Improvements in or relating to Magazine Pencils.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 22nd Nov., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 1st Dec., 1893-Accepted, 8th Jan., 1894
Improvements in or relating to Magazine Pencils.
A communication by THE AMERICAN LEAD PENCIL COMPANY, of Hoboken, in
the County of Hudson and State of New Jersey, United States of America.
I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON, F.C.S., M.I.M.E., of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors, 6, Lord Street Liverpool and 6 Bank Street,
Manchester both in the County of Lancaster and 323 High Holborn in the
County of Middlesex, Civil Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
This invention has reference to improvements in magazine pencils, in which a
series of individual marking points are stored in the magazine, and which, by a
simple manipulation of the device, are successively projected in position for use and
are held in said position, while at the same time the used up or broken marking
point is ejected. The invention comprises the use of a magazine tube in which
the individual marking points are stored in a series one behind the other, and an
ejector which either moves with reference to the magazine tube or with reference
to which the magazine tube is moved longitudinally; or both the magazine tube and
the ejector are made movable longitudinally with reference to each other, and with
reference to a mantle which serves as the holder of the device.
A slot or slots are provided in the magazine tube, and the ejector is so constructed
as to enter the slot when an old point is to be ejected and a new point to be projected
in position for use, but is carried out of the slot after this operation has been
effected. Thus the ejector is normally held out of engagement with the marking
points but is made to engage the butt end of one marking point when a new one is
to be projected in position for use; the marking point thus engaged is propelled
forward and with it a number of marking points in advance of the one directly
acted upon are also propelled forward. The ejector also serves sometimes as the
means for preventing the rearward movement of the marking point which is in
position for use, or there may be independent means, such as small spring fingers
for preventing such rearward movement. In order to prevent the marking points
which are in advance of the ejector, from falling out of the magazine tube, the
latter is formed at its forward end with spring jaws which clasp the forward marking
point. The longitudinal movement of the ejector or of the magazine tube is
limited so that they can be moved only sufficiently to eject an old marking point
and to project a new one in proper position for use. The magazine is filled with
marking points from the rear end, which for this purpose has a clear opening,
which may be closed and ordinarily is closed by a cap, and this latter may at the
same time serve as a push piece for actuating the ejector or the magazine tube, or
both, by the pressure of the finger of the operator.
The arrangement may be such that the movement of the ejector or of the
magazine tube, or both, in both directions is effected positively by the operator, or
the arrangement may be such that only the movement in one direction is effected
by the pressure of the finger of the operator upon the push-piece and the movement
in the other direction is effected by a spring.
Dated this 21st day of November 1893.
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Magazine Pencils.
A communication by THE AMERICAN LEAD PENCIL COMPANY, of Hoboken, in
the County of Hudson and State of New Jersey, United States of America.
. I, WILLIAM PHILLIPS THOMPSON F.C.S. M.I.M.E. of the Agency for
Foreign Patent Solicitors 6, Lord Street, Liverpool and 6, Bank Street,
Manchester, both in the County of Lancaster and 323, High Holborn in the County
of Middlesex, Civil Engineer 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 has reference to improvements in magazine pencils, in which a
series of individual marking points are stored in the magazine, and which, by a
simple manipulation of the device are successively projected in position for use and
are held in said position, while at the same time the used up or broken marking
point is ejected. The invention comprises the use of a magazine tube in which
the individual marking points are stored in a series one behind the other, and
an ejector which either moves with reference to the magazine tube or with reference
to which the magazine tube is moved longitudinally; or both the magazine tube
and the ejector are made movable longitudinally with reference to each other, and
with reference to a mantle which serves as the holder of the device.
A slot or slots are provided in the magazine tube, and the ejector is so con-
structed as to enter the slot when an old point is to be ejected and a new point to
be projected in position for use, but is carried out of the slot after this operation
has been effected. Thus the ejector is normally held out of engagement with the
marking points but is made to engage the butt end of one marking point when a
new one is to be projected in position for use; the marking point thus engaged is
propelled forward and with it a number of marking points in advance of the one
directly acted upon are also propelled forward. The ejector also serves sometimes
as the means for preventing the rearward movement of the marking point which is
in position for use, or there may be independent means, such as small spring fingers
for preventing such rearward movement. In order to prevent the marking points
which are in advance of the ejector, from falling out of the magazine tube, the
latter is formed at its forward end with spring jaws which clasp the forward
marking point. The longitudinal movement of the ejector or of the magazine tube
is limited so that they can be moved only sufficiently to eject an old marking point
and to project a new one in proper position for use. The magazine is filled with
marking points from the rear end, which for this purpose has a clear opening, which
may be closed and ordinarily is closed by a cap, and this latter may at the same
time serve as a push piece for actuating the ejector or the magazine tube, or both,
by the pressure of the finger of the operator.
