Hansen Writing Ball Patent Model
Hansen Writing Ball Patent Model
- Description
- This typewriter patent model accompanied the patent application of Hans R. Malling J. Hansen of Copenhagen, Denmark in his patent application that received patent number 125,952 on April 23, 1872. The model only shows a portion of the machine, with three letters in the “type-ball.” This patent was one of the earlier designs of Hansen’s unique writing ball typewriter. In his patent Hansen claimed the combination of converging types arranged circularly that met at the same point. Hansen also claimed the use of a spring or electro-magnet as a means of paper carriage movement. The electromagnet in the typewriter operated by closing the circuit on each descent of the type before it makes it impression on the paper. Closing the circuit causes an attraction of the armature of the magnet, moving the drum before the type hits. After the drum moved a full line, the mechanism would move it down a line.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- patent model, typewriter
- Object Type
- Patent Model
- Other Terms
- typewriter; patent model, typewriter; Manual
- date made
- 1872-04-23
- 1872
- patent date
- 1872-04-23
- maker
- Hansen, Hans R. M. J.
- inventor
- Hansen, Hans R. M. J.
- associated place
- Denmark: Hovedstaden, Copenhagen
- Physical Description
- mahogany (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 5 in x 12 1/2 in x 10 in; 12.7 cm x 31.75 cm x 25.4 cm
- ID Number
- ME.308874
- catalog number
- 308874
- patent number
- 125,952
- accession number
- 89797
- patent number
- 125,952
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Mechanisms
- Typewriters
- Computers & Business Machines
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.
Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.