Modern Printing, etc.

by Steve Reiss (stevenreiss@scienbizippc.com)

The Patent Act of 1836 authorized the printing of 10 copies of each patent's drawing and specification.

Prior to this, the copies were made by tracing or drawing.

Levin Campbell, The Patent System of the US So Far as it relates to the granting of patents, (1891), p. 45-46.

Circa 1869, the first patents were produced by photo-lithotgraphy.

Campbell, page 47-48.

On Copied Inventions

by Steve Reiss (stevenreiss@scienbizippc.com)

It is represented that it is not uncommon for persons to copy patented machines in the model room; and, having made some immaterial alternations, to apply in the next room for patents. There being no power to refuse them, patents are of course issued,

Levin Campbell, The Patent System of the US So Far as it relates to the granting of patents, (1891), p. 34

Works of Art

by Steve Reiss (stevenreiss@scienbizippc.com)

Some patent drawings are true works of art. Indeed, there are books devoted to just displaying these works of technological beauty.

Here is the cover image from USP 328,899 (1885).