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.

Resource Type: Patents

Printing press and sheet-fed apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press for printing material such as envelopes, and the pneumatic apparatus for feeding sheets to the press. The two patents, numbers 303550 and 386440, are demonstrated on a single model.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a press for printing material such as envelopes, and the pneumatic apparatus for feeding sheets to the press. The two patents, numbers 303550 and 386440, are demonstrated on a single model. Despite the dates of the patents, both applications were made on 10 July 1880. They were granted after unusually long delays.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1884
ca 1888
patent date
1884-08-12
1888-07-17
maker
Swift, Henry D.
Swift, D. Wheeler
ID Number
GA.89797.303550
patent number
GA*303550
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.303550
386440

Patent Model of a Type Breaker

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type breaker which was assigned patent number 86968. This device broke the jets from the bodies of newly cast type and was intended to be attached to a typecasting machine.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type breaker which was assigned patent number 86968. This device broke the jets from the bodies of newly cast type and was intended to be attached to a typecasting machine. The patent was granted to Philip Heinrich, proprietor of the Ph. Heinrich type foundry in New York.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1869
patent date
1869-02-16
maker
Baer, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.086968
patent number
086968
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.086968

Patent model for printing on pyroxyline compounds (celluloid)

This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for variations on the method of printing celluloid under heat and pressure. The invention was granted patent number 348222. The model consists of three photogravure specimens.
John Wesley Hyatt (born 1837) started his working life as a printer. Early in his career, he took out a patent for a composition for artificial ivory billiard balls, which led him to the invention of celluloid in 1868. In 1869 Hyatt and his brother Isaac founded the Celluloid Manufacturing Company. He held some 250 patents, mostly concerned with the use of celluloid.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1886
patent date
1886-08-31
maker
Lefferts, Marshall C.
Hyatt, John W.
ID Number
GA.89797.348222
accession number
089797
patent number
348222
catalog number
GA*89797.348222

Patent model for leather bound case

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mail box providing a "strong, light, durable, and convenient box or trunk for the transporation of letters and other matter." The invention was granted patent number 9253.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mail box providing a "strong, light, durable, and convenient box or trunk for the transporation of letters and other matter." The invention was granted patent number 9253.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
ca 1880
patent date
1880-06-15
maker
Sherriff, John
ID Number
1997.0198.18
catalog number
1997.0198.18
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for weighing scale

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a balancing ball on a weighing scale; the invention was granted patent number 534839.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a balancing ball on a weighing scale; the invention was granted patent number 534839.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
ca 1895
patent date
1895-02-26
maker
Heyer, Charles A.
ID Number
1997.0198.19
catalog number
1997.0198.19
accession number
1997.0198

Patent Model of an Engraving Machine for Drilling Straight or Oblique Holes

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine for drilling straight or oblique holes which was granted patent number 103576.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine for drilling straight or oblique holes which was granted patent number 103576. The invention was designed for engraving and was probably intended for working ornamental plates rather than printing plates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-05-31
maker
Coulter, Charles J.
ID Number
GA.89797.103576
patent number
103576
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.103576

Doble Water Wheel, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William A. Doble, of San Francisco, California, February 7, 1899, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William A. Doble, of San Francisco, California, February 7, 1899, no. 619149.
The model represents a small sector of the rotor of a water wheel to which are attached three buckets, which illustrate, generally, the characteristics of the modern [1930s] tangential water-wheel bucket, i. e., the notched lip, the splitter wedge, the curved face and back, and the method of attaching the buckets to the rotor.
The feature of this particular bucket is the form of the curved faces, which are designed to disturb the jets of water as little as possible in any way except in the plane of the wheel’s rotation. The curves are developed upon the theory that the water moving at high velocity has a tendency to remain in one plane, called “kinetic stability”, so that the resultant angles of reaction caused by the reversing curves of the bucket faces are not a normal result of these curves but are divergent therefrom.
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
1899
patent date
1899-02-07
inventor
Doble, William A.
ID Number
MC.309207
catalog number
309207
accession number
89797
patent number
619,149

