Abstract: Using a newly developed composite ceramics material suited for balls of ball-point pens, a method of manufacturing composite ceramics balls for ball-point pens that have affinity for both oil-based ink and water-based ink is provided. In this method, the composite ceramics, whose main components are mullite (3Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 .multidot.2SiO.sub.2) and zirconia (ZrO.sub.2) at the ratio of 50-95% to 5-50% by weight, is polished into mirror-finished balls and then chemical processing or physical processing is performed on the ball surfaces to form indentations in the ball surfaces. The chemical processing is preferably an etching using hydrofluoric acid, and the degree of indentations can be controlled by changing the concentration of hydrofluoric acid and the duration of etching.

Abstract: An aqueous-based, shear-thinning, erasable ink and a roller-ball pen containing same. In a preferred embodiment, the ink comprises a blend of three different non-carboxylated, styrene-butadiene aqueous emulsions, a water-insoluble or water-dispersible pigment and a shear-thinning, viscosity-adjustment agent in the form of a silicate clay. The ink further comprises an antioxidant preparation, which includes tocopherol and vitamin C, for use in extending the time period over which the ink remains erasable after being applied to a substrate, a shear-stabilizing agent in the form of potassium oleate for use in preventing unwanted coagulation of the styrene-butadiene copolymer due to shear, a pH-adjusting agent in the form of triethanolamine for shifting the pH of the ink to a pH of about 9-10, and an anti-drying agent in the form of a 3:1 mixture of sorbitol to glycerine.

Abstract: A cosmetic liquid applicator having a tubular shaft, a rotary knob at a rear end of the shaft and a piston axially slidable in the shaft upon rotation of the rotary knob. A nib, mounting to a forward end of the tubular shaft, has a passage communicating with a liquid chamber. A plurality of radially extending pojections are provided so that they are gradually reduced in diameter in the forward direction. A discharge hole is communicated with the passage, and a slot extends forwardly and rearwardly from the discharge hole in opposite directions of and transverse to the projections.