What city did Obed Hussey work on his reaper in the early 1830s?
- Philadelphia
- Baltimore
- Chicago
- New York City
Correct Answer: Baltimore
Correct Answer Explanation: Hussey initially worked on his reaper invention in a room at the factory of Richard B. Chenoweth in Baltimore.
What was the name of the rival inventor who also claimed to have invented the reaper?
- Cyrus McCormick
- John Deere
- Eli Whitney
- Thomas Edison
Correct Answer: Cyrus McCormick
Correct Answer Explanation: Obed Hussey faced intense competition from Cyrus H. McCormick, who also claimed to have invented the reaper. This led to numerous legal battles and debates regarding the true inventor of the machine.
In what year did Obed Hussey’s reaper make its first successful trial near Cincinnati?
- 1829
- 1833
- 1842
- 1851
Correct Answer: 1833
Correct Answer Explanation: The first successful trial of Hussey’s reaper took place near Cincinnati in 1833. This marked a significant milestone in the development of the reaper, proving its efficiency and potential to revolutionize agriculture.
What was the initial reaction of farmers to Hussey’s invention?
- They eagerly adopted it.
- They were skeptical and ridiculed it.
- They demanded immediate changes to the design.
- They were indifferent and unimpressed.
Correct Answer: They were skeptical and ridiculed it.
Correct Answer Explanation: Despite the potential of the reaper, many farmers were initially skeptical of its effectiveness and practicality. Some even ridiculed Hussey’s invention, questioning its ability to perform the task of harvesting grain efficiently.
How much did Hussey sell his first reaping machines for?
- $50 each
- $100 each
- $150 each
- $200 each
Correct Answer: $150 each
Correct Answer Explanation: Hussey’s initial reaping machines were sold for $150 each. Despite the skepticism surrounding the invention, there was enough interest to warrant production and sales, marking the beginning of its adoption in agriculture.
What state did Obed Hussey conduct a successful trial of his reaper in 1834?
- Ohio
- Maryland
- Illinois
- Virginia
Correct Answer: Illinois
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1834, Obed Hussey’s reaper was successfully used to cut 16 acres of wheat for John E. Canfield in Illinois, proving its effectiveness in real-world conditions.
What was the main advantage of Hussey’s reaper compared to other harvesting methods of the time?
- It was cheaper to build.
- It was powered by steam.
- It could cut grain much faster.
- It was less prone to breakdowns.
Correct Answer: It could cut grain much faster.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hussey’s reaper revolutionized agriculture due to its ability to cut grain significantly faster than traditional hand methods. This increased efficiency allowed farmers to harvest larger areas of land in a shorter time.
What was one of the criticisms levied against Hussey’s reaper?
- It was too complicated to operate.
- It was not suitable for different crops.
- It was prone to frequent breakdowns.
- It was too expensive to purchase.
Correct Answer: It was prone to frequent breakdowns.
Correct Answer Explanation: One of the initial criticisms against Hussey’s reaper was its perceived vulnerability to breakdowns, which could disrupt the harvesting process. However, over time, Hussey’s invention was improved and became more reliable.
In what year did Hussey’s reaper and McCormick’s reaper face a major trial in Virginia?
- 1842
- 1843
- 1849
- 1852
Correct Answer: 1843
Correct Answer Explanation: The rivalry between Hussey and McCormick reached a critical point in 1843 when their reapers were tested in Virginia. This trial proved to be a crucial moment in the history of the reaper, with Hussey’s machine emerging as superior.
In 1849, farmers reported that Hussey’s reaper was superior to McCormick’s in its ability to cut what type of grain?
- Wheat
- Oats
- Rye
- Lodged grain
Correct Answer: Lodged grain
Correct Answer Explanation: Farmers in Illinois reported that Hussey’s reaper could successfully cut lodged grain (grain that had fallen over), a task that McCormick’s machine couldn’t handle. This highlighted the versatility and effectiveness of Hussey’s invention.
What major event occurred in 1851 in England that further recognized the superiority of Hussey’s reaper?
- The reaper won a prize at the Great Exhibition in London.
- The reaper was tested and approved by Queen Victoria.
- The reaper was sold to numerous English farmers.
- The reaper beat McCormick’s reaper in a public competition.
Correct Answer: The reaper beat McCormick’s reaper in a public competition.
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1851, Hussey’s reaper triumphed over McCormick’s in a competition held before the Cleveland Agricultural Society, further solidifying its recognition as a superior invention.
What did the Maryland State Agricultural Society award Hussey’s reaper in 1852?
- A patent extension
- A gold medal
- A cash prize of $100
- The title of “Best Agricultural Invention”
Correct Answer: A cash prize of $100
Correct Answer Explanation: The Maryland State Agricultural Society, recognizing the significant contributions of Hussey’s invention, awarded a prize of $100 to his reaper in 1852, signifying its excellence and value to the agricultural community.
