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 bed for lithographic press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed that could be adjusted for stones that were thicker at one end than the other; the invention was granted patent number 53309.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed that could be adjusted for stones that were thicker at one end than the other; the invention was granted patent number 53309.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-03-20
maker
Koehler, Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.053309
accession number
089797
patent number
053309
catalog number
GA*89797.053309

Patent model for autographic printing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink. The completed writing was pressed onto a plate coated with sensitized gelatine, which received the image in a form that could be printed like a lithograph. The invention was granted patent number 223873. The patent model consists of a coated plate with an image. Both coating and image have deteriorated badly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-27
maker
Bardwell, John Jex
ID Number
GA.89797.223873
accession number
089797
patent number
223873
catalog number
GA*89797.223873

Patent Model of a Typecasting and Composing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for the casting, dressing, and setting of type; the invention was granted patent number 115796. Type was set in a continuous line, to be divided up later by the operator.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for the casting, dressing, and setting of type; the invention was granted patent number 115796. Type was set in a continuous line, to be divided up later by the operator.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-06-06
maker
Wescott, Charles S.
ID Number
GA.24908
patent number
115796
accession number
1978.1070
catalog number
GA*24908

Patent Model of a Railway Ticket Printing and Registering Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a railway ticket printing and registering machine; the invention was granted patent number 141336. A roll of card blanks was pre-numbered and printed with the station name.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a railway ticket printing and registering machine; the invention was granted patent number 141336. A roll of card blanks was pre-numbered and printed with the station name. This machine added the destination and date and cut off each ticket, while printing a record copy of the sale. It was an improvement on an earlier Dyer patent (1872, Patent 134042).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-07-29
maker
Dyer, John
ID Number
GA.89797.141336
accession number
089797
patent number
141336
141336
catalog number
GA*89797.141336

Patent model for painting on translucent surfaces

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of painting on a sheet of glass coated with linseed oil and ground silica, which gave a luminous appearance to the painting. The invention was granted patent number 5495.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of painting on a sheet of glass coated with linseed oil and ground silica, which gave a luminous appearance to the painting. The invention was granted patent number 5495. The inventor named the process Tachygraphic Painting. J. Bishop Hall of Philadelphia may have been the same as the John Bishop Hall of New York whose invention is also listed here.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1848
patent date
1848-03-28
maker
Hall, J. Bishop
ID Number
GA.89797.005495
accession number
089797
patent number
005495
005495
catalog number
GA*89797.005495

Patent Model of a Rotary Printing Press for Printing or Branding Wooden Box Covers

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent number 194902. This press had a feed table to steer boards between the impression cylinder and the hollow plate cylinder, the inking apparatus was overhead.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent number 194902. This press had a feed table to steer boards between the impression cylinder and the hollow plate cylinder, the inking apparatus was overhead. For branding, a heating unit was fitted inside the plate cylinder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-09-04
maker
Hainque, Martial
ID Number
GA.89797.194902
accession number
89797
patent number
194902
catalog number
GA*89797.194902

Patent model for a web perfecting rotary press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a compact rotary press with forms for printing both sides of the paper, mounted on the two ends of a single type cylinder. The invention was granted patent number 212444.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a compact rotary press with forms for printing both sides of the paper, mounted on the two ends of a single type cylinder. The invention was granted patent number 212444. After one side of the paper was printed, the web was turned and moved sideways so the other side could be printed. The press was designed particularly for newspaper printing.
Luther Crowell (1840-1903) began his adult life as a sailor, then turned to questions of aerial navigation and patented a flying machine. He also invented machines to make paper bags, then machines to print the paper bags, and from there moved on to printing presses. In 1879 a fast press that he built for the Boston Herald brought a suit for infringement from R. Hoe & Co., as a result of which Hoe was compelled to buy all of Crowell's patents for printing, and ended up hiring him as a superintendent of their mechanical department. There Crowell was responsible for several important improvements to Hoe's presses.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-02-18
maker
Crowell, Luther C.
ID Number
GA.89797.212444
accession number
89797
catalog number
GA*89797.212444

Patent model for printers' furniture

This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable furniture that was intended to replace sidesticks, quoins, and loose furniture; the invention was granted patent number 151883.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable furniture that was intended to replace sidesticks, quoins, and loose furniture; the invention was granted patent number 151883. The device was pulled open to the desired width and locked in that position by driving wedges under two of the feet, which slid in grooves on their side bar.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-06-09
patentee
Kearney, James A.
ID Number
GA.89797.151883
accession number
089797
patent number
151883
catalog number
GA*89797.151883

Patent model for elastic underlay for printing on glass

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elastic underlay between glass and a printing block used for printing on glass. The invention was granted patent number 170136.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elastic underlay between glass and a printing block used for printing on glass. The invention was granted patent number 170136. Model consists of numerous rubber blocks, once fixed to a base but now detached and hardened.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-11-16
patentee
Wells, Joseph L.
ID Number
GA.89797.170136
patent number
170136
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.170136

Patent model for wood blocks for engraving

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of reusing engraved boxwood blocks by shaving down the engraved surface and gluing the shaved block between two pieces of a cheaper wood; the invention was granted patent number 203856.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of reusing engraved boxwood blocks by shaving down the engraved surface and gluing the shaved block between two pieces of a cheaper wood; the invention was granted patent number 203856. This sandwich was then cut through the middle to give two new blocks, each with a thin face of boxwood.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-05-21
patentee
Setchell, George C.
ID Number
GA.89797.203856
patent number
203856
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.203856

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elliptical quoin, set between ordinary sidesticks and turned by a wrench to force the sticks apart; the invention was granted patent number 201075.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elliptical quoin, set between ordinary sidesticks and turned by a wrench to force the sticks apart; the invention was granted patent number 201075.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-03-05
patentee
Whittlesey, George D.
ID Number
GA.89797.201075
patent number
201075
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.201075

