Thanks to my girlfriend discovering Google Patents, I was able to confirm that my grand fater, Marcel J. Dupre, had two patents to his name. We had the framed patents from my grandmother's memorabilia, but they also saved a little bit more.
The patent was a new model of loom shuttle. The abstract for patent S3565124A describes it as "a composite loom shuttle of lightweight construction having increased
sidewall rigidity for use in high-speed looms with high-pressure
shuttle-box-braking forces." There are graphics on the Google page but the original pages with further explanation follow below.
That patent was applied for in early 1969 and approved in 1971. Some extra things I dug up included a newsletter from the Drabner Corporation on the celebration dinner for all their worker's approved patents. My grandfather didn't tout anything of sentimental value aside from pictures of his family, but he not only kept the newsletter but he also held on to the letter inviting him to a special dinner honoring him and his colleagues..
It's a window on how office culture operated back in the day. For instance, I think most big bosses today would have their name put to any stock invite letter and have someone else stamp their signature on it. They wouldn't have another boss write one on their behalf admitting they're not the big boss.
The group photo was used in the Draper's newsletter "Pulse Beat." My grandfather is on the far left standing. Seated next to him is his co-worker David G. Daubney, co-creator of the S3565124A loom shuttle. The newsletter also indicates that this loom shuttle model was both their first patent.
The newsletter also mentioned a textile museum opening in Virginia. I will have to see if this museum still exists If Woonsocket's Museum of Work and Culture doesn't accept any of these documents, I'll be looking at Lowell and wherever else I can.
No comments:
Post a Comment