Lighthall Half-Beam Marine Engine, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William A. Lighthall, of Albany, New York, October 23, 1849, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William A. Lighthall, of Albany, New York, October 23, 1849, no. 6811.
The model shows a combination of a horizontal cylinder with a vertical beam to which the engine’s force is applied between the fulcrum and the connecting rod to the engine crank. It permits locating the propelling machinery of a side-wheel steamboat low within the hull.
The model is a panel representing a horizontal cylinder with piston rod connecting to a short beam pivoted at a point below the level of the cylinder. From a short distance above the point at which the piston force is applied to the beam a long connecting rod connects to the crank on the engine shaft located above the cylinder and at the middle of its length. The location of the condenser below the cylinder and the location of the air pump and the manner of operating it are shown by the model.
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
1849-10-23
inventor
Lighthall, William A.
ID Number
MC.308641
catalog number
308641
accession number
89797
patent number
6,811

Patent Model of a Bookbinders' Arming Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinder’s arming press which was granted patent number 114130. The patent describes an arming press with a moveable bed and inking apparatus. It could be converted into an ordinary printing press.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinder’s arming press which was granted patent number 114130. The patent describes an arming press with a moveable bed and inking apparatus. It could be converted into an ordinary printing press. John Gough was from London, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-04-25
maker
Gough, John
ID Number
GA.89797.114130
accession number
089797
patent number
114130
catalog number
GA*89797.114130

Patent Model of a Pantographic Engraving Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a model of a pantographic engraving machine which was granted patent number 54759.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a model of a pantographic engraving machine which was granted patent number 54759. The patent details an engraving machine capable of producing copies of the same size as the pattern, or larger or smaller, or of altered proportions; also, a ruling machine.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-05-15
patentee
Oldham, Edmund
ID Number
GA.89797.054759
patent number
054759
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.054759

Patent Model of a Machine for Cutting Paper Collars

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for cutting paper collars and simultaneously indenting them with imitation stitches or printing them with ornamental devices; the invention was granted patent number 56679.J. F.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for cutting paper collars and simultaneously indenting them with imitation stitches or printing them with ornamental devices; the invention was granted patent number 56679.
J. F. Tapley, a bookbinder and a prolific inventor, founded the bookbinding J. F. Tapley Company in 1850. The company survived until its merger in 1970.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-07-24
maker
Tapley, Jesse F.
Tapley, George W.
ID Number
GA.24592
patent number
056679
accession number
1977.0968
catalog number
GA*24592

Murdock Injector, Patent Model

This injector was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Horace B. Murdock, of Detroit, Michigan, November 11, 1890, no.
Description
This injector was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Horace B. Murdock, of Detroit, Michigan, November 11, 1890, no. 440183; assigned to the American Injector Co.
This is a double injector having two force tubes arranged in parallel order and operated with a single actuating shaft. The overflow valves as well as the steam valves of the two sets of tubes are operated by the same shaft so that the steam valve of the first set opens in advance of the steam valve of the second set and the overflow valve of the first set closes in advance of the second set. The stems of all conical plug valves are extended outside of the injector shell and are provided with slotted ends by which they may be turned with a suitable tool to grind upon the valve seats.
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
1890-11-11
inventor
Murdock, Horace B.
ID Number
MC.309186
catalog number
309186
accession number
89797
patent number
440,183

Patent models for ink pads

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a strong, compact inking pad for canceling or dating stamps and other devices; the invention was granted patent number 135949.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a strong, compact inking pad for canceling or dating stamps and other devices; the invention was granted patent number 135949. The elastic stuffing of the pad was saturated with ink, which penetrated the cloth or chamois covering.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-02-18
patentee
Towne, Henry R.
Taylor, Warren H.
ID Number
GA.89797.135949
patent number
135949
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.135949

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

Patent Model of a Type-Making Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-making machine which was granted patent number 43649. The patent details a machine for sawing individual letters from cast-metal strip of letters.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-making machine which was granted patent number 43649. The patent details a machine for sawing individual letters from cast-metal strip of letters. The strips were to be made by Smith's companion patent of the same date.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-07-26
maker
Smith, John J. C.
ID Number
GA.89797.043649
patent number
043649
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.043649

Patent Model of an Inking Apparatus for Platen Presses

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for platen presses where the platen gives a lateral motion to the ink-distributing plate. The patent is demonstrated on a platen jobber similar to one of Prouty's, patented in 1872.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an inking apparatus for platen presses where the platen gives a lateral motion to the ink-distributing plate. The patent is demonstrated on a platen jobber similar to one of Prouty's, patented in 1872. The new invention was granted patent number 141077.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-07-22
maker
Prouty, G. W.
ID Number
GA.22839
accession number
249602
patent number
141077
catalog number
22839
GA*22839

