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.

Patent Model for a Sheet-Feed Apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for feeding sheets or blanks into an envelope-making machine; the invention was granted patent number 39872.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-15
maker
Allen, Edwin
ID Number
GA.89797.039872
accession number
089797
patent number
039872
catalog number
GA*89797.039872

Patent Model for Stencil Frames for Autographic Writing.

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stencil-printing frame which was granted patent number 219665. The frame is adjustable to take stencil sheets of different sizes.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stencil-printing frame which was granted patent number 219665. The frame is adjustable to take stencil sheets of different sizes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-09-16
maker
De Zuccato, Eugenio
ID Number
1996.0062.07
catalog number
1996.0062.07
accession number
1996.0062
patent number
219665

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

Patent Model for a Card Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a crank-operated, self-feeding card press which was granted patent number 20039. A press based on this patent was produced for sale, and was demonstrated in the offices of the Scientific American in I860.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-04-27
maker
Clarkson, William W.
ID Number
GA.89797.020039
accession number
89797
patent number
020039
catalog number
GA*89797.020039

Patent model for frame

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.15
catalog number
1997.0198.15
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for trimming machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a trimming machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a trimming machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.16
catalog number
1997.0198.16
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for engraving machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.14
catalog number
1997.0198.14
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model of a Sheet-delivery Apparatus for Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus that delivers sheets printed side up, without risk of smudging when fresh ink came into contact with delivery tapes; the invention was granted patent number 221458.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus that delivers sheets printed side up, without risk of smudging when fresh ink came into contact with delivery tapes; the invention was granted patent number 221458.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-11-11
maker
Hawkins, John T.
ID Number
GA.89797.221458
accession number
089797
patent number
221458
catalog number
GA*89797.221458

Patent model for web perfecting rotary press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a web perfecting rotary press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
Date made
ca 1880
date made
ca 1879
Date made
1879-02-08
maker
unknown
Crowell, Luther C.
ID Number
1997.0198.10
catalog number
1997.0198.10
accession number
1997.0198
catalog number
1997.0198.10

Patent model for sewing machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a [sewing] machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a [sewing] machine. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.05
catalog number
1997.0198.05
accession number
1997.0198

Pony-type telegraph relay

Telegraph relays amplified electrical signals in a telegraph line. Telegraph messages traveled as a series of electrical pulses through a wire from a transmitter to a receiver. Short pulses made a dot, slightly longer pulses a dash.
Description
Telegraph relays amplified electrical signals in a telegraph line. Telegraph messages traveled as a series of electrical pulses through a wire from a transmitter to a receiver. Short pulses made a dot, slightly longer pulses a dash. The pulses faded in strength as they traveled through the wire, to the point where the incoming signal was too weak to directly operate a receiving sounder or register. A relay detected a weak signal and used a battery to strengthen the signal so that the receiver would operate.
So-called “pony” relays like this unit used by Charles Heaton serviced private lines and shorter branch circuits. The resistance of a given pony relay varied depending on the length of the circuit. This 10 ohm pony relay would have been used on circuits about 7 miles in length.
The donor reported in 1902 that: "these instruments were first put in use at South Bend, Indiana, in March 1848 on the Erie & Michigan Telegraph line, the first line that ever touched the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. This line was constructed under the immediate direction of Ezra B. Cornell (founder of Cornell University) and Col. John F. Speed, with W. B. Wood as superintendent of construction of the Western Division, which extended from Detroit to Milwaukee. Construction began at Detroit and Milwaukee. The builders from the Western end came over into Indiana and established the first office in the state at Michigan City. A few days later the builders from Detroit struck the state at South Bend and there established the second office ever in Indiana. The instruments ... were put in use, my father being operator from March 1848 to June 1861. From the latter date to March 1865 [in] war operation. The instruments remained in use until about 1872 with Thoe. D. Baird as operator since which they were in our family as relics until the date they [came to the Smithsonian]."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1848
maker
unknown
ID Number
EM.215497
catalog number
215497
accession number
39777

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for slim quoins consisting of two metal plates with slanting faces that worked on each other; used when there was not enough space in the form for ordinary quoins. The invention was granted patent number 483185.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for slim quoins consisting of two metal plates with slanting faces that worked on each other; used when there was not enough space in the form for ordinary quoins. The invention was granted patent number 483185. Model incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1892
patent date
1892-09-27
patentee
Tinsley, William J.
ID Number
GA.89797.483185
patent number
483185
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.483185

Patent model for printers' quoins and chases

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase combined with ratchet-operated side-and endsticks; the invention was granted patent number 146967.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a chase combined with ratchet-operated side-and endsticks; the invention was granted patent number 146967.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-01-27
patentee
Warren, Edmond A.
ID Number
GA.89797.146967
patent number
146967
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.146967

