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The Mighty Office Machine

Did you ever consider the origins of your humble office machine?

By , About.com Guide

Modems

Demonstration of a Ricochet wireless mobile modem at the COMDEX Spring 2000Getty Images
In 1962, the first commercial modem was manufactured - the Bell 103 by AT&T. The 56K modem was invented by Dr. Brent Townshend in 1996.

Paperclips

paperclip
The fastening of papers has been historical referenced to as early as the 13th century, when people put ribbon through parallel incisions in the upper left hand corner of pages.

Paper Punch

Paper PunchUSPTO
In 1885, Benjamin Smith of Massachusetts invented an improved hole punch with spring-loaded receptacle to collect the clippings.

Pens & Writing Instruments

Go Get Yourself Pen And PaperMary Bellis
From cave paintings to the quill pen. How ink, paper and pens were all were invented

Post-It Notes

Today, we see Post-it notes peppered across files, computers, desks, and doors in offices and homes throughout the country.

Push Pins

Push PinDave Dyet (StockXchng)
In 1900, Mr. Edwin Moore founded a new company with only $112.60. He rented a room and devoted each afternoon and evening to making push pins, his own invention. Push pins can be briefly described as "a pin with a handle."

Revolving Door

The revolving door was patented by Theophilus von Kannel (1841-1919) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 7, 1888. However, H. Bockhacker of Berlin was granted German patent DE18349 on December 22, 1881 for "Tür ohne Luftzug" or "Door without draft of air".

Rolodex

Rolodexmorguefile
Arnold Neustadter and Hildaur Neilson invented the Rolodex, a rotating index file card holder, first marketed in 1958.

Scotch Tape

Scotch TapeBjin Gudsson
Scotch tape was invented in 1930 by banjo playing 3M engineer Richard Drew. Scotch tape was the world's first transparent cellophane adhesive tape.

Scissors

Sir Flinders Petrie ascribes the development of cross-bladed shears to the First Century.
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