CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN EVER-POINTED PENCILS, PENS, AND PENHOLDERS
Year: 1850

page_text: TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, we, HENRY
STEPHENS, of Stamford Street, Blackfriars Road, in the County of Surrey,
Writing Fluid Manufacturer, and EDWYN WYLDER, of Paddington, in the
County of Middlesex, Mechanist, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her present most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Royal Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Ireland, bearing date at Westminster, the Twenty-fourth day
of June, One thousand eight hundred and fifty, in the fourteenth year
of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors, give and grant unto
us, the said Henry Stephens and Edwyn Wylder, our exors, adññiors,. aud
assigns, Her especial licence; full power, sole privilege and authority, that we,
the said Henry Stephens and Edwyn Wylder, our exors, admors, and assigns,
or such others as we, the said Henry Stephens and Edwyn Wylder, our
exors, adññors, or assigns, should at any time agree with, and no others,
from time to time and at all times during the term of years. therein
expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and vend, within
England, Wales, and the Town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, our Invention of
"CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS IN EVER-POINTED PENCILS, PENS, AND PENHOLDERS;"
in which said Letters Patent is contained a proviso that we, the said Henry
Stephens and Edwyn Wylder, shall cause a particular description of the nature
of our said Invention, and in what manner the same is to be performed, by an
instrument in writing under our hands and seals, or under the hand and seal
of one of us, to be inrolled in Her Majesty's High Court of Chancery within

page_text: six calendar months next and immediately after the date of the said in part
recited Letters Patent, as in and by the same, reference being thereunto
had, will more fully and at large appear.
NOW KNOW YE, that in compliance with the said proviso, we, the said
Henry-Stephens and Edwyn Wylder, do hereby declare that the nature of our
said Invention, and the manner in which the same is to be performed, are
fully described and ascertained in and by the following statement thereof,
reference being had to the Drawings hereunto annexed, and to the figures and
letters marked thereon, that is to say :-
it
Our first improvement in ever-pointed pencils consists in so constructing
and arranging the parts constituting the motion as that they will contain and
propel a length of black lead, chalk, or other marking material nearly the
entire length of the pencil. Figure 1 is an external view, and Figure 2 an
internal view (partly in section) of an ever-pointed lead pencil in cedar (and
may be made in metal or other suitable material) constructed agreeably to
our said improvement, the lead being propelled out at the point by turning a
cap at the top of the pencil. A, A, is the cedar case, having a cylindrical
central aperture throughout its length, grooved or notched on one side, as
shewn by the cross section, Figure 3. B, B, is a metal wire bent round into a
spiral or helix the full length of the pencil, which helix fulfils the office of a
propelling screw, its internal dimensions being exactly that of the cylindrical
piece of lead or other marking material to be employed. The lower end of
the helix B, B, is filed off in a conical form so as to constitute a guiding tube
which enters the point of the pencil P. At each end of the helix B, B,
shoulders ', 62, are soldered or otherwise affixed, which work in recesses
countersunk in the upper and lower ends of the cedar case.
The upper
shoulder b terminates in a square wire or pin d. P is the pencil point of
ivory, metal, or other suitable material. c, c', c, is a traverse or propeller
(shewn separately at Figure 4), consisting of a piece of wire or metal bent or
cut into the form shewn, or other similar form, so that one portion of the
propeller may traverse up and down within the helix while another part
moves on the outside thereof within the groove cut in the cedar case for that
purpose. Figures 5 and 6 are forms of propellers answering to these require-
ments, and such as might be used for the purpose. C is a cap composed of
two concentric tubes or cones, viz., an inner tube e, which is screwed or
cemented fast on to the top of the cedar case, and an outer tube or cap C
which revolves freely upon the tube l. Within the cap C there is a square
hole which receives and fits the square pin d on the top of the helix, so that
when the cap C is turned the helix is compelled to turn with it. Tho

