IMPROVEMENTS IN FOUNTAIN PENS OR WRITING INSTRUMENTS CARRYING THEIR OWN SUPPLY OF INK
Year: 1880

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to William Phillips Thompson, of the Firm of W. P. Thompson
and Co., of 6, Lord Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, and 323, High
Holborn, in the County of Middlesex, International Patent Agent, for an
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN FOUNTAIN PENS OR WRITING INSTRUMENTS
CARRYING THEIR OWN SUPPLY OF INK." A communication from abroad by
Alexander Matheson Sutherland, and Francis Cashol Brown, both formerly
of Canada, but now residing in Brooklyn and New York City, respectively, in
the State of New York.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by the said William Phillips Thompson in
the Great Seal Patent Office on the 27th February 1880.
A
WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, of the Firm of W. P. Thompson and Co, of 6, Lord
Street, Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster, and of 323, High Holborn, in the
County of Middlesex, International Patent Agent. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FOUNTAIN
PENS OR WRITING INSTRUMENTS CARRYING THEIR OWN SUPPLY OF INK."
communication from abroad by Alexander Matheson Sutherland and Francis Cashiol
Brown, both formerly of Canada, but now residing in Brooklyn and New York
City, respectively, in the State of New York.
This Invention relates to that class of fountain pens called "stylographic fountain
pens," in which an air tube in combination with a valve having a downwardly
projecting needle or stylus, or a stylus alone, is employed for the purpose of causing
the ink, which is contained in the barrel or case of the pen, to flow in a thin,
steady, and uninterrupted stream through an aperture in the point of the pen,
while the said needle, which projects a short distance beyond the writing point of
the pen, is pressed down upon the paper, thus opening the aperture, and of shutting
off the flow of ink through this aperture when the point of the needle is removed
from the paper, the valve, or the needle itself, when the enlarged valve is dispensed
with, being then forced down upon a corresponding seat by means of a spiral
spring, or its equivalent, and preventing any escape of ink from the barrel through
this aperture.

page_text: The improvements consist in various details of construction, as hereinafter fully
set forth, and are illustrated in the accompanying Drawings, in which similar letters
illustrato corresponding parts.
In the Drawings Fig. 1 is an elevation, and Fig. 2 a central longitudinal section
showing the pen when not in use; Fig. 3 is a central longitudinal section of one
form of the barrel or ink reservoir on an enlarged scale; Fig. 4 in an enlarged
central longitudinal section of the point section of the pen; Fig. 5 (Y) an elevation
partly in section of the air-tube on an enlarged scale, and Fig. 5 (Z) a plan of the
sume at x, x, Fig. 5 (Y); Fig. 6, an enlarged elevation of the valve, and Fig. 7 a
longitudinal section of the same; Fig. 8, an enlarged view of a needle or stylus
having a bulbous head, and provided with an iridium point; Fig. 9, an enlarged
section of the perforated metallic writing point illustrative of its construction, how
it is applied to the point section, and its iridium tipping; Fig. 10, an elevation of
the pen in readiness for use, the point cover being removed, & the air cap raised
from its seat, the needle or stylus slightly projecting beyond the writing point;
Fig. 11, a central longitudinal section of a pen provided with a modified form of
the valve mechanism, said valve mechanism being shown in clevation, and attached
to the end of the air-tube; Fig. 12, a central longitudinal section illustrating the
valve mechanism employed in Fig. 11, and Fig. 13 details of said mechanism;
Fig. 14, central longitudinal and transverse sections of modifications of the pen
barrel in which the air-tube is formed in the wall of the barrel; Fig. 15, central
longitudinal and transverse sections of a barrel formed by an interior and an
exterior tube having an air passage between them; Fig. 16, an enlarged vertical
section of the point section showing the air passage formed in the wall of the same;
Fig. 17, a plan of the same at its point of connection with the body of the barrel;
Fig. 18, a central longitudinal section illustrating other modifications in the
arrangement of the valve mechanism; Fig. 19, a central longitudinal section
illustrating a combination of the valve mechanism shown in Figs. 11, 12, and 13,
with the air-tube arrangement shown in Figs. 14, 15, 16, and 17; Fig. 20, section
and plan of the point section showing a modification of the attachment for the
valve mechanism illustrated in Fig. 19; Fig. 21, detached enlarged views of the
point cover and of the air cap; Fig. 22, a central longitudinal section showing
another modification of the valve mechanism arranged within the lower end of the
air-tube. The same essential parts are embodied in all the various modifications.
