Abstract: A glue stick formulation that includes at least one acrylic dispersion; at least one solvent; at least one defoamer; at least one fatty acid; at least one caustic solution; at least one processing oil; and at least one adhesion promoter. At least one color indicator and at least one organic amine may also be included in some versions of this formulation.

Abstract: A printing substrate is provided, wherein the printing substrate includes a top layer; a middle layer, wherein the middle layer is attached to the top layer, and wherein the middle layer further includes a material that is different than the material of the top layer; and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer is attached to the middle layer, and wherein the bottom layer further includes a material that is different than the material of the middle layer and a material that is the same as the material of the top layer; and wherein the printing substrate is adapted specifically for use with use with digital imaging systems such as large, flatbed digital printers and the like.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener comprising a motor; a cutter assembly operatively connected to the motor, wherein the cutter assembly further includes: a conical housing defining a conical cavity therein for receiving a pencil; and at least one rotary blade mounted in close proximity to the conical cavity, wherein the at least one rotary blade further includes spiral cutting edges for sharpening the pencil; a switch assembly positioned at the narrow end of the conical housing, wherein the switch assembly further includes: a shutoff switch operative to deactivate the motor; mechanical means for actuating the shutoff switch when a desired degree of sharpening has been achieved by the cutter assembly; and an electronic control unit in electrical communication with the switch assembly and the motor, wherein the electronic control unit is operative to provide a delay of a predetermined period of time between when the shutoff switch is activated and when the motor is deactivated.

Abstract: A “green” glue stick formulation that includes at least one starch; casein; and, optionally, a mixture of naturally occurring fatty acids.

Abstract: A high-strength, solid adhesive formulation is provided. This formulation includes polyvinylpyrrolidone; at least one polymer dispersion that further includes polyurethane and that is capable of withstanding high mixing temperatures; casein for conferring lubricity to the formulation; and sodium stearate, which is operative to facilitate formation of a glue stick product for use in for joining paper or non-paper items.

Abstract: An electric pencil sharpener is provided. This pencil sharpener includes a motor, a cutter assembly, mechanical means for operatively connecting the motor to the cutter assembly, and a housing. The cutter assembly includes a rotating carrier with at least two helical cutters mounted on the carrier. The mechanical means for operatively connecting the motor to the cutter assembly further includes a first gear assembly mechanically coupled to the motor; a second gear assembly mechanically coupled to the first gear assembly and to the cutter assembly; a gearbox for supporting the first and second gear assemblies; and a cover for enclosing the first gear assembly. The housing further includes a canopy and a base positioned underneath the canopy.

Abstract: A substrate suitable for use with digital imaging systems such as large-scale digital flatbed printers is provided. This substrate includes a first layer that further includes a durable material suitable for receiving a printed image; a second layer that is attached to the first layer, wherein the second layer further includes a material that is different than the material of the first layer, and wherein the second layer is operative to provide structural support to the first layer. The first layer may include a variety of papers, canvas or canvas-like material, or unbleached, uncoated, high-strength paperboard. The second layer may include a substantially rigid polystyrene core or other rigid or semi-rigid material. A third layer may be attached to the second layer and may include some or all of the components of the first layer. This printing substrate may include an integrated frame for providing structural support to the substrate.

Abstract: A wood filling composition that includes a predetermined weight percent of ceramic microspheres and a predetermined weight percent of polyaramid fiber, such as KEVLAR. This composition may also include a predetermined weight percent of at least one colored pigment; at least one bactericide; at least one mildewcide; at least one surfactant; at least one dispersant; at least one freeze-thaw stabilizer; at least one defoamer; at least one polymer; at least one adhesion promoter; at least one thickener; at least one filler; water; wood flour, glass bubbles; or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A paper trimmer that includes a base having a paper cutting device pivotally attached to the base for providing a variable, user-determined cut angle. The cutting device further includes at least one guide rail; a blade carrier slidably mounted on the guide rail; at least one cutting blade retractably mounted within the blade carrier; a translucent paper holder positioned lengthwise beneath the guide rail, wherein one edge of the translucent paper holder is adjacent to the cutting blade; an illumination strip mounted on top of the translucent paper holder for illuminating the edge of the paper holder adjacent to the cutting blade; and a handle assembly mounted on the guide rail. The handle assembly further includes a first locking mechanism for holding the cutting device at a user-determined cut angle, and a second locking mechanism for raising or lowering the cutting device relative to the upper surface of the base.

Abstract: A high-strength glue stick formulation that includes water; a defoamer; a bactericide; an oil; polyvinylpyrrolidone; a plurality of polyurethane dispersions; dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether; sodium stearate; casein; sodium hydroxide; and at least one adhesion promoter.

Abstract: A pourable glue formulation is provided. The pourable glue formulation includes a first urethane polymer, wherein the first urethane polymer is operative to provide adequate tensile strength to the formulation; a second urethane polymer, wherein the second urethane polymer is operative to provide adequate flexibility to the formulation; propylene glycol; an ester alcohol; a biocide; a crosslinking agent; a defoamer; and a viscosity modifier.