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: 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 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 the material of the top layer; and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer is attached to the middle layer, and wherein the middle 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: A spackling compound is provided that is easy to apply smoothly, can be applied in thicker layers than known spackling without cracking upon drying, and can be modified after drying without pitting, flaking, or crumbling, particularly at the edges of the applied spackling patch. The composition includes polyaramid fibers that act as structural strengtheners to provide the dried composition with exceptional strength and resistance to cracking. In a second embodiment, the composition further includes low aspect ratio (about equal to 1) ceramic microparticles that fill voids in the mixture to produce a smoother, more dense composition. Upon drying, the ceramic microparticles produce a very smooth surface that can be sanded without flaking or crumbling. Additionally, the invention provides methods of preparing and using the compositions to produce smooth repair patches with no cracks, are easy to sand without pitting or flaking, and to provide improved structural integrity to the repaired area.

Abstract: A system for dispensing adhesive onto a surface is provided. This system includes a dispenser and a quantity of discrete units of adhesive releasably deposited on a substrate. The dispenser includes a drive mechanism that further includes an actuator for actuating the dispenser; and a drive wheel, wherein the drive wheel further includes mechanical means for engaging the actuator. An optional supply wheel may be included in the dispenser. The quantity of discrete units of adhesive is releasably deposited on a substrate that may be mounted on the supply wheel or that may simply sit within the dispenser. The substrate further includes means for cooperating with the drive wheel to incrementally advance the substrate a substantially fixed, and predetermined distance upon actuation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A cutting device for paper or other materials including a substantially flat base, a manually-operated cutting blade assembly, a sighting device, and a switch is provided. The base is adapted to receive substantially thin or flat materials for cutting. The manually-operated cutting blade assembly is pivotally attached to either side of the base and includes an elongated cutting arm positioned over a predetermined line of cut on the base. The sighting device includes a housing and an adjustable light source mounted within and protected by the housing, wherein the light source projects a fixed line of visible light along the predetermined line of cut. The switch and switch actuator activate and deactivate the light source.

Abstract: A device for sharpening crayons, wax pencils, and the like is provided. This device includes: a multi-blade removable and replaceable crayon sharpening cartridge; an electric motor mechanically coupled to the blade cartridge for axially rotating the blade cartridge around a crayon that has been inserted into the blade cartridge; a base for supporting the electric motor; a contoured receptacle positionable on the base beneath the blade cartridge for capturing crayon debris; and a contoured exterior housing for enclosing the electric motor and the blade cartridge.

Abstract: A method for creating color images is provided. This method includes providing at least one color precursor, wherein the color precursor is contained within microcapsules of predetermined sizes or variable sizes; providing a substrate, wherein the substrate is coated with at least one-color-triggering developer; depositing the microcapsules on the surface of the substrate; and creating an image on the substrate by applying pressure to the microcapsules in a controlled manner, wherein the pressure is sufficient to rupture the microcapsules, wherein rupturing the microcapsules releases the color precursor for reacting with the color-triggering developer, and wherein the reaction of the color precursor with the color-triggering developer creates color on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A device for cutting paper or other materials is provided. This device includes a substantially flat base, wherein the base is adapted to receive paper and other flat material for cutting. A manually-operated cutting blade assembly is pivotally attached to either the right or left side of the base. The cutting blade assembly includes an elongated cutting arm positioned over a predetermined line of cut on the base. A sighting device is mounted on the base on the same side as the elongated cutting arm and further includes a housing and an adjustable light source mounted within and protected by the housing. The light source projects a fixed line of visible light along the predetermined line of cut. A switch is included for activating and deactivating the light source. A first portion of the switch is located in the handle grip and a second portion of the switch is located within the housing.

Abstract: A stapling system for dispensing both staples and shaped objects is provided. This system includes at least one item to be stapled; at least one shaped object, wherein the at least one shaped object is adapted to receive at least one staple; at least one staple; and a stapling device, wherein the stapling device is adapted to contain both the at least one shaped object and the at least one staple; wherein upon actuating the stapling device both the at least one shaped object and the at least one staple are dispensed from the stapling device; and wherein upon dispensation from the stapling device, the staple cooperates with the shaped object to attached the shaped object to the surface of the item to be stapled.

