Beulah Louise Henry received several patents for devices that made multiple copies with a typewriter without the use of carbon paper. Her first patent of this type was issued in 1932, and she received patents for improvements up until 1959. The 1932 patent was for a "Duplication Device for Typewriting Machines." The invention consisted of several devices to be attached to a standard typewriter, so that the typewriter would then have an additional ribbon and the means to insert three sheets of paper: The first sheet would be behind the first (original) ribbon, the second sheet would be between the two ribbons, and the third sheet would be behind the additional ribbon. When the typist hit a key, the letter image would be placed on the front of the first sheet by the original ribbon, on the back of the second sheet by the second ribbon, and on the front of the third sheet by the second ribbon. The second (middle) sheet was supposed to be of transparent material, so that the typing could be read through it, since the letters would be on the back of the sheet. If only two copies were required, then a protective strip was placed between the front sheet and the second ribbon, so that the second ribbon would not print on the back of the first sheet. All of this was accomplished through a rather complicated set of mechanisms attached to the typewriter, so that the two or three sheets could be inserted properly with respect to the ribbons, and so that all three sheets would advance together properly.

The second patent, also issued in 1932, but applied for nearly two years after the first, was for an improved mechanism allowing the second ribbon to be swung out of the way in order to type on only a single sheet. The next improvement in a 1936 patent was for a separate, self-contained attachment, which could be removed when not required. It also allowed for more than three copies to be made. A1937 patent was for an improved attachment that made insertion and removal of the sheets of paper easier. It also allowed for easier inactivation of the system to type single sheets or envelopes. Patents in 1953, 1954, and 1959 were for additional refinements to the multicopy attachment. They made it simpler, easier to use, and capable of making better typed copies.

With the later advent of photocopiers, and now computers, word processors, and printers, the multicopy attachment seems quaint. However, it served a useful purpose when it was invented, especially during World War II, and for decades after.

Free term papers are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can use our professional writing services to buy a custom written research paper, term paper, or essay on Technology at affordable price. CustomTermPapers is the best solution for those who seek help in writing term papers, essays, and research papers related to Technology and other relevant topics.