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Blueprint – Brushes for All Machines, The Edison Machine Works

Drawing
This is a technical blueprint titled "Brushes for all Machines", produced by The Edison Machine Works, Schenectady, N.Y., dated November 24, 1886. The document details various brush sizes and designs for different machine types, likely referring to electrical brushes used in dynamos and motors. The top section contains the title and date in ornate script. The middle section consists of a table listing different machine sizes and their corresponding brush designs, including: Machine No. 1 Machine Nos. 2, 3, 4, "R", "T" Machine Nos. 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, "H", "Y", "S" Machine No. 20 K & L machines (with an attached trough) Z & C machines The bottom section contains detailed technical illustrations of different brush designs, labeled with dimensions and specifications. The blueprint is printed on deep blue paper with white line work, characteristic of 19th-century engineering blueprints. The edges show slight wear, and a minor crease is visible across the lower portion. The ink remains sharp and legible, with precise technical drafting.
Blueprint – Brushes for All Machines, The Edison Machine Works picture number 1

Historical Significance: The Edison Machine Works was a critical division of Edison’s electric empire, responsible for manufacturing dynamos, motors, and other electrical components used in the early power industry. Electrical brushes are crucial components in dynamos and motors, maintaining electrical contact between stationary and rotating parts to ensure consistent power transmission. The detailed sizing and engineering specifications suggest that this document was used in the production or maintenance of Edison’s electrical machines. Connection to Lewis Latimer: While Latimer is best known for his carbon filament advancements, he was also an experienced draftsman and electrical engineer. This blueprint, dated 1886, aligns with the period when Latimer worked closely with Edison’s companies, making it highly relevant to his contributions in the electrical field. The precision of the technical illustrations and specifications reflects the kind of detailed engineering work Latimer excelled in.

Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]

Text at the Top: "Brushes for all Machines." "The Edison Machine Works, Schenectady, N.Y." "Nov. 24, '86." Table Columns: Size of Machine Brushes (with corresponding lengths and dimensions) Illustration Labels: Machine types and brush sizes (6 inches, 7 inches, 7 10/32 inches, etc.) "Trough is attached" (noted for K & L machines)