Series IX. Patent Files, 1927-2007, undated

Arranged alphabetically by subject, this series contains the Beckman Patent Files. These files mainly pertain to the patenting of inventions conceived and developed by employees of the Beckman concern. To a lesser extent, they also concern the patenting of inventions personally conceived and developed by Arnold O. Beckman and Wallace H. Coulter.

The Patent Files provide detailed primary documentation of the legal process through which Arnold O. Beckman, Wallace Coulter, and Beckman company employees patented their inventions. They also contain technical information for the inventions represented in this series. From the Patent Files, one can also learn much about the research and development work involved in bringing the represented inventions into being.

The contents of the Patent Files consist mainly of patents, legal documents, correspondence, drawings, and drawing reproductions (including photostats and blueprints). Clippings, notes, photographs, reports, and a couple of small artifacts are preserved in these files as well.