Work

Gilbreth Stopwatch

The tools, rules, and relationships of the workplace illustrate some of the enduring collaborations and conflicts in the everyday life of the nation. The Museum has more than 5,000 traditional American tools, chests, and simple machines for working wood, stone, metal, and leather. Materials on welding, riveting, and iron and steel construction tell a more industrial version of the story. Computers, industrial robots, and other artifacts represent work in the Information Age.

But work is more than just tools. The collections include a factory gate, the motion-study photographs of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, and more than 3,000 work incentive posters. The rise of the factory system is measured, in part, by time clocks in the collections. More than 9,000 items bring in the story of labor unions, strikes, and demonstrations over trade and economic issues.

Topic: Architecture

Hard Hat

Volunteerism plays an important role in philanthropy in America. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives and homes in the Gulf Coast in 2005, many nonprofit groups organized volunteers to help the recovery effort.
Description (Brief)
Volunteerism plays an important role in philanthropy in America. After Hurricane Katrina destroyed lives and homes in the Gulf Coast in 2005, many nonprofit groups organized volunteers to help the recovery effort. Jillian Gross led a team from Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding homes in Louisiana.
Description
This hard hat was worn by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world. Hard hats are used for head protection on construction and other work sites. This hat has a lightweight shell with suspension straps inside that absorbs shock from falling objects. It is made by MSA Incorporated.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.39
catalog number
2005.0276.39
accession number
2005.0276

Babcock and Wilcox Boiler Model

This is a half-size model of the boiler that won the award for sectional steam generators at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876.
Description
This is a half-size model of the boiler that won the award for sectional steam generators at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876. It was in service until recent years and is now preserved by the Babcock and Wilcox Co., the makers.
The boiler represented is a hand-fired, inclined-tube boiler, with two parallel longitudinal drums connected by a cross steam drum. The headers are of the earliest type of cast-steel sinuous header and are seven tubes high. The boiler is suspended from two cast-iron arched beams that rest upon the side walls of the brickwork. The highly ornamental cast-iron front is trimmed in gold paint. The boiler is equipped with a ball-and-lever safety valve, three water-level sight gauges, and a pressure gauge.
The Centennial boiler was sold to the De Castro and Donner Sugar Refinery in Brooklyn, New York, after the exposition and was continued in service through the early 20th century.
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 on loan
Currently not on view (Part)
ID Number
ER.309868
accession number
110403
catalog number
309868

Rexford Fire Grate, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Model with the application for the patent issued to Philander Rexford, of Syracuse, New York, August 14, 1883, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Model with the application for the patent issued to Philander Rexford, of Syracuse, New York, August 14, 1883, no. 283144.
The model represents a furnace grate made up of long grate bars, which are pivoted midway of their depth and have projecting from the upper part of one side of each bar a series of teeth or ribs. When in their normal positions the bars stand obliquely and the smooth solid back of one bar and the ribbed face of the next form the two sides of a trough across the grate. The solid portion is designed to support very fine coal, while the ribbed portion permits the passage of air for combustion.
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
1883
patent date
1883-08-14
inventor
Rexford, Philander
ID Number
MC.309218
catalog number
309218
accession number
89797
patent number
283,144

Loper Marine Steam Engine, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to R. F. Loper, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2849, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to R. F. Loper, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 28, 2849, no. 6673.
This is a nicely made working model of a 2-cylinder vertical marine engine directly connected to a 2-throw propeller shaft, upon which is mounted a 4-blade propeller. The model is complete with boiler, feed-water pump, condenser, and condenser air pump. The peculiar feature of the invention is the manner of connecting the air pump to the engine and the method of quickly converting the engine from condensing to noncondensing operation.
The engine represented consists of a heavy bed plate shaped to fit the hull of a vessel, upon which are attached the bearing of the propeller shaft and the frame that supports the cylinders. The cylinders are double-acting are “reversed from the ordinary position of engines, the piston rod running down through the lower head and connecting by the usual connecting rod with the cranks on the shaft below.” “The valves of the engine take their motion from eccentrics on the main shaft coupled with a valve lever by proper eccentric rods. The lever is affixed to its axis by its center and is made double, so that the eccentric rod can be thrown to either end to reverse the motion or may be wholly detached.” The cur-off is worked directly from the cross head. The air pump is driven by a beam and connecting rod, which is driven by a crankpin upon a gear wheel that engages a pinion on the crankshaft. The ratio of the gears is such that the air pump performs only one stroke to two of the engine. The air pump communicates with the condenser into which the exhaust pipe opens. The escape pipe is also connected with the condenser, which, when open, allows the steam to escape without condensing.
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
1849
patent date
1849-08-28
inventor
Loper, R. F.
ID Number
ER.309198
accession number
89797
catalog number
309198
patent number
6,673

