Industry & Manufacturing

Eli Terry Mass-Produced Clock

The Museum's collections document centuries of remarkable changes in products, manufacturing processes, and the role of industry in American life. In the bargain, they preserve artifacts of great ingenuity, intricacy, and sometimes beauty.

The carding and spinning machinery built by Samuel Slater about 1790 helped establish the New England textile industry. Nylon-manufacturing machinery in the collections helped remake the same industry more than a century later. Machine tools from the 1850s are joined by a machine that produces computer chips. Thousands of patent models document the creativity of American innovators over more than 200 years.

The collections reach far beyond tools and machines. Some 460 episodes of the television series Industry on Parade celebrate American industry in the 1950s. Numerous photographic collections are a reminder of the scale and even the glamour of American industry.

Place: New York

"The Battle of the Sewing Machines"

"The Battle of the Sewing Machines" was composed and arranged by F. Hyde for the piano, and was published in 1874 by Wm. A. Pond & Co. of 547 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. The lithograph by R. Teller of 120 Wooster St., N.Y., N.Y., illustrates a "battle" of sewing machines.
Description
"The Battle of the Sewing Machines" was composed and arranged by F. Hyde for the piano, and was published in 1874 by Wm. A. Pond & Co. of 547 Broadway, N.Y., N.Y. The lithograph by R. Teller of 120 Wooster St., N.Y., N.Y., illustrates a "battle" of sewing machines. The Remington "army" is marching towards the fleeing Singer, Howe, Succor, Weed, and Willcox & Gibbs sewing machines. The soldiers are riding the Remington treadle machines like horses and are carrying Remington rifles. The Remington No. 2 sewing machine had just come out to market in June 1874. The family treadle machine with a drop-leaf table and two drawers would have cost $75.00.
On the top left of the sheet music, a woman is pictured sewing on a Remington machine in the Remington office at Madison Square, New York. In the right box is featured the Remington Works of Ilion, N.Y. The music consists of 11 pages, with such subtitles as: "Howe the battle began"; "Advent of all the best machines"; "Song of the Sewing Machine Man: 'How Can I Leave Thee'"; "Triumph of the Remington Sewing Machine," and "Home Sweet Home."
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1874
referenced
Remington Sewing Machine Company
composer
Hyde, F.
publisher
William A. Pond & Co.
lithographer
Teller, R.
ID Number
1991.0130.01
catalog number
1991.0130.01
accession number
1991.0130

Garner Print Works Sample and Cost Record Book

John Oldfield, Assistant Manager of the Garner Print Works in Garnerville, New York, kept a series of record books that date between 1844 and 1880.
Description
John Oldfield, Assistant Manager of the Garner Print Works in Garnerville, New York, kept a series of record books that date between 1844 and 1880. The notebooks contain samples of cloth produced by the mill on one page, with quantities and the costs of dyeing or printing on the facing page—this notebook covers the years 1877-1878. Garnerville was originally called Calicotown, but was renamed after the Garner family, which owned the print works from 1838 to 1909. In the late nineteenth century the family’s textile companies produced more printed fabrics than any other print works in the U.S.
date made
1877-1878
ID Number
1984.0486.06
catalog number
1984.0486.06
accession number
1984.0486

Hudson Midtown Tunnel excavation

Hudson Midtown Tunnel Excavation by New York Port Authority, 1935, gelatin silver printCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Hudson Midtown Tunnel Excavation by New York Port Authority, 1935, gelatin silver print
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1935
associated date
1935
ID Number
2013.0327.0257
catalog number
2013.0327.0257
accession number
2013.0327

Stoneware butter jar

This salt-glazed stoneware butter jar is decorated with hand applied cobalt, and is one of the earliest pieces made at the Athens, New York pottery established in 1805 by Nathan Clark and his brother-in-law, Thomas Howe.
Description
This salt-glazed stoneware butter jar is decorated with hand applied cobalt, and is one of the earliest pieces made at the Athens, New York pottery established in 1805 by Nathan Clark and his brother-in-law, Thomas Howe. Howe died in 1813 leaving Clark to run and expand the company. He established subsidiaries in Kingston, Lyons, Rochester and Mt. Morris, New York between 1813 and 1838. The firm prospered until the end of the 1800s.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1805-1813
maker
Clark, Nathan
Howe, Thomas
ID Number
1977.0803.53
accession number
1977.0803
catalog number
1977.0803.053

