Fisher Space Pen

During the first NASA missions the astronauts used pencils. For Project Gemini, for example, NASA ordered mechanical pencils in 1965 from Tycam Engineering Manufacturing, Inc., in Houston. The fixed price contract purchased 34 units at a total cost of $4,382.50, or $128.89 per unit.That created something of a controversy at the time, as many people believed it was a frivolous expense. NASA backtracked immediately and equipped the astronauts with less costly items.

During this time period, Paul C. Fisher of the Fisher Pen Co. designed a ballpoint pen that would operate better in the unique environment of space. His new pen, with a pressurized ink cartridge, functioned in a weightless environment, underwater, in other liquids, and in temperature extremes ranging from -50 F to +400 F.

Fisher developed his space pen with no NASA funding. The company reportedly invested about $1 million of its own funds in the effort then patented its product and cornered the market as a result.

Fisher offered the pens to NASA in 1965, but, because of the earlier controversy, the agency was hesitant in its approach. In 1967, after rigorous tests, NASA managers agreed to equip the Apollo astronauts with these pens. Media reports indicate that approximately 400 pens were purchased from Fisher at $6 per unit for Project Apollo.

The Soviet Union also purchased 100 of the Fisher pens, and 1,000 ink cartridges, in February 1969, for use on its Soyuz space flights.Previously, its cosmonauts had been using grease pencils to write in orbit.

Both American astronauts and Soviet/Russian cosmonauts have continued to use these pens.

Fisher continues to market his space pens as the writing instrument that went to the Moon and has spun off this effort into a separate corporation, the Fisher Space Pen Co.

 

  Maxpedition Wallets

Maxpedition Rat Wallet is designed for the technologically savvy. It expands the function of the traditional wallet to cellphone, pager, MP3 player, and PDA carry (fits smaller PDA's such as the Palm 500 / Palm Vseries), with plenty of space left for cash, coins, and cards. Can be carried independently, worn on the belt, or attached to your Maxpedition backpack as an accessory. Great for professionals on the go.


The Maxpedition Spartan Wallet replaces "over-engineered" wallet designs. The evolution was a result of popular demand for a general purpose wallet design WITHOUT the bulky zippered coin purse that made pocket carry difficult. This simplification makes for a much better,yet less expensive wallet. The Spartan contains a plethora of small compartments secured with velcro tabs to prevent slippage. Two longer slots for paper bills make carrying multiple currency types easy. An external mesh pocket is great for quick access to ID cards, ticket stubs, receipts, etc. Sewn-in Hypalon tie-down tab allows attachment of a tether for additional security.

  History of Dovo

According to the documents held by the magistrate's court of the then independent local authority of Wald, near Solingen, Germany the company DOVO Steelware was founded in 1906. At the beginning, DOVO was purely a factory producing open razors, with a forge and hollow grinding shop. The founders, Mr. Dorp and Mr. Voos, employed a staff of 13. By 1930, Solingen had become bigger through the incorporation of outlying villages, (including Wald), and the law passed in 1938 to protect the name of Solingen gave it greater pride and security as well as a still greater sense of local identity.

As Mr. Dorp and Mr. Voos wanted to retire, Fritz Bracht took over the DOVO company shortly before the second World War. A good move, as the small knight with sword and hammer had meanwhile made inroads into the markets in Western Europe and North America. Even during the war, the symbol of the knight managed to find its way abroad and to become established there. Because of the introduction of the electric razor, Fritz Bracht had to create a second source of income by producing hair scissors. By talking shop with users in the salons in his own town and elsewhere, he found out everything he needed and wanted to know about hair scissors. EUREKA, a model of hair and thinning scissors with a curved cutting edge, put life back into the business after the war. In 1951, the young technician Mertens joined the company. Along with other "old hands", he is a motivating force behind the production of scissors. Ernst Kirschbaum, who had completed his law studies and obtained a doctorate, joined the company in 1953 as a son-in-law of the family. The need for recovery after years of ruin and the employment of additional young staff meant that business was able to increase in style. The motto was "New names for new markets".

The following brand names or companies were taken over:
1952 - brand name "Tennis" (open razors)
1957 - brand name "Bismarck" (open razors)
1957 - brand name "Ankerflagge" (open razors) from the Carl Rader company
1968 - Erich Hartkopf company. The scissors were jointed by pocket knives of the brand name "Teufelskerle"
1969 - brand name "Kronpunkt" (open razors) from the Heups company
1970 - brand name "Fontana" (open razors)
1973 - Heups & Hermes company (pedicure clippers and instruments)
1996 - Merkur company (shaving equipment)

Since the death of Dr. Ernst Kirschbaum, his son Markus Kirschbaum, who has a degree in commerce, runs the family concern in the third generation along with the long-time Managing Director Jurgen Stremmel.

 

    Refilling a Zippo lighter

Zippo lighters are known for being refillable lighters. However, when you open the lid to the lighter, the method of refilling can be deceiving. Zippo lighters have small liquid fuel holding tanks that must be refilled occasionally in order for the lighter to operate properly. In order too refuel a Zippo lighter you have to fill the tank containing cotton on the bottom of the lighter with Naphtha fuel.