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.

Patent Model of a Lithographic Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a scraper press with stationary stone and moving scraper; the invention was granted patent number 43796.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a scraper press with stationary stone and moving scraper; the invention was granted patent number 43796.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
Patent Date August 9, 1864
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-08-09
maker
Reynolds, Edwin
ID Number
GA.89797.043796
accession number
89797
patent number
043796
catalog number
GA*89797.043796

Patent Model of a Paper-cutting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a guillotine paper cutter which was granted patent number 223744.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-20
maker
Malm, Alexander
ID Number
GA.89797.223744
patent number
223744
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.223744

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 with Pantograph

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an engraving machine with a pantograph; the invention was granted patent number 9743. The machine for "mezzotint or other engraving" stood on a table and was operated by crank and pedal. The model is incomplete.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1853
patent date
1853-05-24
patentee
Blair, John B.
ID Number
GA.89797.009743
patent number
009743
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.009743

Patent Model for Engraving and Printing on Glass

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for engraving, embossing, and printing on glass, using a process and machine for grinding a design into glass from an engraved metal cylinder, using emery powder.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for engraving, embossing, and printing on glass, using a process and machine for grinding a design into glass from an engraved metal cylinder, using emery powder. The invention was granted patent number 11189.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-06-27
maker
Whipple, Milton D.
Whipple, Lyman W.
ID Number
GA.89797.011189
patent number
011189
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.011189

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 a Multicolor Rotary Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a multi-color rotary printing press which was granted patent number 75394. Five color plates were arranged around a cylinder, each with its own inking apparatus. The impression cylinder, of equal diameter, had five platen areas.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a multi-color rotary printing press which was granted patent number 75394. Five color plates were arranged around a cylinder, each with its own inking apparatus. The impression cylinder, of equal diameter, had five platen areas. Six sets of sheet grippers were mounted around a third rotating frame geared to the other two. But the gripper frame was one fifth larger in diameter than the two cylinders, so each sheet of paper was shifted one step for each revolution. The sheet would be printed at the first plate on the first revolution, at the second plate on the next revolution and so on. When the sheet had collected all the impressions, it was released, one fully printed sheet for every revolution of the press.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-03-10
maker
Dunk, A. A.
ID Number
GA.89797.075394
accession number
089797
patent number
075394
catalog number
GA*89797.075394

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 42418. The invention produced both feint lines (ruled) and down (striker) lines (blank spaces where the pens were lifted from the paper).Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a paper-ruling machine which was granted patent number 42418. The invention produced both feint lines (ruled) and down (striker) lines (blank spaces where the pens were lifted from the paper).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1864
patent date
1864-04-19
maker
Town, Edward
Chichester, James L.
ID Number
GA.89797.042418
patent number
042418
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.042418

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 Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 3324.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 3324. The patent details improvements to David Bruce's earlier pivotal typecaster, specifically, adjustable parts to the mold, a method of opening the mold and tilting the matrix and the piston to force metal into the mold.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1843
date made
ca 1843
patent date
1843-11-06
maker
Bruce, Jr., David
ID Number
GA.89797.003324
accession number
89797
patent number
003324
catalog number
GA*89797.003324

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 of a Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the mechanism of typecasting machines; it was granted patent number 10377.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the mechanism of typecasting machines; it was granted patent number 10377. The improvements to the typecaster include placing the mold below its "axis of oscillation" instead of the usual higher position.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-01-03
maker
Mueller, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.010377
patent number
010377
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010377

Patent Model of a Rotary Web Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent model number 25069. The patent details improvements to Wilkinson's press of 1853, patent number 9525.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary printing press which was granted patent model number 25069. The patent details improvements to Wilkinson's press of 1853, patent number 9525.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-08-09
patentee
Wilkinson, Jephtha A.
ID Number
GA.89797.025069
patent number
025069
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.025069

Patent Model of a Sheet-feed Apparatus

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 229998.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet-feed apparatus which was granted patent number 229998. The patent describes a feeding attachment for flatbed cylinder machines that allowed sheets to be held obliquely, so that bands of color could be printed diagonally across the paper-a style popular at the time.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-07-13
maker
Goss, Frederick L.
ID Number
GA.89797.229998
accession number
089797
patent number
229998
catalog number
GA*89797.229998

Patent Model for a Typecasting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 4072. The patent details further developments on David Bruce's pivotal typecaster.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typecasting machine which was granted patent number 4072. The patent details further developments on David Bruce's pivotal typecaster.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1845
patent date
1845-06-07
maker
Bruce, Jr., David
ID Number
GA.89797.004072
accession number
089797
patent number
004072
catalog number
GA*89797.004072

Patent Model for a Rotary Web Perfecting Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary web perfecting press which was granted patent number 91191. The two pairs of printing cylinders had surfaces that were half type bed and half impression blanket, the type on one backing onto the blanket on its mate.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a rotary web perfecting press which was granted patent number 91191. The two pairs of printing cylinders had surfaces that were half type bed and half impression blanket, the type on one backing onto the blanket on its mate. As the web passed through the first pair, alternating parts of the paper were printed on each side. Then the web passed through the other pair, and the impression was completed. After printing, the web was cut into sheets.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1869
patent date
1869-06-08
maker
Wright, John K.
ID Number
GA.89797.091191
accession number
89797
patent number
091191
catalog number
GA*89797.091191

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 of a Lithographic Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the inking, dampening, and tympan apparatus in a scraper machine. The invention was granted patent number 37727.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for improvements to the inking, dampening, and tympan apparatus in a scraper machine. The invention was granted patent number 37727.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1863
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-02-17
maker
Reynolds, George H.
ID Number
GA.89797.037727
accession number
89797
patent number
037727

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 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

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