Mullen Paper Tester, circa 1901
Add to SetSummary
In the late 1880s, John Mullen developed a test -- and a testing device -- to assess the strength and quality of paper goods. The Mullen test involves placing a paper sample over a rubber diaphragm, then inflating the diaphragm until the sample bursts. The device's pressure gauge records the measurement. Though testers have evolved, Mullen's eponymous test remains an industry standard.
In the late 1880s, John Mullen developed a test -- and a testing device -- to assess the strength and quality of paper goods. The Mullen test involves placing a paper sample over a rubber diaphragm, then inflating the diaphragm until the sample bursts. The device's pressure gauge records the measurement. Though testers have evolved, Mullen's eponymous test remains an industry standard.
Artifact
Tester
Date Made
circa 1901
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, Massachusetts, Holyoke
United States, Massachusetts, Boston
Creator Notes
Patented by John William Mullen and manufactured by B. F. Perkins & Sons, Inc., Holyoke, Massachusetts and the Ashton Valve Company, Boston, Massachusetts.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
37.720.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Wood (Plant material)
Color
Gold (Color)
Red
Brown
Dimensions
Height: 8.5 in
Width: 6.5 in
Length: 16 in
Inscriptions
on wheel: PATENTED/ FEB 22 1887/ BY/ J W MULLEN on dial of gauge: THE MULLEN/ PAPER TESTER/ MANF'D BY/ B.F. PERKINS & SON, INC./ HOLYOKE, MASS./ U.S.A. on dial of gauge: The Ashton Valve Co./ BOSTON, MASS./ 434701
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