Abstract: An extinguishing device for smoking materials including a base having a top side and an opposing bottom side, the bottom side being substantially flat for supporting the base on a surface, the base defining a blind end bore extending through the top side, and the bore being configured to receive a lit end of a cigarette for extinguishing the end of the cigarette.

Abstract: A system for quickly, easily and inexpensively facilitating the attachment of various solar water heating components to the roof of a structure in a panel form generally without regard to the type of underlying roof support structure and further, which provides an upper surface upon which essentially any type of roofing material maybe installed. In a first embodiment, it is contemplated that all of the components of the invention may be provided in the form of a ‘panel’ of essentially any size such as, for example, a panel measuring 4?×4?, 4?×8?, or any other size that is convenient and workable in terms of weight and ease of installation.

Abstract: A gripping device is used to grip and remove a relatively small item or particle from a larger object, such as a tick or other parasite attached to an animal or human, a fruit stem, or a sliver or splinter. The gripping device includes first and second opposing members coupled at a proximal end, for example, by an integral hinge. A gripping region is formed between the distal ends of the first and second opposing members. The first opposing member has a larger surface area and preferably a substantially circular shape adapted to be easily held by the hand of a user. The second opposing member has an arcuate shape at the distal end such that the relatively small particle is more easily disposed within the gripping region formed by the distal ends. The first and second opposing members are preferably made of one piece, for example, from a metal, plastic, or other suitable material.