Abstract: A device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a cleaning and/or deodorizing chemical is disclosed. The device includes a container for the chemical, a spray nozzle through which the chemical can be sprayed laterally around a perimeter of the nozzle, a conduit in fluid communication with the container and the spray nozzle, fluid delivery means for delivering chemical from the container through the conduit and to the spray nozzle, and means for attaching the spray nozzle near a rim of the toilet bowl. The spray nozzle of the automatic or manual toilet bowl cleaning device can operate such that the chemical is applied to the entire circumference of the inner surface of the toilet bowl whereby the entire toilet bowl is cleaned around the inner circumference of the toilet bowl.

Abstract: A stapler including a base having a first end, a second end, and opposite sides. A staple magazine is connected to the base for movement with respect to the base during stapling operations. A cover assembly is connected to the base. The first end of the base includes first and second hip portions such that the staple magazine and cover assembly are received within the hip portions. In some embodiments, the hip portions each include a cutout portion. In other embodiments, the hip portions each include a rib extending inwardly toward the magazine.

Abstract: A stapler configured such that the stapler can be used both as a desktop-type stapler and as a hand-held stapler. The stapler includes a base, a staple magazine pivotably coupled to the base, a cover assembly coupled to the base, and a staple driver coupled to the cover assembly. The base includes a front end, a rear end, a top surface, and a bottom surface. The bottom surface includes a first flat portion near the front end of the base, a second flat portion near the rear end of the base, and a recess positioned between the first and second flat portions such that the flat portions and the recess together extend along the entirety of the base length. The recess includes a curved portion that extends across the width of the stapler base and is raised upwardly from a plane defined by the flat portions along the entire length between the first and second flat portions.

Abstract: A stapler includes one or more illuminated features that assist the user in guiding the stack of sheets into the stapler's throat for stapling. The illuminated features help the user intuitively position the stack of sheets in the throat to achieve the desired staple position on the stack of sheets.

Abstract: A stapler having a housing and a throat defined by the housing and configured to receive a stack of sheets for stapling. The throat separates the housing into a head portion and a base portion. A paper guide is coupled to the stapler, the paper guide being movable between a recessed position within the base portion and an extended position. Insertion of the stack of sheets into the throat does not cause movement of the paper guide.

Abstract: A powered stapler includes a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion movably coupled to the first portion. The stapler is actuated by creating relative movement between the first and second housing portions. The second housing portion includes an elongated trigger member, that when moved relative to the first housing portion, actuates the powered stapler to drive a staple into a stack of sheets. The stapler is configured to be held in a single hand of the user and can be actuated by the user squeezing his or her hand while holding the stapler.

Abstract: A stapler including a staple support device. The stapler includes a base, a magazine for holding staples having a front portion, and a staple driver for driving staples out of the magazine in a staple driving plane. The stapler also includes a nose piece coupled to the front portion of the magazine and a support device coupled to the nose piece. Staples in the magazine are supported on an outer surface by the magazine and on an inner surface by the support device.

Abstract: A stapler and detachable accessory combination includes a stapler having a base with an accessory storage chamber. A detachable accessory defines an operating end, a non-operating end, and a grasping portion intermediate the operating and non-operating ends. The detachable accessory is insertable into and removable from the storage chamber such that the operating end leads during insertion into the storage chamber and the non-operating end leads during removal from the storage chamber. The accessory can be a staple remover, a hole punch, a pencil sharpener, or other office tool.

Abstract: A stapler and a method for holding a stapler open to inhibit the stapler from closing unexpectedly. The stapler includes a base, a magazine for receiving staples, and a cover assembly pivotable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the magazine. The stapler also includes a holding device coupled to the stapler that holds the cover assembly in the open position with respect to the magazine when the cover assembly is pivoted to the open position.

Abstract: The invention provides a pipette device with a pivotable nozzle assembly. The pipette device includes a housing with a barrel portion defining a device axis therethrough. The nozzle assembly includes a pivot mechanism that is rotatably engaged with the housing, and includes pivot bosses that are held captive within a portion of the housing. A pivot selector is slideably retained by a portion of the housing, and is operative to engage and disengage a plurality of indexing holes on the pivot mechanism thereby locking and permitting rotation of the nozzle assembly, respectively.

Abstract: An improved fluid control system for a paint brush or applicator system that includes a flexible barrel-type reservoir is disclosed. The disclosed valve systems may be of a ball-valve type, a trumpet-type or a duck-bill type. The valve or control systems help the user regulate the flow of fluid from a flexible barrel reservoir to a brush or applicator tip by adequately restricting flow in response to squeezing pressure applied by the user to the flexible barrel reservoir.

Abstract: A mechanical timer to control multiple steps of a process comprising a first cam having a shaft, and a second cam having a shaft, wherein the shaft on the first cam extends into the shaft of the second cam. The rotational relationship between the first and second cams determines the length of time for at least one process step. First and second user adjustable elements are attached to the first and second cams. These user adjustable elements do not require any disassembly of the mechanical timer by the user or require any tools. A plurality of switches engage the cams to control various process steps.

Abstract: In one form of the present invention, the operation of reducing hard water to soft is controlled via integrated circuits and software. In combination as a computer control unit, the integrated circuits and software control a valve that supports the cycles used in softening water. The invention reduces the complexity of the setup and operation of a water softener using four simple keys in conjunction with the computer control unit. In addition to these four simple keys, a hidden key is also provided for internal use in manufacturing and servicing operations. The hidden key may have no graphic or identity on the interface panel of the computer control unit, or it may have some graphic not indicative of a key. When depressed along with other keys, this hidden key offers a way to access special operations such as data input and output.