page_text: propeller c, c', c², being prevented from turning round in consequence of its
external limb c lying in the groove of the cedar case, moves up or down the
helix according to the direction in which it is turned. When the propellor
moves downward it propels the lead (or other marking material with which
the helix has been filled) out at the point P. To charge the pencil the point
P is taken off, and the cap C turned until the propeller is withdrawn to the top
of the pencil, when the lead or other marking material being inserted in the
helix and the point replaced, the pencil is ready for use.
Another modification of our improvements in over-pointed pencils is shewn
by Figures 7 and 8, Figure 7 being an external view and Figure 8 an
internal view (partly in section) of an ever-pointed pencil in cedar, in which
the lend or other marking material is propelled by turning a milled edge at
the lower or point end of the pencil. A, A, as before, is the cedar case;
B, B, the helix; c, c, c², the propeller. At the upper end of the helix there
is a shoulder & working in a recess countersunk in the cedar case. At the
lower end of the helix is affixed a socket b', shewn separately at Figure 9.
This socket has a shoulder f, which, as well as the part above, is cylindrical,
and works in a corresponding recess in the lower end of the cedar case.
Below the shoulder f the socket is square, and terminates in a screw to receive
the point P. A cylindrical cap g screws fast on to the end of the cedar case,
securing the helix and its socket 6 in its place. A circular disc h, milled on
its outer edge and having a square hole in its centre, is put on the square end
of the socket and held there by screwing on the point P. When the milled
edged disc h is turned the socket 6 and the helix B, B, necessarily turn with
it, and cause the propeller c, c', c³, to move up or down, and in moving down-
wards to propel the lead (or other marking material) with which the helix
B, B, is charged through the point P, as herein-before described.
Figures 10 and 11 shew another modification of our improvements in ever-
pointed pencils, consisting of a cedar or other case for lead, chalk, or other
marking material when used in a square or other form. A, A, as before, is
the cedar case. T, T, is a tube of the same form and dimensions as the.
marking material to be employed, formed by bending up a piece of thin metal,
one of its sides or angles being left open for the exterior limb of the pro-
pellor to project through. B, B. is a spiral wire or helix, within which the
tube T, T, is placed. c is the exterior limb of the propeller, moving up and
down on the outside of the helix, its interior limb c¹, c, being within the tube
T, T. Near the lower end of the tube T, T, there is a shoulder i working
in a recess in the cedar case, and held there by a cap piece k, which is screwed
on to the end of the case. The lower end of the tube T, T, below the

page_text: shoulder i, is slit open at two or more of its sides, and has a tendency to
expand for the convenience of filling it with lead, chalk, or other marking
material. The central opening through the cap piece k is conical, tapering
downwards, so that when it is screwed on the end of the pencil it closes the
lower end of the tube T, T, so as to grasp and hold with convenient firmness
the lead, chalk, or other marking material with which the tube is charged.
Our improvements in pens consist,-
of
Firstly, in the application of gutta percha to steel pens, for the purpose
giving to them a better action than is obtained from metal alone. In order
to carry out this our improvement, we manufacture steel pens of any approved
forms, and by means of piecing or grinding, or both combined, we make
them very soft between the shoulder and the nibs, and then apply a band of
gutta percha to the part so weakened, and thereby restore the requisite
strength and elasticity. The nature of this our improvement, and the manner
in which it is performed, is shewn by Figures 12 and 13. Figure 12 being
a back view of a steel pen weakened by means of the cuts and perforations
either with or without grinding on the upper surface. Figure 13 shews the
pen with a band of gutta percha placed around the weakened parts, the fibre
of the gutta percha being by preference arranged crossways of the pen, and
cemented thereto by heat. The edges of the gutta percha uniting on the
inside of the pen form a continuous band of that material, the two surfaces
of which, also uniting through the perforations of the pen, adhere perfectly,
and prevents the gutta percha from slipping or being rubbed off in use.
Steel pens thus treated have a more direct back action than can be obtained
from metal alone, approaching nearly to the ductile flexibility of the quill
with the increased durability of the metal point, which under these circum-
stances we prefer to leave harder than is usually done when the flexibility is
obtained solely from the metal.
Our improvement in pens consists, secondly, in forming metal barrel pens
with the barrel the reverse way to that in which they have hitherto been con-
structed, so as to receive the ink on the back from fountain penholders,
instead of receiving it on the under side, as heretofore. Figure 14 shews an
.
improved barrel pen constructed upon this principle. n is the nib, m the
shoulders, and 'the barrel, which, instead of being bent under in the usual
manner (as shewn by the dotted lines), is bent upward. When a barrel pen
so constructed is applied to a fountain penholder, the ink is delivered there-
from on to the back of the pen. By this means a better flow of ink is
ensured, and the writer is enabled to regulate the supply of ink with greater
nicety than when it is delivered on the under side of the pen out of his sight.

