Abstract: An improved agility system can include a first stanchion rotatably secured within a storage area of a first base by a shaft and rotatable at least ninety degrees from the storage area into an upright position with respect to the first base. The system can include a second stanchion rotatably secured within a storage area of a first base by a shaft and rotatable at least ninety degrees from the storage area into an upright position with respect to the second base, a retaining means formed within the stanchions, and a bar suspendable horizontally by the retaining means. Retaining means can be comprised of bore holes or notches formed at various distances along the stanchions from their respective shafts, metallic or magnetic strips formed along sides of the first and second stanchions, or metallic or magnetic elements disposed at various distances along sides of the first and second stanchions.

Abstract: An improved agility system can include a first stanchion rotatably secured within a storage area of a first base by a shaft and rotatable at least ninety degrees from the storage area into an upright position with respect to the first base. The system can include a second stanchion rotatably secured within a storage area of a first base by a shaft and rotatable at least ninety degrees from the storage area into an upright position with respect to the second base, a retaining means formed within the stanchions, and a bar suspendable horizontally by the retaining means. Retaining means can be comprised of bore holes or notches formed at various distances along the stanchions from their respective shafts, metallic or magnetic strips formed along sides of the first and second stanchions, or metallic or magnetic elements disposed at various distances along sides of the first and second stanchions.

Abstract: A system, and method for removing contaminants from wastewater is disclosed. The system may include a first tank of a plurality of tanks containing zeolite material selected to capture and retain contaminants in the wastewater to produce treated water. At least one sensor associated with the first tank may be configured to detect a concentration of contaminants in the treated water. A control means is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, and is configured to direct the flow of the produced water to a second tank of the plurality of tanks based on the detected concentration of the treated water.

Abstract: A system and method for removing contaminants from wastewater is disclosed. The system may include a first tank of a plurality of tanks containing zeolite material selected to capture and retain contaminants in the wastewater to produce treated water. At least one sensor associated with the first tank may be configured to detect a concentration of contaminants in the treated water. A control means is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, and is configured to direct the flow of the produced water to a second tank of the plurality of tanks based on the detected concentration of the treated water.

Abstract: A system, and method for removing contaminants from wastewater is disclosed. The system may include a first tank of a plurality of tanks containing zeolite material selected to capture and retain contaminants in the wastewater to produce treated water. At least one sensor associated with the first tank may be configured to detect a concentration of contaminants in the treated water. A control means is communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor, and is configured to direct the flow of the produced water to a second tank of the plurality of tanks based on the detected concentration of the treated water.

Abstract: A trimmer that is operable to cut at least one sheet of paper includes a base configured to support the at least one sheet, a rail extending across at least a portion of the base, and a cutting assembly having a carriage slidably coupled to the rail and a blade positioned on the carriage. The trimmer also includes a blade opposing member coupled to the base adjacent to the rail and an indicator operable to display a usable life status of at least one of the blade and the blade opposing member.

Abstract: A system for dispensing adhesive onto a surface is provided. This system includes a dispenser and a quantity of discrete units of adhesive releasably deposited on a substrate. The dispenser includes a drive mechanism that further includes an actuator for actuating the dispenser; and a drive wheel, wherein the drive wheel further includes mechanical means for engaging the actuator. An optional supply wheel may be included in the dispenser. The quantity of discrete units of adhesive is releasably deposited on a substrate that may be mounted on the supply wheel or that may simply sit within the dispenser. The substrate further includes means for cooperating with the drive wheel to incrementally advance the substrate a substantially fixed, and predetermined distance upon actuation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A cutting device for paper or other materials including a substantially flat base, a manually-operated cutting blade assembly, a sighting device, and a switch is provided. The base is adapted to receive substantially thin or flat materials for cutting. The manually-operated cutting blade assembly is pivotally attached to either side of the base and includes an elongated cutting arm positioned over a predetermined line of cut on the base. The sighting device includes a housing and an adjustable light source mounted within and protected by the housing, wherein the light source projects a fixed line of visible light along the predetermined line of cut. The switch and switch actuator activate and deactivate the light source.

Abstract: A device for sharpening crayons, wax pencils, and the like is provided. This device includes: a multi-blade removable and replaceable crayon sharpening cartridge; an electric motor mechanically coupled to the blade cartridge for axially rotating the blade cartridge around a crayon that has been inserted into the blade cartridge; a base for supporting the electric motor; a contoured receptacle positionable on the base beneath the blade cartridge for capturing crayon debris; and a contoured exterior housing for enclosing the electric motor and the blade cartridge.

Abstract: A device for cutting paper or other materials is provided. This device includes a substantially flat base, wherein the base is adapted to receive paper and other flat material for cutting. A manually-operated cutting blade assembly is pivotally attached to either the right or left side of the base. The cutting blade assembly includes an elongated cutting arm positioned over a predetermined line of cut on the base. A sighting device is mounted on the base on the same side as the elongated cutting arm and further includes a housing and an adjustable light source mounted within and protected by the housing. The light source projects a fixed line of visible light along the predetermined line of cut. A switch is included for activating and deactivating the light source. A first portion of the switch is located in the handle grip and a second portion of the switch is located within the housing.

