576. Transparent Ink Bottle.—Produce an ink-bottle of which the glass shall not be so opaque as the one in common use and in which the depth of the ink is clearly seen, thus avoiding the too deep dipping of the pen, with the result of blots on the page and stains on the fingers.
577. Double Postal Card.—The United States Government would no doubt consider favorably a postal-card made double, so that one part could be readily torn from the other and remailed, the one part containing the message and the other left blank, save for the sender’s name and address.
578. The Safety Envelope.—An envelope such that it is impossible for it to be surreptitiously opened without the fact being discovered. The government seeks such an envelope.
579. Combination Cover and Letter.—An envelope to which is attached a half-sheet of paper which folds in the cover, thus making only one piece.
580. Always Ready Letter Paper.—There is room for a device whereby letter paper can be fed out to the writer as desired, so that the pen or machine may travel continuously without stopping for new sheets.
581. Ink Regulator.—An inkstand provided with a tiny wooden disk which floats on the surface of the ink. The slightest touch of the pen depresses the disk and permits the pen to be filled, and at the same time prevents it from dipping too far, and thus making an unsightly daub on the holder and fingers.
582. The Pen Finger.—Might not a device be attached to the forefinger which could serve the uses of a pen? Think what ease and speed would be gained if one could write directly with one’s finger instead of employing the entire hand.
583. Pen Rest.—There is room for a device which shall rest upon the paper and support the pen while the latter is writing. Those who do every day a vast amount of writing would appreciate this invention.
584. Perpetual Pen Supply.—On a slight elevation have an inkstand with an opening at the bottom to which is attached a small piece of hose, the other end being connected with a hollow pen holder, thus insuring a perpetual flow of ink. A saucer on the writing table containing a tiny cup or several tiny cups holds the pen or pens in an upright position when not in use, care being taken that the pens in that position are higher than the reservoir, so as to cut off the supply.
585. Letter Annunciator.—Constructed on the principle of nickel and slot. The weight of the letter in the house letter box pushes up into view a red card, thus announcing the presence of mail matter at a distance, and avoiding the opening of the box in vain.