The arrangement may be such that the movement of the ejector or of the
magazine tube, or both, in both directions is effected positively by the operator, or
the arrangement may be such that only the movement in one direction is effected
by the pressure of the finger of the operator upon the push-piece and the movement
in the other direction is effected by a spring.
Two special forms of pencil embodying the fundamental features of the invention
are illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which :-
Figure 1, represents a longitudinal section of one form of the magazine pencil,
with the parts in their normal positions;
Figure 2, a like section, showing the pencil in the condition when the ejector
has engaged an individual marking point and has started the forward series of points
for the ejection of an old point and the projection of a new one ;

page_text: Figure 3, is a like section showing the parts in the position when the ejector has
completed its forward stroke, and
Figures 4 and 5, represent longitudinal sections of another form of pencil
embodying the invention.
The construction shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, will be first described, as
follows:
The main body of the case is a cylindrical tube 1, into the forward end of which
is fitted, with considerable friction, a thimble 2, the forward end of which is formed
into a tapering nozzle 3, which, where it merges into the cylindrical portion of the
thimble, has formed, in the interior, a ledge 4. This thimble may be held in the
cylinder 1, either by friction alone or it may be soldered to it, or otherwise secured
to the same.
Into the rear end of the cylinder 1, is fitted a sleeve 5, the rear edge
of which is slightly turned inwardly as indicated at 6. This sleeve 5, may also be
held in the cylinder 1, either by friction alone or may be soldered to the same.
In
the nozzle 3, is fixed by solder, or otherwise, the magazine tube 7, which extends
centrally through the case and projects at its forward end beyond the nozzle, where
it is formed into spring jaws 8, 8. A small collar 9, secured to the magazine tube
within the nozzle serves as a means for holding the magazine tube in a central
position. It is also practicable to fit the magazine tube with its collar, so tightly
in the nozzle that it may be held there by friction only, without being soldered to
the same; soldering, however, will ordinarily be preferable. The cylinder 1,
thimble 2, and sleeve 5, assembled as shown, may be considered as the case or
holder proper, the cylinder 1, being the main part of the same.
In that portion of the magazine tube which is within the cylindrical part of the
thimble 2, are formed, diametrically opposite each other, two longitudinal
slots 10, 10. In front of these slots and also on diametrically opposite sides of
the magazine tube there are incisions by which two spring tongues 11, 11, are
formed integral with the tube, and which are bent inwardly so as to project
with their free ends through the slots 12, formed by the incisions. A similar
incision is also made in the magazine tube at some point between the positions
of the slots 10, and the rearward end of the magazine tube, and the short
tongue 13, thus formed, is bent outwardly at right angles for a purpose which
will presently appear.
Surrounding the magazine tube is the cylindrical ejector tube 14, which at its
forward end is formed into two spring tongues 15, 15, which have a tendency to
enter and project through the slots 10, 10, of the magazine tube. At about the
middle of the ejector tube there is a longitudinal slot 16, into which the short
tongue 13, of the magazine tube projects. The ejector tube loosely surrounds the
magazine tube, so that it can be moved longitudinally over the same, and the
extent of this movement is limited in both directions by the tongue 13, and slot 16;
by the same means the ejector is also prevented from turning with reference to the
imagazine tube, the tongue 13, constituting a guide for the ejector.
It will now be seen that when the ejector is moved rearwardly, the spring
tongues 15, 15, will pass from the slots 10, 10, onto the solid portion of the
magazine tube as shown in Fig. 1, and in this position the forward end of the
slot 16, strikes against the short tongue 13, thus limiting the rearward movement
of the ejector. When from this position the ejector is moved forward, the spring
tongues 15, will ride down the edge of the slots 10, 10, projecting into and through
the same, as shown in Figure 2, and will approach the forward ends of these slots;
and ultimately the rearward end of the slot 16, will strike against the short
tongue 13, of the magazine tube, whereby the forward stroke of the ejector is
positively limited. Upon the ejector tube is placed a collar 17, and between this
collar and the ledge 4, of the thimble 2, there is a helical spring 18, which is in its
expanded condition when the forward end of slot 16, strikes against the short
tongue 13, and the spring tongues 15, have passed over the rear edge of the slots 10,
and onto the solid portion of the magazine tube, all as shown in Figure 1.
Into the sleeve 5, which constitutes a part of the case or handle, is fitted for

page_text: longitudinal movement therein, the sliding sleeve 19, the forward end of which is
enlarged either by a collar 20, as shown, or the tube may be widened at this point
by spinning or otherwise, so that the enlarged portion will move loosely within the
sleeve 5, while the inturned edge of the latter will serve as a limiting stop for the
outward movement of the sliding sleeve. Into this sliding sleeve is fitted
the removable cap or thumb piece 21. The ejector extends from about the rear
edge of the slots 10, in the magazine tube, beyond said tube until it abuts against
the head of the cap 21. In consequence of this construction, when the pencil case
is held by the user, and pressure is applied by one finger upon the cap, the ejector
is moved forward against the tension of the spring 18, and when the cap released,
the ejector is propelled back to its original position by said spring.
