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.

Topic: Patent Models, Graphic Arts

Patent Model of a Feed Mechanism for Power Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for the automatic feeding of strip material to power presses, not necessarily printing presses. The patent was granted patent number 354480.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for the automatic feeding of strip material to power presses, not necessarily printing presses. The patent was granted patent number 354480.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-12-14
maker
Leist, William
ID Number
GA.89797.354480
accession number
089797
patent number
354480
catalog number
GA*89797.354480

Patent model for a method of making curved electrotype and stereotype plates

This patent model demonstrates an invention for the manufacture of curved printing plates from flat plates, without altering the dimensions of the printing image; the invention was granted patent number 86021.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the manufacture of curved printing plates from flat plates, without altering the dimensions of the printing image; the invention was granted patent number 86021.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1869
patent date
1869-01-19
maker
Lovejoy, Henry W.
Ferguson, James H.
ID Number
GA.89797.086021
accession number
089797
patent number
086021
catalog number
GA*89797.086021

Patent Model of a Sheet-delivery Apparatus for Web Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding and collecting apparatus for printing machines which was granted patent number 214067.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding and collecting apparatus for printing machines which was granted patent number 214067.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-08
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.214067
accession number
089797
patent number
214067
catalog number
GA*89797.214067

Patent model for printing press for uneven surfaces

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking clamshell press, treadle-operated, "particularly for small work." The invention was granted patent number 111581.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a self-inking clamshell press, treadle-operated, "particularly for small work." The invention was granted patent number 111581.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-02-07
patentee
Smith, Earle H.
ID Number
GA.89797.111581
accession number
089797
patent number
111581
catalog number
GA*89797.111581

Patent Model of an Inking Apparatus for Printing Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of improved ink distribution on flatbed cylinder presses. The patent was granted number 173085.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of improved ink distribution on flatbed cylinder presses. The patent was granted number 173085.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-02-01
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.173085
accession number
089797
patent number
173085
catalog number
GA*89797.173085

Patent model for inking apparatus for platen presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus that turns the ink disk on a platen jobber; it was granted patent number 110018. Degener, one-time employee of G. P. Gordon, was the inventor of the Liberty platen jobber.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus that turns the ink disk on a platen jobber; it was granted patent number 110018. Degener, one-time employee of G. P. Gordon, was the inventor of the Liberty platen jobber. See also Gordon and Degener's joint patent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1870-12-13
patentee
Degener, Frederick O.
ID Number
GA.89797.110018
accession number
089797
patent number
110018
catalog number
GA*89797.110018

Patent Model of a Sheet-delivery Apparatus for Web Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved paper folding mechanism which was granted patent number 215844.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an improved paper folding mechanism which was granted patent number 215844.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-05-27
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.215844
accession number
089797
patent number
215844
catalog number
GA*89797.215844

Patent Model of a Sheet-feed Apparatus for Cylinder Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feeding appratus which was granted patent number 140963. The patent model includes pivoted guiding fingers on the press feed board. The model is incomplete.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feeding appratus which was granted patent number 140963. The patent model includes pivoted guiding fingers on the press feed board. The model is incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-07-15
maker
Stoddard, Clarence H.
Norton, Edward D.
ID Number
GA.89797.140962
accession number
089797
patent number
140962
catalog number
GA*89797.140962

Patent Model of a Sheet-Feed Apparatus for Printing Machines

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-separating apparatus which was granted patent number 9623. The machine was used to separate sheets and pass them to the press board by means of suction tubes, entirely replacing the human sheet feeder.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-separating apparatus which was granted patent number 9623. The machine was used to separate sheets and pass them to the press board by means of suction tubes, entirely replacing the human sheet feeder.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-03-22
maker
Comby, John P.
ID Number
GA.89797.009623
accession number
089797
patent number
009623
catalog number
GA*89797.009623

Patent Model of a Sheet Feed Apparatus for Bookbinding

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 114087.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 114087. This invention was intended for "use in connection with the pamphlet-covering apparatus" covered by another Clague and Randall application, but was adaptable to other bookbinding or printing machines. The model is damaged and incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-04-25
maker
Andrews, Ezra R.
Randall, Robert B.
Clague, William H.
ID Number
GA.89797.114087
patent number
114087
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.114087

Patent Model of a Sheet-reversing Apparatus for Printing Machines

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-reversing apparatus which was granted patent number 214065. On a sheet-fed rotary press like Hoe's Type Revolving Press, an apparatus to turn each sheet for printing on the reverse side.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-reversing apparatus which was granted patent number 214065. On a sheet-fed rotary press like Hoe's Type Revolving Press, an apparatus to turn each sheet for printing on the reverse side.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-08
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.214065
accession number
089797
patent number
214065
catalog number
GA*89797.214065

Patent model for inking apparatus for printing machines

This patent model demonstrates an invention for ink fountains with cleaning blades that overcame the problem of accumulated lint on the rollers; the invention was granted patent number 150762.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for ink fountains with cleaning blades that overcame the problem of accumulated lint on the rollers; the invention was granted patent number 150762.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-05-12
patentee
Jones, Gilbert E.
ID Number
GA.89797.150762
accession number
089797
patent number
150762
catalog number
GA*89797.150762

