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 wood blocks for engraving

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of reusing engraved boxwood blocks by shaving down the engraved surface and gluing the shaved block between two pieces of a cheaper wood; the invention was granted patent number 203856.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a method of reusing engraved boxwood blocks by shaving down the engraved surface and gluing the shaved block between two pieces of a cheaper wood; the invention was granted patent number 203856. This sandwich was then cut through the middle to give two new blocks, each with a thin face of boxwood.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-05-21
patentee
Setchell, George C.
ID Number
GA.89797.203856
patent number
203856
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.203856

Patent model for printers' quoins

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elliptical quoin, set between ordinary sidesticks and turned by a wrench to force the sticks apart; the invention was granted patent number 201075.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an elliptical quoin, set between ordinary sidesticks and turned by a wrench to force the sticks apart; the invention was granted patent number 201075.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-03-05
patentee
Whittlesey, George D.
ID Number
GA.89797.201075
patent number
201075
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.201075

Patent Model of a Type Mold

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold for casting multiple pieces of type from a strip of matrices; the invention was granted patent number 40076.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a mold for casting multiple pieces of type from a strip of matrices; the invention was granted patent number 40076.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-22
maker
Davis, R. W.
Davis, D.
ID Number
GA.89797.040076
patent number
040076
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.040076

Patent Model of a Typecasting Machine

This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters.
Description (Brief)
This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters. The model is damaged.
Description
This is a patent model of a typecasting machine, assigned patent number 632. This is patentee David Bruce's first patent for a typecasting machine, provided the basis for a generation of pivotal casters. The model is damaged.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
March 17, 1838
Patent Date March 17, 1838
ca 1838
date made
ca 1838
patent date
March 17, 1838
maker
Bruce, Jr., David
Bruce, Jr., David
ID Number
GA.89797.000632
patent number
000632
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.000632

Patent Model of a Type-Scouring Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-scouring machine which was granted patent number 28899. The patent details a machine for removing the burr from the foot of newly cast type.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-scouring machine which was granted patent number 28899. The patent details a machine for removing the burr from the foot of newly cast type.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-06-26
maker
Pavyer, James G.
ID Number
GA.89797.028899
patent number
028899
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.028899

Patent Model of a Typesetting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 57034.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 57034. Type was held in cases arranged radially around a rotating "receiver." As each letter was selected at a keyboard it was released to the receiver, lined up, and passed to a galley.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1866
patent date
1866-08-07
maker
Baer, Charles
ID Number
GA.89797.057034
patent number
057034
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.057034

Patent Model of a Pantographic Engraving Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a pantographic apparatus which was granted patent number 8991. The pantographic apparatus is used for engraving multiple images precisely placed and at extreme reduction; also for the engraving of cylinders for calico printing, and for the decoration of wallpaper. The patentee was Isaac Taylor, from Stamford Rivers, England.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
patent date
1852-06-01
maker
Taylor, Isaac
ID Number
GA.89797.008991
patent number
008991
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.008991

Patent Model for a Machine for Smoothing the Sides of Type

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine to smooth the sides of type; the invention was granted patent number 631.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a machine to smooth the sides of type; the invention was granted patent number 631. In the inventor's opinion, this foot-driven machine allowed the operator to rub around sixty thousand types in a day, in conditions of less "unhealthiness" than the usual. The model is missing its treadle.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1838
patent date
1838-03-10
maker
Bruce, Jr., David
ID Number
GA.89797.000631
patent number
000631
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.000631

Patent Model of a Type-dressing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-dressing machine which was granted patent number 207429. The patent details a machine with files to dress and true the sides of type, along with a tool to nick the lower ends.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-dressing machine which was granted patent number 207429. The patent details a machine with files to dress and true the sides of type, along with a tool to nick the lower ends.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-08-27
maker
Mason, Thomas
ID Number
GA.89797.207429
patent number
207429
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.207429

Patent Model of a Typesetting Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 108980. The patent details a keyboard typesetter with a "branching gravitation type-slide." Patentee De la Pena was an Argentinian living in New York City.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a typesetting machine which was granted patent number 108980. The patent details a keyboard typesetter with a "branching gravitation type-slide." Patentee De la Pena was an Argentinian living in New York City.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1870
patent date
1870-11-08
maker
De La Pena, M.
ID Number
GA.89797.108980
patent number
108980
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.108980

Patent model for divided type

This patent model demonstrates an invention for the method of casting divided type in order to prepare display type; the invention was granted patent number 200020.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for the method of casting divided type in order to prepare display type; the invention was granted patent number 200020. Display letters were to be cast in two parts so that a second line of type could be set between them, a style popular at the time. This invention was to replace the usual methods by which either a special block was engraved, or two forms were printed successively, each having the top or the bottom of letters masked off.
The patent was assigned to Carl Schraubstaedter and James A. St. John of the Central Type Foundry in St. Louis. The model and drawing advertised one of Central's products, "Copper alloy type."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1878
patent date
1878-02-05
patentee
Bettis, James R.
ID Number
GA.89797.200020
patent number
200020
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.200020

Patent Model of a Type-Distributing Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type-distributing machine which was granted patent number 10656. The rotary distributer, used notched type. The specification includes a brief description of other distributers of his day--the Gaubert, Clay and Rosenberg, and Sorenson machines.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1854
patent date
1854-03-21
patentee
Beaumont, Victor
ID Number
GA.89797.010656
patent number
010656
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.010656

