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An illustration of a screw press which is a type of machine used to shape or cut metal.

Screw Press

An illustration of a screw press which is a type of machine used to shape or cut metal.

A flying machine invented by George Cayley. It is an early model of the helicopter.

Cayley's Aerial Screw

A flying machine invented by George Cayley. It is an early model of the helicopter.

A diagram illlustrating the principal of the screw.

Diagram of a Screw

A diagram illlustrating the principal of the screw.

Screw-and-Worm gearing is a type of gearing in which the velocity ratio is independent of the radii of the pitch surfaces, the teeth of the wheels essentially being portions of screw surfaces. This kind of gearing is used in speed-reducing arrangements.

Screw-and-Worm Gearing

Screw-and-Worm gearing is a type of gearing in which the velocity ratio is independent of the radii…

"An apparatus for lifting heavy bodies a short distance." — Williams, 1889

Screw-jack

"An apparatus for lifting heavy bodies a short distance." — Williams, 1889

"The machine is in fact a lathe with a few special features, such as the hollow mandrel, which enables it to operate upon a bar of any length. Dies mounted on a modified form of slide-rest cut the thread to the full depth at a single traverse, and a simple arrangement enables nuts to be tapped with equal facility. In some other varieties of screwing machines, more particularly those intended for hand power only, the outward resemblance to the turning lathe is less apparent, but if their action is looked into it will be found that in them as in almost all machine tools it is the principle of the slide which is mainly conducive to their success." —The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1903

Screwing Machine

"The machine is in fact a lathe with a few special features, such as the hollow mandrel, which enables…

Pitters and seeders were an inventor's dream. This ingenious little machine was used to take seeds out of raisins. Today most of the grapes and raisins variants are grown seedless, but only a few decades ago this was not the case. In the 19th and very early 20th century, raisins came with seeds. To extract them you needed a seeder, which was used in the home. The instructions embossed on metal frame of this seeder are "wet the raisins." The seeder is meant to clamp onto the edge of a table. Then the raisin was placed in the "cup" on top, the handle was turned to move two wheels that moved in opposite directions. One wheel has small spike-like extrusions and is of metal, the other is made of what looks like a hard rubber.

Agricultural Raisin Seeder

Pitters and seeders were an inventor's dream. This ingenious little machine was used to take seeds out…

"inverted Vertical Pendulum Seismograph. Marvin System. A stiff vertical tube, pivoted at its bottom end, carries a very heavy mass near its upper end, and is rendered stable or astatic by the elastic reaction of a central steel rod which has its bottom end firmly fixed inside the heavy mass and its top end attached to the framework on the pier. The horizontal motion of the ground and pier relative to the steady mass is magnified 120 times and inscribed on smoked-paper record-sheets by two sets of multiplying levers. One records the north-south, the other the east-west component of motion." -Whitney, 1911

Pendulum Seismograph

"inverted Vertical Pendulum Seismograph. Marvin System. A stiff vertical tube, pivoted at its bottom…

"Seismoscope. a, heavy mass supported by loop at point near center of gravity; b, point on which upper side of loop rests; c, long needle projecting from upper side of loop; d, conducting-wire; e, binding-post; f, long arm of lever pivoted at k; g, point where end of lever rests on end of needle; h, mercury-cup." -Whitney, 1911

Seismoscope

"Seismoscope. a, heavy mass supported by loop at point near center of gravity; b, point on which upper…

"a is the bobbin case; c, bobbin; b, thread wound on bobbin; d, projection from bobbin-case which keeps it from turning; e, thread leading out." —Whitney, 1889

Bobbin Detail of Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine

"a is the bobbin case; c, bobbin; b, thread wound on bobbin; d, projection from bobbin-case which keeps…

"a is the bobbin holder, partly opened to show hook b, and bobbin-case c; d, feed-points; e, presser-foot." — Whitney, 1889

Bobbin Detail of Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine

"a is the bobbin holder, partly opened to show hook b, and bobbin-case c; d, feed-points; e, presser-foot."…

A detail of the Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine. "s, thread-leader; t, face-plate covering...; v, presser thumb-screw; w, thread-check; x, tension-nut by which tension is regulated; y, tension-pulley around which the thread is wound, and which is caused to turn less or more easily by the nut x; z, thread-guide and controller; z2, presser-foot." —Whitney, 1889

Detail of Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine

A detail of the Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine. "s, thread-leader; t, face-plate covering...; v,…

A detail of a Singer sewing machine.