Patent Model of a Machine for Cutting Books in the Round

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine to cut books in the round which was granted patent number 35639. The machine includes rocking knives for cutting the fronts of books in the round, an operation normally performed by hand.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine to cut books in the round which was granted patent number 35639. The machine includes rocking knives for cutting the fronts of books in the round, an operation normally performed by hand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1862
patent date
1862-06-17
maker
Trinks, Gregor
Heitkamp, Louis
ID Number
GA.89797.035639
patent number
035639
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.035639

Patent Model of a Book-stitching Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which was granted patent number 150495.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which was granted patent number 150495. The machine includes a mechanism to protect needles in book-sewing machines: latches to hold the needles in position and an alarm bell to warn of approaching knots in the thread. Thompson was an inventor and manufacturer in the field of book stitching, stapling and sewing machines who also acquired interests in the inventions of others.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-05-05
maker
Thompson, Henry G.
Parkhurst, Edward G.
ID Number
GA.89797.150495
patent number
150495
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.150495

Patent Model of a Book Trimmer

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book trimmer which was granted patent number 5523. The machine is for cutting the edges of books, and combines a sliding cutter with a turning and adjustable book holder and an adjustable table.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book trimmer which was granted patent number 5523. The machine is for cutting the edges of books, and combines a sliding cutter with a turning and adjustable book holder and an adjustable table.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1848
patent date
1848-04-18
maker
Markham, Larnard F.
ID Number
GA.89797.005523
catalog number
GA*89797.005523
accession number
089797
patent number
005523

Patent Model for a Rotary Perfecting Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent number 131217. The invention offers a new system of feeding, carrying, and delivering sheets for rotary perfecting presses.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent number 131217. The invention offers a new system of feeding, carrying, and delivering sheets for rotary perfecting presses. The model consists of the central group of feeding cylinders. According to Stephen D. Tucker’s History of R. Hoe & Company, a press on this plan was capable of printing 8000 sheets per hour and was used successfully by the New York Daily News.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-09-10
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
Hoe, Richard March
ID Number
GA.89797.131217
patent number
131217
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.131217

Patent Model of an Apparatus for Printing on Bottles, Boxes, or Cans

This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing directly on glass or metal with elastic type instead of using the common practice of stenciling on the surface or using a paper label. The invention was granted patent number 56593.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for printing directly on glass or metal with elastic type instead of using the common practice of stenciling on the surface or using a paper label. The invention was granted patent number 56593. The rubber printing block of the patent model has hardened and perished. In 1860 Isaac Miles had bought shares in the rights of two other printing patents: Samuel Lowe's cone press (Patent 15429, 1856) and Charles Hawkes's platen press (Patent 7855, 1850).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-07-24
maker
Miles, Isaac L.
ID Number
GA.89797.056593
patent number
056593
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.056593

Patent model for stereotype block holders

This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of fitting a printing block with underlays and overlays that could be left in place when the block was washed; the invention was granted patent number 146163.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for methods of fitting a printing block with underlays and overlays that could be left in place when the block was washed; the invention was granted patent number 146163.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-01-06
patentee
Bryson, John
ID Number
GA.89797.146163
accession number
089797
patent number
146163
catalog number
GA*89797.146163

Patent model for adjustable card guides for Gordon presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for two hinged plates representing the platen of the Gordon press and the shaft below it, on which the guides were mounted; the invention was granted patent number 111304.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for two hinged plates representing the platen of the Gordon press and the shaft below it, on which the guides were mounted; the invention was granted patent number 111304.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-01-31
patentee
Bevans, Alexander L.
ID Number
GA.89797.111304
accession number
089797
patent number
111304
catalog number
GA*89797.111304

Patent Model for a Card Printing and Numbering Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card printing and numbering machine which was granted patent number 21418. The patent describes a little press with a numbering wheel, designed primarily for the production of railroad tickets.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a card printing and numbering machine which was granted patent number 21418. The patent describes a little press with a numbering wheel, designed primarily for the production of railroad tickets. Hill was a pioneer in numbering machines. His city, Buffalo, N.Y., became a center of the rail ticket business.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-09-07
maker
Hill, George J.
ID Number
GA.89797.021418
accession number
089797
patent number
021418
catalog number
GA*89797.021418

Patent model for numbering machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a consecutive numberer for a printing press; the invention was granted patent number 144196.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a consecutive numberer for a printing press; the invention was granted patent number 144196.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-11-04
maker
Evans, Robert M.
ID Number
GA.89797.144196
patent number
144196
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.144196

Patent Model of a Numbering Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a numbering machine, granted patent number 245220.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a numbering machine, granted patent number 245220. The patent details a numbering machine in which blank spaces were filled by a character, such as a star or dash, to prevent the alteration of figures after printing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-08-02
maker
Robinson, William
ID Number
GA.89797.245220
accession number
089797
patent number
245220
catalog number
GA*89797.245220

Patent Model for a Traveler's Copying Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a traveler’s letter copying press which was granted patent number 21902. The copying press could be dismantled and packed up for the road.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a traveler’s letter copying press which was granted patent number 21902. The copying press could be dismantled and packed up for the road.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-10-26
maker
Platt, Edwin
Platt, Jacob B.
ID Number
GA.89797.021902
patent number
021902
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.021902

Patent Model of a Sheet-delivery Apparatus for Web Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet delivery apparatus for a printing press which was granted patent number 214068. The patent details a sheet collecting and manipulating mechanism, with pasters, and folders, for high-speed delivery.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet delivery apparatus for a printing press which was granted patent number 214068. The patent details a sheet collecting and manipulating mechanism, with pasters, and folders, for high-speed delivery.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-08
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.214068
patent number
214068
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.214068

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