For filling the magazine with individual marking points 22, the cap 21, is
removed and a number of marking points are dropped into the magazine with their
points forward. It will be seen that the first point will drop down until it is
arrested by the spring fingers 11, and the other marking points will freely follow
the first, arranging themselves in a continuous series as shown, until the magazine
is filled. In order to bring the foremost marking point in position for use, the
ejector, together with the sliding sleeve 19, is pushed inwardly, thereby allowing
the spring fingers 15, to enter the slots 10 and abut against the rear end of the
second marking point of the series and push the same forward, which in turn
pushes the first marking point between and past the yielding spring fingers 11,
until the same close behind the rear end of that marking point. Pressure upon
the ejector is now released, which permits the same to again assume the position
shown in Fig. 1. This operation is repeated until the foremost marking point
projects between the spring jaws 8, 8, in position for use. An additional number
of marking points is then dropped into the magazine and the cap piece 21 is applied.
The magazine pencil is then ready for use in the condition shown in Fig. 1.
This
condition is marked by the following features:
The foremost marking point is held from dropping out by the spring jaws 8,
while the spring fingers 11, abut against the rear end of the third marking point,
thus preventing the first point which is in position for use, from being forced back
into the magazine by the axial pressure exerted in writing. The remainder of the
marking points are loose within the magazine. The spring 18, is extended; the
spring fingers 15, 15, are slightly beyond the rear ends of the slots 10, bearing on
the solid portion of the magazine tube, and the forward end of the slot 16, in the
ejector bears against the short tongue 13, struck out from the magazine tube.
If now the first marking point is used up or broken, and it is desired to eject
the same and place another point in position for use, it is only necessary to press
upon the cap piece 21, which bearing upon the ejector moves the same forward
with its spring fingers within the slots 10, bearing upon the butt end of a marking
point (in the present instance, the 5th of the series) and pushing all the forward
marking points forward until the first is ejected and the second is in position for
use, as shown in Fig. 3. By this movement the fourth of the series of marking
points was forced between the spring fingers 11, (see Fig. 2), which close behind
the butt of the same, as shown in Fig: 3. Pressure upon the cap is now released,
and the ejector assumes again the position shown in Figure 1.
It will thus be seen that not only are the used-up points positively ejected from
the magazine, but the new points are also positively propelled in position for use,
and are there held against slipping back into the magazine positively, and are held
from falling out by elastic pressure.
The same object may be secured by a great variety of other specific constructions,
and one particularly useful modification is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5.
In this modification the magazine tube 7, is not fixed in the nozzle 3, but passes
loosely through the same; it is, however, prevented from moving forwardly beyond
a certain distance by a small collar 23, which in one position of the magazine tube
abuts against the ledge 4, as shown in Fig. 5, while in another position of the
magazine tube this collar 23, is a short distance toward the right hand side from

page_text: the ledge 4, as shown in Fig. 4, and when the magazine tube is in this latter
position, beads 81, 81, formed on the spring jaws 8, 8, are in contact with the front
edge of the nozzle 3, so as to prevent further rearward movement. Thus it will
be seen that the magazine tube has only a limited longitudinal movement; its
forward movement being limited by the collar 23, and ledge 4, and its rearward
movement by the beads 8 and the front edge of the nozzle 3. The spring jaws
are normally so contracted that they will hold the forward marking point
sufficiently secure to prevent it from falling out, even when the edge of the nozzle 3,
does not ride upon the beads 8', 8¹.
In this construction the helical spring 18, is made of larger diameter than in the
construction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, so that the front end of this spring will be
seated well within the edge of the ledge 4, and allow the collar 23, to freely pass
through it and eventually bear upon the ledge 4, near its edge within the spring 18,
as shown in Fig. 5. In the construction shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, there is a
collar 17, between which and the ledge 4, the spring 18, extends, and this collar is
fixed to the ejector tube 14, while in the present instance this collar 17, is merely
slipped over the ejector tube until it strikes a bead 171, formed on the ejector tube;
by this construction the soldering of the collar 17, to the ejector becomes
unnecessary. In all other respects the construction of this modification of the
invention is or may be identical with the construction shown in Figures 1, 2
and 3.
The operation of this modification will now be easily understood.
