How the Fax Machine Came to Be

How the Fax Machine Came to Be

Fax machines are now common pieces of equipment that are seen in offices around the world. With new technology, fax machines are more efficient than ever before. Keep reading to learn more about the origins of this machine to see how it managed to become such an essential piece of office equipment.

The Father of the Fax

Scottish mechanic and inventor Alexander Bain spent most of his time working with various products and finding ways to improve them. In 1843, he obtained a British patent for his work on regulating currents. This work included improving watches, electric printing, and signal telegraphs. When put together, this technology is what is used to send faxes. Bain took the recently invented telegraph machine and changed it to develop the fax machine.

Improvements to the Original Design

Once Bain created this initial prototype, other inventors started to add improvements. In 1850, a London man named F.C. Blakewell earned a patent for his copying telegraph. Ten years later, the fax machine known as the Pantelegraph, which was invented by Giovanni Caselli, successfully transmitted the first fax between Paris and Lyon. In 1895, Ernest Hummel invented his version called the Telediagraph in Minnesota.

The Fax Machine in a Practical Sense

By 1914, fax machines started to become an essential element of news reporting. In 1924, an early fax machine developed by AT&T managed to send political photos long distances. In 1926, RCA developed the Radiophoto that could send faxes with radio broadcasting technology. In 1947, Alexander Muirhead developed the first modern fax machine and by 1955, people were successfully able to transmit across continents.

If you want to enjoy the modern technology of the fax machine in your office, come to Arizona Business Equipment. We have a wide range of products that can easily meet your business needs. We sell some of the top copiers, scanners, and printers in Tucson and also offer leasing services. To learn more, check out our website or call (520) 355-4801.