of the writing instrument or stylographic pen here shown and described, which
modifications constitute improvements on the writing instrument for which English
Letters Patent, No. 2497, were granted to Duncan Mackinnon, bearing date July 12,
1875.
These consist of the barrel or caso A, A¹, which contains the ink, the air
tube B, B¹, extending down to a point near the top of the valve C, and the valve C
itself, with its needle or stylus c projecting, when the pen is in readiness for but
not actually in use, beyond the extremity of the writing point c In some modifi-
cations this stylus alone acts as a valve. An adjustable air-cap D protects the
upper end of the pen, and when screwed close down upon a corresponding shoulder
of the air-tube B renders that extremity of the pen air and ink-tight, but when
slightly raised permits air to obtain access to the air-tube. This object is effected
by forming a groove or grooves on the upper portion of the air-tube to which the
cap is fitted, or by flattening one side thereof so as to constitute an air duct or
ducts. The interior portion of this cap is provided with a cushion of rubber or
other impervious material forming an air-tight joint when the cap is screwed down.
At its top is formed a tapering projection D to hold the point cover when the pen
is in usc.
A point cover E screws on to the lower end of the point section of the
case A' over the writing point, or is secured there by friction; this is provided with
an interior cushion of rubber or equivalent material which, when the cover is in
place, renders that end of the pen air-tight, and also serves as a cushion for the
projecting end of the needle or stylus c.

page_text: The case of the pen is inado in two sections A, A', the lower or point section A
screwing into the other, as shown in Figs. 2, 11, 18, 19, and 22.
To the point section A' the writing point a is secured in a manner hereinafter
more particularly described. The upper end of the barrel A is in general
bermetically closed, so that air can only obtain admission into the barrel through
the air-tube B, but in some modifications of the pen may be open.
The air-tube B is made in two or more parts, the lower one of which B' screws
or fits tightly within the other so as to permit either of an elongation or shortening
of the whole tube within certain limits, and to facilitate cleansing; its lower end,
which is flat and closed, has one or more lateral apertures b' through which air is
admitted into the barrel, and this lower end may serve as an abutment for the
upper end of the spring c¹ by which the valvo C is pressed down upon its seat.
The air-tube B may also be formed in the wall of the barrel, as shown in Figs. 14,
15, 16, 17, 19, 20. In this case an annular groove x is formed around the base of
the point section, which communicates with the ink-chamber through slanting
passages, and admits air thereto, as is shown in Figs. 16 and 17. In the
modification illustrated in the transverse section, Fig. 14 (III.), the air-tube is
attached to the side of the barrel. Another mode of construction, shown in Fig. 15
[P], is as follows:-Within the barrel A. may be secured, by means of lugs or
projections at top and bottom, a tube or cylinder A of slightly less external
diameter than the internal diameter of the barrel A, so as to leave a slight space
between the two cylinders. The inner tube extends a slight distance above the
outer one, and this projecting portion is screw-threaded to receive the air cap D.
The point section used in conjunction with this tubular form of barrel is that
shown in Figs. 16 and 17, and the valve mechanism may be somewhat similar to
that shown in Figs. 6 and 7, arranged as in Fig. 18, or to that shown in Figs. 12
and 13, arranged as shown in Figs. 19 or 20.