Patent Model of an Apparatus for Type Rubbing

This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for type rubbing which was granted patent number 39940. It was particularly applicable to the type-dressing machine patented by Daniel Moore in 1855.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for an apparatus for type rubbing which was granted patent number 39940. It was particularly applicable to the type-dressing machine patented by Daniel Moore in 1855.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1863
patent date
1863-09-15
patentee
Moore, William
ID Number
GA.89797.039946
patent number
039946
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.039946

Patent Model for Paper Bag Machine

Margaret Knight (1838–1914) applied for a patent using this model to demonstrate her machine that folded and pasted flat-bottomed paper bags. She was granted patent number 220925 for the invention in 1879.
Description (Brief)
Margaret Knight (1838–1914) applied for a patent using this model to demonstrate her machine that folded and pasted flat-bottomed paper bags. She was granted patent number 220925 for the invention in 1879. As stated in her patent specification, this design is an improvement on her earlier patent, number 116,842, granted in 1871. Her concept continues to be used in the manufacture of today's paper grocery bag.
Margaret was born in Maine, later living in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Her first patented invention, inspired by her work at a Springfield, Massachusetts paper company, was her machine for improvement in paper-feeding; it was given patent number 109224 in 1870. She received patents for inventions having to do with the paper bag, shoe manufacturing, and rotary engine industries.
While many women had innovative ideas during the 19th century, it was sometimes difficult for them to secure patents under their own names. Knight's inventions are celebrated because they demonstrate women's participation in the American patent system.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1879
patent date
1879-10-28
maker
Knight, Margaret E.
ID Number
1980.0004.01
accession number
1980.0004
catalog number
1980.0004.01
patent number
220925
catalog number
GA*89797.220925

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 of Hand Inking Rollers

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand inking roller which was granted patent number 20710. The patent describes an inking roller supported in a frame that allowed the roller's height to be adjusted against a set of bearing wheels.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a hand inking roller which was granted patent number 20710. The patent describes an inking roller supported in a frame that allowed the roller's height to be adjusted against a set of bearing wheels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1858
patent date
1858-06-29
maker
Hanscom, Alpheys A.
ID Number
GA.89797.020710
patent number
020710
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.020710

Patent Model of a Type Mold

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type mold which was granted patent number 450083.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a type mold which was granted patent number 450083. The patent details a mold for casting type with letters on both ends, or "duplex-lettered type." Such type was used in printing for the blind, though no particular application is specified for this patent.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1891
patent date
1891-04-07
maker
Mitchell, Thomas
Milne, John
ID Number
GA.89797.450083
patent number
450083
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.450083

container with fence

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Hann, Catherine
maker
King Research Inc.
ID Number
2005.0302.02
accession number
2005.0302
catalog number
2005.0302.02

Patent Model of a Book-stitching Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book stitching machine which was granted patent number 265563. The machine includes improvements in sewing signatures of books. Stitches were of varying length, some of them being looped over binding tapes.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book stitching machine which was granted patent number 265563. The machine includes improvements in sewing signatures of books. Stitches were of varying length, some of them being looped over binding tapes.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1882
patent date
1882-10-03
maker
Tapley, Jesse F.
Kilbon, George B.
ID Number
GA.89797.265463
patent number
265463
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.265463

Patent Model of a Book-stitching Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which was granted patent number 197575. The patent details a shuttle sewing machine for stitching productions such as pamphlets, catalogs and periodicals, with a continuously lubricated needle.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a book-stitching machine which was granted patent number 197575. The patent details a shuttle sewing machine for stitching productions such as pamphlets, catalogs and periodicals, with a continuously lubricated needle. Patentee Carl Theine was from Minden, Germany.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1877
patent date
1877-11-27
maker
Theine, Carl
ID Number
GA.89797.197575
catalog number
GA*089797.197575
accession number
089797
patent number
197575

Patent Model of a Bookbinders' Standing Press

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinders standing press which was granted patent number 30243.
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a bookbinders standing press which was granted patent number 30243. The press has a platen, or upper follower, lowered in the usual way by an iron screw, and a bed, or lower follower, that was raised by a rack and pinion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-10-02
maker
Pelletreau, Maltby K.
ID Number
GA.89797.030243
patent number
030243
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.030243

Patent Model of a Numbering and Paging Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a numbering and paging machine which was granted patent number 112292. The patent details improvements to a numbering machine to be operated by hand, foot, or mechanical power.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a numbering and paging machine which was granted patent number 112292. The patent details improvements to a numbering machine to be operated by hand, foot, or mechanical power.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1871
patent date
1871-02-28
maker
Sine, Alpheus C.
ID Number
GA.89797.112292
patent number
112292
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.112292

Patent Model for a Machine for Trimming Books and Paper

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with clamp and knives, for trimming paper to any size; the invention was granted patent number 29532.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a table with clamp and knives, for trimming paper to any size; the invention was granted patent number 29532.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1860
patent date
1860-08-07
maker
Utley, Gabriel
ID Number
GA.89797.029532
patent number
029532
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.029532

Patent model of a Book-stitching Machine

This patent model demonstrates an invention for a signature holding and presenting device which was granted patent number 232446. The invention was to be used with David McConnel Smyth's book-stitching invention (Patent 220312, 1879).
Description (Brief)
This patent model demonstrates an invention for a signature holding and presenting device which was granted patent number 232446. The invention was to be used with David McConnel Smyth's book-stitching invention (Patent 220312, 1879). The model is incomplete, only the folding metal signature holder and wooden carriage rack survive.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1880
patent date
1880-09-21
maker
Boynton, Edward S.
ID Number
GA.89797.232446
patent number
232446
accession number
089797
catalog number
GA*89797.232446

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