We sure have come a long way since carbon paper. High-velocity machines, full color capabilities, digital printing all keep the modern business world spinning. But if it weren’t for an arthritic patent attorney named Chester Carlson, we might not have it so easy. In the 1930s, Carlson’s job at the New York patent office required him to make numerous copies, the arduous, old fashioned way, with carbon paper and duplicating machines. But as an innovative part-time inventor, Carlson decided not to accept this fate.

In his kitchen, he conducted electrophotography experiments and using a zinc plate covered with sulfur, he made his very first photocopy in October of 1938. Though the experiment was successful, his idea didn’t take off. Between 1939 and 1944, Carlson’s idea was turned down by IBM, GE and approximately 20 other companies who felt there was no real market for photocopying.

After refining his technology, it eventually caught the attention of the Haloid Corporation, a small, New York-based manufacturer of photographic paper. In 1948 Haloid trademarked the first photocopier, calling it a Xerox Machine. The company eventually changed their name to the Xerox Corportation, and history was born.

The Xerox machine became one of the most well-known inventions of the 20th century, and boomed into a billion dollar industry. Chester Carlson, that arthritic patent attorney, became wealthy from his invention, but he didn’t let it go to his head. It’s reported he donated approximately $100 million of his wealth to charity during his lifetime.

Today, photocopying is a long way from Carlson’s first experimental image. We now get full color copies, sorted and collated for us with the push of a button. Documents, mass mailings, training manuals, complete with charts, graphs and images can be created within minutes. Though photocopying is much quicker than it once was, large projects can still be a drain on your manpower, and keeping up with the latest technologies can be expensive. For help with your New Orleans copying project, contact H&H Printing for professional copying, graphic design and printing services.

Posted on November 17th, 2008 by metairieprinters
Filed under: Printing Service, offset printing, print services, printer