Abstract: A mechanical pencil is disclosed that includes a barrel with a non-circular internal bore, a helical coil member that is fitted within the bore and attached to an externally positioned driving member, and a lead positioning means or pusher member that is positioned about and threadably engaged with the coil and constrained by the non-circular bore of the barrel for sliding longitudinal movement therein. The lead positioning means or pusher member includes fins that extend through the coil turns and act as a positioning stop for the writing lead and a lead gripping means for propelling and repelling the centrally disposed writing lead upon the manual rotation of the external driving member that is attached to the coil disposed within the barrel.

Abstract: A screw feed mechanical pencil having a propelling nut which self-taps on an unthreaded interior barrel wall. The pencil's barrel and split tube are plastic extrusions and a square lead is used to prevent lead rotation during writing.

Abstract: A method for making and the composition for an initially erasable ink for a ball point writing instrument which ink is characterized by its initial erasability by ordinary pencil erasers when applied by a ball point writing instrument to an absorbent paper-like writing surface and which thereafter develops permanence.

Abstract: An initially erasable ink composition for a ball point writing instrument which ink is characterized by its initial erasability by ordinary pencil erasers when applied by a ball point writing instrument to an absorbent paper-like writing surface and which thereafter develops permanence. The ink composition comprises polar elastomers, such as butadiene/acrylonitrile copolymer rubbers and vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer rubbers, and mixtures thereof, either alone or in admixture with cis-1, 4-polyisoprene (natural rubber or synthetic nature rubber), pigment, and a solvent system. The polar elastomer is present in the range of about 14-25% by weight of the ink and the pigment is present in amount sufficient to impart color and intensity to a trace of the ink when applied to a substrate such as paper. The solvent system essentially comprises a volatile component having a boiling point less than about 180.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for making and the composition for an initially erasable ink for a ball point writing instrument which ink is characterized by its initial erasability by ordinary pencil erasers when applied by a ball point writing instrument to an absorbent paper-like writing surface and which thereafter develops permanence.

Abstract: A gas pressure regulator for a butane lighter or other gas burner is created by the interaction of two superposed washers and an underlying flat retainer disc. A compressed elastomeric washer exerts pressure on a more rigid washer having a distal textured face in contact with an opposing face of the retainer disc. Gas flows through the interstitial array between said textured face and the opposing face of the retainer disc and a net pressure differential is effected.

Abstract: An initially erasable ink composition for a ball point writing instrument which ink is characterized by its initial erasability by ordinary pencil erasers when applied by a ball point writing instrument to an absorbent paper-like writing surface and which thereafter develops permanence. The ink composition comprises an elastomer selected from the group consisting of natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers and mixtures thereof, pigment, and a solvent system for said elastomer and pigment. The elastomer is present in the range of about 18-28% by weight of the ink and the pigment is present in the range of about 10-22% by weight of the ink. The solvent system comprises a volatile component present in the range of about 8-30% by weight of the ink and having a boiling point less than about 180.degree. C. and an essentially non-volatile component which is predominantly a low viscosity hydrocarbon oil, essential oil, petroleum derivative, plasticizer or mixtures thereof having a boiling point less than about 300.degree.

Abstract: A ballpoint writing instrument containing a supply of ink capable of producing an intense colored line when deposited on a writing paper surface that is capable of erasure within several hours after deposit by the use of a conventional pencil eraser without causing damage to the writing paper surface but which thereafter sets up to produce a permanent non-erasable line. The ink includes an elastomeric polymer such as Cis-1.4 Polyisoprene dissolved in an essentially non-volatile hydrocarbon solvent or plasticizer such as a light mineral oil and a colorant such as pigment particles evenly dispersed in the plasticized elastomeric polymer solution. The elastomeric polymer prevents the pigment colorant from penetrating into the writing paper surface. The preferred ink formulations also avoid or limit the use of volatile solvents which are detrimental to smooth writing characteristics for a ballpoint pen.

Abstract: A porous pen nib comprising a plastics sheath and a fibrous core, preferably of textile yarn, has a writing tip formed by the rim of the mouth of the sheath and a protruding core center which both wear smoothly and equally in writing use.

Abstract: A spark producing mechanism for a pyrophoric lighter having a spark wheel which is actuated by a manually operable press button that is mounted for arcuate motion around the axis of the spark wheel wherein the button is a unitary molded plastic member that includes flexible webs that provide inter-bar pivots.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter is disclosed having a body defining a fuel reservoir and a threaded passageway extending from the reservoir to the body exterior. An insert is threaded at least partially into the passageway and a set of bendable tabs secured thereabout along a common plane exteriorly of the body. Stop means are provided for limiting rotary movement of the insert through engagement with a member of the set of bendable tabs bent off the common plane. A valve stem is movably disposed within a cavity in the insert with a portion of the valve stem projecting to the exterior thereof. An actuating lever is coupled with the valve stem and interlocked with a fulcrum.

Abstract: A cigarette lighter is disclosed having a body defining a fuel reservoir and a passageway extending from the reservoir to the body exterior. An elongated sleeve is disposed within the passageway having interior walls defining a bore and a longitudinal groove in the walls opening to the bore. A solid valve stem is movably disposed within the sleeve bore. Actuation means are provided for moving the valve stem within the bore to effect valve operations.