carrier is in its retracted position and the release button is depressed. When the thumb button moves the blade carrier into its extended position to expose the knife blade, the cartridge is rendered unreleaseable even if the release button is depressed.

Abstract: A trimmer having a trimmer housing is disclosed. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the trimmer housing includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion, the first housing portion being pivotally connected at least indirectly to the second housing portion. The trimmer additionally includes a cutting platform having a first platform connected at least indirectly to the first housing portion and a second platform connected at least indirectly to the second housing portion. The trimmer is configured wherein the second housing portion is substantially stationary and the first housing portion rotates approximately in a 180 degree range of motion from a close position to an open position, such that a flat and continuous cutting surface formed by the first and the second platforms is obtained.

Abstract: Coated cutting implements having increased longevity, corrosion and stain resistance, a smooth and uniform appearance and color, and/or reduced friction between cutting blades are provided. The coatings on the cutting implements have at least two layers. The first layer is a metal-based layer that imparts hardness or wear-resistance to the cutting implement. The second layer is comprised of an inorganic or organic polymer.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener includes a base having a bottom surface adapted for being supported by a horizontal surface. A cutting assembly is mounted to the base and projects upwardly therefrom. A cage is disposed above the base and has an upper portion surrounding the cutting assembly. The upper portion of the cage includes at least one radial chute. An upper cover portion has an opening for insertion of an end of a pencil. A receptacle disposed above the base surrounds the cage, for collecting the shavings from sharpening a pencil.