Improvements in Pen-holders.
Year: 1890

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Pen-holders.
I, THEODOR BIERMANNS of 42 Bonne Nouvelle Paris, in the Republic of France,
do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
This invention relates to an improved electro-therapeutic pen holder, the main
object of which is to prevent excess of fatigue and consequent cramps in the hand,
from long terms of writing and also to strengthen the nerves of the hand.
In the accompanying drawings is represented an example of the improved
electro-therapeutic pen holder. It consists of a brass tube A forming the positive
pole and is provided at the end with a sleeve B adapted to receive the pen.
Within the tube A is contained a zinc rod Z integral with the part M of the pen
holder, on to which rod is wound a cord or wrapping of cotton, silk, wool or
equivalent material which separates the brass A from the zine Z.
To prevent communication between the tube A and the rod Z a ferrule or washer R
is interposed between the tube and the metal part M of the holder. This ferrule or
washer is preferably made of india-rubber, but may instead be composed of ivory,
ebonite, or other insulating material.
When it is desired to use the pen holder, the part M is pulled, so as to cause the
zine rod Z with its cotton or equivalent sheathing C, to be drawn out of A. Both
the zinc and cotton are then dipped into acidulated water or vinegar and then
reinstated in their original position.
In this manner a regular voltaic battery is obtained, the brass and zine being, as in
the latter exposed to the action of the acid which in this example is contained or
absorbed in the textile fabric.
The positive pole is represented by the tube A and the negative pole by the metal
part A of the holder this part M being an extension of the zinc rod Z, and the poles
are kept apart from each other by an insulator R.
This pen holder is used in the same manner as an ordinary pen holder. It will
however be seen, by reference to the drawing, that the brass tube or positive pole A
is in contact with the fingers, while the part M of the holder, in a line with the zinc
or negative pole Z touches the hand at the base of the fore finger. Thus it will be
seen that it is the writer's hand which closes the circuit of the voltaic battery and
which consequently receives the current.
The device is obviously capable of various modifications, to neither of which do
I limit myself provided the same object is attained; the tube A for example may be
made of zinc and the rod Z of brass, and the said rod whether made of brass or zinc,
may be of any suitable shape, it can for instance be in the form of a tube, so as to
ensure greater lightness.
The part M of the holder can be provided with metal on one side only and have
insulating material on the other side so that if the writer does not wish to receive the
current, all he has to do is to give the pen holder half a turn, so that the insulating
material is alone in contact with the band.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed, 1 declare that what I
claim is :-
1. An electro-therapeutic pen holder forming a voltaic pile and consisting of a
preferably brass part which represents the positive pole and a zinc part forming the
negative pole, so that, when the pen holder is in use, one pole is in contact with the
fingers, while the other pole is in contact with the main part of the hand, whereby a

page_text: circuit is completed through the hand, substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
2. In an electro-therapeutic pen holder a brass or zinc tube forming the positive
pole, in combination with a zinc or brass rod located within the said tube and having
a wrapping of cotton or other absorbent material soaked with vinegar or other acid or
acidulated water wound round it, for the purpose of obtaining a voltaic pile, substantially
as described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
3. In an electro-therapeutic pen holder, a ferrule or washer such as R of india-
rubber, ebonite, ivory or other insulating material, whereby the brass part forming
the positive pole is insulated from the part of the holder integral with tho zinc and
forming the negative pole, all substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Dated this 21st day of June 1890
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.