Patent Model of a Type Mold

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold for casting multiple pieces of type from a strip of matrices; the invention was granted patent number 40076.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold for casting multiple pieces of type from a strip of matrices; the invention was granted patent number 40076.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-22
maker
Davis, R. W.
Davis, D.
ID Number
GA.89797.040076
patent number
040076
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.040076

Patent Model of a Typecasting Machine

This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters.
Description (Brief)
This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters. The model is damaged.
Description
This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters. The model is damaged.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
March 17, 1838
Patent Date March 17, 1838
ca 1838
date made
ca 1838
patent date
March 17, 1838
maker
Bruce, Jr., David
Bruce, Jr., David
ID Number
GA.89797.000632
patent number
000632
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.000632

Patent Model of a Type-Scouring Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-scouring machine which was granted patent number 28899. The patent details a machine for removing the burr from the foot of newly cast type.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-scouring machine which was granted patent number 28899. The patent details a machine for removing the burr from the foot of newly cast type.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-06-26
maker
Pavyer, James G.
ID Number
GA.89797.028899
patent number
028899
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.028899

Patent Model of a Typesetting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 57034.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 57034. Type was held in cases arranged radially around a rotating "receiver." As each letter was selected at a keyboard it was released to the receiver, lined up, and passed to a galley.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-08-07
maker
Baer, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.057034
patent number
057034
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.057034

Patent Model of a Pantographic Engraving Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991. The pantographic apparatus is used for engraving multiple images precisely placed and at extreme reduction; also for the engraving of cylinders for calico printing, and for the decoration of wallpaper. The patentee was Isaac Taylor, from Stamford Rivers, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
patent date
1852-06-01
maker
Taylor, Isaac
ID Number
GA.89797.008991
patent number
008991
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.008991

Patent Model for a Machine for Smoothing the Sides of Type

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine to smooth the sides of type; the invention was granted patent number 631.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine to smooth the sides of type; the invention was granted patent number 631. In the inventor's opinion, this foot-driven machine allowed the operator to rub around sixty thousand types in a day, in conditions of less "unhealthiness" than the usual. The model is missing its treadle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1838
patent date
1838-03-10
maker
Bruce, Jr., David
ID Number
GA.89797.000631
patent number
000631
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.000631

Patent Model of a Type-dressing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-dressing machine which was granted patent number 207429. The patent details a machine with files to dress and true the sides of type, along with a tool to nick the lower ends.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-dressing machine which was granted patent number 207429. The patent details a machine with files to dress and true the sides of type, along with a tool to nick the lower ends.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-08-27
maker
Mason, Thomas
ID Number
GA.89797.207429
patent number
207429
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.207429

Patent Model of a Typesetting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 108980. The patent details a keyboard typesetter with a "branching gravitation type-slide." Patentee De la Pena was an Argentinian living in New York City.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 108980. The patent details a keyboard typesetter with a "branching gravitation type-slide." Patentee De la Pena was an Argentinian living in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-11-08
maker
De La Pena, M.
ID Number
GA.89797.108980
patent number
108980
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.108980

Patent model for divided type

This patent model demonstrates an invention for the method of casting divided type in order to prepare display type; the invention was granted patent number 200020.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the method of casting divided type in order to prepare display type; the invention was granted patent number 200020. Display letters were to be cast in two parts so that a second line of type could be set between them, a style popular at the time. This invention was to replace the usual methods by which either a special block was engraved, or two forms were printed successively, each having the top or the bottom of letters masked off.
The patent was assigned to Carl Schraubstaedter and James A. St. John of the Central Type Foundry in St. Louis. The model and drawing advertised one of Central's products, "Copper alloy type."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-02-05
patentee
Bettis, James R.
ID Number
GA.89797.200020
patent number
200020
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.200020

Patent Model of a Type-Distributing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type. The specification includes a brief description of other distributers of his day--the Gaubert, Clay and Rosenberg, and Sorenson machines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-21
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.010656
patent number
010656
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010656

Patent Model of an Apparatus for Type Rubbing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for type rubbing which was granted patent number 39940. It was particularly applicable to the type-dressing machine patented by Daniel Moore in 1855.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for type rubbing which was granted patent number 39940. It was particularly applicable to the type-dressing machine patented by Daniel Moore in 1855.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-15
patentee
Moore, William
ID Number
GA.89797.039946
patent number
039946
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.039946

Patent Model for Paper Bag Machine

Margaret Knight (1838–1914) applied for a patent using this model to demonstrate her machine that folded and pasted flat-bottomed paper bags. She was granted patent number 220925 for the invention in 1879.
Description (Brief)
Margaret Knight (1838–1914) applied for a patent using this model to demonstrate her machine that folded and pasted flat-bottomed paper bags. She was granted patent number 220925 for the invention in 1879. As stated in her patent specification, this design is an improvement on her earlier patent, number 116,842, granted in 1871. Her concept continues to be used in the manufacture of today's paper grocery bag.
Margaret was born in Maine, later living in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Her first patented invention, inspired by her work at a Springfield, Massachusetts paper company, was her machine for improvement in paper-feeding; it was given patent number 109224 in 1870. She received patents for inventions having to do with the paper bag, shoe manufacturing, and rotary engine industries.
While many women had innovative ideas during the 19th century, it was sometimes difficult for them to secure patents under their own names. Knight's inventions are celebrated because they demonstrate women's participation in the American patent system.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-10-28
maker
Knight, Margaret E.
ID Number
1980.0004.01
accession number
1980.0004
catalog number
1980.0004.01
patent number
220925
catalog number
GA*89797.220925

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

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