Communications

WANN Microphone

Tools of communication have transformed American society time and again over the past two centuries. The Museum has preserved many instruments of these changes, from printing presses to personal digital assistants.

The collections include hundreds of artifacts from the printing trade and related fields, including papermaking equipment, wood and metal type collections, bookbinding tools, and typesetting machines. Benjamin Franklin is said to have used one of the printing presses in the collection in 1726.

More than 7,000 objects chart the evolution of electronic communications, including the original telegraph of Samuel Morse and Alexander Graham Bell's early telephones. Radios, televisions, tape recorders, and the tools of the computer age are part of the collections, along with wireless phones and a satellite tracking system.

Topic: Patent Models, Graphic Arts

Printing press and sheet-fed apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press for printing material such as envelopes, and the pneumatic apparatus for feeding sheets to the press. The two patents, numbers 303550 and 386440, are demonstrated on a single model.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press for printing material such as envelopes, and the pneumatic apparatus for feeding sheets to the press. The two patents, numbers 303550 and 386440, are demonstrated on a single model. Despite the dates of the patents, both applications were made on 10 July 1880. They were granted after unusually long delays.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1884
ca 1888
patent date
1884-08-12
1888-07-17
maker
Swift, Henry D.
Swift, D. Wheeler
ID Number
GA.89797.303550
patent number
GA*303550
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.303550
386440

Patent Model of a Type Breaker

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type breaker which was assigned patent number 86968. This device broke the jets from the bodies of newly cast type and was intended to be attached to a typecasting machine.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type breaker which was assigned patent number 86968. This device broke the jets from the bodies of newly cast type and was intended to be attached to a typecasting machine. The patent was granted to Philip Heinrich, proprietor of the Ph. Heinrich type foundry in New York.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1869
patent date
1869-02-16
maker
Baer, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.086968
patent number
086968
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.086968

Patent model for printing on pyroxyline compounds (celluloid)

This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222. The model consists of three photogravure specimens.
John Wesley Hyatt (born 1837) started his working life as a printer. Early in his career, he took out a patent for a composition for artificial ivory billiard balls, which led him to the invention of celluloid in 1868. In 1869 Hyatt and his brother Isaac founded the Celluloid Manufacturing Company. He held some 250 patents, mostly concerned with the use of celluloid.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-08-31
maker
Lefferts, Marshall C.
Hyatt, John W.
ID Number
GA.89797.348222
accession number
089797
patent number
348222
catalog number
GA*89797.348222

Patent model for leather bound case

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mail box providing a "strong, light, durable, and convenient box or trunk for the transporation of letters and other matter." The invention was granted patent number 9253.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mail box providing a "strong, light, durable, and convenient box or trunk for the transporation of letters and other matter." The invention was granted patent number 9253.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-15
maker
Sherriff, John
ID Number
1997.0198.18
catalog number
1997.0198.18
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for weighing scale

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a balancing ball on a weighing scale; the invention was granted patent number 534839.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a balancing ball on a weighing scale; the invention was granted patent number 534839.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
ca 1895
patent date
1895-02-26
maker
Heyer, Charles A.
ID Number
1997.0198.19
catalog number
1997.0198.19
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model of an Engraving Machine for Drilling Straight or Oblique Holes

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine for drilling straight or oblique holes which was granted patent number 103576.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine for drilling straight or oblique holes which was granted patent number 103576. The invention was designed for engraving and was probably intended for working ornamental plates rather than printing plates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-05-31
maker
Coulter, Charles J.
ID Number
GA.89797.103576
patent number
103576
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.103576

Patent Model of a Bookbinders' Arming Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinder’s arming press which was granted patent number 114130. The patent describes an arming press with a moveable bed and inking apparatus. It could be converted into an ordinary printing press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinder’s arming press which was granted patent number 114130. The patent describes an arming press with a moveable bed and inking apparatus. It could be converted into an ordinary printing press. John Gough was from London, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-04-25
maker
Gough, John
ID Number
GA.89797.114130
accession number
089797
patent number
114130
catalog number
GA*89797.114130

