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Patent Diagram – Apparatus for Cooling and Disinfecting by Lewis H. Latimer

Drawing
This is a patent diagram from the United States Patent Office for Lewis H. Latimer’s invention, "Apparatus for Cooling and Disinfecting," patented January 12, 1886, under Patent No. 334,078. The document features three technical illustrations labeled Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5, depicting various components of the cooling and disinfecting system: Fig. 2: A long, horizontal cooling or disinfecting tube (labeled B), with mounting brackets at either end, which appears to function as a conduit. Figs. 3 & 4: Cross-sectional views of the cooling or disinfecting system’s curved components, showing how air or liquid may flow through. Fig. 5: A side view of the system, showing an internal structure that likely helps regulate cooling or disinfection. The document is printed on aged, cream-colored paper, with visible damage along the top and bottom edges, including small tears and missing portions. The ink remains clear and legible, though the edges are fragile due to age-related wear. At the bottom, handwritten signatures of the witnesses and the inventor (Lewis H. Latimer) appear in ink.
Patent Diagram – Apparatus for Cooling and Disinfecting by Lewis H. Latimer picture number 1

Significance of the Patent: This patent represents Latimer’s innovation beyond electric lighting, demonstrating his contributions to sanitation, air purification, and environmental control. The "Apparatus for Cooling and Disinfecting" was likely designed to improve public health, workplace hygiene, or air purification systems, showcasing Latimer’s problem-solving approach to engineering challenges. The 1880s were a period of urban industrialization, with increased concerns about ventilation, sanitation, and disease prevention—this invention may have addressed some of those issues. Latimer’s Broader Contributions: Lewis Howard Latimer (1848–1928) is best known for his work on carbon filaments for incandescent bulbs, but this patent highlights his versatility as an inventor. His contributions extended beyond Edison’s lab to improving infrastructure and public health through mechanical innovations.

The Lewis H. Latimer Papers (1870-1929, 1972) [QPL Subgroup]Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

Text at the Top: "(No Model.)" "L. H. LATIMER." "APPARATUS FOR COOLING AND DISINFECTING." "No. 334,078. Patented Jan. 12, 1886." "2 Sheets—Sheet 2." Illustration Labels: "Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5" (illustrating different components of the system) Handwritten Signatures: Witnesses: Mary H. Latimer (possibly a relative, like his wife or family member) Laura S. Bates Inventor: Lewis H. Latimer Publisher/Printer Mark (Bottom Edge): "N. PETERS, PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON, D.C."