Abstract: Containers for products such as glue sticks are provided. The containers include a valve and a mechanical device for advancing a product through the container and for opening the valve. The mechanical device includes a screw component having a base portion and a threaded portion, a valve lifter component selectively slidable between a retracted position, in which the valve is closed, and alternatively an extended position, in which the valve is open, a biasing element that engages and applies force to the valve lifter component, and an elevator component for advancing the product through the container.

Abstract: A closure for a glue bottle including a cap having a body and a tip, wherein the body is adapted to be attached to a bottle or container, and wherein the bottle or container is adapted to store water-based glue; and an insert disposed at least partially within the tip of the cap, wherein the insert further includes a one-way valve for dispensing glue from the bottle or container when pressure is applied to the exterior of the container and preventing backflow of the glue into the cap when the pressure is released; at least one hydrophobic material; wherein the at least one hydrophobic material is operative to encourage the water-based glue to flow back into the container after the pressure has been released and when the container is stored in a vertical position.

Abstract: A composition for use as a wood-filter that includes a modified styrene butadiene latex; at least one pH indicator, wherein pH indicator causes the composition to change color as the composition dries; one or more types of microspheres, wherein the microspheres provide durability and stainability to the wood-filling composition; and high-density polyethylene fibers.

Abstract: A wood-filling composition that includes at least one hot melt adhesive, wherein the at least one hot melt adhesive further includes ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyethylene, polypropylene, or combinations thereof; and at least one filler, wherein the at least one filler further includes ceramic microspheres, calcium carbonate, wood flour, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A liquid adhesive formulation, that includes a blend of at least one all-acrylic emulsion polymer and at least one styrene acrylic copolymer emulsion; as well as at least one organic amine; at least one freeze-thaw stabilizer; at least one, bactericide; at least one mildewcide; at least one surfactant; at least one coalescent; at least one adhesion promoter; at least one solvent; at least one rheology modifier; at least one defoamer; or combinations thereof.

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 composition for use as a wood-filler that includes at least two modified styrene butadiene latexes; at least one pH color indicator, wherein the pH color indicator is operative to provide a visual indication that the wood filling composition is dry; and microspheres, wherein the microspheres further include glass or ceramic, and wherein the microspheres are operative to provide durability and stainability to the wood-filling composition.

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.

Abstract: A composition for use as a wood-filler that includes at least two modified styrene butadiene latexes; at least one pH color indicator, wherein the pH color change indicator is operative to provide a visual indication that the wood filling composition is dry; and microspheres, wherein the microspheres further include glass or ceramic, and wherein the microspheres are operative to provide durability and stainability to the wood-filling composition.

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.

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.