Abstract: In broadest terms, a wood filler composition of the present invention comprises: from about 11.50 to about 17.50 weight percent water; from about 14.40 to about 21.60 weight percent ceramic microspheres; from about 2.48 to about 3.72 weight percent wood flour; from about 0.32 to about 0.48 weight percent thickener; from about 0.80 to about 1.20 weight percent glass bubbles; from about 12.24 to about 18.36 weight percent acrylic latex emulsion; optionally from about 0.05 to about 0.20 weight percent of an adhesion promoter; and from about 36.06 to about 54.10 weight percent calcium carbonate. The composition preferably has a pH in the range of from about 8.4 to about 8.8. Further the composition preferably has a viscosity of between about 200,000 to 300,000 cps as measured on a BROOKFIELD RV viscometer (helipath on) with a T/E spindle at 20 rpm and 25° C.

Abstract: A marking system is provided that includes a marking device having a volume of marking fluid stored therein. The marking device further includes: a head assembly that includes: a housing having a base with at least one aperture passing therethough, a frame mounted within the housing, wherein the frame further includes at least one biasing member that acts against the housing to allow a portion of the frame to extend from the housing or to be compressed into the housing, and a flexible, porous applicator mounted within the frame; and a flexible reservoir that is adapted to be attached to the head assembly. The at least one aperture in the base provides fluid communication between the applicator and the volume of marking fluid.

Abstract: A cutting system that includes a rotary blade cartridge that can be interchangeably used with a variety of cutting tools is disclosed. The cartridge houses a rotary blade assembly that is maintained in a secure and safe retracted state and that can be activated when the cartridge is inserted into a cutting tool. Activating a plunger of any of the cutting tools causes a piston of the rotary blade assembly to move the blade to an operative cutting position protruding from an aperture provided in the cartridge housing. Deactivating the plunger causes the blade to be return to its retracted and inoperative position within the housing. Cutting tools of the invention include rail cutters such as a primary workstation and a compact workstation, circle cutters, elliptical cutters, and freeform cutters. Each cutting tool is capable of receiving a rotary blade cartridge. Cartridges are freely interchangeable between the cutting tools.

Abstract: A user-configurable construction system is provided. This system includes: a substantially planar base; a plurality of vertical support members each having a bottom portion and a top portion, wherein the bottom portion of each vertical support member is adapted to engage a portion of the base; a plurality of transverse support members attachable to and mountable between the top portions of the vertical support members; and a plurality of substantially flat display panels each having top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion of each display panel is adapted to be mountable within or attachable to a transverse support member, and wherein the bottom portion of each display panel is adapted to engage a portion of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting an art sheet to a rigid substrate, the apparatus including an adhesive coated paper sheet, the paper sheet made of cotton fibers and having a discontinuous adhesive coating on at least one side thereof. The discontinuous adhesive coating preferably includes a thermoplastic resin. Methods are also provided for manufacturing the adhesive coated mounting sheet. A mounting package is provided wherein a two-sided embodiment of the mounting sheet is combined with a rigid substrate and an art print to form a multi-layer sandwich assembly. The sandwich assembly is then laminated to melt the adhesive and force out air, thereby converting the discontinuous adhesive coating into a thin and substantially continuous adhesive layer that permanently adheres the paper, substrate, and art print into a unitary mounting package suitable for framing or display.

Abstract: A device for sharpening crayons, wax pencils, and the like is provided. This device includes: a multi-blade removable and replaceable crayon sharpening cartridge; an electric motor mechanically coupled to the blade cartridge for axially rotating the blade cartridge around a crayon that has been inserted into the blade cartridge; a base for supporting the electric motor; a contoured receptacle positionable on the base beneath the blade cartridge for capturing crayon debris; and a contoured exterior housing for enclosing the electric motor and the blade cartridge.

Abstract: A miniature hand-held stapler is provided. This stapler includes a body for holding staples and providing a stapling mechanism, a lid attached to the body by hinge means, a base attached to the body and to the lid, wherein the base further includes a first portion and a second portion detachably or fixedly attached to the first portion, and wherein the second portion further includes a flexible or resilient band attached thereto or formed integrally therewith, and wherein the flexible or resilient band may be deployed over a portion of the lid to secure the lid and the body to the base when the stapler is being stored or transported.