Hiram Maxim Pumping Engine, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Hiram S. Maxim, of New York, New York, December 22, 1874, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Hiram S. Maxim, of New York, New York, December 22, 1874, no. 158105.
This model represents a steam engine, pump, and gas-fired boiler, equipped with automatic valves for maintaining the proper level of water in the boiler and for holding a steady pressure in the boiler by starting or stopping the burner. The combination is a steam-pumping unit intended to function automatically without the services of an attendant.
The engine is supported upon the boiler and consists of a rectangular bed, which serves as the pump suction chamber, upon which is the vertical pump cylinder and the pedestal that supports the flywheel and crankshaft journals and the oscillating steam cylinder. Within the base of the pedestal is a feed-water heater through which the exhaust from the engine passes. A float-operated, weighted, pin valve admits water to the boiler from the discharge pipe of the pump when the level in the boiler falls. The boiler is a cylindrical shell type with combustion chamber formed by water legs in the shape of a truncated cone. A ring burner for gas or kerosene is located in a cylindrical firepot within the combustion chamber. The fuel valve to the burner is held open by a spring and is closed by the pressure within the boiler exerted upon a diaphragm and lever. A hole through the valve permits a small pilot flame to burn at all times.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1874
patent date
1874-12-22
inventor
Maxim, Hiram S.
ID Number
ER.308683
accession number
89797
catalog number
308683
patent number
158,105

Robertson-Thompson Steam Engine Indicator

This Robertson-Thompson steam engine indicator, serial number 7735, consists of a brass piston with two grooves; a brass cylinder; an internal, single wound spring, which can be changed; a medium sized drum with a coil spring and a single record; and a short pencil lead for the s
Description
This Robertson-Thompson steam engine indicator, serial number 7735, consists of a brass piston with two grooves; a brass cylinder; an internal, single wound spring, which can be changed; a medium sized drum with a coil spring and a single record; and a short pencil lead for the stylus. Accompanying the indicator is a box with two extra springs, drum springs, seven wooden pulleys for the reducer, two scales, and two extra pistons.
An engine indicator is an instrument for graphically recording the pressure versus piston displacement through an engine stroke cycle. Engineers use the resulting diagram to check the design and performance of the engine.
A mechanical indicator consists of a piston, spring, stylus, and recording system. The gas pressure of the cylinder deflects the piston and pushes against the spring, creating a linear relationship between the gas pressure and the deflection of the piston against the spring. The deflection is recorded by the stylus on a rotating drum that is connected to the piston. Most indicators incorporate a mechanical linkage to amplify the movement of the piston to increase the scale of the record.
When the ratio of the frequency of the pressure variation to the natural frequency of the system is small, then the dynamic deflection is equal to the static deflection. To design a system with a high natural frequency, the mass of the piston, spring, stylus, and mechanical linkage must be small, but the stiffness of the spring must be high. The indicator is subjected to high temperatures and pressures and rapid oscillations, imposing a limitation on the reduction in mass. Too stiff a spring will result in a small displacement of the indicator piston and a record too small to measure with accuracy. Multiplication of the displacement will introduce mechanical ad dynamic errors.
The parameters of the problem for designing an accurate and trouble free recorder are such that there is no easy or simple solution. Studying the variety of indicators in the collection shows how different inventors made different compromises in their designs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
ID Number
MC.318483
catalog number
318483
accession number
234643