What major agricultural society in England awarded Hussey’s reaper a prize in 1853?
- The Royal Agricultural Society
- The Bath and West of England Agricultural Society
- The Great Exhibition Society
- The English Farmer’s Association
Correct Answer: The Bath and West of England Agricultural Society
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1853, Hussey’s reaper achieved international recognition by winning a prize at the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society, solidifying its reputation as a superior and effective machine for harvesting grain.
What happened to Obed Hussey in 1860?
- He received a prestigious award for his invention.
- He was involved in a major legal battle against McCormick.
- He died while traveling from Boston to Portland, Maine.
- He retired and sold his invention to a larger company.
Correct Answer: He died while traveling from Boston to Portland, Maine.
Correct Answer Explanation: Obed Hussey died tragically in 1860 while traveling from Boston to Portland, Maine. This marked a significant loss for the agricultural community, as Hussey’s invention had revolutionized the industry and made a lasting impact on the world.
What important action did the US Patent Office take in 1861?
- They invalidated McCormick’s patent.
- They awarded Hussey a posthumous patent.
- They granted Hussey’s widow extensions for his patents.
- They officially recognized Hussey as the inventor of the reaper.
Correct Answer: They granted Hussey’s widow extensions for his patents.
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1861, the US Patent Office granted extensions for Hussey’s patents, recognizing the importance and value of his invention. This move aimed to ensure that the full benefits of his creation continued to be available to farmers and the agricultural industry.
In addition to his reaper, what other significant invention did Obed Hussey create?
- A steam-powered tractor
- A cotton gin
- A steam plow
- A machine for grinding out hooks and eyes
Correct Answer: A steam plow
Correct Answer Explanation: While Hussey is most well-known for his reaper, he also invented a steam plow, further demonstrating his ingenuity and contributions to the field of agricultural technology.
What was the name of the Maryland farmer who enthusiastically adopted Hussey’s reaper and spoke highly of its efficiency?
- Tench Tilghman
- Edward Stabler
- John Jones
- William H. Roane
Correct Answer: Tench Tilghman
Correct Answer Explanation: Tench Tilghman, a Maryland farmer, was one of the early adopters of Hussey’s reaper and praised its ability to cut a large amount of grain efficiently. His endorsement played a crucial role in the initial adoption of the invention.
How many acres of wheat did Tench Tilghman have cut with Hussey’s reaper in 1837?
- 20 acres
- 60 acres
- 100 acres
- 180 acres
Correct Answer: 180 acres
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1837, Tench Tilghman used Hussey’s reaper to harvest 180 acres of wheat, oats, and barley, showcasing the machine’s versatility and effectiveness across different crops. This success story contributed to the growing popularity of the reaper.
What was the name of the Delaware farmer who cut 160 acres of wheat with Hussey’s reaper and reported minimal repair costs?
- John Jones
- Edward Stabler
- Tench Tilghman
- William H. Roane
Correct Answer: John Jones
Correct Answer Explanation: John Jones, a farmer from Delaware, became a strong supporter of Hussey’s reaper, showcasing its durability and efficiency by cutting 160 acres of wheat with minimal repair costs. His positive experience contributed to the widespread adoption of the invention.
What type of grain did Edward S. Cox harvest with Hussey’s reaper in 1849?
- Wheat
- Oats
- Hemp
- Barley
Correct Answer: Hemp
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1849, Edward S. Cox successfully used Hussey’s reaper to harvest 60 acres of hemp, demonstrating its ability to cut a wide range of crops beyond traditional grains. This versatility further showcased the machine’s value to farmers.
What was the name of the prominent agriculturalist who praised Hussey’s reaper for its strength and simplicity?
- Edward Stabler
- Tench Tilghman
- William H. Roane
- John Jones
Correct Answer: Edward Stabler
Correct Answer Explanation: Edward Stabler, a prominent agriculturalist, was one of the early advocates of Hussey’s reaper, praising its robust design and ease of operation. His endorsement contributed to the growing acceptance of the invention within the agricultural community.
What year did Hussey’s reaper win a trial against McCormick’s reaper in England?
- 1849
- 1850
- 1851
- 1852
Correct Answer: 1851
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1851, Hussey’s reaper emerged victorious in a trial against McCormick’s reaper in England. This international recognition further established Hussey’s invention as a superior and reliable machine for harvesting grain.
What is the term for a machine used to cut grass?
- Thresher
- Combine
- Mower
- Plow
Correct Answer: Mower
Correct Answer Explanation: A mower is a machine specifically designed for cutting grass, distinct from a reaper, which is used for harvesting grain.
What was the key element that made Hussey’s reaper more successful than other earlier attempts?
