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.

Date: 1870s

Patent model for stamp cancelling machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a tool for turning a sheet of metal into a printing plate while writing on it. The air-powered writing instrument made a series of sharp blows to the metal, knocking out projections on the back of the sheet. The projections formed a facsimile of the writing in reverse and in relief for printing at a type press. Maker, patent number, and date are unknown.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
ca 1879
maker
Leavitt, Thomas
ID Number
1997.0198.04
catalog number
1997.0198.04
accession number
1997.0198

Patent model for paper cutting machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper cutting machine using a guillotine blade drawn through a stack of paper on a slanting downward path. The invention was granted patent number 127226. Model broken.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper cutting machine using a guillotine blade drawn through a stack of paper on a slanting downward path. The invention was granted patent number 127226. Model broken.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-05-28
maker
Dooley, Thomas B.
ID Number
GA.89797.127226
patent number
127226
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.127226

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

Patent Model of a Pantographic Engraving Machine with Rotating Engraver

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic engraving machine with rotating engraver; the invention was granted patent number 167542. The patent details a mechanical device for copying and engraving a design on to wood.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic engraving machine with rotating engraver; the invention was granted patent number 167542. The patent details a mechanical device for copying and engraving a design on to wood.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-09-07
maker
Johnson, Roice W.
ID Number
GA.89797.167542
patent number
167542
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.167542

Patent Model of an Ink-feeding Device for a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an ink-feeding device for a paper ruling machine; the invention was granted patent number 208592. The patent describes a device to avoid overcharging pens with ink when the ruling machine was at rest.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an ink-feeding device for a paper ruling machine; the invention was granted patent number 208592. The patent describes a device to avoid overcharging pens with ink when the ruling machine was at rest.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-10-01
maker
Handy, William
ID Number
GA.89797.208592
patent number
208592
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.208592

Patent Model of a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 155815. The patent details mechanisms for the control of the striker, or pen-lifting apparatus.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 155815. The patent details mechanisms for the control of the striker, or pen-lifting apparatus.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-10-13
maker
Tregurtha, James
ID Number
GA.89797.155815
patent number
155815
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.155815

Patent Model for a Writing Apparatus for the Blind

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a writing apparatus for the blind including a board with a movable guide for pencil writing (ordinary manuscript, as distinct from braille and other forms of writing with a point).
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a writing apparatus for the blind including a board with a movable guide for pencil writing (ordinary manuscript, as distinct from braille and other forms of writing with a point). The model, as it survives, consists of the guide only, without the board. The invention was granted patent number 125024.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1872
patent date
1872-03-26
maker
Cole, James R.
ID Number
GA.89797.125024
patent number
125024
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.125024

Patent Model for Lithographic Printing Forms

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic printing press which was granted patent number 144796. That patent details an apparatus for assembling multiple stones for printing together as a composite form.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a lithographic printing press which was granted patent number 144796. That patent details an apparatus for assembling multiple stones for printing together as a composite form.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-11-18
maker
Reynolds, Ira
ID Number
GA.89797.144796
patent number
144796
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.144796

Patent Model of a Printers' Lead Racks

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a printer's lead rack which was granted patent number 135894. The patent describes a cabinet of graded slots, vertically arranged.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a printer's lead rack which was granted patent number 135894. The patent describes a cabinet of graded slots, vertically arranged. According to Dearing, leads were usually stored on ordinary type cases adapted for the purpose.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-02-18
maker
Dearing, Octavus A.
ID Number
GA.89797.135894
patent number
135894
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.135894

Patent Model of a Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 110303. The patent details a mechanism for tripping the matrix lever, and opening and closing the mold.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 110303. The patent details a mechanism for tripping the matrix lever, and opening and closing the mold.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-12-20
maker
Spang, William
ID Number
GA.89797.110303
patent number
110303
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.110303

Patent model for rubber plates or dies for printing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for rubber plates in which a relief-printing plate of vulcanized rubber was molded directly from an intaglio--but right-reading--image etched into stone or metal.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for rubber plates in which a relief-printing plate of vulcanized rubber was molded directly from an intaglio--but right-reading--image etched into stone or metal. This invention was granted patent number 154230; the model consists of two mounted rubber plates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-08-18
maker
Dickson, John
ID Number
GA.89797.154230
accession number
089797
patent number
154230
catalog number
GA*89797.154230

Patent Model of a Mechanism for Trimming Stereotype Plates

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for trimming stereotype plates; the invention was granted patent number 221366.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for trimming stereotype plates; the invention was granted patent number 221366. The patent describes a machine that combined the operations of trimming (cutting the rough edges) and shaving (cutting down the back ribs) of curved stereotype plates for rotary printing. Walter Scott was a well-known manufacturer of fast rotary perfecting machines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-11-04
maker
Scott, Walter
ID Number
GA.89797.221366
patent number
221366
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.221366