Supposing the magazine filled with the series of marking points and the helical
spring expanded, so that the spring fingers 15, of the ejector are on the solid
portion of the magazine tube beyond the rear ends of the slots 10, 10. In this
condition of the device the forward end of slot 16 in the ejector tube has engaged
the short tongue 13 of the magazine tube and has drawn the latter backwardly so
that the collar 23, is a short distance toward the right from the ledge 4, and the
front of nozzle 3, rides partly upon the beads 81, 81, formed on the spring jaws 8, 8,
thereby compressing the latter tightly upon the forward marking point. This is
the normal condition of the device, which is illustrated in Fig. 4.
If now the worn, used up or broken, forward marking point is to be ejected and
a new point projected in position for use, the ejector tube is pushed forwardly by
the push-piece (shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3). By this movement the spring fingers 15,
enter the slots 10, and bear against the butt end of a marking point, as shown in
Fig. 5, and the whole forward series of marking points together with the magazine
tube are moved forwardly until the collar 23, strikes against the ledge 4, by which
time the beads 81, 81, are freed from the pressure of the edge of the nozzle, and the
jaws slightly expand, and only exert a gentle clamping pressure upon the forward
marking point. This is the phase of the operation shown in Fig. 5. If now the
forward movement of the ejector is continued (by continued pressure upon the
push-piece) the forward series of marking points are pushed through the magazine
until the worn point is ejected and a new point is in position for use, in the same
manner as in the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, i.e. as if the magazine
tube were fixed in the nozzle.
When the pressure upon the push piece is released, the parts return to their
original normal positions, as will now be readily understood.
One particular advantage of this modified construction is, that with the same the
marking points need not be all of exactly the same thickness, and in fact marking
points of different gages may be used without trouble.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondents, I declare that what I claim is :-
1. A magazine lead pencil comprising a magazine adapted to contain a series of
individual marking points, and an ejector by means of which the points are
positively ejected and renewed, substantially as described.

page_text: 2. A lead-pencil, comprising a magazine adapted to receive a number of
individual marking points, and a spring controlled push-piece and means actuated
thereby for positively ejecting and simultaneously renewing the points, substantially
as described.
3. In a magazine pencil, the combination of a magazine tube adapted to receive
a series of individual marking points, spring jaws on the tube for clamping a point
in position for use, and a push piece for positively ejecting and simultaneously
renewing the points, substantially as described.
4. In a magazine pencil, the combination of a magazine tube adapted to receive
a series of individual marking points and provided at the forward end with spring
jaws for clamping a point in position for use and open at the rear end for the
insertion of the points, with a push-piece for positively ejecting and simultaneously
renewing the points, substantially as described.
5. A magazine pencil adapted to receive a series of individual marking points,
having spring jaws at its forward end for clamping a point in position for use, a
removable cap at its rear end and a push piece for positively ejecting and simul-
taneously renewing the points, substantially as described.
6. A magazine lead-pencil having a magazine tube for the reception of a series
of individual marking points, fixed to the case or mantle and a longitudinally
movable ejector for positively ejecting the used-up points and positively projecting
new points in position for use, substantially as described.
7. The combination of a tubular case or mantle, a magazine tube fixed therein,
a longitudinally movable ejector adapted to project into the magazine when moved
in one direction and to withdraw from the same when moved in the other direction,
substantially as described.
8. In a magazine lead-pencil, the combination of a magazine tube fixed to the
case or mantle and adapted to receive a series of individual marking points, with a
longitudinally movable ejector adapted when moved in one direction to engage the
butt-end of an individual marking point so as to propel the forward series forwardly,
and fixed spring fingers projecting into the magazine tube for preventing the
rearward movement of the projected marking points, substantially as described.
9. In a magazine lead-pencil, the combination of a magazine tube fixed to the
case or mantle and adapted to receive a series of individual marking points, and a
longitudinally movable ejector, adapted when moved in one direction to bear. upon
the butt-end of a marking point for ejecting an old point and projecting a new one
in position for use; with a spring for returning the ejector to its original position,
and means for limiting the stroke of the ejector, substantially as described.
10. The combination, of a tubular case or mantle, a longitudinally movable
ejector and a fixed magazine tube adapted to receive a series of individual marking
points; with a slot or slots in the magazine tube and spring tongues on the ejector
projecting through the slots when the ejector is moved in one direction and with-
drawing from the same when the ejector moves in the other direction, substantially
as described.
11. In a magazine pencil, the combination of a fixed magazine tube adapted to
receive a series of individual marking points, a longitudinally movable ejector in
operative relation to the marking points, for ejecting and renewing the same, a
spring for moving the ejector to its normal position; and means for guiding and
limiting the movements of the ejector, substantially as described.
12. In a magazine pencil, the combination of a fixed magazine tube adapted to
receive a series of individual marking points, spring jaws on the tube for clamping
a point in position for use and spring fingers locking the same against rearward
movement, substantially as described.
Dated this 30th day of November 1893
WM. P. THOMPSON & Co.,
Agents for the Applicant.