Native American Ice Cream Mold

This figure of a Native American is one of 14 pewter ice cream molds donated to the Museum in 1972 by the wholesale distribution company Foremost-McKesson, Inc., of San Francisco, California.
Description
This figure of a Native American is one of 14 pewter ice cream molds donated to the Museum in 1972 by the wholesale distribution company Foremost-McKesson, Inc., of San Francisco, California. Other forms include a lion, a butterfly, an elephant, and patriotic symbols such as an eagle, Uncle Sam, the Liberty Bell, and George Washington in profile.
Molded ice cream was a popular treat in the United States from the 1870s to 1950s, with a boom in ice cream consumption driving increases in mold manufacturing between 1921 and 1925. The Eighteenth Amendment, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 until it was repealed in 1933, sparked an increase in consumer demand for such things as soft drinks, ice cream, and confections. Indeed, ice cream consumption increased by over 100 million gallons between 1921 and 1929.
Unlike the majority of the molds in the collection, which were manufactured by Eppelsheimer & Co. of New York, this cast was created by an unidentified manufacturer. These hinged molds, dating from the 1920s and 30s, while still functional, can no longer be used due to the lead content in the pewter.
The exterior of the mold is stamped with a product catalogue number, “458” and an 1896 date stamp. While the mold’s exterior is otherwise nondescript, its interior, where the ice cream was poured and frozen, is intricately detailed with stereotypical characteristics: feathers, hatchet, and braids. Once frozen, ice cream makers could embellish their confections by painting on a layer of food coloring. These individual molded ice creams would then be served for special occasions or holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving. As American holidays became more commercialized in the early twentieth century, the demand for variety in ice cream molds increased, as is apparent in the collection. However, technological advancements in ice cream manufacturing, the development of ice cream novelties such as the Eskimo Pie and the Popsicle, and the advent of packaged ice creams available in groceries, transformed ice cream in the eye of the American public from a seasonal or specialty dish into an everyday treat. As such, molded ice creams fell out of fashion by the 1950s.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Eppelsheimer & Co.
ID Number
AG.72A1.1
catalog number
72A1.1
accession number
298969

Allen Two-Motion Cone-Valve, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Horatio Allen, of New York, New York, June 19, 1855, no. 13075.The model represents a conical plug valve, connected to a valve gear, which gives it two distinct motions.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Horatio Allen, of New York, New York, June 19, 1855, no. 13075.
The model represents a conical plug valve, connected to a valve gear, which gives it two distinct motions. The first motion is a slight one parallel with the axis of the cone and directed toward its larger end; the other is in a direction tending to rotate the valve. Because the valve and valve seat are conical, the first motion effects a very slight separation of the valve from its seat and permits the rotary motion to be given without friction upon those parts.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
patent date
1855-06-19
inventor
Allen, Horatio
ID Number
MC.308655
catalog number
308655
accession number
89797
patent number
13,075

Edison underground power conductor

Date made
1885
maker
Edison, Thomas Alva
ID Number
EM.314919
catalog number
314919
accession number
212336

Sickels Tripping Cut-Off Valve, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Frederick E. Sickels, of New York, New York, February 24, 1852, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Frederick E. Sickels, of New York, New York, February 24, 1852, no. 8760.
This model represents a valve chest and drop cut-off valve of the Sickels type in which an adjustable cam operates the catch during the opening movement of the valve so that the valve may be released as near the beginning of the closing movement as is desired. In the earlier cut-offs the catch was operated by the closing movement alone, and the valve could not be tripped until sufficient closing movement had taken place to operate the whole extent of the catch.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1852
patent date
1852-02-24
inventor
Sickels, Frederick E.
ID Number
MC.308654
catalog number
308654
accession number
89797
patent number
8,760

Stoneware chamber pot

Chamber pots were found in many homes in the United States before the advent of modern indoor plumbing. While some chamber pots were elaborately decorated, this example, made by Paul Cushman of Albany, New York, is strictly utilitarian.
Description
Chamber pots were found in many homes in the United States before the advent of modern indoor plumbing. While some chamber pots were elaborately decorated, this example, made by Paul Cushman of Albany, New York, is strictly utilitarian. The piece is incised only with the name of the potter.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1806-1833
maker
Cushman, Paul
ID Number
1977.0803.50
accession number
1977.0803
catalog number
1977.0803.050

Stoneware jug

The conclusion of the War of 1812 devastated many American potteries as the importation of less expensive, foreign-made wares resumed, mostly from Great Britain and Holland.
Description
The conclusion of the War of 1812 devastated many American potteries as the importation of less expensive, foreign-made wares resumed, mostly from Great Britain and Holland. While a number of potteries went out of business, the Clark and Howe pottery in Athens, New York employed more men than any other pottery in the state, and even expanded into northwestern New York. The firm was in part responsible for sustaining the local economy, paying $1,750 in wages in 1812 (equal to over $22,000 today).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1805-1813
maker
Clark, Nathan
Howe, Thomas
ID Number
1977.0803.66
accession number
1977.0803
catalog number
1977.0803.066

Stoneware jar

Floral, bird, and animal motifs were commonly used to decorate 19th century stoneware in the United States.
Description
Floral, bird, and animal motifs were commonly used to decorate 19th century stoneware in the United States. This jar, made by John Remmey III, features an incised and cobalt decorated fish.
Remmey pottery is often marked “Manhattan-Wells” referring to the firm’s location near the municipal water supply.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1791-ca 1831
maker
Remmey III, John
ID Number
CE.300894.007
accession number
300894
catalog number
300894.7
300894.007

