Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multiple line writing instrument which is adapted for one-handed operation in the general manner of an ordinary pen or pencil and which accomodates variations in the writing angle at which the instrument may be applied to a writing surface. The instrument includes plural elongate writing means, such as pens, held in parallel, spaced apart array. By means of a pivotal stop table the writing tips of the plural writing means are held in continous writing contact with a writing surface despite variations in writing angle which may occur during use. The multiple line writing instrument avoids the necessity to employ biasing elements, such as springs, to maintain writing contact of the writing tips with the writing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are fired ceramic wares possessing hydrophobic properties throughout the bodies thereof. The ware is prepared utilizing a water-reduced ceramic body composition containing a quantity of a finely-divided sub-micron amorphous silica or alumina. This ceramic body composition is formed into a green ware, the ware dried and fired at relatively low temperature and the fired ware treated with one or more reactive organosilicon compounds whereby organosilicon groups are caused to chemisorb onto the surface of the finely-divided amorphous oxide component.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for dyeing avian eggs whereby a pleasing decorative mottled appearance results. The method involves the temporary application of a hydrophobic granular water-insoluble solid to the eggshell followed by dyeing of the egg utilizing a conventional aqueous dyestuff. The granular solid is removed from the egg following the dyeing step.