Abstract: An apparatus and method for abrading pencil lead are provided. The apparatus comprises two major parts-- a receptacle and an abrader. The apparatus is further modified by the addition of two subordinate components-- storage space and graphite dust cleaning compartments. The receptacle is in the form of a container having an open top and is defined by a bottom and two sidewalls; the abrader is in the form of a plate with abrasive surface on both sides. At one end of the abrader, two pivotal means are provided to engage with two pivotal receiving means formed at middle points of two inclining side rims of the receptacle; and the other end of the abrader rests on the end rim of the receptacle. When the graphite dust presents on the surface of the abrader after abrading, the abrader is flipped from one side to the opposite side of the rim, the graphite dust is threby disposed of in the receptacle and the other side of the dust-free abrading surface appears toward the top, ready for the next abrading.

Abstract: A self watering bean sprout growing method and kit are provided. The kit includes a water impervious growth chamber in the configuration of a large open cooking vessel. A support surface is placed in the growth chamber and covered with a premoistened absorbent membrane over which bean seeds are spread in a layer. Provision is made for stacking alternate layers of membranes and bean or other seeds one on the other above the support surface to selectively vary the quantity of each batch of bean or other edible sprouts to be propagated. The growth chamber is capped with a water pervious primary reservoir whereby moisture is admitted to the growth chamber through the bottom of the reservoir. Venting of air to the growth chamber is provided between the auxiliary reservoir and the top of the growth chamber. The support surface comprises the bottom of an inverted vessel placed in the bottom of the growth chamber.

Abstract: This invention pertains to casing of floating type thermometer in liquid such as water. The casing of said thermometer consists of an elongated, a fish shaped or other configurations of glass or plastic casing having one side flat in order to adhere to the wall of a liquid container by means of "surface tension principle." The construction of the thermometer which is encased in the casing can be such conventional type, which has metal balls confined in one end of the casing as weight to keep it erect. A thermal expansive fluid containing tube is secured in a suitable manner to a graduating scale carried in the interior of the casing. The internal construction of thermometer within the casing forms no part of the instant invention.