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 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

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 for bed for lithographic press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed that could be adjusted for stones that were thicker at one end than the other; the invention was granted patent number 53309.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bed that could be adjusted for stones that were thicker at one end than the other; the invention was granted patent number 53309.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-03-20
maker
Koehler, Joseph
ID Number
GA.89797.053309
accession number
089797
patent number
053309
catalog number
GA*89797.053309

Patent model for autographic printing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of making printed copies from handwriting on paper. Sulphate of iron was added to ordinary writing ink. The completed writing was pressed onto a plate coated with sensitized gelatine, which received the image in a form that could be printed like a lithograph. The invention was granted patent number 223873. The patent model consists of a coated plate with an image. Both coating and image have deteriorated badly.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-01-27
maker
Bardwell, John Jex
ID Number
GA.89797.223873
accession number
089797
patent number
223873
catalog number
GA*89797.223873

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 for painting on translucent surfaces

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of painting on a sheet of glass coated with linseed oil and ground silica, which gave a luminous appearance to the painting. The invention was granted patent number 5495.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of painting on a sheet of glass coated with linseed oil and ground silica, which gave a luminous appearance to the painting. The invention was granted patent number 5495. The inventor named the process Tachygraphic Painting. J. Bishop Hall of Philadelphia may have been the same as the John Bishop Hall of New York whose invention is also listed here.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1848
patent date
1848-03-28
maker
Hall, J. Bishop
ID Number
GA.89797.005495
accession number
089797
patent number
005495
005495
catalog number
GA*89797.005495

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

Patent model for printers' furniture

This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable furniture that was intended to replace sidesticks, quoins, and loose furniture; the invention was granted patent number 151883.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for adjustable furniture that was intended to replace sidesticks, quoins, and loose furniture; the invention was granted patent number 151883. The device was pulled open to the desired width and locked in that position by driving wedges under two of the feet, which slid in grooves on their side bar.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1874
patent date
1874-06-09
patentee
Kearney, James A.
ID Number
GA.89797.151883
accession number
089797
patent number
151883
catalog number
GA*89797.151883

Patent model for elastic underlay for printing on glass

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elastic underlay between glass and a printing block used for printing on glass. The invention was granted patent number 170136.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elastic underlay between glass and a printing block used for printing on glass. The invention was granted patent number 170136. Model consists of numerous rubber blocks, once fixed to a base but now detached and hardened.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1875
patent date
1875-11-16
patentee
Wells, Joseph L.
ID Number
GA.89797.170136
patent number
170136
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.170136

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