the basic Boston pencil sharpeners are really very simple you have a pretty much simple ring and pinion system the pinion (motor)spins at 15 revolutions to 1 revolution of the ring (sharpener) to turn said sharpener
Bernard Lassimone, a French mathematician, invented the standard manual pencil sharpener in 1828. In 1847, Therry des Estwaux invented an improved mechanical sharpener.
Yes. One that's not in use. Generally they will make noise because of the friction caused by the action of sharpening. Some will however be quieter then others but its doubted they will be entirely...