Who Made the First Ballpoint Pen?

When Hungarian journalist Laszlo Biro grew frustrated with the messiness and inconvenience of using fountain pens, he decided to develop a new style of pen that could be continuously flowing with faster drying ink. With the help of his brother George, they set to work to create such a pen. In 1938, they patented their work, the ballpoint pen. After more experimentation, a second patent was applied for on June 14, 1943 for an improved version.

History

In 1888, John Loud applied for a patent for his version of a ballpoint pen that would mark leather. The concept was never finalized or marketed.

Concept

Laszlo Biro followed the same premise for his ballpoint pen as was used in printing with a rotary cylinder. A tiny ball bearing at the pen tip would get ink from a cartridge as the ball rotated and leave a continuous mark on the paper.

Challenges

George Biro, a chemist, helped Laszlo create a viscous ink to flow easily to the tip.

Celebrations

Out of respect for Laszlo Biro, the Argentine Inventors Day is celebrated on his birthday, September 29.

Trivia

In the Philippines, the ballpoint pen is called a ballpen (or ball pen).