Abstract: A rotted wood stabilizer composition is provided, the composition comprising: from about 75 to about 90 weight percent of a crosslinking polymer; from about 1.5 to about 0.5 to about 1.5 weight percent of a film forming agent, and from about 8 to about 15 weight percent water, and optionally further comprising a biocide and a defoamer. The composition preferably has a pH in the range of from about 2.8 to about 3.0. Further the composition preferably has a viscosity of between about 750 to about 1250 cps as measured on a BROOKFIELD RV viscometer (helipath on) with a #2 T/E spindle at about 12 rpm and about 25° C. The invention further provides for methods of manufacturing the composition, as well as for methods of repairing a rotted area of a wood component by applying the composition of the present invention.

Abstract: A rotted wood stabilizer composition is provided, the composition comprising: from about 75 to about 90 weight percent of a crosslinking polymer; from about 1.5 to about 0.5 to about 1.5 weight percent of a film forming agent, and from about 8 to about 15 weight percent water, and optionally further comprising a biocide and a defoamer. The composition preferably has a pH in the range of from about 2.8 to about 3.0. Further the composition preferably has a viscosity of between about 750 to about 1250 cps as measured on a BROOKFIELD RV viscometer (helipath on) with a #2 T/E spindle at about 12 rpm and about 25° C. The invention further provides for methods of manufacturing the composition, as well as for methods of repairing a rotted area of a wood component by applying the composition of the present invention.

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: The invention is directed to a roll assembly comprising an elongated, substantially rigid, cylindrical roll; a carrier sheet wrapped around the roll, having an inner edge attached to the roll in parallel with the roll axis and upper and lower surfaces with opposed longitudinal edges extending perpendicularly to the roll axis; and a friction strip extending along each longitudinal edge of the upper surface of the carrier sheet, wherein the coefficient of friction of the strips is greater than the coefficient of friction of the upper surface of the carrier sheet. The carrier sheet attached to the roll is preferable a plastic film made of polyester or polycarbonate having a thickness in the range of 5 to 15 mils. This sheet may be made up of one film sheet or multiple sheets.

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; 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 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 carrier for a portable display device that facilitates transportation thereof. The carrier includes a plurality of connected panels configured to permit the carrier to wrap around the portable display device and releasably latch to support the portable display device for carrying via an integral handle member of the carrier. The carrier may subsequently be unlatched to permit removal of the portable display device for use for display purposes, and relatched for subsequent transportation. The carrier may include integrally attached accessories die cut along with the carrier from a unitary sheet of corrugated paperboard for tear away removal therefrom. Such accessories may include a header, stencil cards, or alignment tools, such as a protractor, T-square or triangle. Removable adhesive labels may be provided on the carrier. The carrier may be scored for folding for compact storage, etc. A display kit including a portable display device and carrier is also provided.

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 pencil sharpener having a sharpening sub-assembly for sharpening pencils, and first and second external shells having internal ribs defining surfaces for supporting the sharpening sub-assembly. Components of the sub-assembly are placed into corresponding portions defined by the internal ribs. The ribs ensure proper alignment of the components relative to the shell and each other, e.g. in the x- and y-directions. All components may be placed in the shell in a single direction, e.g. in a single axial direction (the z-direction). The components of the pencil sharpener are mounted in place upon fastening together of the first and second external shells. No internal or additional fasteners are required. The sharpening sub-assembly may include an electric motor, a gear assembly, and a cutter assembly including a cutter gear module having an annular ring gear, acting as a carrier support, and housing a pencil insertion switch and/or a receptacle presence switch.

Abstract: A razor-blade type sharpener for sharpening a writing instrument to provide a frusto-conical tip. The sharpener has a blade carrier that includes a first cutting blade for sharpening the writing instrument to provide a longitudinally tapered portion, and a second cutting blade having a cutting edge extending transversely to the first cutting blade for cutting a distal end of the writing instrument to provide a blunt end portion. Accordingly, the blade carrier is capable of providing a frusto-conical tip having a broad point on a writing instrument, which has been found particularly desirable for crayons. A container for a writing instrument, each including such a blade carrier, are also provided.

Abstract: A paper cutter including a cutting arm having a pivot pin that allows for locking to the paper cutter's base using a snap/retaining ring. The snap ring retains the cutting arm on the base while permitting pivotal motion. No threaded parts, nuts or lock nuts are required. The mounting boss may include an internal surface that is configured to cause an interference fit with the pivot pin, and corresponding friction. Such friction and/or interference between the mounting boss and pivot pin is sufficient to support the cutting arm, and any blade, in an elevated position above the base to prevent falling of the cutting arm/blade and resulting injury to a user. The pivot pin may be integrally formed with the cutting arm as a unit, e.g. by injection molding with a synthetic resin.

Abstract: A housing having an integral receptacle which is particularly useful for pencil sharpeners. The receptacle is attached to the body so as to be pivotable between a closed position, for closing a cavity of the housing, and an open position, for exposing the cavity. This is useful, for example, for emptying pencil shavings in a pencil sharpener. Attachment of the receptacle to the housing minimizes accidental opening of the receptacle and spillage of shavings. In the open position, the receptacle also serves as a spout for controlled disposal of shavings. In the preferred embodiment, the housing and receptacle have a mating rib and groove on opposing sides of the cavity which interfit when the receptacle is in the closed position to form a seal trap shavings within the cavity. Additionally, the receptacle is provided with a lower surface and rearward edge positioned to form a seal with the housing when the cover is in the closed and open positions, respectively.

Abstract: A pencil sharpener including a self-governing sharpening assembly, a motor for driving the sharpening assembly, and a selector guide. The selector guide defines a plurality of openings positionable for aligning pencils of various sizes with the sharpening assembly. The sharpening assembly includes a rotary blade and a shaft having a reduced diameter portion. A blade holder defines a conical cavity for receiving a pencil and is driven by a drive shaft. A stop is connected to the lower end of the shaft and is slidably mounted to the blade holder in alignment with the conical cavity and is biased by a spring member to position the reduced diameter portion of the shaft away from the bearing lug of the blade holder. Sharpening ceases when a pencil moves the stop, causing receiving of the reduced diameter portion in a bearing lug and pivoting of the rotary blade away from the pencil.

Abstract: An electrically powered stapler is disclosed having a sliding blade for driving staples which is reciprocated by a lever and crank mechanism driven by an electric motor through a torque increasing gear train. Jamming of the stapler is prevented by mounting the lever's fulcrum on a plunger which is releasably retained to a fixed support by a flexible collar. The plunger has an enlarged head, and the collar has a plurality of flexible fingers which grip the plunger behind the head to retain the plunger to the collar. The plunger can be disengaged from the collar by the application of a predetermined force directed away from the plunger, such as occurs on the fulcrum during a jammed condition when the blade cannot drive a staple and is stalled. The pivot point of the lever then shifts to the blade end of the lever and the plunger is reciprocated by the lever instead of the blade, allowing the motor and other components to cycle through their full range of motion without stalling.

Abstract: An improved rotary trimmer having a blade biasing member is shown and described. The biasing member biases the blade in an inoperative position in which the blade is retracted inside a housing when not in use. A manual actuating means is used to overcome the bias provided by the biasing member and to move the blade into an operative position in which at least the cutting edge of the blade projects from the housing.