- Its ability to cut through heavy crops.
- Its simple and robust design.
- Its use of steam power.
- Its ability to automatically separate the grain from the stalk.
Correct Answer: Its simple and robust design.
Correct Answer Explanation: The key to Hussey’s reaper’s success was its simple and robust design. This allowed it to be manufactured easily and efficiently, making it more affordable and accessible to farmers.
What is the term for a legal grant giving an inventor exclusive rights to their invention?
- Trademark
- Copyright
- Patent
- License
Correct Answer: Patent
Correct Answer Explanation: A patent is a legal grant that gives an inventor the exclusive right to their invention for a specific period. This protects the inventor’s rights and encourages innovation.
What is the term for the unauthorized use of another person’s patent?
- Copyright infringement
- Trademark infringement
- Patent infringement
- License violation
Correct Answer: Patent infringement
Correct Answer Explanation: Patent infringement occurs when someone uses another inventor’s patented invention without their permission. This is a legal offense that can result in penalties.
What is the term for the evidence given under oath in a legal proceeding?
- Deposition
- Prior art
- Testimony
- Affidavit
Correct Answer: Testimony
Correct Answer Explanation: Testimony refers to the evidence presented under oath by a witness in a legal case. This evidence helps to determine the facts of the case and can be crucial in reaching a verdict.
What is the term for a previous invention or design that can be used to challenge the novelty of a patent claim?
- Prior art
- Public domain
- Trade secret
- Copyright
Correct Answer: Prior art
Correct Answer Explanation: Prior art refers to existing inventions or designs that are publicly available and can be used to challenge the novelty of a new patent application. If a patent is found to be similar to prior art, it may be rejected.
What is the term for a rotating shaft with an offset arm, used to convert rotary motion into linear motion?
- Gear
- Pulley
- Crank
- Shaft
Correct Answer: Crank
Correct Answer Explanation: A crank is a mechanical device that converts rotary motion into linear motion. It is a common component in many machines, including engines and pumps.
What is the term for a connecting rod used to transmit motion from a crank to a cutting mechanism?
- Pitman
- Gear
- Shaft
- Pulley
Correct Answer: Pitman
Correct Answer Explanation: A pitman is a connecting rod used to transmit motion from a crank to a cutting mechanism in machines like reapers and mowers. It helps to transfer the power from the crank to the cutting blades.
What is the name of the reaper’s cutting mechanism?
- Blade
- Cutter
- Knife
- Sickle
Correct Answer: Knife
Correct Answer Explanation: The cutting mechanism in a reaper is called a knife, which is designed to cut the grain stalks cleanly and efficiently.
What is the name of the device that collects the cut grain in a reaper?
- Platform
- Hopper
- Basket
- Reel
Correct Answer: Platform
Correct Answer Explanation: The platform in a reaper is where the cut grain falls after being cut by the knife. It acts as a collection point for the harvested grain.
What is the name of the device that helps to guide the grain into the reaper’s cutting mechanism?
- Reel
- Platform
- Cutter bar
- Knife
Correct Answer: Reel
Correct Answer Explanation: The reel in a reaper is a rotating device that helps to guide the grain toward the cutting mechanism. It prevents the grain from falling outside of the reaper’s platform.
What is the name of the device that separates the grain from the stalk in a reaper?
- Thresher
- Separator
- Conveyor
- Winnower
Correct Answer: Thresher
Correct Answer Explanation: A thresher is a separate machine that is used to separate the grain from the stalk after the grain has been cut by a reaper.
What was the main reason that Obed Hussey’s reaper was able to cut grain more quickly than traditional methods?
- It used steam power.
- It was more lightweight.
- It had multiple cutting blades.
- It had a more efficient cutting mechanism.
Correct Answer: It had a more efficient cutting mechanism.
Correct Answer Explanation: Hussey’s reaper’s cutting mechanism was more efficient than traditional methods because it had a more streamlined design and was able to cut the grain quickly and cleanly.
What was the main challenge that Obed Hussey faced in getting his reaper accepted by farmers?
- Farmers were resistant to change.
- Farmers were worried about the cost.
- Farmers were skeptical of the reaper’s efficiency.
- Farmers were worried about the reaper’s durability.
Correct Answer: Farmers were skeptical of the reaper’s efficiency.
Correct Answer Explanation: The main challenge that Obed Hussey faced in getting his reaper accepted by farmers was their skepticism about its efficiency and reliability. Farmers were hesitant to adopt a new technology until it had proven its worth.
What was the name of the prominent agricultural society that awarded Hussey’s reaper a prize in 1853?
- The Royal Agricultural Society
- The Bath and West of England Agricultural Society
- The Great Exhibition Society
- The English Farmer’s Association
Correct Answer: The Bath and West of England Agricultural Society
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bath and West of England Agricultural Society was a prestigious agricultural society in England that awarded Hussey’s reaper a prize in 1853, recognizing its superior quality and effectiveness.