Stoneware jug

The Remmey family began producing pottery in New York City in 1735, when John Remmey I emigrated from Germany. His grandson, John Remmey III, took over the family business in 1793, continuing to produce some of the finest stoneware made in the United States at the time.
Description
The Remmey family began producing pottery in New York City in 1735, when John Remmey I emigrated from Germany. His grandson, John Remmey III, took over the family business in 1793, continuing to produce some of the finest stoneware made in the United States at the time. The somewhat lopsided incised leaf design on this jug reminds us that each piece was made and decorated by hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1791-1831
maker
Remmey III, John
ID Number
1977.0803.105
accession number
1977.0803
catalog number
1977.0803.105

"Lighthall's Improved Horizontal and Beam Engine," Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent granted to William A. Lighthall, of Albany, New York, April 14, 1838, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent granted to William A. Lighthall, of Albany, New York, April 14, 1838, no. 696.
The engine is designed primarily for boat propulsion and permits the use of a horizontal steam cylinder installed low within the boat in combination with a beam working vertically as in a beam engine.
The model is diagrammatic in form, is made of wood, and is not complete. The engine represented is essentially a beam engine laid upon its side so that the cylinder is horizontal and the beam is supported vertically. The patent drawing shows the cylinder placed directly upon the keelson of a boat with the beam held so that the lower end is at the approximate level of the center of the cylinder. A long connecting rod attached to the upper end of the beam reaches back over the cylinder to a crank on the engine shaft, which is located above the cylinder and back of it.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1838
patent date
1838-04-14
inventor
Lighthall, William A.
ID Number
MC.308639
catalog number
308639
patent number
696
accession number
89797

Worthington Direct-Acting Steam Pump, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry R. Worthington, July 31, 1855, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Henry R. Worthington, July 31, 1855, no. 13370.
The model represents a double-acting water cylinder of a direct-connected steam pump so designed that toward the end of each stroke the pressure on each side of the water piston will be momentarily balanced to permit the expansion of steam already in the steam cylinder to quickly move the piston so that the steam valve operated by the piston will be quickly and positively opened for the return stroke.
At the midpoint of the water cylinder is an opening connected to the force pipe through which the water is discharged. The piston is made of such length that this opening is uncovered to the suction side of the piston only near the end of the stroke. The effect of this is momentarily to subject both sides of the piston to the same water pressure and so relieve the steam piston of most of its resistance so that it can move rapidly and actuate the valve sharply and positively.
The inventor refers to this as an improvement on the invention of “a new and improved method of insuring the action of steam valves in direct-acting pumping engines,” patented by himself and William H. Baker, April 3, 1849.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
patent date
1855-07-31
inventor
Worthington, Henry R.
ID Number
ER.309245
accession number
89797
catalog number
309245
patent number
13,370

Bramwell Valve, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William Bramwell, of New York, New York, June 14, 1859, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William Bramwell, of New York, New York, June 14, 1859, no. 24639.
The model represents a valve in which a gate swinging upon a horizontal axis is opened or closed by means of a band wheel, vertical screw, and toggle link.
The gate of the valve is a conical plug that swings on an arm from a pivot above it. When closed the gate fits a conical seat in the valve body; when opened it swings up into the top of the valve body practically clear of the passages. The peculiar feature of the valve is the arrangement of parts, which permits the closing of a swing-gate valve by means of a hand wheel and screw.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1859
patent date
1859-06-14
inventor
Bramwell, William
ID Number
ER.309251
accession number
89797
catalog number
309251
patent number
24,369

Judson and Cogswell Governor, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Junius Judson and William A. Cogswell, of Rochester, New York, November 9, 1875, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Junius Judson and William A. Cogswell, of Rochester, New York, November 9, 1875, no. 169815.
The model represents a flyball governor in which the driving pulley is fitted loosely to the driving shaft and connected to it by a spiral spring, which allows a free turning of the pulley on the shaft to an extent sufficient to counteract the jerks or impulses, which are transmitted to the governor by the uneven operation of the engine.
The inventor states that the ordinary crank motion of a steam engine results in an unequal operation that is not always equalized by the flywheel of the engine. This irregularity, though not always perceptible, is transmitted to the governor, which, when operated unevenly, would exaggerate the variations. This device is designed to prevent the jerks being transmitted to the governor.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875
patent date
1875-11-09
inventor
Judson, Junius
Cogswell, William A.
ID Number
MC.309244
catalog number
309244
accession number
89797
patent number
169,815