page_text: Note, that instead of the barrel and pen being formed together, as herein-
before described, a slip pen may be constructed agreeably to this our improve-
ment, and used in a suitably formed holder, to produce a like effect.
Our improvements in penholders have reference to fountain penholders.
Figure 15 is an external view of one of our improved penholders (which we
term a telescopic penholder), and Figure 16 a section of the same. This
penholder is composed of two glass tubes, an inner tube D and an outer one E.
The tube D is conical, and open at both ends, the lower end being made of a
suitable size to receive a barrel pin of the ordinary form, or of the improved
form herein-before described. Near the opposite end of the tube D
small channel or groove o is sunk around the tube for the reception of an
elastic band or washer. The tube E is cylindrical, closed at its upper end,
and of such a size as to slide freely upon the tube D, the interposed elastic
washer at o causing it to move in an air-tight manner. When the instru-
ment is to be charged it is held in the position shewn in Figure 15, its lower
end being immersed in a vessel containing ink. The tubo E is drawn up into
the position shewn by the dotted lines, when, a partial vacuum being formed
within the tubes, the ink will rise in the tube D, and the instrument is ready
for use. A pen being placed on the holder, and the tube E occasionally
depressed, a constant supply of ink will be given to the pen until the whole
is used up. Figure 17 shews another modification of this penholder, in which
we employ a flexible material over an opening in the glass to facilitate the
flow of ink to the pen. Figure 18 is a section of the same. D, as before, is
the inner tube, and E the outer one. In this arrangement the tube D is
made with an enlarged chamber near its lower end, having an opening on one
side j. Round this enlarged chamber a band or tube of gutta percha, or other
flexible material is cemented, so as to close the opening in a water-tight manner.
This penholder is charged with ink in the manner already described, and
the ink is in like manner forced down to supply the pen by occasionally
depressing the tube E. The instrument being held so that the fore-finger or
thumb rests upon the flexible material immediately over the opening j, it is
found that the intermittent pressure given almost involuntarily in the the act of
writing induces a flow of ink into the pen so as to maintain a supply without
depressing the tube E so frequently as is necessary in the former case. By
depressing the tube E at longer intervals, therefore, a supply of ink will be
given to the pen until the reservoir is emptied. Figures 19 and 20 are
internal and external representations of another modification of our telescopic
penholder. F is a cylindrical glass tube open at both ends, its lower end

page_text: being of a suitable size to receive a barrel pen. G is a cylinder of burnt
cork, which fits the interior of the tube F so as to move therein in an air-
tight manner. H is a hemispherical topped tube of metal, which slides freely
on the outside of the tube F, and to this tube the cylinder of burnt cork G is
attached by a wire and screw nut, its inner extremity being covered with
cement to keep the screw out of contact with the ink. The burnt cork moves
up and down inside the tube F, and, acting as a piston or plunger, draws in or
forces out the ink, and thus constitutes a fountain penholder, having this
advantage in common with those already herein-before described, that the
ink is kept out of contact with metal until it reaches the pen, whereby it will
remain uninjured and fit for use, for a considerable length of time.
Our next improvement in penholders has reference to hydrostatic penholders,
in which the ink flows by its own gravity from the reservoir to the pen.
Figure 21 is an external view and Figure 22 a section of one of these instru-
ments. I is a tube which forms an inkholder, its upper end being closed
by a screw cap, having one or more apertures for the admission of air, but
which may be closed at pleasure by means of a screw plug Q, an elastic washer
being interposed between its shoulder and the top of the tube; or a sliding
regulator may be employed for this purpose. At the opposite extremity of
the instrument there is a hollow stem or holder R for the reception of a
barrel pen, or a barrel holder for a slip pen, its opening a being so arranged
as to correspond with the slit of the pen, when the action of the slit in writing
indices a continuous flow of ink from the holder to the nib of the pen, and
dropping of superfluous ink is in a great measure prevented. Between the
stem R. and the inkholder I a cylindrical passage runs crossway of the pen-
holder, communicating with each by two small apertures directly opposite each
other. s is a plug or piston of gutta percha, or other suitable material, fitting
accurately into the cylindrical passage, and having a deep groove cut round
near its middle. Beneath the piston s there is a small spiral or other spring,
which keeps the piston in the position shewn in the Drawing, whereby the
communication between the pen and the inkholder is perfectly closed. On the
upper part of the pin s there is a stud, by pressing down of which the
groove around the piston is brought opposite the two openings before
mentioned, when the ink flows from the reservoir I down the stem R to the
pen. S is a cap tube which encloses the piston and spring. This penholder
is charged by removing the cap and pouring the ink in at the top of the instrn-
ment; when filled the cap is replaced. When required for use the plug Qis
to be unscrewed a few turns so as to open a communication with the atmo