Details of a sewing machine

A detail of a Singer sewing machine.

"a, is the frame; b, shaft-crank which rocks the hook-shaft; e, receiving its motion from the double crank on the upper shaft e in the arm g through the shaft-connection c; d, band-wheel turned by a band (not shown) from a wheel on treadle-shaft below the table; f, feed-cam; h, feed-bar; i, bobbin-case; j, rotating hook which is attached to e and oscillates with it; k, bobbin-holder; l, presser; m, presser-spring; n, needle-bar link; o, needle-bar; p, take-up lever; q, take-up cam; r, spool-holder...." —Whitney, 1889

Wheeler and Wilson Sewing Machine

"a, is the frame; b, shaft-crank which rocks the hook-shaft; e, receiving its motion from the double…

A detailed illustration of one of the most collected sewing machines of all time. Today, many of these machines, over a century old, are still in use.

Willcox and Gibbs Sewing Machine

A detailed illustration of one of the most collected sewing machines of all time. Today, many of these…

Used in bookbinding. "Sewing-press. a, table with slot b, through which the cords c pass; d, staples by which the lower ends of the cords are held from passing through the slot when stretched; e, adjustable bar around which the upper ends of the cords are looped; f, screw-threaded rods upon which the nuts g are turned, to adjust the bar e; h, h', book-sections to be stitched to the cords; i, grooves cut in the backs of the sections for reception of the cords; j, needle and thread, illustrating method of stitching." -Whitney, 1911

Sewing Press

Used in bookbinding. "Sewing-press. a, table with slot b, through which the cords c pass; d, staples…

"For work of moderate size shaping machines, which are more recent indroduction than either slotting or planning machines, both of which they resemble in theiraction, are in some respects more convenient. The slide which carries the tool is in their case horizontal, and its short but variable strokes are in a direction transverse to the bed, along which it can travel, just as a slide-rest travels along a lathe bed." —The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1903

Shaping Machine

"For work of moderate size shaping machines, which are more recent indroduction than either slotting…

"Emery Shaping Machine." —The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1903

Shaping Machine

"Emery Shaping Machine." —The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1903

"A self-contained shearing and punching machine. The apparent ease with which machines of this kind, acting with a slow quiet stroke, shear or perforate plates of iron, even when of considerable thickness, gives an altogether false impression of the amount of power which the operation requires." —The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1903

Shearing Machine

"A self-contained shearing and punching machine. The apparent ease with which machines of this kind,…

This corn sheller design allowed corn to dropped to a hopper which was then carried using the rotational energy of the sheller wheel until the cob stroked the guard.

Corn Sheller

This corn sheller design allowed corn to dropped to a hopper which was then carried using the rotational…

"A pneumatic shifter moves the belt rapidly in either direction, holds it where it is put, and stays in any wished—for intermediate position." —Grimshaw, 1902

Pneumatic Belt Shifter

"A pneumatic shifter moves the belt rapidly in either direction, holds it where it is put, and stays…

"A combination of all of the simple machines." -Comstock 1850

Combination of All of the Simple Machines

"A combination of all of the simple machines." -Comstock 1850

This illustration shows an example of a skew bevel gear.

Skew Bevel (gear)

This illustration shows an example of a skew bevel gear.

Sledge-hammer

Sledge-hammer

Sledge-hammer

"The slotting machine also cuts grooves and slots, but in an entirely different manner. Those who are acquainted with the wood mortising machine, from which the idea of this tool was derived by Roberts of Manchester, will at once understand its principle, and will appreciate the good service which can be rendered by this principle, and will appreciate the good service which can be rendered by this powerful pairing tool." —The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1903

Slotting Machine

"The slotting machine also cuts grooves and slots, but in an entirely different manner. Those who are…