Creeping Baby Doll Patent Model

This model demonstrates the invention of a mechanical crawling doll. It accompanied the patent submission of George Pemberton Clarke, who received U.S. patent No.
Description
This model demonstrates the invention of a mechanical crawling doll. It accompanied the patent submission of George Pemberton Clarke, who received U.S. patent No. 118,435 on 29 August 1871 for his “Natural Creeping Baby Doll.” The original patent office tag is still attached with red tape. Clarke’s patent was an improvement on the crawling baby doll patent of his associate Robert J. Clay (No. 112,550 granted 14 March 1871).
The doll’s head, two arms and two legs are made of painted plaster. The arms and legs are hinged to a brass clockwork body that actuates the arms and legs in imitation of crawling, but the doll moves forward by rolling along on two toothed wheels. A flat piece of wood is attached to top of the movement.
A commercial version of the doll is also in the collection. See also Catalog number 2011.0204.01a.
This mechanical toy is part of a fascinating continuum of figures built to imitate human life. This long Western tradition stretches from ancient Greece through the mechanical automatons of the Enlightenment, through wind-up toys to contemporary robots and other machines with artificial intelligence.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1871
patent date
1871-08-29
inventor
Clarke, George P.
ID Number
1984.0923.01
accession number
1984.0923
catalog number
1984.0923.01
patent number
118,435

Allen Cut-Off Valve Gear, Patent Model

This model was filed with the application to the U.S. Patent Office for Patent Number 18,837 issued to Horatio Allen on December 15, 1857. Allen’s design was for an improved cut-off valve gear for steam engines.
Description
This model was filed with the application to the U.S. Patent Office for Patent Number 18,837 issued to Horatio Allen on December 15, 1857. Allen’s design was for an improved cut-off valve gear for steam engines. Cut-off refers to the action of closing the intake valve which admits high pressure steam from the boiler into the cylinder of the engine. A cut-off valve gear is a series of cams, levers, gears and/or shafts that control the point in the stroke of the piston at which cut-off occurs . For steam engines that operate at varying loads and speeds it is important to the efficiency of the engine that cut-off be timed properly and be adjustable. When the engine is operating at low speeds and heavy loads steam is fed to the piston through a large part of its travel, and the cut-off closes relatively close to the time that the exhaust valve opens. High pressure steam is needed throughout that period due to the load. When the engine is operating at higher speeds and lesser loads, it is desirable to have cut-off happen much earlier in the stroke – perhaps at 20-25% of the total stroke. This increases the efficiency of the engine and conserves fuel by having more of the work be performed by the expansion of the steam within the cylinder pushing against the piston. Allen’s design provided a means of adjusting the point of cut-off while the engine was running. This was not new, and Allen based his work on an earlier patent of his and one by Samuel Gilman . The earlier patent designs relied on a combination of cams, levers and shafts to take motion from the push rods of the engine to control the motion of the intake valve. One element of the original Allen patent was a “loose toe” lever that pushed the steam valve stem upward to open it. The loose toe lever would then lock into place until the cut-off point was reached at which time it would be unlocked allowing the valve stem to fall back into place. Timing adjustment was effected by changing the length of a second lever arm so as to close the valve earlier or later. Allen claimed as new for this patent the addition of a piston within a chamber of water or other fluid. The chamber was closed and provided with appropriate valves so that it would provide a damping resistance to the motion of the rod attached to the piston. This rod was connected to the loose toe lever that allowed the intake valve to close after cut-off, thus controlling its fall rather than having the intake valve shut abruptly. Mr. Allen was an engineer of significant accomplishment working on locomotives, steamships, bridges and tunnels. He became President of the New York Novelty Iron Works in 1842 , and his early patent design for valve gear was used in the engine built by that company for the steamship Adriatic. Novelty Iron Works continued to make engines for many steamships through the Civil War years.
The patent model is made of wood and illustrates the key new element of the patent – the “loose toe” is connected to a rod which enters a wooden cylinder representing the damping chamber. Just beneath the loose toe and its shaft is a horizontal frame with a slot and sliding pin. This may have been intended to model the latch for the loose toe. The damping chamber piston rod is no longer attached to the loose toe, and the operation of the latch is unclear.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1857
patent date
1857-12-15
inventor
Allen, Horatio
ID Number
MC.308657
catalog number
308657
accession number
89797
patent number
18,837