Steam Engine Indicator

This steam engine indicator consists of a steel piston with three grooves; a vented steel cylinder; an external, double wound spring, which can be changed; a small drum with a spiral spring and a single record; and a brass stylus.
Description
This steam engine indicator consists of a steel piston with three grooves; a vented steel cylinder; an external, double wound spring, which can be changed; a small drum with a spiral spring and a single record; and a brass stylus. Accompanying the indicator is a box with an extra piston and line, fourteen extra springs, a wrench, and two small parts.
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
1981.0217.13
accession number
1981.0217
catalog number
1981.0217.13

Schofield Rotary Engine, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Frederick F. Schofield, of Oscoda, Michigan, September 19, 1876, no. 182291.This is a rotary engine in which the outer casing rotates and acts a both a flywheel and belt pulley.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Frederick F. Schofield, of Oscoda, Michigan, September 19, 1876, no. 182291.
This is a rotary engine in which the outer casing rotates and acts a both a flywheel and belt pulley. Otherwise it does not differ materially from the many other rotary engines in which an annular space between a casing and a drum is divided by movable abutments in the out casing, and is traversed by a driving head on the drum. In this case the drum is held stationary and the abutments in the casing are driven around by the pressure between the abutments and the head on the drum.
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
1876
patent date
1876-09-19
inventor
Schofield, Frederick F.
ID Number
ER.309193
accession number
89797
catalog number
309193
patent number
182,291

Frost Steam Pump, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Richard L. Frost, of Battle Creek, Michigan, February 11, 1890, no. 421355. The patent was assigned to the Union Manufacturing Co.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Richard L. Frost, of Battle Creek, Michigan, February 11, 1890, no. 421355. The patent was assigned to the Union Manufacturing Co. of the same place.
The model represents a section through the steam cylinder, piston, and steam valve of a direct-connected steam water pump. The valve is a steam-actuated piston valve so designed that an increase in the exhaust pressure cannot act on the valve as to entirely close the live-steam port and stop the engine.
The valve is a piston slide valve that admits live steam at its ends through a hollow section to the cylinder steam ports close to the middle of the valve. The exhaust is to the center. Formed on the ends of the piston valve are enlarged pistons which closely fit cylinders provided for them. Ports in these cylinders are so connected to the main cylinder ports and the main cylinder that pressure on one end serves practically to balance the valve, while pressure on the other end actuates the valve. The main piston is relatively long and has an annular depression between its two ends. The space thus formed between the piston ends and the cylinder in combination with ports in the cylinder acts to supply steam to the valve cylinder to actuate the valve.
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
1890
patent date
1890-02-11
inventor
Frost, Richard L.
ID Number
MC.308718
catalog number
308718
accession number
89797
patent number
421,355

Bartlett Poppet Valve Gear, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Louis D. Bartlett, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, January 15, 1867, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Louis D. Bartlett, of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, January 15, 1867, no. 61141.
The patent refers to an engine with separate valve chests at head end and crank end, each enclosing balanced steam and exhaust poppet valves, and describes particularly the construction of the valve boxes. These are designed for simplicity of casting, machining, and accessibility but are difficult to describe without reference to the drawings in the patent specifications. The valve gear is said to be similar to one described in a patent granted to Charles H. Brown and Charles Burleigh, January 15, 1856. The valve stems are operated by short levers, which are raised and lowered by cams on a lay shaft paralleling the cylinder. The levers that operated the steam valves have variable fulcrums, which are controlled by a governor so that the steam can be cut off at any point of the stroke.
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
1867
patent date
1867-01-15
inventor
Bartlett, Louis D.
ID Number
MC.308674
catalog number
308674
accession number
89797
patent number
61,141

Hewitt Piston-Rod Packing, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John Hewitt, of St. Louis, Missouri, June 3, 1879, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to John Hewitt, of St. Louis, Missouri, June 3, 1879, no. 216038.
The model represents a 2-piece, flange-and-gland stuffing box of the usual form, packed with malleable metal rings with beveled edges. The rings are alternately beveled in opposite directions so that adjoining surfaces match. The edges of the flange and gland are beveled so that when the parts are brought together and tightened the effect is of a number of double wedges sliding together and expanding between the stuffing box and the shaft.
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
1879
patent date
1879-06-03
inventor
Hewitt, John
ID Number
MC.309247
catalog number
309247
accession number
89797
patent number
216,038

