Vintage office supplies still in use at workplaces worldwide

Patent applications representing technological advancements for the office.

Stapler

Henry R. Heyl filed a patent application for “improvement in devices for inserting metallic staples” in 1877.

Paper-clip

Warren W. Cole filed a patent application for a “paper-clip” in 1896.

Ballpoint pen

Laszlo Jozsef Biro filed a patent application for a “writing instrument” in 1943.

Sticky note glue

Spencer Ferguson Silver filed a patent application for the adhesive agent “acrylate copolymer microspheres” in 1970.

Calculator

Jack S. Kilby, Jerry D. Merryman and James H. Van Tassel filed a patent for a “miniature electronic calculator” in 1972.