Stoneware jar

David Morgan worked for New York City potter John Crolius Jr., beginning in 1795. In 1798 he temporarily took over Thomas H. Commeraw’s kiln on Cherry Street near Corlear’s Hook in Manhattan.
Description
David Morgan worked for New York City potter John Crolius Jr., beginning in 1795. In 1798 he temporarily took over Thomas H. Commeraw’s kiln on Cherry Street near Corlear’s Hook in Manhattan. The mark “CORLEARS HOOK” can be found on many of the well-formed jars, jugs and pitchers attributed to Morgan.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1795-1803
maker
Morgan, David
ID Number
1977.0803.108
accession number
1977.0803
catalog number
1977.0803.108

Starbuck Siphon Condenser, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to George H. Starbuck, of Troy, New York, September 10, 1878, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to George H. Starbuck, of Troy, New York, September 10, 1878, no. 207827.
This model represents a form of barometric condenser in which an annular jet of water is brought into contact with an annular jet of the steam to be condensed, and the resulting mixture is conducted from the condenser by a pipe extending 33 feet or more below it. The peculiar feature of this condenser is the bulbous valve, which fits within the water pipe and forms a variable annular water passage by which the quantity of water flowing can be adjusted while the shape of the annular jet of water, which is essential to the best operation of the condenser, is maintained unbroken.
Reference:
This description comes from the 1939 Catalog of the Mechanical Collections of the Division of Engineering United States Museum Bulletin 173 by Frank A. Taylor.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1878
patent date
1878-09-10
ID Number
MC.309354
catalog number
309354
accession number
89797
patent number
207,827

Stoneware flask

Early in their partnership, Nathan Clark and Ethan S. Fox produced both earthenware and stoneware. They stopped making earthenware in the 1830s to focus on stoneware forms such as molasses jugs, beer bottles and spittoons, all considered innovative shapes.
Description
Early in their partnership, Nathan Clark and Ethan S. Fox produced both earthenware and stoneware. They stopped making earthenware in the 1830s to focus on stoneware forms such as molasses jugs, beer bottles and spittoons, all considered innovative shapes. This elaborately decorated flask may have been designed to compete with glass flasks being made at the time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1829-1838
maker
Clark, Nathan
Fox, Ethan
ID Number
1977.0803.90
accession number
1977.0803
catalog number
1977.0803.090

Calkins Steam Engine Indicator

The Engineers Instrument Co. manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 66, which is based on patent 442102, granted to Almon B. Calkins of Bridgeport, Connecticut, on December 9, 1890.
Description
The Engineers Instrument Co. manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 66, which is based on patent 442102, granted to Almon B. Calkins of Bridgeport, Connecticut, on December 9, 1890. It consists of a brass piston with two grooves; a brass cylinder; and internal spring, which can be changed; a large drum with coil spring and single record. The stylus and grease cup are missing. Accompanying the indicator is a box with twelve springs.
An engine indicator is an instrument for graphically recording the pressure versus piston displacement through an engine stroke cycle. Engineers use the resulting diagram to check the design and performance of the engine.
A mechanical indicator consists of a piston, spring, stylus, and recording system. The gas pressure of the cylinder deflects the piston and pushes against the spring, creating a linear relationship between the gas pressure and the deflection of the piston against the spring. The deflection is recorded by the stylus on a rotating drum that is connected to the piston. Most indicators incorporate a mechanical linkage to amplify the movement of the piston to increase the scale of the record.
When the ratio of the frequency of the pressure variation to the natural frequency of the system is small, then the dynamic deflection is equal to the static deflection. To design a system with a high natural frequency, the mass of the piston, spring, stylus, and mechanical linkage must be small, but the stiffness of the spring must be high. The indicator is subjected to high temperatures and pressures and rapid oscillations, imposing a limitation on the reduction in mass. Too stiff a spring will result in a small displacement of the indicator piston and a record too small to measure with accuracy. Multiplication of the displacement will introduce mechanical ad dynamic errors.
The parameters of the problem for designing an accurate and trouble free recorder are such that there is no easy or simple solution. Studying the variety of indicators in the collection shows how different inventors made different compromises in their designs.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MC.316803
catalog number
316803
accession number
228496

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