Abstract: A trimmer that is operable to cut at least one sheet includes a base having a support surface configured to support the at least one sheet and a rail extending across at least a portion of the base. A plane extends substantially perpendicularly from the support surface and through the rail. The trimmer also includes a cutting assembly slidably coupled to the rail and having a blade. The blade is tilted relative to the plane.

Abstract: A trimmer that is operable to cut at least one sheet includes a base configured to support the at least one sheet and a rail extending across at least a portion of the base. The rail is movable toward the base in a first mode to clamp the at least one sheet between the rail and the base. The trimmer also includes a cutting assembly having a blade slidably coupled to the rail. The blade is operable to cut the at least one sheet. The trimmer further includes a clamping member coupled to the rail. The clamping member is movable relative to the rail and toward the base in a second mode to clamp the at least one sheet between the clamping member and the base.

Abstract: A trimmer that is operable to cut at least one sheet of paper includes a base configured to support the at least one sheet, a rail extending across at least a portion of the base, and a cutting assembly having a carriage slidably coupled to the rail and a blade positioned on the carriage. The trimmer also includes a blade opposing member coupled to the base adjacent to the rail and an indicator operable to display a usable life status of at least one of the blade and the blade opposing member.

Abstract: A system for dispensing adhesive onto a surface is provided. This system includes a dispenser and a quantity of discrete units of adhesive releasably deposited on a substrate. The dispenser includes a drive mechanism that further includes an actuator for actuating the dispenser; and a drive wheel, wherein the drive wheel further includes mechanical means for engaging the actuator. An optional supply wheel may be included in the dispenser. The quantity of discrete units of adhesive is releasably deposited on a substrate that may be mounted on the supply wheel or that may simply sit within the dispenser. The substrate further includes means for cooperating with the drive wheel to incrementally advance the substrate a substantially fixed, and predetermined distance upon actuation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A cutting system that includes a rotary blade cartridge that can be interchangeably used with a variety of cutting tools is disclosed. The cartridge houses a rotary blade assembly that is maintained in a secure and safe retracted state and that can be activated when the cartridge is inserted into a cutting tool. Activating a plunger of any of the cutting tools causes a piston of the rotary blade assembly to move the blade to an operative cutting position protruding from an aperture provided in the cartridge housing. Deactivating the plunger causes the blade to be return to its retracted and inoperative position within the housing. Cutting tools of the invention include rail cutters such as a primary workstation and a compact workstation, circle cutters, elliptical cutters, and freeform cutters. Each cutting tool is capable of receiving a rotary blade cartridge. Cartridges are freely interchangeable between the cutting tools.

Abstract: A device for sharpening crayons, wax pencils, and the like is provided. This device includes: a multi-blade removable and replaceable crayon sharpening cartridge; an electric motor mechanically coupled to the blade cartridge for axially rotating the blade cartridge around a crayon that has been inserted into the blade cartridge; a base for supporting the electric motor; a contoured receptacle positionable on the base beneath the blade cartridge for capturing crayon debris; and a contoured exterior housing for enclosing the electric motor and the blade cartridge.

Abstract: A device for dispensing staples is provided. The device includes a body for holding at least one staple, a lid attached to the body by hinge means, wherein a top surface of the lid further includes a substantially planar surface, a base attached to the body by hinge means, and an actuating lever attached to the base by hinge means, wherein a portion of the actuating lever contacts the substantially planar surface on the lid when the actuating lever is depressed.

Abstract: A miniature hand-held stapler is provided. This stapler includes a body for holding staples and providing a stapling mechanism, a lid attached to the body by hinge means, a base attached to the body and to the lid, wherein the base further includes a first portion and a second portion detachably or fixedly attached to the first portion, and wherein the second portion further includes a flexible or resilient band attached thereto or formed integrally therewith, and wherein the flexible or resilient band may be deployed over a portion of the lid to secure the lid and the body to the base when the stapler is being stored or transported.

Abstract: A cutting system that includes a rotary blade cartridge that can be interchangeably used with a variety of cutting tools is disclosed. The cartridge houses a rotary blade assembly that is maintained in a secure and safe retracted state and that can be activated when the cartridge is inserted into a cutting tool. Activating a plunger of any of the cutting tools causes a piston of the rotary blade assembly to move the blade to an operative cutting position protruding from an aperture provided in the cartridge housing. Deactivating the plunger causes the blade to be return to its retracted and inoperative position within the housing. Cutting tools of the invention include rail cutters such as a primary workstation and a compact workstation, circle cutters, elliptical cutters, and freeform cutters. Each cutting tool is capable of receiving a rotary blade cartridge. Cartridges are freely interchangeable between the cutting tools.