Edwin G. Bates

Edwin G. Bates (died 1907) was an American inventor and patent attorney, best known for inventing the Bates numbering machine, a device used to apply sequential page numbers to documents. His invention revolutionized document organization and remains widely used in legal, medical, and administrative fields today, both in physical and digital formats worldwide.

Invention of the Bates Numbering Machine

Bates's primary contribution to office technology was the development of an automatic page numbering device. His goal was to create a tool capable of stamping sequential numbers on documents quickly and efficiently, using a self-inking mechanism and a pressure-activated rotating number wheel. Previous numbering devices that utilized a wheel mechanism had to be advanced manually. ^[1]

Patents

Bates obtained several U.S. patents related to his invention:

• US Patent 484,391 (1892) for a "Consecutive-Numbering Machine." ^[2]
• US Patent 587,913 (1897), which introduced an improved frame and drop-cipher mechanism. ^[2]
• US Patent 676,082 (1901), which enabled number repetition and a simplified, self-inking hand-held stamp. ^[3]

Historical context and impact

In the late 19th century, increasing volumes of paperwork in business and legal settings made manual page numbering inefficient. Bates's machine addressed this by streamlining the process of applying unique identifiers to documents. ^[4]

The invention quickly gained popularity in law firms, courts, and business offices. By eliminating the need for manual numbering, it reduced errors and improved the efficiency of document handling. The Bates Manufacturing Company produced thousands of machines for widespread use. ^[5]

Later years and legacy

In 1895, Bates left the Bates Manufacturing Company following disputes with his partners. Thomas Edison's company, Edison Phonograph Works, gained control of the company due to debt obligations. Bates later formed the Bates Machine Company, but legal challenges from his former partners over trademark use ultimately forced the company to change the company name.^{[ citation needed ]}

The Bates Manufacturing Company continued with Edison selling the company in 1921 to Clarence S. A. Williams, who served as president of the company until 1958. The company stayed in the Williams family until Thomas M. Williams sold it to the General Binding Corporation (GBC) in 1993. ^[6]

Edwin G. Bates died in 1907. His legacy endured through the continued use and evolution of his invention. The Bates numbering system remains a foundational element of modern document management, with its principles integrated into digital tools for PDF and electronic record indexing.

Recognition

In 1895, Bates received the Longstreth Award from the Franklin Institute for his contributions to office technology, particularly his typographic numbering machine. ^[7]

See also

• Bates numbering
• Document management
• Office equipment

References

1. "Numbering Machines - Jaap's Mechanical Calculators Page". www.jaapsch.net. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
2. "Unique application numbering" . World Patent Information. 19 (2): 139–140. June 1997. doi:10.1016/s0172-2190(97)85562-7. ISSN   0172-2190.
3. "automatic page numbering" , SpringerReference, Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag, 2011, doi:10.1007/springerreference_8525 (inactive 1 May 2025), retrieved 2025-04-30
4. Smith, Justin (2024-01-19). "The Comprehensive Guide to Bates Numbering". Cloud-Native Ediscovery Software | Everlaw. Retrieved 2025-05-10.
5. Miki, Sharon (2023-07-12). "Your Guide to Bates Numbering". Clio. Retrieved 2025-04-30.
6. International directory of company histories. Vol. 10. Internet Archive. Detroit, Mich. : St. James Press. 1995. ISBN   978-1-55862-651-5.
7. toddviola (2014-01-13). "Edwin G. Bates | The Franklin Institute". fi.edu. Retrieved 2025-04-30.