Patent model for folding concertina rack

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding concertina rack. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.11
catalog number
1997.0198.11
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for quoins slotted together along the oblique side, which included a key for their adjustment; the invention was granted patent number 228410. (Carlo Squintani was from London, England.)
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-01
maker
Squintani, Carlo G.
ID Number
1996.0062.17
patent number
228410
accession number
1996.0062
catalog number
1996.0062.17

Patent model for inking apparatus for printing presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for printing presses, which provided an improved means of operating the carriage of inking rollers. Rollers pass over the entire length of a stone distributing ink more accurately and efficiently.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for printing presses, which provided an improved means of operating the carriage of inking rollers. Rollers pass over the entire length of a stone distributing ink more accurately and efficiently. The invention was granted patent number 188386.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-03-13
maker
Macdonald, F.
ID Number
1997.0198.13
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
188386
catalog number
GA.89797.188386

Cooper repeater system

Telegraph relays amplify an electrical signal in a telegraph line. Telegraph messages travel as a series of electrical pulses through a wire from a transmitter to a receiver.
Description
Telegraph relays amplify an electrical signal in a telegraph line. Telegraph messages travel as a series of electrical pulses through a wire from a transmitter to a receiver. The pulses fade in strength as they travel through the wire, limiting the distance a message can be sent. Relays remedy that problem by detecting a weak signal and automatically re-transmitting that signal down the line using a local power source.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1915
Maker
Western Union Corporation
maker
Jester-Cooper Co.
ID Number
EM.332137
collector/donor number
100-844
accession number
294351
catalog number
332137

Patent model for stretcher frames for canvases

This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making cheap and strong stretcher frames; the invention was granted patent number 192319.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of making cheap and strong stretcher frames; the invention was granted patent number 192319.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-06-19
patentee
Witt, John H.
ID Number
GA.89797.192319
patent number
192319
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.192319

Patent model for picture frames

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame constructed in three parts: a backboard holding the picture, a frame, and a glazed box covering and protecting the frame; all were hinged together, for easy access and cleaning.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a frame constructed in three parts: a backboard holding the picture, a frame, and a glazed box covering and protecting the frame; all were hinged together, for easy access and cleaning. The invention was granted patent number 190068.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-04-24
maker
Odenbaugh, Frank
ID Number
1997.0198.12
accession number
1997.0198
patent number
190068
catalog number
1997.0198.12

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 for stencils for sign painter's template

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a template that includes all the letters of the alphabet in a single pattern; the invention was granted patent number 147942.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a template that includes all the letters of the alphabet in a single pattern; the invention was granted patent number 147942.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-02-24
patentee
Hutchison, Merrill
ID Number
GA.89797.147942
accession number
089797
patent number
147942
catalog number
GA*89797.147942

Magnetic Recording Disks

These recording discs were made for the Brush Company “Mail-A-Voice” dictating machine. This set of 62 discs includes several slightly different types, the most significant difference being that some are paper and some are plastic.
Description (Brief)
These recording discs were made for the Brush Company “Mail-A-Voice” dictating machine. This set of 62 discs includes several slightly different types, the most significant difference being that some are paper and some are plastic. All are flexible and coated with a magnetizable powder. The Mail-A-Voice was designed by German immigrant Semi J. Begun who also used the device for personal correspondence. Several of the discs in the set are audio letters from Begun to his mother.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1947
maker
Brush Development Company
ID Number
1995.3101.05
nonaccession number
1995.3101
catalog number
1995.3101.05

Patent Model of a Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 111111. The machine cast printers' type, broke off the type jets, and dressed the type.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 111111. The machine cast printers' type, broke off the type jets, and dressed the type.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-01-24
maker
Dunn, William Wallace
ID Number
GA.89797.111111
patent number
111111
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.111111

Patent Model of Pulsating Stencil Pencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a piston-driven stencil-cutting pen which was granted patent number 216086. The piston was driven by a bellows powered in turn by a machine wheel.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a piston-driven stencil-cutting pen which was granted patent number 216086. The piston was driven by a bellows powered in turn by a machine wheel. Josiah Gunning (1840-1910) graduated from medical school and spent the Civil War as a surgeon in the U.S. Navy. After his wife's death in 1869, he entered seminary and was ordained. His invention of a pulsating pen was considered remarkable enough to win him a bronze medal from the American Institute.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-06-03
maker
Gunning, Josiah H.
Weiland, Harry B.
ID Number
GA.89797.216086
patent number
216086
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.216086

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