13, "Eliminating The Human Hand"

[rhr]

And here are a few of my least favorite pen patents, patents for nibmaking by machine, thus eliminating the human hand from the process.

 

Patent no. 2,154,102 is for a mechanical process of making nibs that "substantially eliminates the human element from the procedure of manufacturing". Patent nos. 2,208,477 and 2,313,777 both glory themselves in the fact that they have found ways to make a nib "without the hand of man touching it". Patent no. 2,156,302 acknowledges that, "Steel pens are the product of a number of operations and require careful inspection during various stages of their manufacture to insure production of perfect articles", but then proceeds to try to obviate this "objection".

 

George Kovalenko.

 

:ph34r:

Edited March 21, 2007 by rhr

[Dan Carmell]

Judging by many modern pens, George, I would guess that certain pen makers bought up these patents are using them!

 

Love these posts, please keep them coming.

 

best, Dan