Abstract: A pencil sharpener includes a housing having an inner cavity for receiving at least a portion of a pencil therein. The pencil includes a center portion and an outer portion generally coaxial with the center portion. A sharpener is longitudinally slidable within the inner cavity. A mechanism provides a linear force to the sharpener to move the sharpener between open and closed ends of the housing. The linear force mechanism is disposed between the sharpener and the closed end of the housing. The engagement of the pencil and housing during sharpening of the pencil produces shavings from the center and outer portions of the pencil that are retained within the inner cavity. A combined longitudinal length of the housing and pencil in an engaged configuration remains approximately constant as the pencil decreases in length from use and/or sharpening.

Abstract: There is a method of capturing, removing or collecting the particulate matter from a fluid containing a toxic liquid reaction and particulate matter produced from the reaction. The method includes partly or completely disposing a screen into the toxic fluid. Mixing the toxic fluid allowing the particulate matter to contact the screen. Moving the screen to capture the particulate matter on the screen. Removing the particulate matter from the screen by washing or scraping. There is also a cleaning apparatus to capture, remove or collect particulate matter from a toxic fluid. A cleaning apparatus contains at least a screen and a structure securing the screen. The cleaning apparatus can optionally include a scraping or washing means, a drive means, a flow inducer and a housing structure.

Abstract: A multi-purpose insert designed to be used in conjunction with a conventional toy container or box for packaging, shipping and displaying a toy item. The insert includes a base piece, a cover piece and a holding piece, as well as a locking mechanism. The base piece has a main section with a raised platform and two end sections that are hingeably connected to the main section so that they can be folded up in a right angle relative to the main section. The insert also includes a cover piece which is placed over the toy item placed on the main section of the base piece, and a holder piece placed above the cover piece for keeping the two end sections in the upright position for retaining the toy item for packaging and shipping purposes. When the holding piece is removed, the two end sections of the base piece can be folded down for displaying the toy item on the raised platform of the main section of the base piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article-dispensing machine or a vending machine, which includes a main body, one or more tracks for holding articles, one or more selection elements for selecting at least one article and one or more dispenser-controlling assemblies for controlling the release of at least one article in response to the operation of the one or more selection elements. According to the present invention, the tracks slope downwards along a releasing direction relative to horizontal direction, and the bevel angle of the tracks to horizontal direction is configured to ensure at least one article thereon able to move downwards by gravity. The article-dispensing machine employs a pure mechanical dispenser system, and can achieve the function of dispensing articles without electric power supply, which broadens its applications and saves power.

Abstract: A toy water balloon dart system is disclosed comprising a dart tail that attaches to a water balloon before the water balloon dart is propelled over a distance for the amusement of children and adults.The toy water balloon, in one or more embodiments, also includes a pump for filling the balloon with fluid. The pump has a flexible housing with a reservoir with an inlet port and an outlet port. A first valve is associated with the inlet port to permit fluid to enter through the inlet port into the pump.

Abstract: An article of jewelry is disclosed having a moveable member which may include a gem mounting for holding one or more gem stones in which the moveable member is associated in moveable relationship to the article of jewelry and is capable of moving freely when the article of jewelry is being worn. The travel of the moveable member is not impeded by the skin of the wearer, but travels freely within the tracks of the article of jewelry and the desired result of displaying gems in slideable and/or rotating relationship to an article of jewelry is achieved.

Abstract: A bicycle locking device is disclosed having a base that is securely mountable to a surface, such as a wall, a post, or a ceiling and a support arm connected at one end to the base and having a jaw-like fastener at its other end which cooperates with a jaw-like locking arm connected to the support arm for lockable attachment to a bicycle. The bicycle locking device is retractable for easy storage.

Abstract: A decorative pin having a surface made of metal for displaying a high quality color photographic image having a high degree of image resolution reproduced directly onto a metal surface and a method for reproducing a high quality photographic image directly onto a metal surface are disclosed. The decorative pin of the present invention comprises a base member made of brass having an upper surface for displaying a photographic image that is reproduced directly onto the upper surface and a lower surface having means for removably attaching the decorative pin to a garment.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved combined pet leash and flashlight comprising a mechanical dispensing and retracting cord for the purpose of tethering, restraining and controlling a pet during a walk.