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

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

Patent Model for an Electrotype Printing block for Textile Printing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype printing block which was granted patent number 25954. Common textile printing blocks were made of wood.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype printing block which was granted patent number 25954. Common textile printing blocks were made of wood. The wooden blocks gave trouble when wet, and their inclined walls tended to spread the color and broaden lines in printing fabric. This patent covered a method of making metal printing blocks with high vertical walls. Matrices were first constructed of numerous pieces of rectangular type of different lengths, then molded in wax, and finally electrotyped.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1859
patent date
1859-11-01
maker
Crossley, Thomas
ID Number
GA.89797.025953
patent number
025953
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.25953

Patent Model of a Machine for Coating Electrotype Molds with Plumbago

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for coating electrotype; the invention was granted patent number 85411.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine for coating electrotype; the invention was granted patent number 85411. The patent details a machine for brushing black lead (plumbago, graphite) or bronze powder onto either wax or gutta percha molds, in order to give them conducting surfaces. Stephen Tucker was an employee and, from I860, a partner with R. Hoe & Co. He was responsible for numerous patents for the company, and was the author of the company history, "A History of R. Hoe & Company, 1834- 1885.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1868
patent date
1868-12-29
maker
Tucker, Stephen D.
ID Number
GA.89797.085411
patent number
085411
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.085411

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 for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for mechanical quoins, which expanded by means of paired screw gears; the invention was granted patent number 93603.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for mechanical quoins, which expanded by means of paired screw gears; the invention was granted patent number 93603.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1869
patent date
1869-08-10
maker
Dorrity, Daniel
ID Number
GA.89797.093603
accession number
089797
patent number
093603
catalog number
GA*87979.093603

Patent Model of an Electrotype Shell and Base

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype shell and base which was granted patent model 313812. The patent describes a method of fastening thin electrotype shells to cast metal bases by bending the edges of the shell into grooves on the base.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an electrotype shell and base which was granted patent model 313812. The patent describes a method of fastening thin electrotype shells to cast metal bases by bending the edges of the shell into grooves on the base. The invention was said to be particularly appropriate for newspapers, which might otherwise depend on heavy stereotype plates shipped over long distances. The patent was assigned to the American Press Association.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1885
patent date
1885-03-10
maker
Cummings, George W.
Cummings, John R.
ID Number
GA.89797.313812
accession number
089797
patent number
313812
catalog number
GA*89797.313812

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 of a Sheet Feeder and Fly Operation for a Bed-and-Platen Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a sheet feeder and fly operation for a bed-and-platen press which was granted patent number 12183. Paper was fed through a slot on the feedboard to a carriage, which placed the sheet for printing. Then the carriage withdrew with the paper, and it was lifted off by a sheet fly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1855
patent date
1855-01-02
ID Number
GA.89797.012183
accession number
89797
patent number
012183
catalog number
GA*89797.012183

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 for Bed-and-Platen Printing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a double bed-and-platen power press with a frisket at each end and is considered an unnumbered patent. The bed was raised by toggles beneath against the fixed platen.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a double bed-and-platen power press with a frisket at each end and is considered an unnumbered patent. The bed was raised by toggles beneath against the fixed platen. This patent provided the basis for the single-ended Adams Power Press, a well-loved iron machine later produced by R. Hoe & Co. In the 1870s it was still considered to produce finer letterpress work than any other machine on the market. It was pre-eminently a book press. Isaac Adams (1803-1883), with no schooling but ample inventive genius, introduced his power press at the age of 25 and derived his living from its success.
Date made
1830
ca 1830
patent date
1830-10-04
maker
Adams, Isaac
ID Number
GA.11024
accession number
48865
catalog number
GA*11024
GA.11024
patent number
6178X

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

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