Salisbury Hydrocarbon Burner, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Silas C. Salisbury, June 24, 1879, no. 216898.The model represents a burner in which two concentric annular chambers are framed around a central hollow tube.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Silas C. Salisbury, June 24, 1879, no. 216898.
The model represents a burner in which two concentric annular chambers are framed around a central hollow tube. The chambers are connected to pipes so that the fuel is fed to the outer chamber, steam to the inner one, while air for combustion is supplied through the central tube. The shells forming the annular chambers, and the positions of the parts to be varied for the purpose of controlling the combustion. The inventor described a burner with the forward ends of the shells and tube flared outward as well as one with the ends curved inward, wither of which would be used depending upon the shape of the flame desired.
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
1879
patent date
1879-06-24
inventor
Salisbury, Silas C.
ID Number
MC.308764
catalog number
308764
accession number
89797
patent number
216,898

Uhry and Luttgens Valve Gearing, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to H. Uhry and H. A. Luttgens, of Paterson, New Jersey, March 20, 1855, no. 12564.The model represents a “link motion” applicable to marine, locomotive, or stationary steam engine.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to H. Uhry and H. A. Luttgens, of Paterson, New Jersey, March 20, 1855, no. 12564.
The model represents a “link motion” applicable to marine, locomotive, or stationary steam engine. It is a combination of three eccentrics, the ordinary Stephenson link motion, an additional link pivoted to the Stephenson link, a differential rocker, and a main rocker. The main rocker and the Stephenson link operate one valve, which distributes steam to the cylinder, supplies outside lead, and cuts off the steam in proportion to the decrease of travel. The valve operated by the differential rocker exhausts the steam and opens and cuts off the admission of steam near full stroke of the piston.
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
1855-03-20
inventor
Uhry, H.
ID Number
MC.308656
catalog number
308656
accession number
89797
patent number
12,564

Double End Pry Bar

This is a double end pry bar designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a flat shape, one end has a slight curve that is tapered and slotted and the other end is shaped like the claw portion of a common hammer.
Description
This is a double end pry bar designed to pull out nails and for light demolition. The length has a flat shape, one end has a slight curve that is tapered and slotted and the other end is shaped like the claw portion of a common hammer. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1998-2005
ID Number
2005.0276.11
catalog number
2005.0276.11
accession number
2005.0276

Paring Chisel

Chisels are used to cut and shape wood, stone and other hard materials. A paring chisel is a common woodworking tool which is used to cut and shave off thin amounds of wood. This chisel has a yellow tansparent handle and a 1" wide steel cutting edge or blade.
Description
Chisels are used to cut and shape wood, stone and other hard materials. A paring chisel is a common woodworking tool which is used to cut and shave off thin amounds of wood. This chisel has a yellow tansparent handle and a 1" wide steel cutting edge or blade. It was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.20
catalog number
2005.0276.20
accession number
2005.0276

Screwdriver

Small, flat head screwdriver, red plastic handle with the name Kobalt on its side. Kobalt is a house brand sold exclusively at the American home improvement store Lowe's.
Description
Small, flat head screwdriver, red plastic handle with the name Kobalt on its side. Kobalt is a house brand sold exclusively at the American home improvement store Lowe's. The screwdriver was used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.22
catalog number
2005.0276.22
accession number
2005.0276

Tabor Steam Engine Indicator

Ashcroft Mfg. Co. of Bridgeport, Connecticut, manufactured this Tabor steam engine indicator, serial number 2325.
Description
Ashcroft Mfg. Co. of Bridgeport, Connecticut, manufactured this Tabor steam engine indicator, serial number 2325. It consists of a brass piston with three grooves; a vented brass cylinder; an internal, single wound spring, which can be changed; a large drum with a coil spring and a single record. The end of the linkage that holds the stylus is missing, as is the pulley. Accompanying the indicator is a box with several 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
maker
Ashcroft Mfg. Co.
ID Number
MC.316791
catalog number
316791
accession number
228496

