Abstract: A refill for a writing tool includes an ink containing tube that is made from a resin material and formed in a straight cylindrical shape, and a writing tip that is attached to an end of the ink containing tube. A press-fit portion, formed at the end of the ink containing tube, has a thickness being made thickened toward an inner circumferential surface and has an opening hole penetrating in an axial direction at a central portion of the press-fit portion. The writing tip or a relay member supporting the writing tip is press-fitted and attached to the press-fit portion. The refill for a writing tool can ensure a necessary and sufficient amount of ink stored without expanding an outer diameter of the ink containing tube, and sufficiently secure mechanical strength of an end portion, and a writing tool using the same can be provided.

Abstract: A recess former is disclosed for use with anchors which are to be cast into a concrete slab. The recess former preferably includes a removable plug and preferably rectangular lugs which engage with corresponding apertures in the attachment head of the lifting anchor and prevent the ingress of cement during casting of the slab. In addition, flaps are preferably provided on the recess former to prevent the sides of the attachment head from being encased in the concrete. Preferably the former is pivoted between open and closed positions and has a slightly V-shaped base which when abutted against a mould or formwork, urges the recess former into the closed position. Furthermore, a recess former is disclosed which stays behind after the casting and remains embedded in the concrete in order to provide a waterproof membrane between the recess and adjacent reinforcing rods thereby preventing corrosion of the reinforcing rods.

Abstract: A massage device is provided with a pouch containing a liquid medium and a massage prong for imparting massage pressure on the person's body during a massage. The pouch is configured for application to the body such that it covers an area on the body substantially larger than the massage prong. The massage prong operates and applies a force to the body through the wall of the pouch. The massage prong is permitted to move within at least a portion of the area without substantial movement of the pouch relative to the body. A lubricating layer sealed present massager can provide a relaxing and therapeutic heated or cooled massage over a large area of the body while reducing pinching and friction between the skin and the massage prong.

Abstract: A device for applying a liquid or gel-like product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a rotatably supported ball serving as an applicator element, and a storage chamber for the product to be applied on a side of the ball in opposite relationship to an applicator side of the ball for loading the ball on its side in opposite relationship to its applicator side, wherein the storage chamber has a feed opening for the product to be applied. A vent opening is disposed behind the feed opening as viewed from the ball for venting the storage chamber.

Abstract: A liquid application system for applying an insect repellent to skin of an animal or a person includes a tube receiving a liquid to be applied to skin. The tube is graspable to facilitate manipulation of the system. A yoke is coupled to a first end of the tube. The yoke is in fluid communication with the tube. The yoke includes a pair of spaced ends. A roller assembly is rotatably coupled to the spaced ends of the yoke. The roller assembly is in fluid communication with the yoke. The roller assembly receives the liquid from the yoke and is rolled along the skin to apply the liquid to the skin.

Abstract: A device for applying a liquid or gel-like product, in particular a cosmetic product, comprising a rotatably supported ball serving as an applicator element, and a storage chamber for the product to be applied on a side of the ball in opposite relationship to an applicator side of the ball for loading the ball on its side in opposite relationship to its applicator side, wherein the storage chamber has a feed opening for the product to be applied. A vent opening is disposed behind the feed opening as viewed from the ball for venting the storage chamber.

Abstract: A handheld marking instrument includes a body having a substantially flat shape, a first chamber formed within the body and having an inner surface configured to receive and contain a marking substance within the body, and a first marking device configured to deliver the marking substance to a desired surface during marking. The first marking device is incorporated in the body and in communication with the first chamber to access the marking substance contained by the inner surface. At least a part of the first marking device is moveable between an exposed position for marking on the desired surface, and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the body has a form factor of a financial transaction card.

Abstract: A device for applying liquid adhesive to seal a variety of parcel post items such as, containers, packages, boxes, envelopes and stamps. The device includes a hand-held pen-shaped housing having a roller ball therein for dispensing the adhesive. The device further includes a vent and a drain hole in the housing.

Abstract: A free ink roller ball pen for dispensing low viscosity inks containing pigments that are prone to sedimentation. The instrument contains an ink reservoir chamber, a nib chamber provided with a roller ball socket assembly, a pressure equalization overflow chamber for the low viscosity ink, and a special agitation system for the ink reservoir and nib chamber. The agitation system comprises a weight, with a cross section smaller than the interior of the nib chamber, connected to a wire having a diameter smaller than the back inner diameter of the ball socket assembly. The length of the weight and its confinement are selected to provide for a predetermined stroke, on shaking the pen, that sweeps out the internal space of the nib and also the back of the roller ball assembly, to re-disperse any pigment that has precipitated.

