Abstract:
Items such as writing implements comprise a housing which moves from a first configuration wherein a writing portion is at least partially disposed within a housing to a second configuration wherein more of the writing portion is disposed outside of the housing. In one version, upon the selective actuation of a release, at least two housing portions initially move away from each other while the writing portion moves from the first configuration toward the second configuration, the housing portions then move back toward each other, all in a damped motion. In the second configuration, at least a portion of the writing portion is further away from the hinge-type connection than in the first configuration.
Abstract:
A cork extractor significantly reduces the countervailing forces that must be applied to a bottle during extraction of a cork by providing a handle having a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the vertical, longitudinal axis of a cork as it is removed from a bottle. A handle rotates about an axis and comprises gripping portions on opposite sides of the rotational axis. The corkscrew is prevented from spiraling out of the cork during the application of upwardly directed forces independently of the screw carrier.
Abstract:
A cork extractor significantly reduces the countervailing forces that must be applied to a bottle during extraction of a cork by providing a handle having a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the vertical, longitudinal axis of a cork as it is removed from a bottle. A handle rotates about an axis and comprises gripping portions on opposite sides of the rotational axis. The corkscrew is prevented from spiraling out of the cork during the application of upwardly directed forces independently of the screw carrier.
Abstract:
Devices for removing particles for a gas utilizing electrostatic precipitation having collector modules with fewer electrical connections, which facilitate cleaning, and/or eliminate the need for high voltage connections between a removable collector module and a collector module support. Driver electrode modules provide electrical connection between an insulated driver electrode and a source of electrical potential or between insulated driver electrodes and at least one other conductor through a hole in or on some edge on the driver electrodes. A biasing force is provided and a conductive element serves as a conductor between the driver electrode(s) and the other conductors. A plurality of insulated driver electrodes, e.g. plates, are formed with a single, conductive plate or from a plurality of electrically joined conductive plates which are coated with insulation and then bent. An electrically-shielded, high voltage generating circuit is integrated with a readily removable collector module to eliminate the need for high voltage connections between the removable collector module and the collector module support, while enhancing the device's durability and allowing cleaning with cleaning fluid and/or dishwasher detergent.