A preferred form of construction of this tubular case is shown in Fig. 15, Q, both
tubes being of the same length. The upper and lower portions of the interior
tube A are made sufficiently large to fit tightly within the cylindrical outer
barrel A, and are perforated longitudinally by air ducts 12. The intermediate
portion is made inwardly curved in its exterior section, or of somewhat smaller
diameter externally toward the middle; in this case the inner cylinder is retained
in place by frictional contact. Within the top end of the interior tube is fitted
a plug G with screw-threaded head g which receives the air cap D. When con-
structed as shown in Figs. 2, 5, 11, 18, centrally of the barrel, the upper portion
of the air-tube B comprises an upper screw-threaded portion 62 on which the
correspondingly interiorly screw-threaded cap 1 fits; this screw-thread is longi-
tudinally grooved, or has a flattened portion 66 constituting the air duct or ducts
before referred to. The enlarged intermediate portion 6s of the tube is of the same
diameter as the exterior of the barrel, and, in conjunction with the part 64, which
corresponds in diameter to the interior of the barrel, closes the upper end of this
latter and renders it air and ink-tight.
The valve C admits of several modifications. As shown in Fig. 2 it is of slightly
smaller diameter than the point section A¹ of the barrel, and is entirely surrounded
by the ink contained therein. Its bottom, which rests on a corresponding seat
formed in the point section, is alone relied on to cut off the flow of ink. In the
arrangement shown in Figs. 6 and 7 the valve is made tubular for the purpose of
receiving the spiral spring by which it is pressed down upon its seat, and fits
closely into the barrel, though not sufficiently so to prevent freedom of motion.
Its sides have longitudinal grooves which permit the ink to flow past it to the
aperture in the pen point. Its lower end is closed by a screw plug c² which has a
spherical opening at its lower end to receive the bulbous head of the stylus c, and
which forms therewith a ball and socket joint, and its upper end is slotted or other-
wise fitted to take a key or screw-driver by which it is longitudinally adjusted, its
periphery being screw-threaded to fit a corresponding thread in the lower portion

page_text: of the valve. By this means the proper degree of protrusion of the stylus from the
end of the pen point is regulated.
One form of needle or stylus which is commonly employed is shown in Fig. 8.
It has a spherical or bulbous head, and is made slightly tapering toward the point
to fit the aperture in the point of the pen, Fig. 9, and close the same to prevent the
escape of ink. Its tip is made of iridium soldered to the body of the needle in any
suitable manner. In the modifications shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13, 19, 22, it may be
made only very slightly tapering or of equal diameter throughout. The object of
making it tapering is to give a fine point and impart additional strength.
Another modification of the valve mechanism is shown in Figs. 11, 12, 13. In
this arrangement the upper end of the spiral spring c¹ abuts against a threaded
disk c³ adjustable within a case B3 adapted to screw on the correspondingly threaded
lower end of the air-tube and containing the entire valve mechanism. The degree
to which the needle protrudes from the end of the pen or writing point is regulated
by screwing this case upward or downward on the air-tube.
The disk serves to regulate the pressure of the spring upon the needle. It has a
slot or apertures adapted to receive a key or screw driver by which it is adjusted.
As shown at Fig. 19, the valve may have an upwardly projecting rod S attached,
which rod may either be made to extend throughout the whole length of the barrel
and secured at the top thereof, or may be made short with a screw-threaded head
which engages in screw-threads formed in the interior of the barrel, as shown in
Fig. 19, S'. Instead of using the case B2 with its contained mechanism a simple
needle-valve actuated by a spring may be attached to the end of this piece S¹, as
shown in Fig. 19, T. When this is employed the air-tube is made through the wall
of the pen. By adjusting this piece S¹ up or down the proper degree of protrusion
of the needle from the end of the pen is effected.
In a preferred form of construction, illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, the needle is
provided with a stop c³ to prevent its being pushed back too far by accident or
otherwise. The detached parts of this arrangement are shown in Fig. 13, c¹ being
the spring; ca plan, and c³ a section of the disk; c', the stop.
Fig. 22 shows another modification of the valve mechanism on the same general
plan, the air-tube being formed in three parts, the two lower connected together
either by a telescopic or screw-threaded joint; the lower part of the central section
serves as an abutment for the spring, and the stylus is provided with a second stop
against which the lower extremity of the spring presses, and which also serves to
prevent undue protrusion of the needle. The upper portion of the needle is pro-
longed and enters a short way into the bore of the central section B' of the air-tube,
serving to keep the spring in placo.