Patent Model of a Pantographic Engraving Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a model of a pantographic engraving machine which was granted patent number 54759.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a model of a pantographic engraving machine which was granted patent number 54759. The patent details an engraving machine capable of producing copies of the same size as the pattern, or larger or smaller, or of altered proportions; also, a ruling machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-05-15
patentee
Oldham, Edmund
ID Number
GA.89797.054759
patent number
054759
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.054759

Patent Model of a Machine for Cutting Paper Collars

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for cutting paper collars and simultaneously indenting them with imitation stitches or printing them with ornamental devices; the invention was granted patent number 56679.J. F.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for cutting paper collars and simultaneously indenting them with imitation stitches or printing them with ornamental devices; the invention was granted patent number 56679.
J. F. Tapley, a bookbinder and a prolific inventor, founded the bookbinding J. F. Tapley Company in 1850. The company survived until its merger in 1970.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-07-24
maker
Tapley, Jesse F.
Tapley, George W.
ID Number
GA.24592
patent number
056679
accession number
1977.0968
catalog number
GA*24592

Patent models for ink pads

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a strong, compact inking pad for canceling or dating stamps and other devices; the invention was granted patent number 135949.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a strong, compact inking pad for canceling or dating stamps and other devices; the invention was granted patent number 135949. The elastic stuffing of the pad was saturated with ink, which penetrated the cloth or chamois covering.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-02-18
patentee
Towne, Henry R.
Taylor, Warren H.
ID Number
GA.89797.135949
patent number
135949
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.135949

Patent Model of a Type-Making Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-making machine which was granted patent number 43649. The patent details a machine for sawing individual letters from cast-metal strip of letters.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-making machine which was granted patent number 43649. The patent details a machine for sawing individual letters from cast-metal strip of letters. The strips were to be made by Smith's companion patent of the same date.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-07-26
maker
Smith, John J. C.
ID Number
GA.89797.043649
patent number
043649
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.043649

Patent Model of an Inking Apparatus for Platen Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for platen presses where the platen gives a lateral motion to the ink-distributing plate. The patent is demonstrated on a platen jobber similar to one of Prouty's, patented in 1872.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for platen presses where the platen gives a lateral motion to the ink-distributing plate. The patent is demonstrated on a platen jobber similar to one of Prouty's, patented in 1872. The new invention was granted patent number 141077.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-07-22
maker
Prouty, G. W.
ID Number
GA.22839
accession number
249602
patent number
141077
catalog number
22839
GA*22839

Patent Model for an Artificial Blast for Typecasting Machines

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates. A blower, operated by a steam engine, drove air through a wooden tube around the casting room. Tin pipes from the tube supplied each casting machine with a double blast of air, one directed at the fuel to fire it, the second at the mold to cool it. George Bruce (1781-1866) followed his brother David to America from Scotland in 1795. The brothers first worked around the printing trades, and in 1816 set up their own type foundry. David retired in 1822 and was followed in the business by his son David Jr., author of the patents listed above.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-11-14
maker
Bruce, George
ID Number
GA.89797.011955
patent number
011955
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011955

Patent model for printing films

This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration. A flexible glue sheet, cast from the surface of a plate ruled with parallel lines, was inked and then pressed over an image to shade it. The invention was granted patent number 214493. The model consists of a very fragile pack of samples.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-22
maker
Day, Jr., Benjamin Henry
ID Number
GA.89797.214493
accession number
089797
patent number
214493
catalog number
GA*89797.214493

Patent model for stencil writing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-07-03
maker
Hix, Albert E.
patentee
Hix, Albert E.
ID Number
GA.89797.192624
accession number
089797
patent number
192624
catalog number
GA*89797.192624