Abstract: A ballpoint pen (1) nib (2) housing the ball (3) and having a stem (6), at least one part of which is inserted coaxially into a hole (5) in the lower end (4f) of a hollow barrel (4) forming part of the ballpoint pen (1). On the outer surface of the at least one part of the stem are formed one or more flutes (7i) that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (Z—Z) of the stem (6) for a length (L) equal to or greater than the axial length (H) of the hole (5) in such a way that the opposite ends (D, E) of the abovementioned flutes (7i) are outside of it and on opposite sides with respect to it.

Abstract: A handheld marking instrument includes a body having a substantially flat shape, a first chamber formed within the body and having an inner surface configured to receive and contain a marking substance within the body, and a first marking device configured to deliver the marking substance to a desired surface during marking. The first marking device is incorporated in the body and in communication with the first chamber to access the marking substance contained by the inner surface. At least a part of the first marking device is moveable between an exposed position for marking on the desired surface, and a retracted position. In one embodiment, the body has a form factor of a financial transaction card.

Abstract: A description is given of a ballpoint pen (1) nib (2) housing the ball (3) and having a stem (6), at least one part of which is inserted coaxially into a hole (5) in the lower end (4f) of a hollow barrel (4) forming part of the said ballpoint pen (1). On the outer surface of the said at least one part of the said stem are formed one or more flutes (7i) that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (Z-Z) of the, stem (6) for a length (L) equal to or greater than the axial length (H) of the said hole (5) in such a way that the opposite ends (D, E) of the abovementioned flutes (7i) are outside of it and on opposite sides with respect to it.

Abstract: A writing instrument has a housing containing an ink reservoir. The writing instrument further has a writing nib in communication with one (or both) end of the ink reservoir by an ink induction device. In connection with the ink reservoir, there is also at least one set of pressure balance system. The pressure balance system includes a nano hydrophobic venting material that allows air to flow in and out of the reservoir to compensate pressure differential between ambient atmosphere and the interior of the ink reservoir, while prevents ink to flow from the ink reservoir to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A writing pen of the type employing low viscosity liquid ink retained in a reservoir in the pen body by means of a capillary collector element. The nib of the patent is color coded to correspond with the color of ink contained within the pen. A closure cap for the pen is formed with large openings in the region surrounding the color coded nib, to provide visual access to the colored nib when the cap is mounted on the pen body. An air passage, necessary for the reservoir of the pen to “breath”, is extended to have its outlet immediately adjacent the writing tip of the pen, and the closure cap is provided with an internal sealing cup at its closed end, which is received over the writing tip and closely adjacent portions of the nib, to seal both the writing tip and the air passage, when the closure cap is in place.

Abstract: A direct-feed type writing implement having two ends includes an ink tank and a pair of writing points, arranged at opposite ends of the ink tank. An ink collector is provided for each writing point. An air/liquid exchanger adjusts the internal pressure inside the ink tank by use of capillarity. An ink feeder is provided for each writing point. Each ink feeder includes a center core for feeding ink to the writing point. Air is inhibited from flowing into the ink tank through the ink collector air/liquid exchanger located at one end while the pen is being used for writing at the opposite end.

Abstract: Dispersibility of thickener is constant for every lot and viscosity difference is little. Fine bubbles existing in the thicker in ink follower are removed. A step of homogenizing the thickener at any temperature within a range of 40° C. to 130° C. is included. Preferably, a step of homogenizing the thickener at any temperature within a range of 100° C. to 130° C. is included.

Abstract: This invention relates to ink follower for a water-base ballpoint pen with its bubbles removed, time-dependent stability, less oil separation, and greatly reduced lot-to-lot viscosity difference and associated performance difference, and a method for manufacturing the same. After addition of thickener, the follower is made depressurized preferably at 0.2 atm or lower. Simultaneous heating and stirring are preferable. When the ink follower is solely debubbled in advance, fine bubbles contained in particulate silica, clay thickener, etc. can be very highly removed even if the centrifugal debubbling is not so strong and there is no bad affection to the writing property of the pen. It is also possible that, after adding the thickener, a centrifugal force greater than or equal to 200-fold of the gravitational acceleration is applied to debubble.