Allen Cut-Off Valve Gear, 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, August 29, 1848, no.
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, August 29, 1848, no. 5745.
This is an adjustable drop cut-off valve gear in which a poppet valve is raised by a lift rod but is permitted to return to its seat sooner or more rapidly than the lift rod returns.
The model represents a poppet steam valve raised from its seat by an arm fixed at right angles to a lift rod, which works vertically and parallel to the valve stem. Upon the face of the arm is a moveable block a part of the upper surface of which is parallel to the face of the arm and a part of which is a steep curve. All the movement of the valve is transmitted to it through a roller on its stem, which rolls on the surface of this block. The block is so linked with a vibratory rod, which receives its motion from the cross head of the engine, that the block will move along the face of the lift rod arm and bring different points of its surface under the roller of the valve stem. By proper adjustment the roller will rest upon the flat part of the block and move with the lift rod as it is rising and the valve is opening, then the block moves so that the roller comes to the edge of the inclined portion and rolls down the incline permitting the valve to drop more quickly than the lift rod. The movement of the block on the arm and consequently the point of cut-off are fully adjustable.
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
1848
patent date
1848-08-29
ID Number
MC.308643
catalog number
308643
accession number
89797
patent number
5,745

Allen Cut-Off 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, April 30, 1842, no.
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, April 30, 1842, no. 2597.
This model represents a valve gear in which separate steam chests are employed for the head-end and crank-end main steam valves. The supply of steam to each of these steam chests is controlled by additional cut-off valves, the movement of which is adjustable. The inventor refers to this invention as an improvement in the valve gear patented by him August 21, 1841 (patent number 2227).
The model shows a portion of the cylinder of a horizontal engine with only the piston rod and cross head represented. A steam chest in which are located the ports leading to the inner or main steam chests is shown in section, revealing the cut-off valves on their seats. These cut-off valves are plain flat plates connected to opposite ends of a beam, which receives a vibratory motion from the cross head of the engine. The beam and its rock shaft are picoted in a lever by which the pivot can be moved and the time of cut-of varied. This the inventor calls “cut-off with movable rock shaft.” He suggests that a similar result can be obtained by constructing the cut-off ports in a movable plate which he calls “cut-off with single adjustable seat.”
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
1842
patent date
1842-04-30
inventor
Allen, Horatio
ID Number
MC.308640
catalog number
308640
accession number
89797
patent number
2,597

Dexter Hydrocarbon (Oil) Burner, Patent Model

This model was submitted with the application for the patent issued to Thomas B. Dexter, of Lynn, Massachusetts (assignor of one-half his right to the Gilmanton Mills, Belmont, New Hampshire), August 19, 1879, no.
Description
This model was submitted with the application for the patent issued to Thomas B. Dexter, of Lynn, Massachusetts (assignor of one-half his right to the Gilmanton Mills, Belmont, New Hampshire), August 19, 1879, no. 218619.
The model represents a tubular burner with a slightly reduced tip, provided with a vertical diaphragm that divides the burner into two sections. The space on one side of the diaphragm is connected to the oil line and to an air inlet pipe provided with a damper for adjusting the flow of air. The other space is connected to the steam line. In operation the flow of steam from the tip creates suction enough to draw the oil and air through the burner. The oil and air are heated by contact with the diaphragm, which separates them from the steam, and are intimately mixed when they issue from the burner. The diaphragm is notched just inside the tip so that the mixing of the steam and the air and oil results in the formation of a wide, thin, horizontal sheet. This produced a sheet of flame that spread over a large part of the furnace.
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
1879
patent date
1879-08-19
inventor
Dexter, Thomas B.
ID Number
MC.308765
catalog number
308765
accession number
89797
patent number
218,619

Stuart Perry Gas Engine Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with application for Patent no. 4800, issued October 7, 1846.This engine is very similar to the Perry engine of 1844 (US National Museum accession number 309253).
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with application for Patent no. 4800, issued October 7, 1846.
This engine is very similar to the Perry engine of 1844 (US National Museum accession number 309253). It differs in that the cylinder is water-jacketed and the hot cooling water is used to heat the fuel retort. Ignition is effected by heated platinum exposed to or separated from the explosive mixture by a valve.
The model shows a horizontal double-acting engine completely water-jacketed. Beside the cylinder is the retort for generating the vapors. Air is mixed with the vapor in a valve box above the retort, and valves operated by cams from a lay shaft admit the explosive mixture to passages leading to the cylinder. The gas is ignited by incandescent platinum, and combustion continues during about one-third of the stroke, the expansion of the products of combustion forcing the piston to the end of the stroke.
To start the engine it was necessary to heat the water about the retort to generate the vapor and to heat the igniter. When running, the engine developed sufficient heat for both purposes.
Perry designed this engine so that the water served not only to cool the cylinder but also to lubricate the piston and piston rod.
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
1846
patent date
1846-10-07
inventor
Perry, Stuart
ID Number
ER.251278
accession number
48865
catalog number
251278
patent number
4,800

