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.

Resource Type: Patents

Patent Model for a Sheet Feed Apparatus for Cylinder Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the delivery of sheets to cylinder presses; it consists of separating mechanisms and a vibrating table; the invention was granted patent number 137156.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements in the delivery of sheets to cylinder presses; it consists of separating mechanisms and a vibrating table; the invention was granted patent number 137156.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-03-25
maker
Stuart, Robert J.
ID Number
1997.0198.08
catalog number
1997.0198.08
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
137156

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 typesetting machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved type-setting machine. It consists of a frame, type-case, and composing stick; it was granted patent number 28857.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved type-setting machine. It consists of a frame, type-case, and composing stick; it was granted patent number 28857.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-06-26
maker
Harger, H.
ID Number
1997.0198.07
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.07
patent number
28857

Patent model for printing photomechanical plates

This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making photomechanical or other prints resemble original photographs.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making photomechanical or other prints resemble original photographs. The invention was granted patent number 493850.
Tonal photomechanical reproductions had an objectionable coarseness because of the perceptible pattern of the halftone screen. By this invention, screened plates-either bearing an image or blank-were printed several times slightly out of register with each other, softening the effect of the screen. The key impression of the image would be made first in a dark ink with a heavy body, and then the other impressions in paler or lighter-bodied inks. To imitate sepia photographs, later impressions were made in brown tinted inks.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1893
patent date
1893-03-21
patentee
Woodward, Charles B.
ID Number
GA.89797.493850
patent number
493850
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.493850

Patent Model of a Type-rubbing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 225501. The patent details a machine for smoothing and trueing the surfaces of type, and bringing the type to a proper width.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-rubbing machine which was granted patent number 225501. The patent details a machine for smoothing and trueing the surfaces of type, and bringing the type to a proper width. The machine was hand fed, but otherwise automatic.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-04-06
maker
Webster, Cyrus C.
ID Number
GA.89797.226377
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.226377

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins that were adjusted by means of concentric projecting spirals on one half, working on concentric grooves in the other. The invention was granted patent number 223192.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins that were adjusted by means of concentric projecting spirals on one half, working on concentric grooves in the other. The invention was granted patent number 223192.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-12-30
patentee
Torsch, Edward L.
Lee, James R.
ID Number
GA.89797.223192
patent number
223192
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223192

Patent model for music type

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of printing large music charts for educational purposes; the invention was granted patent number 78855. The type was made of wood.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of printing large music charts for educational purposes; the invention was granted patent number 78855. The type was made of wood. Each note came with its part of the staff lines, and with shoulders that interlocked and overlapped with those of its neighbors, to produce a continuous line of music.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-06-16
patentee
Balch, Edward L.
ID Number
GA.89797.078855
patent number
078855
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.078855

Patent model for hand cancelling machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a device that cancels checks and drafts by punching figures into the paper to match the value of the check; the invention was granted patent number 106665.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a device that cancels checks and drafts by punching figures into the paper to match the value of the check; the invention was granted patent number 106665.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-08-23
maker
Corne, William F.
ID Number
GA.22835
accession number
249602
patent number
106665
catalog number
GA*22835
accession number
249602

Patent Model for Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press, which was granted patent number 40099. In this invention, one of a series on Gordon's platen presses, the platen was pivoted on long legs.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a platen printing press, which was granted patent number 40099. In this invention, one of a series on Gordon's platen presses, the platen was pivoted on long legs. The bed, rocking on its own axis, was locked into vertical position to take the impact of impression. The model is incomplete: the platen assembly is missing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-29
maker
Gordon, George Phineas
ID Number
GA.22836
accession number
249602
patent number
040099
catalog number
GA*22836

Patent Model for the Construction of Printing Blocks for Oil Cloths and Carpets

This patent model demonstrates an invention for composite printing blocks made up of long pieces of type and short blanks; the invention was granted patent number 10483.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for composite printing blocks made up of long pieces of type and short blanks; the invention was granted patent number 10483.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-01-31
maker
Underwood, Benjamin
ID Number
GA.89797.010483
patent number
010483
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010483

Patent model for printers' chases

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an adjustable type chase that could be clamped onto the type, avoiding the use of quoins; the invention was granted patent number 108759.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an adjustable type chase that could be clamped onto the type, avoiding the use of quoins; the invention was granted patent number 108759.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-11-01
patentee
Clements, Thomas A.
ID Number
GA.89797.108759
accession number
089797
patent number
108759
catalog number
GA*89797.108759

Patent Model of a Table Cabinet for Prints, Maps, Drawings, and Books

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with a sliding top that covered a series of slanting storage drawers for storage of prints, maps, drawings and books. The patent was granted number 350588.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with a sliding top that covered a series of slanting storage drawers for storage of prints, maps, drawings and books. The patent was granted number 350588.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1886-10-12
maker
Heysinger, Isaac W.
ID Number
GA.89797.350588
accession number
089797
patent number
350588
catalog number
GA*89797.350588