Patent Model of a Newspaper Files

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding wall-desk for newspaper reading and storage. The invention was granted patent number 173047.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a folding wall-desk for newspaper reading and storage. The invention was granted patent number 173047.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-02-01
maker
Noble, H. Shaw
ID Number
GA.89797.173047
accession number
089797
patent number
173047
catalog number
GA*89797.173047

Patent model for process for preparing autographic stencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for preparing paper stencils by coating paper with a gummy solution such as collodion, and then writing on it with sulphuric acid or another corrosive liquid; the invention was granted patent number 211682.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for preparing paper stencils by coating paper with a gummy solution such as collodion, and then writing on it with sulphuric acid or another corrosive liquid; the invention was granted patent number 211682.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-01-23
maker
Allen, Jerome
ID Number
GA.89797.211682
patent number
211682
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.211682

Patent Model of a Plate Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a printing press which was granted patent number 203465. The patent describes a copper plate press in which the "plank" or bed carrying the plate ran vertically.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a printing press which was granted patent number 203465. The patent describes a copper plate press in which the "plank" or bed carrying the plate ran vertically. The plate was heated by steam, and automatically inked and wiped.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
Date made
May 7, 1878
patent date
1878-05-07
maker
Kenworthy, Thomas C.
McGregor, Archibald
ID Number
GA.89797.203465
catalog number
GA*89797.230465
patent number
230465
accession number
89797

Patent Model of a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 157715. The patent details a ruling machine with the ability to start and stop lines within the edges of a sheet of paper.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 157715. The patent details a ruling machine with the ability to start and stop lines within the edges of a sheet of paper.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-12-15
maker
Collins, Tyrannus F.
Collins, Franklin H.
ID Number
GA.89797.157715
patent number
157715
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.157715

Patent Model of a Flatbed Cylinder Perfecting Press: Set-off Web

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder perfecting press which was granted patent number 175036. The patent dealt with perfecting presses in which the first side of a sheet was printed from type on a cylinder, and the second from a flat form.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a flatbed cylinder perfecting press which was granted patent number 175036. The patent dealt with perfecting presses in which the first side of a sheet was printed from type on a cylinder, and the second from a flat form. Normally slip sheets were used in such presses. This invention replaced the slip sheets with a length of tympan paper stretched between rollers, a new section being wound out for every impression. The invention was widely adopted.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-03-21
maker
Cottrell, Calvert B.
ID Number
GA.89797.175036
accession number
089797
patent number
175036
catalog number
GA*89797.175036

Patent Model of an Apparatus for Making Paper Stencils

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stretcher frame for holding sheets of paper while multiple stencil designs were cut in them with a jigsaw. That patent was granted patent number 211988.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a stretcher frame for holding sheets of paper while multiple stencil designs were cut in them with a jigsaw. That patent was granted patent number 211988.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-02-04
maker
Gifford, John Z.
ID Number
GA.89797.211988
accession number
089797
patent number
211988
catalog number
GA*89797.211988

Patent Model of a Type-distributing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 174915. The machine was invented by Charles W. Dickinson and was patented in 1872 and 1875. The rights were assigned to Samuel W.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 174915. The machine was invented by Charles W. Dickinson and was patented in 1872 and 1875. The rights were assigned to Samuel W. Green, who reassigned them to Edward N. Dickerson, trustee for Henry A. Burr. Burr, a hat manufacturer, was the proprietor of the Burr, later Empire, typesetter.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1876
patent date
1876-03-21
maker
Lorenz, William A.
ID Number
GA.89797.174915
accession number
89797
patent number
174915
catalog number
GA*89797.174915

Patent Model for a Paper-ruling Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 135751. The ruling pens on the machine were lowered and lifted by an electro-magnetic apparatus, a 'quick and lively but soft and easy' action.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 135751. The ruling pens on the machine were lowered and lifted by an electro-magnetic apparatus, a 'quick and lively but soft and easy' action. Patentee Averell is best known as the inventor of a wire stitcher (or stapler), which he patented in 1874.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1873
patent date
1873-02-11
maker
Averell, Ellicott D.
ID Number
GA.89797.135751
accession number
89797
patent number
135751
catalog number
GA*89797.135751

Patent Model of a Typecasting and Composing Machine

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

Patent Model of a Railway Ticket Printing and Registering Machine

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

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

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

Patent model for a web perfecting rotary press

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

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