Over 200 models of inventions, including some for farm
machinery, are shown in an exhibit at the Hagley Museum in
Wilmington, Delaware, through April of 1980.
The models are representative of thousands that were submitted
to the U.S. Patent Office before 1880. After that, models were not
required. Drawings and specifications are shown with the
A hot-air engine is one of the models shown. It was patented by
Hiram Kolburn, of Waterloo, Iowa in 1865. John Ericcson’s
success with his ‘Caloric’ hot-air engine in the 1850s set
off many others, differing in details.
Another model is that of a wind engine, from a fellow Iowan,
Peter D. Graham, of Corunna. The pitch of the vanes and thus the
speed of the propeller shaft can be adjusted at the base of the
windmill tower.
William Holds worth, of Traverse City, Michigan, won a patent
for a steam locomotive with driving wheels gripping a single rail.
Antone Stauffacher, of Juda, Wisconsin, made a cultivator with a
ratchet adjustment as the patented feature.
The models also include home appliances, mill and factory
machines, and weaponry. There are three invented by women. The
exhibit includes pictures and information about the patent office.
The models are from the collection of E. Tunicliff Fox, which he
donated to the museum.