Abstract: A roll-on applicator which allows venting of gases between the inside and the outside of said applicator. This applicator comprises a ball within a dispensing opening and a flexible and resilient support means for said ball. Said flexible and resilient support means is such to urge said ball against said dispensing opening, achieving a leak tight engagement between said ball and said dispensing opening. This engagement is such that the pressure built up inside said container is not efficiently released to the outside of said container. Furthermore, said flexible and resilient support means can be resiliently deformed by an external force acting on said ball to disengage said leak-tight engagement between said ball and said dispensing opening, allowing said contained product to be spread by said ball. Said applicator further comprises a cap which presses onto said ball creating a free passage between said ball and said dispensing opening only when said cap is engaged or disengaged from said container.

Abstract: Ink and a follower advancing with consumption of the ink are stored directly in the inside of a barrel having a pen point at its forward end. An outer tail plug constituted by a closed-end cylinder is fitted to a rear outer surface of the barrel. An air course is formed between the rear outer surface of the barrel and an inner surface of the outer tail plug to communicate with the inside of the barrel through a rear end aperture portion of the barrel. At least one air hole is provided ahead of the rear end aperture portion of the barrel to make the air course communicate with the outside air.

Abstract: A ballpoint pen refill which can be applied to a retractable ballpoint pen is provided. An ink 2 endowed with a thixotropic property and an ink follower 3 at the rear of this ink are contained within an ink tube 1 comprising a tip holder member 9 and an ink member 10. A ball 6 is held in a front end aperture 9a thereof. A ballpoint pen tip 4 having an inner reshaped surface 4f of a front end rim 4b that is formed into a spherical surface in the shape of the ball is fitted therein. A coil spring 7 that always presses the ball onto the inner reshaped surface is provided with a movable member 8 between the spring and ball. A stopper 5 provided with a ventilation means is fitted into a rear end of the ink tube. A partition portion 9g having an ink-flow passageway for restricting the amount of ink that flows and a rear end surface 9c is formed in an engagement portion 9d of the tip holder member 9 that is fitted in the ink member 10.

Abstract: This invention provides a ball-point pen suited to low-viscosity aqueous ink. This ball-point pen includes a ball-point pen refill in which an ink reservoir communicates with a tip for holding a tip ball via a joint, wherein the ink reservoir is filled with water type ball-point pen ink containing at least one type of a solvent selected from the group consisting of ethyleneglycol, diethyleneglycol, propyleneglycol, and glycerin in an amount of 5 to 40 wt % of the total ink amount, a crosslinking acrylic acid polymer in an amount of 0.1 to 1.0 wt % of the total ink amount, a pigment in an amount of 5 to 10 wt % of the total ink amount, and the balance primarily consisting of water, and the tip has a spring which in a normal state urges and brings the tip ball into intimate contact with the inner edge of a ball holding portion at the front end of the tip and releases the intimate contact when writing is performed.

Abstract: A container for ink for a writing instrument including a reservoir for containing ink, an ink feed for connection to a writing tip of a writing instrument for conveying ink from the reservoir to the writing tip, and a valve between the reservoir and the ink feed. The valve is subjected on one side to pressure in the ink feed and is subjected on another side to atmospheric pressure. The valve opens when pressure in the ink feed falls sufficiently below the atmospheric pressure acting on the valve, thereby allowing ink to flow from the reservoir to the ink feed.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a cartridge for a writing instrument. In particular, the writing instrument includes a surface against which the cartridge abuts. The cartridge includes a tubular body for containing ink which has a front end including an applicator for applying the ink, and a plug member disposed at least partially in a rear end of the tubular body of the cartridge. The plug member includes a path for permitting airflow into the tubular body, and a flange for cushioning the cartridge against the abutment surface of the writing instrument so as to inhibit separation of the ink from the ink applicator and absorb pressure exerted upon the ink applicator during writing.

Abstract: A device for applying writing, drawing, printing and painting fluids onto a surface is provided. The device comprises a fluid container, a respective applicating tip, an air inlet tube that connects an interior of the fluid container to the surrounding atmosphere, and a capillary fluid reservoir. The capillary fluid reservoir is arranged within a fluid conveying connection between the fluid that is contained in the fluid container and the applicating tip whereby the fluid conveying connection is interrupted when the applicating tip is pointed in a downward direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a binder for reservoir tubes and in particular to one including a conical head formed with a longitudinal through hole at the center and a plurality of longitudinal blind holes around the longitudinal through hole at the center, and an end piece provided with a center positioning tubular member and a plurality of circular protuberances around the center positioning tubular member, whereby a plurality of reservoir tubes may be mounted between the conical head and the end piece and the tip of the reservoir tube at the center position will protrude out of the conical head thereby binding a plurality of reservoir tubes together and enabling the binder to be used a writing implement.