Still another modification of the valve mechanism, similar in its general features
to that shown in Fig. 2, is exhibited in Fig. 18. In this tho disk is fitted into
the point section of the pen, and serves as an abutment for the spring c¹ which
presses against the valve C.
Apertures are formed in the disk allowing the flow
of ink therethrough, and which may receive a key for adjusting the disk.
A plug
Fig. 18, R, fitting within the upper part of the point section is found very useful
to prevent the valve from falling out when the upper and point sections are detached
from each other.
Figs. 19 and 20 illustrate a form of pen in which the valve mechanism is the
saine as that shown in Figs. 12 and 13, excepting that the valve mechanism in
Fig. 19 is attached to a central rod instead of to the end of the air-tube, as shown
in Figs. 11 and 12. In Fig. 20 the valve mechanisin is held in place by a perforated
disk, or the valves shown in Figs. 6 and 7 arranged as shown in Fig. 18 may be
used. In these the air-tube is constructed within or attached to the walls of the
barrel and point section, as shown in Figs. 14, 16, and 17, or is formed between the
walls of two independent tubes, as shown in Fig. 15.
The point cover shown in Fig. 21 may be adapted either to screw onto the point
section of the pen or be fitted so tightly thereto as to be held by frictional contact.

page_text: It has an interior packing of rubber or equivalent material which effectually prevents
the escape of ink from the ink-chamber, and at the same time acts as a cushion to
protect the point of the stylus or needle.
The tip a of the pen, shown on an enlarged scale in Fig. 9, is composed of four
or more parts, the upper portion being preferably of non-corrosive material similar
to that of the body of the pen, such as hard rubber, the intermediate portion a' of
gold or gold alloy, and the extreme tip a² of a single grain of iridium centrally
bored or drilled and ground to a conoidal point. To a central tube a³ is first
secured the tapering band a¹; the iridium point a² is then soldered both to the
band a' and central tube a³. This internal tube, which projects beyond the band
a', is forced into the corresponding opening in the point section, and the compound
tip is theu held in place by frictional contact.
The operation of the pen is as follows:-
First. To fill the pen when constructed as illustrated in Figs. 2, 11, 18, the
air-cap being screwed down and the point section being separated from the upper
section of the barrel, ink is introduced into the open lower end of the chamber A
by means of a rubber bulb-syringe or otherwise, the pen being held in an inclined
position until the chamber is nearly full.
Second. The barrel and point section are then again connected, the cap D is
raised, and the point cover E secured in place, if not already there; the air-cap D
is then screwed down, and the pen is in readiness for being carried in the pocket
or otherwise without danger of ink escaping from the chamber, as the admission of
air thereto is prevented by the closing of the air-tube, and the valve C is pressed
down firmly upon its seat.
When constructed as shown in Fig. 15 with the air-tube surrounding an interior
cylinder the ink-chamber is filled from the top, the air-cap being removed for that
purpose; or it may be filled the same as in Figs. 2, 11, and 18.
For use the air-cap is first raised sufficiently to expose the lower portion of the
air duct or ducts bo communicating with the upper end of tho air-tube B, and then
the point cover is removed. The stylus now projects beyond the aperture in the
tip à and closes it; the valve C being also down upon its sent no escape of ink can
ensue. When the point of the pen is applied to the paper the pressure raises the
stylus, permitting the ink to flow around it in a thin annular stream, which is
immediately cut off when the point is lifted from the paper.
In this way the pen being guided by the hand of the writer letters, figures, and
words are formed.
Having thus fully set forth the construction and operation of this improved
writing instrument or stylographic pen, as communicated to me by my foreign
correspondents, I wish it to be understood that what I believe to be new and desire
to clain is,-
1. The air tube B, B', formed in two or more sections, and having the threaded
head provided with air duct or ducts 6, enlarged section 6³, and part b* closely
fitting the interior of the barrel.