What was the main reason that Obed Hussey’s reaper was able to cut lodged grain, which McCormick’s reaper could not?
- It had a stronger cutting mechanism.
- It was designed to cut lower to the ground.
- It had a different type of blade.
- It was powered by steam.
Correct Answer: It was designed to cut lower to the ground.
Correct Answer Explanation: The main reason that Hussey’s reaper was able to cut lodged grain was that it was designed to cut lower to the ground, allowing it to reach the grain that had fallen over. This made it a more versatile and useful machine for farmers.
What was the main reason that Obed Hussey’s reaper was able to cut wheat, oats, barley, clover, and hemp?
- It had a different type of blade for each crop.
- It was designed to cut different heights of crops.
- It had a more powerful engine.
- It was designed to cut different types of stalks.
Correct Answer: It was designed to cut different heights of crops.
Correct Answer Explanation: The main reason that Hussey’s reaper was able to cut wheat, oats, barley, clover, and hemp was that it was designed to cut different heights of crops. This made it a more versatile and useful machine for farmers who grew a variety of crops.
What was the main reason that Obed Hussey’s reaper was able to cut through weeds and brush?
- It had a stronger cutting mechanism.
- It was designed to cut through tougher materials.
- It had a different type of blade.
- It was powered by steam.
Correct Answer: It was designed to cut through tougher materials.
Correct Answer Explanation: The main reason that Hussey’s reaper was able to cut through weeds and brush was that it was designed to cut through tougher materials. This made it a more versatile and useful machine for farmers who had to clear their fields of weeds and brush.
What was the name of the inventor who originally developed the idea for the reaper, but did not succeed in building a working model?
- Cyrus McCormick
- Obed Hussey
- John Deere
- Eli Whitney
Correct Answer: Cyrus McCormick
Correct Answer Explanation: While Cyrus McCormick is often credited as the inventor of the reaper, it was actually his father, Robert McCormick, who originally developed the idea. Robert McCormick built a model of a reaper but was unable to create a working model.
What was the main reason that Obed Hussey’s reaper was so durable and required minimal repairs?
- It was made of high-quality materials.
- It had a simple and robust design.
- It had fewer moving parts.
- It was made of steel.
Correct Answer: It had a simple and robust design.
Correct Answer Explanation: The main reason that Obed Hussey’s reaper was so durable and required minimal repairs was that it had a simple and robust design. This made it less prone to breakdowns and easier to maintain.
What was the name of the farmer who reported that he cut 17 acres of wheat with Hussey’s reaper for a total repair cost of 31¼ cents?
- John Jones
- Edward Stabler
- Tench Tilghman
- William H. Roane
Correct Answer: John Jones
Correct Answer Explanation: John Jones, a farmer from Delaware, was a strong advocate for Hussey’s reaper, and his experience cutting 17 acres of wheat with minimal repair costs demonstrated its durability and low maintenance requirements.
What was the name of the farmer who used Hussey’s reaper to cut 250 acres of hemp in Illinois in 1850?
- John Jones
- Edward Stabler
- Tench Tilghman
- Edward S. Cox
Correct Answer: Edward S. Cox
Correct Answer Explanation: Edward S. Cox, a farmer from Illinois, was a major proponent of Hussey’s reaper, and his experience cutting 250 acres of hemp showcased its versatility and effectiveness for harvesting various crops.
What was the name of the British noble who was impressed by Hussey’s reaper at the Great Exhibition in London?
- Prince Albert
- The Duke of Marlborough
- The Earl of Derby
- The Duke of Wellington
Correct Answer: The Duke of Marlborough
Correct Answer Explanation: The Duke of Marlborough, a prominent British nobleman, was impressed by Hussey’s reaper during a trial at the Great Exhibition in London, highlighting its international recognition and its ability to impress even those from outside of the agricultural community.
What was the name of the inventor who invented the machine for grinding out hooks and eyes?
- Cyrus McCormick
- John Deere
- Obed Hussey
- Eli Whitney
Correct Answer: Obed Hussey
Correct Answer Explanation: Obed Hussey was a prolific inventor, and in addition to his reaper and steam plow, he also invented a machine for grinding out hooks and eyes, demonstrating his diverse talents and ingenuity.
What was the name of the US President who was in office when Obed Hussey passed away?
- Abraham Lincoln
- James Buchanan
- Franklin Pierce
- Millard Fillmore
Correct Answer: James Buchanan
Correct Answer Explanation: James Buchanan was the US President during the time that Obed Hussey passed away in 1860. His presidency marked a turbulent period in American history, and Hussey’s death was a loss for the agricultural community during a time of great change and innovation.