Patent model for fastening wood blocks for engravers

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the common method of fastening composite wood blocks together with bolts; the invention was granted patent number 43057. Wells was the proprietor of a wood type manufactory.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the common method of fastening composite wood blocks together with bolts; the invention was granted patent number 43057. Wells was the proprietor of a wood type manufactory.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-06-07
maker
Wells, Heber
ID Number
GA.89797.043057
patent number
043057
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.043057

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 folding chair

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inexpensive chair that could be arranged in an upright or reclining position, or folded up for storage or shipping. The invention was granted patent number 268941.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inexpensive chair that could be arranged in an upright or reclining position, or folded up for storage or shipping. The invention was granted patent number 268941.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-12-12
patentee
Sands, Weimer G.
ID Number
GA.89797.268941
patent number
268941
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.268941

Patent model for printers' pocket case for bodkins and tweezers

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combined tool in which bodkin and tweezers folded into their own handle for portability; the invention was granted patent number 70261.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combined tool in which bodkin and tweezers folded into their own handle for portability; the invention was granted patent number 70261. The bodkin (a small pointed awl) and tweezers were tools with many uses in the print shop, and always ready to the printer's hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1867
patent date
1867-10-29
maker
Quail, William
ID Number
GA.89797.070261
patent number
070261
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.070261

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 Molds for Casting Blocks for Printing Carpets or Wall Paper

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold that made blocks that were used in printing carpets or wall paper; the invention was granted patent number 10630. The design, formed of short and long pieces of type, was set up in a square casting box.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold that made blocks that were used in printing carpets or wall paper; the invention was granted patent number 10630. The design, formed of short and long pieces of type, was set up in a square casting box. The printing block was then cast in any suitable material such as type metal, plaster-of-paris, vulcanized rubber, or, by preference, gutta percha - a popular material in the mid nineteenth century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-14
maker
Berry, James
ID Number
1996.0062.02
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.02
patent number
010630

Patent model for printers' chase lock

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks, with a special lever for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 11091.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a combination of quoins and sidesticks, with a special lever for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 11091.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1854
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-06-13
maker
Sprague, E. H.
ID Number
1996.0062.16
patent number
011091
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.16

Patent Model of a Metallograph, or Embossing Pen for Autographic Printing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a metallograph, and was granted patent number 215792. With this tool, a writer could turn a sheet of metal into a printing plate as he wrote on it.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a metallograph, and was granted patent number 215792. With this tool, a writer could turn a sheet of metal into a printing plate as he wrote on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet. The projections formed a facsimile of the writing in reverse and in relief for printing at a type press.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-27
patentee
Setchell, George C.
maker
Carey, Augustus C.
Carey, George R.
ID Number
1996.0062.04
catalog number
1996.0062.04
patent number
215792
accession number
1996.0062

Patent model for printers' chase

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase that eliminated the need for furniture; the invention was granted patent number 228201. Four metal bars, matching the inside length and breadth of the chase, were toothed along their outer sides.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase that eliminated the need for furniture; the invention was granted patent number 228201. Four metal bars, matching the inside length and breadth of the chase, were toothed along their outer sides. The bars could be locked in any position in the chase by four matching toothed blocks that fitted at the crossing points.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
patentee
Kingsland, Jr., Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.228201
patent number
228201
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.228201

Patent model for printing or decorating the surface of celluloid

This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing and decorating the surface of celluloid. A celluloid sheet was printed, and then heated under pressure against a polished sheet to finish the surface. The invention was granted patent number 346376. Model consists of two photogravure specimens.
The patent rights were assigned to the Celluloid Manufacturing Company, New York. Marshall Clifford Lefferts (born 1848) first worked with the American Telegraph Company. In 1870 he joined with the new Celluloid Manufacturing Company, of which he became president in 1890.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-07-27
patentee
Lefferts, Marshall C.
ID Number
GA.89797.346376
accession number
089797
patent number
346376
catalog number
GA*89797.346376

Patent model for crystallotypes

This patent model demonstrates an invention for crystallotypes, textured printed surfaces made from crystalline surfaces, which were used for security printing; the invention was granted patent number 209521.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for crystallotypes, textured printed surfaces made from crystalline surfaces, which were used for security printing; the invention was granted patent number 209521. This invention produced crystallotype plates by means of electrotyping. The model consists of an electrotyped block.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-10-29
maker
Schedler, Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.209521
patent number
209521
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.209521

Patent model for method of making autographic stencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of preparing autographic stencils in which a porous paper stencil was prepared by varnishing the face of a sheet of paper, then drawing on it with a sharp stylus. The invention was granted patent number 215833.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of preparing autographic stencils in which a porous paper stencil was prepared by varnishing the face of a sheet of paper, then drawing on it with a sharp stylus. The invention was granted patent number 215833. The inventor called his process Multograph, or Stulograph. The model consists of a stencil frame and an envelope of papers.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-27
maker
Nickerson, Samuel S.
ID Number
GA.89797.215833
accession number
089797
patent number
215833
catalog number
GA*89797.215833

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