Abstract: A writing or drawing instrument wherein a housing (1), is provided with a writing point (2) and a writing fluid reservoir (3) within an interior space of the housing. A capillary pressure equalization system (5), that connects the reservoir with the ambient air, has a sensor (7) therein for reacting to the level of writing fluid (4) therein. A suction pump (11, 12) is connected with the writing fluid reservoir (3) through a semi-permeable membrane (10) which lets air through and is impermeable for writing fluid (4). The suction pump (11, 12) is activated by the sensor (7) in response to a level of writing fluid (4) in the pressure equalization system, and aspirates air from the reservoir so as to quickly reduce an overpressure condition.

Abstract: An adapter device is provided for varying the length of a ball point pen refill cartridge to enable the cartridge to be used in a variety of ball point pen housings. The adapter consists of a barrel which slips over the distal end of a refill cartridge and is securely connected to the cartridge by a channel formed in the barrel. The barrel comprises detachable sections which are removed as necessary so that the cartridge with the adapter attached barrel sections is substantially equal in length to the exhausted refill cartridge. The channel permits air to flow to the ink cartridge, enabling ink to be flow easily from the cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for refilling an ink cartridge include a device for clearing a hole in the cartridge to facilitate the dispensing of ink thereto. The device comprises a handle to which a bit is rigidly affixed so that torque applied to the handle is transmitted to the bit. The bit is arranged to extend along the handle's longitudinal axis. A kit for refilling an ink cartridge includes the aforementioned hole clearing device and a container containing a charge of ink and having a nozzle. The nozzle is formed so that it can pass through the hole cleared by the hole clearing device. In a preferred embodiment, the container is bellows shaped and compressible so that a user can compress the container and increase the rate at which the fresh ink charge is dispensed to the cartridge.

Abstract: A stylo pen tip, in particular for use in drafting plotters, has a writing tube (5) in the front end, into which a cleaning wire (6) extends from the rear, which is fixed at the front end of a drop weight body (7) which is movable back and forth axially to a limited degree in an inner bore (8). The inner bore (8) is connected with a writing fluid reservoir (4), which surrounds at least the front section of the inner bore. Coaxially to the inner bore (8), a pressure equalization chamber (11) is provided, the inner end of which is connected with the writing fluid reservoir (4) and the outer end of which is connected with ambient air. At least a portion of the pressure equalization chamber (11) is surrounded by the writing fluid reservoir (4). The inner end of the pressure equalization chamber (11) lies on the front end of the inner bore and its outer end in the area of the back end of the stylo pen tip.

Abstract: A barrel, and a hollow cup-shape insert in the front end thereof, forming a capillary space between itself and the barrel. The insert has a closed front end, the tip portions of the insert and the barrel form a ball seat in which the writing ball is positioned, and the capillary space leads to the ball. The rear end of the insert is open and communicates with the main space in the rear portion of the barrel. A flexible bag is positioned in the rear of the barrel, for filling through a filler tube which constantly vents the interior. The main space in the rear portion of the barrel and that in the insert together form a single continuous space, substantially without internal obstruction. The ink is in the form of a main body of fluid, freely flowing, aqueous ink. When the pen is laid on its side, the body of ink communicates with the capillary space, filling it by capillarity action, and that ink feeds by capillary action to the ball.

Abstract: In a writing instrument including an ink reservoir and an air hole, the air hole is spanned by a barrier formed as a porous non-absorbent ink repellent membrane of substantially uniform pore size. The barrier is non-porously sealed, for example by direct heating or ultrasonic welding, along its entire periphery to the wall of the air hole, the barrier allowing air to pass freely therethrough in both directions, but preventing escape of ink therethrough and therearound. The barrier is preferably formed of polytetrafluoroethylene with a pore radius of not more than 10 .mu.m and a thickness of not more than 200 .mu.m. The ink for use in the writing instrument preferably has a surface tension of not less than 30 mN m.sup.-1, a viscosity of not more than 10 cp and a wetting angle with the barrier of not less than 100.degree..

