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writing instruments
writing instruments
The first true writing instruments were made by the Sumerians in Mesopotamia nearly 5,000 years ago.
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ballpoint pen
Instrument invented at the beginning of the 20th century; the writing tip holds a small rotating ball.
fountain pen
spring
Elastic metal part that compresses to push the refill out and relaxes to retract it.
point
Tip that contains the ball bearing used to deposit ink from the cartridge onto the writing surface.
thrust tube
Part that is activated by the push-button; it pushes out or retracts the writing tip when pressure is applied.
joint
clip
Curved metal bar that attaches the ballpoint pen to a pocket.
thrust device
Protruding part that locks the thrust tube in a forward or retracted position.
cartridge
Small reservoir containing ink and ending in a point.
push-button
Button controlling the mechanism that advances and retracts the cartridge.