Patent Model of a Typesetting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to typesetting machines, specifically in the control of type traveling from storage channels to assembly point. The invention was granted patent number 244723.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to typesetting machines, specifically in the control of type traveling from storage channels to assembly point. The invention was granted patent number 244723. Both Patentees Lorenz and Johnson had a financial interest in the Burr typesetting machine (see Lorenz's earlier patents).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-07-19
maker
Lorenz, William A.
Johnson, Louis K.
ID Number
GA.89797.244723
patent number
244723
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.244723

Patent model for unidentified invention

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an unidentified invention. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an unidentified invention. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.21
catalog number
1997.0198.21
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model for a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 135751. The ruling pens on the machine were lowered and lifted by an electro-magnetic apparatus, a 'quick and lively but soft and easy' action.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 135751. The ruling pens on the machine were lowered and lifted by an electro-magnetic apparatus, a 'quick and lively but soft and easy' action. Patentee Averell is best known as the inventor of a wire stitcher (or stapler), which he patented in 1874.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-02-11
maker
Averell, Ellicott D.
ID Number
GA.89797.135751
accession number
89797
patent number
135751
catalog number
GA*89797.135751

Patent Model for a Rotary Web Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary press using tapered type on its type cylinders along with a special curved composing stick; the web of paper was cut and folded at the same machine, after printing.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary press using tapered type on its type cylinders along with a special curved composing stick; the web of paper was cut and folded at the same machine, after printing. The invention was granted patent number 468.
According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, Wilkinson built a press along these lines for the New York Sun in 1842, but never succeeded in printing the paper at it.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-01-04
maker
Wilkinson, Jephtha A.
ID Number
GA.11019
catalog number
GA*11019
accession number
48865
patent number
009525
catalog number
GA*48865.009525

Patent Model of a Printing Apparatus for the Blind

This patent model demonstrates an invention for producing embossed letters on paper for communication between blind people; the invention was granted patent number 62206. Raised letters on plungers on a disk above the table were matched with sunken letter plungers below it.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for producing embossed letters on paper for communication between blind people; the invention was granted patent number 62206. Raised letters on plungers on a disk above the table were matched with sunken letter plungers below it. The paper was squeezed between the two types of plungers by treadle force.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1867
patent date
1867-02-19
maker
Johnson, Daniel A.
ID Number
GA.89797.062206
patent number
062206
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.062206

Patent Model of a Lithographic Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking scraper press, in which the stone was moved beneath the stationary scraper, was granted patent number 80771. The stone was dampened by hand.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking scraper press, in which the stone was moved beneath the stationary scraper, was granted patent number 80771. The stone was dampened by hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-08-04
maker
Shackford, Amaziah G.
ID Number
GA.89797.080771
accession number
089797
patent number
080771
catalog number
GA*89797.080771

Patent Model of a Newspaper Files

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding wall-desk for newspaper reading and storage. The invention was granted patent number 173047.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding wall-desk for newspaper reading and storage. The invention was granted patent number 173047.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-02-01
maker
Noble, H. Shaw
ID Number
GA.89797.173047
accession number
089797
patent number
173047
catalog number
GA*89797.173047

Patent Model for a Flatbed Cylinder Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press with a stationary bed which was granted patent number 15740. The cylinder followed an endless rack that lifted it for the return trip over the bed. This patent covered the Newbury Country Press, a small hand-powered printing machine that was popular with country newspaper shops in the 1860s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
patent date
1856-09-16
maker
Newbury, Alonzo
Newbury, Boliver
ID Number
GA.89797.015740
accession number
089797
patent number
015740
catalog number
GA*89797.015740

Patent model for picture frames, assigned patent number 059836.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a system of hooks and springs for attaching pictures to their frames; the invention was granted patent number 59836.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a system of hooks and springs for attaching pictures to their frames; the invention was granted patent number 59836.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-11-20
patentee
Hanks, Stedman W.
ID Number
GA.89797.059836
patent number
059836
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.059836

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