Abstract: A fluid applicator includes a fluid container having a collar mounted at an open top end. A base is mounted in the collar and is shaped to conform to the shape of a porous, spherical applicator member rotatably mounted in the collar, with a portion of the applicator member extending outward from the collar. An air intake conduit is centrally mounted in the base and draws air from the pores in the applicator member into the interior of the container to control the rate of fluid dispersion through fluid outlets formed in the base to the applicator member.

Abstract: An ink cartridge comprising sealing members sealing openings of both ends of the cartridge body, a holder cap fitted around the upper end of the cartridge body; a seal opener connected to the lower end of an operating shaft inserted through a guide hole in the upper end of the holder cap; an elastic member urging the seal opener in the upward direction to separate it from the upper sealing member; and a seal packing provided on the upper end surface of the seal opener and pressed onto the upper inner surface of the holder cap by the urging force of the elastic member to block an air inlet that is formed by a gap between the operating shaft and the guide hole, the operating shaft being pushed downward against the urging force of the elastic member to cause the upper sealing member to be torn open by the seal opener, thereby preventing the ink from flowing into the ink tank, as desired, which makes it possible to control the quantity of ink to be supplied to the ink tank.

Abstract: A writing implement such as a ballpoint pen combines a mechanism for selectively advancing and retracting a writing tip with a built-in roll of paper which can be dispensed and torn off. The paper roll can be mounted in a disposable cartridge which lessens the curl of the paper, facilitates removal and replacement of the paper roll, and aligns the free end of the paper with the corresponding slot in the barrel of the writing implement so that the free end of the paper need not be threaded through a narrow slot by hand.

Abstract: In an ink writing instrument, the ink storage space is divided into individual chambers that are inside the housing and are arranged axially one behind one another. The chambers are connected with the writing point by an ink guide. The ink-filled chambers are emptied one after the other by capillaries in the ink guide, air entering the chambers by a ventilation duct in the mouthpiece and the capillary ventilation openings. When ink is removed, no enclosed air volume is formed inside the storage space. In a second embodiment, the chambers are emptied simultaneously, the ventilation duct being opposite the writing point.

Abstract: The plotter stylus has a writing point (10) which is connected to the ink cartridge (50) via the ink duct (40). The ink duct (40) is surrounded by a pressure compensator (20) and connected thereto. In the pressure compensator a compensator element (21) is provided with annular chambers (23) which absorb surplus ink emerging from the ink duct (40) in the case of temperature or pressure increases. The annular chambers have no capillarity for the ink. Air is introduced via the air inlet orifice (28) located above the chambers (23). The ink cartridge (50) is exchangeable.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a wax-like cosmetic stick having an improved contour on its upper surface, by filling at the open bottom of the case with the stick material in a molten state, the case having a cap which provides the contour, allowing the stick to partially solidify, while maintaining the upper surface molten, placing a push-up device in the bottom of the case, seating the push-up device against the molten upper surface, said push-up being designed to allow substantially all of the air to escape during seating, then allowing final solidification of the stick.

Abstract: A writing pen having good ink flow control to a tip suitable for fine writing over a wide range of atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature. The pen has a flow-regulator composed of first, second and third ink supply rods connected in series. The flow-regulator has a plurality of fins around its circumference which cooperatively define a labyrinth groove. The spacing between fins varies from the front end to the rear end of the flow-regulator, with the widest spacing occurring at the front end, towards the writing tip of the pen.

Abstract: A ball-point pen for water-soluble ink having a barrel with a vent hole, a cylindrical ink reservoir covered except at its exposed front and rear ends, and an ink feed core for supplying ink from the reservoir to a ball at the pen writing tip is provided with a hollow inner cover member comprising a cylindrical holding part for covering and holding a relatively long front portion of the reservoir and a cylindrical shielding part for partitioning the front exposed part of the reservoir and the feed core from the vent hole, the inner cover member being secured within the barrel by press-fitting the front end of the shielding part into a bore of the front end part of the barrel. Passages are provided for communication between the vent hole and the rear exposed end of the reservoir. Leakage of ink due to causes such as temperature change and impact force imparted to the barrel in the longitudinal direction thereof is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A projectable or push-out type writing instrument cartridge, such as a projectable cartridge for a ball point pen, has a filler impregnated with an aqueous ink, a writing point at its one end, a device for feeding the ink to the writing point, and an end plug mounted in the other end of the cartridge. The plug has an air passage which satisfies a predetermined condition. Preferably, the end plug consists of an inner rod and an outer tube which receives the inner rod in such a manner that the air passage is formed between the rod and the tube. The cartridge is secured in the casing of the instrument, and is projectable to a writing position.