Crosby Steam Engine Indicator

Crosby Steam Gauge & Valve Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 1074D.
Description
Crosby Steam Gauge & Valve Co. of Boston, Massachusetts, manufactured this steam engine indicator, serial number 1074D. It consists of a steel piston; a vented brass cylinder; an external, double wound spring, which can be changed; a large drum with a spiral spring and a single record; and a brass stylus. Accompanying the indicator is a box with twelve springs and some small tools.
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
maker
Crosby Steam Gage & Valve Company
ID Number
MC.316797
catalog number
316797
accession number
228496
patent number
1074D

Model of John Ericsson Air Engine, U.S. Patent No. 13348

date made
1855
patent date
1855-07-31
inventor
Ericsson, John
ID Number
MC.251279
catalog number
251279
accession number
48865
patent number
13,348

Hay Gravity-Feed Oiler, Patent Model

This oiler was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Peter D. Hay (assignor to the Michigan Lubricator Co.), of Detroit, Michigan, June 9, 1888, no.
Description
This oiler was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Peter D. Hay (assignor to the Michigan Lubricator Co.), of Detroit, Michigan, June 9, 1888, no. 384762.
The model represents a sight-feed oiler in which the oil is contained in a cylindrical glass reservoir and flows by gravity through a needle valve to the bearing into which the oiler is screwed. The needle of the needle valve when closed is held against its seat by a light spring. It is opened by lifting the needle and giving it a short turn so that a pin on the shaft rises out of a slot and rests on the top edge of a brass thumb nut screwed into the central pot of the oiler. This nut may be run up or down on its threads and so determine the amount by which the needle will be raised and held from its seat and so control the rate at which oil is fed from the reservoir. The nut carries a spring-held pin that rests in shallow recesses in the top of the oiler and holds the nut in the position in which it is set and will not permit the nut to be jarred around by the vibration of the machine to which it is attached.
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
1888
patent date
1888-06-19
inventor
Hay, Peter D.
ID Number
MC.309248
catalog number
309248
accession number
89797
patent number
384,762

McNaught-Novelty Steam Engine Indicator

Novelty Iron Works manufactured this McNaught steam engine indicator. It consists of a brass piston and cylinder with a steel spring under the pencil holder.
Description
Novelty Iron Works manufactured this McNaught steam engine indicator. It consists of a brass piston and cylinder with a steel spring under the pencil holder. It takes a direct reading with no linkage on a large drum.
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.319481
catalog number
319481
accession number
237917

Pliers

Slip Joint Pliers are for gripping round work, such as pipes and nuts. These pliers are made of steel, have an adjustable grip and yellow plastic covered handles. Made by Fuller Tools. Fuller first started in Whitestone New York in the 1930's.
Description
Slip Joint Pliers are for gripping round work, such as pipes and nuts. These pliers are made of steel, have an adjustable grip and yellow plastic covered handles. Made by Fuller Tools. Fuller first started in Whitestone New York in the 1930's. In 1944 two Canadian brothers, Stanley and Lloyd Davis set up production and made tools near Montreal. In the early 1990's, Fuller moved to Montreal and the US manufacturing facility was consolidated with the Canadian facility. These pliers were used by Jillian Gross while working for Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit, non-government organization advocating affordable housing around the world.
When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in August 2005, Jillian Gross had worked with Habitat for Humanity for three years learning woodworking and house-building skills. Groups such as Habitat for Humanity marshaled volunteers, tools and lumber to step in when it became clear that normal avenues of housing assistance were overwhelmed.
In November 2005, Habitat for Humanity launched “America Builds on the National Mall,” a demonstration house-building marathon in Washington, D.C. in which the basic components of 51 homes were assembled within a week and shipped to the Gulf Coast. Upon completion of the project Ms. Gross, one of the house building leaders during this event, donated her tool belt, tools and protective wear to the Smithsonian Institution. The plyers were found in the tool belt.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2005.0276.23
catalog number
2005.0276.23
accession number
2005.0276

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.