Abstract: Multi-positional cleaning devices are provided. The devices have a handle, a blade holder, and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly allows the handle and blade holder to be pivoted with respect to one another about a pivot axis to at least two predetermined angular positions. The pivot axis is parallel to a blade edge. The multi-positional devices can find use with a blade subassembly that has a carriage holding the blade, where the carriage cooperates with the holder to secure the blade in the holder in an easily removable manner.

Abstract: A cleaning implement for cleaning a ceiling fan blade is provided. The cleaning implement includes a frame, a single cleaning cloth, and gripping portion. The frame has an open end and a closed end opposite the open end so that the frame defines a fan blade receiving opening. The opening receives the ceiling fan blade therein when the ceiling fan blade has a width that is smaller than, equal to, or larger than a width of the first fan blade receiving opening. The single cleaning cloth is removably disposed on the frame so that a cleaning surface of the single cleaning cloth can contact at least one surfaces of the ceiling fan blade. The gripping portion is connected to the frame.

Abstract: A trash spearing tool and method are provided. The tool includes a spearing pin, a trigger assembly, an inner tube, and an outer tube. The trigger assembly is movable between a normal position and an activated position. The outer tube is slidable between a storage position and a use position. The spearing pin is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly in such manner that, when the outer tube is in the use position and the trigger assembly is in the normal position, the spearing pin is normally biased to an extended position in which a portion of the spearing pin extends from the outer tube and, when the outer tube is in the storage position and the trigger assembly is in either the normal position or use position, the spearing pin to in a retracted position in which the spearing pin does not extend from the outer tube.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting implements to poles is provided. In one example, the connecting device is configured to connect a lacrosse head to a pole. The pole comprises an elongated hollow cross section and has at least one hole located along a sidewall. Contained in the inner portion of the hollow cross section is the connecting device. The connecting device further comprises a fastening receiving portion substantially aligned to the hole located along the side wall of the pole for receiving a fastener. The lacrosse head contains a receiving portion complimentary in shape to fit on the pole and further includes a mounting hole. When the lacrosse head is assembled to the pole, the mounting hole on the lacrosse head is substantially aligned to the hole located on the side wall of the pole and the fastening receiving portion.

Abstract: An extension pole assembly having an extension pole and a pole grip is provided. The extension pole has a first and second ends, with a first connecting member at the first end and a second connecting member at the second end. The first connecting member has first implement connecting devices and the second connecting member has second implement connecting devices. At least one of the second implement connecting devices is different than at least one of the first implement connecting devices. The pole grip has a third implement connecting device that releasably mates with at least one of the first implement connecting devices and at least one of the second implement connecting devices so that the pole grip can be secured at either the first end or the second end of the extension pole.

Abstract: A trash spearing tool and method are provided. The tool includes a spearing pin, a trigger assembly, an inner tube, and an outer tube. The trigger assembly is movable between a normal position and an activated position. The outer tube is slidable between a storage position and a use position. The spearing pin is operatively coupled to the trigger assembly in such manner that, when the outer tube is in the use position and the trigger assembly is in the normal position, the spearing pin is normally biased to an extended position in which a portion of the spearing pin extends from the outer tube and, when the outer tube is in the storage position and the trigger assembly is in either the normal position or use position, the spearing pin to in a retracted position in which the spearing pin does not extend from the outer tube.

Abstract: An end cap having a longitudinal axis is provided. The end cap includes a stationary portion, a movable portion, and a clamping member. The movable portion has a cam surface and the clamping member has a free end. The movable and stationary portions are interconnected so that the movable portion moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam surface influences the clamping member when the movable portion is in the locked position such that the cam surface resiliently flexes the clamping member to move the free end at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An end cap having a longitudinal axis is provided. The end cap includes a stationary portion, a movable portion, and a clamping member. The movable portion has a cam surface and the clamping member has a free end. The movable and stationary portions are interconnected so that the movable portion moves between a locked position and an unlocked position. The cam surface influences the clamping member when the movable portion is in the locked position such that the cam surface resiliently flexes the clamping member to move the free end at least perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.

Abstract: A knife comprising a housing and a rotating blade carriage pivotably associated with the housing. The knife further includes a compartment in which a plurality of blades can be stored and later advanced from the housing for performing a cutting action, the first end of the blade being exposed. The rotating blade carriage can be rotated with respect to the housing and placed in a second position so that the opposite end of the same blade is exposed for performing a cutting action when advanced. The rotating blade carriage can be selectively locked in the first or second position. A carriage locking lever can be accessible for unlocking the rotating blade carriage for blade reversal. When removal of the used or worn blade is desired, the knife can have one or more blade release members that allow the disengagement of the blade from the knife so that the user can manually remove the blade without the requirement of disassembly or partial disassembly of the knife.

Abstract: A multiuse cleaning tool is provided that includes a head assembly and a cleaning sleeve removably attached to the head assembly. The cleaning sleeve has a first side and a second side. The first side includes a material sufficient for a first cleaning function and the second side includes a material sufficient for a second cleaning function. The head assembly moves between a first position so as to present the first side to a surface to be cleaned and a second position so as to present the second side to the surface to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention increases the amount of hydrogen produced or released from reactions between a metal hydride fuel and liquid reactant. The present invention also decreases the volume of a hydrogen generating cartridge by reducing the pH of the liquid reactant.

Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.