Abstract: An improvement in a ballpoint pen having an ink cartridge with a writing nib slidably mounted in the body of the pen and translatable between a resting position wherein the nib is retracted within the body of the pen and a writing position wherein the nib is disposed outside of the pen body, the ink cartridge being provided in the vicinity of the nib with at least one orifice for supplying the ink cartridge with air, the improvement including a chamber sealed from the ambient atmosphere in both the resting and writing positions, the orifice being disposed within the chamber, and an interruptable sealing mechanism for establishing communication between the chamber and the ambient atmosphere whenever the ink cartridge is translated between the resting and writing positions.

Abstract: A ball-point writing instrument in which dislodging of the rotating ball as a result of accidental droppage on a hard surface is prevented by employing an ink reservoir construction designed to prevent propagation of a travelling pressure step in the column of ink above the rotating ball.

Abstract: A writing instrument of an extremely simple structure in which stored ink previously extruded upon increase of the internal pressure of an ink chamber is subsequently sucked up by decrease of the internal pressure of the ink chamber and returned to the ink chamber, thereby preventing the outputting of ink drops in a downward orientation of pen, particularly when a large amount of ink is stored.

Abstract: A ball point pen writing instrument capable of being simply filled in aqueous ink solution and fitted with a ball point pen to be used as an ordinary writing instrument. When the ink is exhausted it can be refilled for use in the same manner as an ordinary fountain pen.

Abstract: A writing implement is provided having a body comprised of a pencil end-segment and a pen end-segment. Slideably mounted within the pencil end-segment is a carriage member having a tubular holder for receiving the inner end of a length of lead. The carriage member is provided with a cantilevered arm having an arcuate outer edge which normally bears against serrations provided on the inner wall of the pencil end-segment to effectively lock the carriage member in position. The carriage member can be released and slideably moved to feed the tip of the length of lead for writing by depressing a button on the end of a stem which extends through a longitudinal slot in the pencil end-segment and serves to free the arcuate outer edge of the arm. The pen end-segment, which is threadably detachably connected to the pencil end-segment, encloses a replaceable unit including a magazine for ink and a ball point writing member.

Abstract: A barrel for a ball-point pen is formed with three concave surfaces extending along the length thereof. Such a construction facilitates the firm holding of the pen barrel in an untiring manner by the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of the hand of the user. To reduce the cost of the manufacture of the pen, the ink is contained in a hole extending through the longitudinal center of the barrel.

Abstract: The ink supply system of a fountain pen which defines a longitudinal path of ink flow from a reservoir in the pen barrel to a writing point projecting from the barrel includes an ink feeding member defining therein one portion of the ink path contiguously adjacent the writing point and a flow controlling member defining another portion of the path which connects the ink feeding member to the reservoir. The latter portion of the ink path is elongated and has an effective flow section smaller than the flow section in the feeding member.

Abstract: A pen plug particularly useful in ballpoint pens as a stopper to prevent back leakage of ink from the ink reservoir of such pens and yet function to allow passage of air into the pen interior. Such plugs include a plurality of substantially continuous synthetic filaments such as cellulose acetate, natural fibrous threads and synthetic filaments or mixtures of differing synthetic filaments bundled, braided and preferably encased in a plastic sheath.

Abstract: New ball point pen ink compositions are utilized to enhance the performance and very substantially extend the service life of ball pen ink cartridges by preventing the formation of an ink flow-blocking mass at the entrance to the brass or bronze nib or a mass which prevents the movement of the follower plug in a copper alloy cartridge. This is accomplished by dispersing in the ink proper one or more additives effective to prevent oxygen and moisture, which enter the cartridge and pass into the ink, from reacting with the metal constituents of the cartridge assembly to form metallic ions which react with ingredients of the ink proper in the formation of a flow-blocking mass.

Abstract: A non-retractable ball-point pen is disclosed which comprises an elongate ink cartridge, an elongate barrel having a longitudinal bore therethrough for receiving the cartridge and an end cap for tightly sealing one end of the elongate barrel and for engaging and retaining the cartridge in the barrel. The other end of the barrel has a polygonal cross-section with a diameter smaller than the writing tip of the cartridge. Hence, the walls of the barrel defining the polygonal cross-section frictionally grasp the writing tip and the non-engaging surfaces of these walls provide vent passageways in communication between the interior of the bore and the outside atmosphere for venting the cartridge.