Abstract: A retractable sleeve for a push pin or compass is provided creating a safety mechanism for the device on which it is used. The sleeve preferably incorporates a spring such that the sleeve is maintained in a position to encase a point of the device and safely prevent accidental sticking from the pointed end. The sleeve may also incorporate a groove for alignment purposes and ease of use. The groove may also have a perpendicularly extending portion in which a button from the device on which the sleeve is used may engage to maintain the same in a tense position. The sleeve may be incorporated, for example, for use with a push button or a compass or other like mechanism for which safety issues are a concern.

Abstract: A kit and assembly are provided for organizing, viewing and locating photographs, for example, on pages of a photo album or scrap book. The kit or assembly may include a camera, a recorder, a digital organizer, a pen or pens, a mounting device, scissor and/or a stamp pad or the like. In addition, the kit or assembly may incorporate a magnifying sheet to assist in viewing the content of the pages of the photo album or scrap book.

Abstract: A writing instrument having an adaptable refill is provided as well as a method for refilling any one of many commercially available writing instruments sold by various manufacturers. The adaptable refill includes a refill body and a variety of components attachable to the refill body in various orders depending on the writing instrument in which the adaptable refill is incorporated. The adaptable refill with the components may be purchased by a consumer and may fit any of the available writing instruments produced by various manufacturers. The components are constructed and designed to secure to the refill body of the adaptable refill in various orders or various arrangements to incorporate the adaptable refill into any one of many commercially available writing instruments.

Abstract: A retractable marking device is provided having a casing in which a coil is tightly wound from which the marking device may be extended for use thereof. A housing may further be provided such that the casing is placed within the housing and the housing is attached to a device on which the marking device is most commonly implemented. The marking device may be a pen, pencil or other writing instrument or may also be, for example, a blunt-ended instrument for use as a pointing-type device. The tightly wound coil maintains the marking device in a retracted position so that the marking device is readily available for use. In addition, the marking device is replaceable with a substitute marking device or replaceable following depletion of, for example, ink contained therein.

Abstract: A coin and currency wrapper are provided wherein the coin and currency wrappers include a graduated scale and/or a machine readable code to simplify usage of the same. In addition, a money bag or envelope is also provided having a machine readable code. Further, the wrappers may include a perforated tear line for assisting removal of the wrapper to access the money. A system and method are further provided for managing inventory of money placed into and removed from, for example, a cash register. The system and method accurately track and manage inventory of money that is typically and often times exchanged within a device.

Abstract: A pressurized refill and a method for pressurizing a refill are provided. The refill has a plug secured at an end of the refill having multiple seals between the plug and an interior wall of the refill. A valve extends through a channel of the plug allowing pressurized gas to be forced into an interior of the refill to pressurize or re-pressurize the interior of the refill. A spring loaded stem maintains the valve in a closed and sealed position when pressurization is not being effected.

Abstract: A grip-assisting accessory is provided which aids a person in holding and manipulating a hand-held utensil, such as a writing instrument, paintbrush, eating utensil, or toothbrush. The accessory includes a sleeve which fits snugly over the item to be gripped, such as a pen barrel or paintbrush handle. A strap is attached to and extends from the sleeve. The strap is wrappable around at least one finger held alongside the sleeve. The strap is securable to the sleeve to hold the item securely and comfortably to user's finger.

Abstract: A pressurized refill and a method for pressurizing a refill are provided. The refill has a plug secured at an end of the refill having at least one seal and preferably two seals between the plug and an interior wall of the refill. A valve extends through a channel of the plug allowing pressurized gas to be forced into an interior of the refill to pressurize or re-pressurize the interior of the refill. A spring loaded stem maintains the valve in a closed and sealed position when pressurization is not being effected.

Abstract: An adaptable length refill system and method are provided for replacing a refill in a pen housing. The refill is capable of adapting to any one of a number of available pen housings. To this end, a length of tubing is provided having a hollow core. At least one identifier is provided to identify a length of the tubing necessary to be removed to refill one of the available pens. A packaging card may be provided that is capable of holding the length of tubing and further having a scale thereon indicative of the length of tubing necessary to remove to refill one of the available pen housings. Alternatively, extension members may be added to increase the length of the tubing for insertions of an appropriate length refill into a specific pen housing.