Patent Model for an Artificial Blast for Typecasting Machines

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an artificial blast for typecasting machines; the invention was granted patent number 11955. This device was intended for small type molds, which were apt to overheat at fast casting rates. A blower, operated by a steam engine, drove air through a wooden tube around the casting room. Tin pipes from the tube supplied each casting machine with a double blast of air, one directed at the fuel to fire it, the second at the mold to cool it. George Bruce (1781-1866) followed his brother David to America from Scotland in 1795. The brothers first worked around the printing trades, and in 1816 set up their own type foundry. David retired in 1822 and was followed in the business by his son David Jr., author of the patents listed above.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-11-14
maker
Bruce, George
ID Number
GA.89797.011955
patent number
011955
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011955

Patent model for printing films

This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for Day's shading medium, an important tool in chromolithography and later in other kinds of commercial illustration. A flexible glue sheet, cast from the surface of a plate ruled with parallel lines, was inked and then pressed over an image to shade it. The invention was granted patent number 214493. The model consists of a very fragile pack of samples.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-04-22
maker
Day, Jr., Benjamin Henry
ID Number
GA.89797.214493
accession number
089797
patent number
214493
catalog number
GA*89797.214493

Jenks and Hart Injector, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to James Jenks and Thomas J.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to James Jenks and Thomas J. Hart, Detroit, Michigan.
The principal feature of this injector is the method provided for varying the area of the water passage that surrounds the steam-forcing jet. A conical nut screwed onto threads on the outside of the steam tube forms one wall of the water space. The position of the nut on the tube and the area of the water space are changed by turning the nut. The nut is turned by a handwheel, worm, and worm wheel.
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
1886
patent date
1886-05-25
inventor
Jenks, James
Hart, Thomas J.
ID Number
MC.309182
catalog number
309182
accession number
89797
patent number
342,604

Stevens Rocking Grate Bar, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Francis B. Stevens, November 11, 1879, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to Francis B. Stevens, November 11, 1879, no. 221430.
The model represents a grate surface formed of ordinary fish-bellied grate bars on each of the lower ends of which two journal bearings are formed to fit into and rest in two corresponding rounded socket bearings. The bar is made to rock in each of these bearings alternately to the right and left, so that the upper part of the grate overhangs the right-hand socket when rocked to the right, and the left-hand socket when rocked to the left. That the upper part of the grate bar will overhang the center on which it turns is the improvement claimed by the inventor.
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
1879-11-11
inventor
Stevens, Francis B.
ID Number
MC.309217
catalog number
309217
accession number
89797
patent number
221,430

Giffard-Sellers Injector, Patent Model

This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William Sellers, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1863, no.
Description
This model was submitted to the U.S. Patent Office with the application for the patent issued to William Sellers, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1863, no. 39313.
William Sellers, who introduced the Giffard injector into the United States in 1860, immediately invented useful improvements in its construction. This model incorporates an improvement in the packing between the steam and water chambers and effects a material reduction in the length of the whole injector.
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
1860
patent date
1863-07-21
inventor
Sellers, William
ID Number
MC.309367
catalog number
309367
accession number
89797
patent number
39,313

Patent model for stencil writing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making perforated stencil sheets that were easy for the printer to read, and thus to use, by inking the edges of the puncture holes. The invention was granted patent number 192624.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-07-03
maker
Hix, Albert E.
patentee
Hix, Albert E.
ID Number
GA.89797.192624
accession number
089797
patent number
192624
catalog number
GA*89797.192624

Patent Model of a Typesetting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to typesetting machines, specifically in the control of type traveling from storage channels to assembly point. The invention was granted patent number 244723.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to typesetting machines, specifically in the control of type traveling from storage channels to assembly point. The invention was granted patent number 244723. Both Patentees Lorenz and Johnson had a financial interest in the Burr typesetting machine (see Lorenz's earlier patents).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1881
patent date
1881-07-19
maker
Lorenz, William A.
Johnson, Louis K.
ID Number
GA.89797.244723
patent number
244723
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.244723

Patent model for unidentified invention

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an unidentified invention. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an unidentified invention. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
maker
unknown
ID Number
1997.0198.21
catalog number
1997.0198.21
accession number
1997.0198

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