2. A valve C with needle or stylus c and spring c¹ arranged within its top
portion, as and for the purposes described.
3. A valve C provided with a spring c¹ and an adjustable swiveled needle, as
and for the purpose described.
4. The barrel of a fountain pen having an opening formed longitudinally
through its wall from top to bottom edge, and serving as an air passage, as shown
and described.
5. The point section of a fountain pen formed with a groove around its top edge
and an inwardly slanting aperture or passage, substantially as described and
shown.
6. A fountain pen case formed with a continuous air duct or passage directly in
the body thereof, said air duct commencing at the top edge of the barrel and
terminating near the lower end and in the point section of the pen.

page_text: 7. In combination with a fountain pen barrel formed of two tubes or cylinders
arranged substantially as described, a point section having an air inlet or passage
constructed within its wall, as described and shown.
8. In combination with the case of a fountain pen having an air passage formed
through the wall thereof extending from and opening at the top end thereof, and
terminating at the lower and interior portion of the pen, a valve mechanism
arranged and operating within the point section of the pen, substantially as and
for the purposes described.
9. The barrel of a fountain pen constructed with an air-tube secured along its
inner wall, and extending from top to or near the bottom thereof.
10. In combination with the point section A¹ the disk c³ adjustable therein, for
the purposes specified.
11. In combination with the point section of a fountain pen the case B³ with its
contained mechanism arranged within the point section and secured in position by
a disk or rod.
12. The combination and arrangement of the point section of a pen constructed
with an air passage, such as shown in Figs. 14 and 15, the valve C with needle or
stylus c, spring c¹, and adjustable disk c³, substantially as specified.
13. The combination of the point section of a pen constructed with an air
passage, such as is shown in Figs. 14 and 15, and a valve mechanism consisting of
an enclosing case B³, disk c³, spring c¹, and needle or stylus c, c^.
14. In combination with the air-tube an independent case secured to but adjust-
able thereon, and containing the valve mechanism, consisting of the adjustable
disk c³, spring c¹, and needle or stylus c with stop c*.
15. The case B containing the entire valve mechanism, consisting of the adjust-
able disk c³, spring c', and needle or stylus c with stop c'.
16. The writing end of a fountain pen formed of the central tube a³, tapering
band a soldered thereto, and iridium tip a² soldered to the central tube a³ and
tapering band a¹, in the manner set forth.
17. The combination and arrangement in a fountain pen of a needle or stylus for
controlling the flow of ink from the pen, a spring for cushioning said stylus, an
adjustable stop for the spring, and a stop for the stylus.
18. The point cover E constructed with a rubber cushion or packing in its
interior lower end, and ono or more lateral openings in its wall, substantially as
specified.
19. The air cap D constructed with a cushion in its top interior portion and
formed with a projecting portion D₁ to receive and hold the point cover when the
pen is in use.
20. The combination in a fountain pen of an air-tube terminating near the valve,
the valve with spring and adjustable needle constructed and arranged substantially
as described.
21. In combination with the point section of the pen the hollow plug R fitting
within the point section for the purpose of preventing the accidental escape of the
valve mechanism when the parts of the pen are separated.
22. In a fountain pen the piece S or its substantial equivalent secured within
the case whereby to attach the valve mechanism in position mado adjustable in
relation to the body or fixed part of the pen for the purpose of regulating the
protrusion of the stylus or needle from the pen point.
23. In a fountain pen in combination with the case formed with an air passage
through its walls a valve mechanism adjustably secured within said case, substan-
tially as described and shown.
24. A fountain pen formed of an interior ink tube and an exterior air inlet or
passage, which may be formed in the wall of the same or separate therefrom, a
valve mechanism and a bearing or support for the same, to which the valvo

page_text: mechanism may or may not be attached, said bearing being adjustably secured in
position in the pen, whereby the valve mechanism may be adjusted and the proper
protrusion of the needle or stylus from the pen point regulated.
In witness whereof, I, the said William Phillips Thompson, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Twenty fourth day of February, in the year
of our Lord 1880.
W. P. THOMPSON. (L.S.)