Guide to the British Patents Collection

Special Collections & Archives

University Library

California State University, Northridge

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330-8326

URL: https://library.csun.edu/SCA

Contact: https://library.csun.edu/SCA/Contact

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Contributing Institution: Special Collections & Archives

Title: British Patents Collection

Identifier/Call Number: SC.BPC

Extent: 1.56 linear feet

Date (inclusive): 1841-1853

Abstract: The collection consists of documents related to the process of acquiring patents in the United Kingdom in 19 th century. Items include a patent specification written by Alfred Vincent Newton in 1853 for an "Improved Sewing Machine," and a copy of a patent issued to Oliver Louis Reynolds in 1840 for a "Certain Improvement on Machinery for Producing Stocking Fabric or Framework Knitting."

Language of Material: English

Scope and Contents

The British Patents Collection consists of documents related to the process of acquiring patents in the United Kingdom in 19 th century. In order to acquire a patent in the United Kingdom, the inventor first must put a detailed description of their invention into the public domain through what is called a patent specification. The inventor is then granted a patent by the government providing them the right to prevent others from exploiting their invention for a limited period of time.

Items in the collection include a patent specification written by Alfred Vincent Newton in 1853 for an "Improved Sewing Machine," and a copy of a patent issued to Oliver Louis Reynolds in 1840 for a "Certain Improvement on Machinery for Producing Stocking Fabric or Framework Knitting."

Conditions Governing Access:

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred Citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materials guide.

Processing Information:

Jessica Geiser, 2014

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Documents

Box 1, Item 1

Patent Specification Written by Alfred Vincent Newton for an "Improved Sewing Machine," 1853 July 18

Box 1, Item 2

Copy of Patent Granted to Oliver Louis Reynolds on November 4th, 1840 for a "Certain Improvement on Machinery for Producing Stocking Fabric or Framework Knitting," 1841 January 4