"The operation which succeeds that of the drawing frame is slubbing, where the sliver has a certain amount of twist imparted to it, and is wound on a bobbin. In this process the end or sliver from the last head of the drawing frame is drawn out by means of three pairs of rollers, and this is twisted as it emerges from the front line of rollers by the action of vertical spindles and flyers, which at the same time wind the ends upon bobbins in successive layers." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Slubbing Frame

"The operation which succeeds that of the drawing frame is slubbing, where the sliver has a certain…

"In this machine the knife or cutter a is an endless band of steel which revolves at considerable speed with its cutting edges close to the sides of a pair of rollers through which the leather is fed and pressed against the knife. The lower of these rollers is made of short segments or rings, each separately capable of yielding to some extent so as to accommodate itself to the inequal thickness of various parts of a hide." —The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

Splitting Machine

"In this machine the knife or cutter a is an endless band of steel which revolves at considerable speed…

Geared automatic sprayer used by J. S. Lupton, Winchester, VA.

Lupton's Automatic Sprayer

Geared automatic sprayer used by J. S. Lupton, Winchester, VA.

An illustration of a price computing spring weighing machine.

Spring Weighing Machine

An illustration of a price computing spring weighing machine.

"A wheel having teeth projecting radially from the circumference." — Williams, 1889

Spur-wheel

"A wheel having teeth projecting radially from the circumference." — Williams, 1889

A machine used to press metal in to different shapes.

Stamping Machine

A machine used to press metal in to different shapes.

Side view of a steam apparatus constructed by Stephen Hoyt's Sons, New Canaan, Conn.

Steam Apparatus

Side view of a steam apparatus constructed by Stephen Hoyt's Sons, New Canaan, Conn.

Steam apparatus owned by the Farmington Forestry Club, Farmington, Conn.

Steam Apparatus

Steam apparatus owned by the Farmington Forestry Club, Farmington, Conn.

An illustration of the water entering and exiting the condenser through pump. The cooling water enters the circulating pump R, exiting at pipe M. The steam enters at pipe S, and is cooled, or condensed. The condensed steam enters pump B, removing the air in the system.

Steam Engine Condenser with Pumps

An illustration of the water entering and exiting the condenser through pump. The cooling water enters…

Illustration of a cross compound steam engine. The engine is designed to hold pressure until the engine's minimum pressure is achieved.

Cross Compound Steam Engine

Illustration of a cross compound steam engine. The engine is designed to hold pressure until the engine's…

A low power steam engine. The piston inside cylinder A moves the wheel, generating power at 100 horsepower or less. The steam from the system escapes the from the piston, moving the wheel.

Low Power Simple Steam Engine Diagram

A low power steam engine. The piston inside cylinder A moves the wheel, generating power at 100 horsepower…

A low power simple expansion steam engine. The steam engine can run at 100 horsepower, and not run continuously. The as the piston in the cylinder expands, part of steam is exhausted into the surrounding. The piston then moves the wheel to generate power.

Low Power Simple Expansion Steam Engine

A low power simple expansion steam engine. The steam engine can run at 100 horsepower, and not run continuously.…

An illustration of Newcomen atmospheric steam engine. The boiler heats the water to build up steam in the piston. While the steam lever closes, the water is let in, and the piston compresses the steam to generate energy. The compressed steam turns to liquid, and opens the steam valve.

Newcomen Atmospheric Steam Engine

An illustration of Newcomen atmospheric steam engine. The boiler heats the water to build up steam in…

A power pump steam engine without shaft. The engine turns the wheel with the reciprocal motion of the piston.

Power Pump Steam Engine

A power pump steam engine without shaft. The engine turns the wheel with the reciprocal motion of the…

"A modification of Savery's engine, the pulsometer, is still quite common. It is used in places where an ordinary pump could not be used and where extreme simplicity is of especial advantage. Its valves work automatically and it requires very little attention." —Derr, 1911

Pulsometer from Steam Engine

"A modification of Savery's engine, the pulsometer, is still quite common. It is used in places where…

The illustration showing Watt's final steam engine design. The engine is fitted with series of rods to guide the in a straight line. James Watt and William Murdoch invented the throttle valve, centrifugal valve, regulator, and slide valve to improve on the steam engine.