page_text: sphere. A pen being placed on the stem or holder R and the instrument held
so that the forefinger or thumb rests upon the stud r², a gentle pressure
thercon opens the communication, and allows a portion of the ink to flow
down into the pen, as required.
Figure 23 shews another form of this penholder, in which the air is admitted
at the upper end of the inkholder simultaneously with the flow of ink at the
lower end. This is accomplished by means of a lever I', pivoted on the outside
of the tube, its lower end resting on and removing with the stud r². The upper
end of the lever covers and closes a small opening in the side of the tube I.
On depressing the stud to permit the ink to flow down to the pen, the lever I'
rises at the opposite end and opens the air hole at the upper end of the tube.
As soon as the pressure is removed the stud rises and shuts off the ink,
and the lever I at the same instant closes the air hole, so that air can only
enter the inkholder while the ink is flowing out.
Figures 24 and 25 are external and internal representations of another
hydrostatic penholder closely resembling that herein-before described and
shown at Figure 21, except that instead of a piston acting perpendicularly,
a revolving cock is employed to open and shut the communication
between the pen and the inkholder. Figure 24 u is a conical or cylin-
drical plug accurately fitting and turning in a corresponding aperture at
the lower end of the inkholder. On one side of the plug u a deep
notch is cut, which, when brought in a line with two small apertures
communicating the one with the inkholder and the other with the pen,
allows tho ink to flow from the former to the latter, but when at rest
the plug is turned so as to communicate with only one of these openings,
when no ink can pass. At each end of the plug u there is a square projection,
over each of which one arm of a saddle spring V is placed, an elastic washer
being interposed to make all tight and prevent the escape of ink. The
upper end of the spring V rests upon the tube I, and keeps the plug u in the
position shewn, the communication between the pen and inkholder being
slut. Ou pressing down the arch of the spring V the plug u will be turned
partly round, and a communication between the pen and ink opened. On
releasing the spring V the plug u resumes its former position and shuts off
the ink.
Figure 26 is another form of hydrostatic penholder. I is the inkholder,
formed at its upper end like Figure 21, but having at its lower end an internal
cylindrical chamber or recess, in one side of which there is a small opening w.
Rs is the stem or holder, the inner end of which is equipped with an india-
rubber band a, that slides within the chamber at the lower end of the ink-

page_text: holder. A short spiral spring y, interposed between a screw cap z and a
shoulder on the stem R³, keeps the open end of the latter in contact with the
top of the chamber, when the india-rubber band lays over and closes the
opening wand prevents the escape of ink. A small stud z, affixed to the
stem R³, moves up and down in a straight or spiral slot in the lower end of the
cap Z. The stud z being pushed downward towards the pen, the india-
rubber band uncovers the hole w, and the ink flows into the upper end of
the tube or stem R³, and thence down to the pen. On releasing the stud
z the spring y carries the stem R³ up into its original position, and prevents
the flow of any more ink until it is again depressed.
What we claim as new and of our Invention in respect of our improvements
in ever-pointed pencils, is the employment of an internal helix in lieu of a
propelling screw, whereby we are enabled to propel a length of lead, chalk, or
other marking material nearly the entire length of the pencil, as herein-before
described and shewn by Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.
In respect of our improvements in pens, we claim as new and of our
Invention,―
Firstly, the application of gutta percha to metal pens in the manner and
for the purpose herein-before described and shewn by Figures 12 and 13. .
Secondly, we claim the construction of barrel or other pens in metal in the
manner and for the purpose herein-before described and shewn by Figure
14.
In respect of our improvements in ponholders, we claim,―
Firstly, the use and adaptation of glass to fountain penholders, whereby the
ink is kept from contact with metal until it reaches the pen, as herein-before
described and shewn by Figures 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20.
Secondly, we claim the application of a flexible material to fountain pen-
holders in the manner and for the purpose herein-before described and shewn
by Figures 17 and 18.
Thirdly, we claim the several modes of constructing hydrostatic penholders,
in which the flow of ink by its own gravity is regulated and controled as
herein-before described and shewn by Figures 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26.
In witness whercof, we, the said Henry Stephens and Edwyn Wylder,
have hereunto set our hands and seals, this Twenty-third day of
December, in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and

page_text: AND BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the Twenty-third day of December,
in the year of our Lord 1850, the aforesaid Henry Stephens and Edwyn
Wylder came before our said Lady the Queen in Her Chancery, and
acknowledged the Specification aforesaid, and all and every thing therein
5 contained and specified, in form above written. And also the Specification
aforesaid was stamped according to the tenor of the Statute made for that
purpose.