Abstract: Disclosed is a pencil sharpener adapted to sharpen pencils of a plurality of different sizes and to a method for making such a sharpener. The simplicity and convenience afforded by the sharpener enable the provision of an elegant outer appearance, especially suitable for cosmetic pencil use. The pencil sharpener (10) comprises a point cutting assembly (20) having a cylindrical pencil guide (21), a nestable first sleeve (30) having a smaller interior opening (32), and a second adaptor sleeve (40) having a yet smaller interior opening (42). The adaptor sleeves can be held by adaptor holding means comprising a projection (28) within the cuttings holder means (50) when not in use.

Abstract: Water contamination of the oil in vacuum pumps of high vacuum systems is a major problem in maintaining efficient operation of those pumps. The problem is especially acute where a system includes an evacuated work chamber that must be repeatedly opened for loading products into and unloading them from that chamber where the ambient atmosphere has high humidity. The invention involves utilizing first stage mechanical vacuum pump means in conjunction with final stage high vacuum diffusion pump means, and a cryocoil with fast defrost capability located in the vacuum duct leading from the work chamber to the pumps, in combination with an auxiliary low capacity vacuum pump and a flip/flop valving arrangement which connects the discharge side of the diffusion pump selectively to the first stage mechanical pump or to the auxiliary pump.

Abstract: A device for use by a smoker to introduce treatment fluids into a cigar, cigarette, charge of pipe tobacco and similar consumer units of smoking tobacco.

Abstract: A two-piece clip comprises a rigid base member having upward arms embracing a Z-shaped spring member. A fulcrum is provided where the arms meet the outer run of the spring member. Jaws are provided on the adjacent ends of the respective members.