Watt's Final Steam Engine Design

The illustration showing Watt's final steam engine design. The engine is fitted with series of rods…

"The steam engine, in its many forms, is the agent by means of which part of th eenrgy stored up in the steam, as supplied by a coiler, is converted into mechanical or useful work."—Finley, 1917

Steam engines

"The steam engine, in its many forms, is the agent by means of which part of th eenrgy stored up in…

"The valve gear for operating the steam hammer is shown separately, the cylinder and valve chest being in section."—Finley, 1917

Valve gear of a steam hammer

"The valve gear for operating the steam hammer is shown separately, the cylinder and valve chest being…

Steam spraying apparatus constructed by the Shade and Fruit Tree Protective Association of New York.

Steam Spray Apparatus

Steam spraying apparatus constructed by the Shade and Fruit Tree Protective Association of New York.

Left-hand side of steam spraying machine constructed by W. R. Gunnis, San Diego, Cal.

Left Side of Steam Spraying Machine

Left-hand side of steam spraying machine constructed by W. R. Gunnis, San Diego, Cal.

Near view of couplings and details of steam spraying apparatus used in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Prospect Park Steam Spraying Machine

Near view of couplings and details of steam spraying apparatus used in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Right-hand side of steam spraying machine constructed by W. R. Gunnis, San Diego, Cal.

Right Side of Steam Spraying Machine

Right-hand side of steam spraying machine constructed by W. R. Gunnis, San Diego, Cal.

Steam spraying machine constructed by the city authorities of Springfield, Mass.

Springfield Steam Spraying Machine

Steam spraying machine constructed by the city authorities of Springfield, Mass.

Steam spraying machine used by T. B. Wilson, Hall's Corners, N.Y.

Wilson's Steam Spraying Machine

Steam spraying machine used by T. B. Wilson, Hall's Corners, N.Y.

Robinson's form of Stirling's Engine.

Robinson's Form of Stirling's Engine

Robinson's form of Stirling's Engine.

"Striking machines are now very generally used for the operation. These consist of a drum or cylinder having a parallel series of projecting knives, or plates of gun-metal, set angularly across its surface. Underneath the drum is a brass bed, fixed on a yielding cushion, which can be pressed up or eased by means of a foot lever, according as the leather operated on is thick or thin." —The Encyclopedia Britannica, 1910

Striking Machine

"Striking machines are now very generally used for the operation. These consist of a drum or cylinder…

An early invention of the airplane, created by John Stringfellow in the mid-19th century.

Stringfellow's Flying Machine

An early invention of the airplane, created by John Stringfellow in the mid-19th century.

"A small enclosure, to prevent the escape of steam, etc., at a joint in machinery. — Williams, 1889

Stuffing-box

"A small enclosure, to prevent the escape of steam, etc., at a joint in machinery. — Williams,…

In a sugarcane mill, sugarcane is washed, chopped, and shredded by revolving knives.

A Sugarcane Mill

In a sugarcane mill, sugarcane is washed, chopped, and shredded by revolving knives.

"Place a bit of tinder in the cavity of the piston of the 'fire-syringe'. Put the piston into the open end of the cylinder and force it in, compressing the confined air as abruptly as possible. Promptly remove the piston. The tinder will probably be on fire." — Avery, 1895

Fire syringe

"Place a bit of tinder in the cavity of the piston of the 'fire-syringe'. Put the piston into the open…

The Mather Kier, cross section

The Mather Kier

The Mather Kier, cross section

The Mather Kier, longitudinal section

The Mather Kier

The Mather Kier, longitudinal section

"A lever is an inflexible bar freely movable about a fixed axis called the fulcrum. If the power is between the weight and the fulcrum the lever is of the third class." — Avery, 1895

Third class lever

"A lever is an inflexible bar freely movable about a fixed axis called the fulcrum. If the power is…

"The Toepler-Holtz electric machine" Hawkins, 1917

Toepler-Holtz Electric Machine

"The Toepler-Holtz electric machine" Hawkins, 1917

"They who are within this machine obtain first a view of the place from their high position, and then, by means of small bridges (<em>pontes</em>), descend upon the city walls." — Anthon, 1891

Mobile tower

"They who are within this machine obtain first a view of the place from their high position, and then,…