Charles Krum
Encyclopedia
Charles L. Krum was a key figure in the development of the teleprinter
, a machine which played a key role in the history of telegraphy
and computing
.
In 1902, electrical engineer Mr. Frank Pearne approached Mr. Joy Morton, head of Morton Salt
, seeking a sponsor for Pearne's research into the practicalities of developing a printing telegraph system. Joy Morton needed to determine whether this was worthwhile and so consulted renowned mechanical engineer Charles Krum, who was vice president of the Western Cold Storage Company (which was run by Morton’s brother Mark Morton
).
Krum gave Joy Morton a positive response to the idea of helping Pearne, so space to set up a laboratory in the attic of Western Cold Storage was provided to Pearne. Pearne, after about a year of unsuccessful experiments, lost interest and left to get involved in teaching.
Krum was prepared to continue Pearne’s work, and in August, 1903 a patent was filed for a ‘typebar page printer’ ( issued in May, 1908).
In the following year, 1904 Krum filed a patent for a ‘type wheel printing telegraph machine’ which was issued in August, 1907.
In 1906 Charles Krum's son, Howard Krum, graduated in electrical engineering and joined his father in this work. It was Howard who developed the start-stop synchronizing method for code telegraph systems, which made possible the practical teleprinter. This was recognized in filed in May, 1910, and issued in December, 1918.
Teleprinter
A teleprinter is a electromechanical typewriter that can be used to communicate typed messages from point to point and point to multipoint over a variety of communication channels that range from a simple electrical connection, such as a pair of wires, to the use of radio and microwave as the...
, a machine which played a key role in the history of telegraphy
Telegraphy
Telegraphy is the long-distance transmission of messages via some form of signalling technology. Telegraphy requires messages to be converted to a code which is known to both sender and receiver...
and computing
Computing
Computing is usually defined as the activity of using and improving computer hardware and software. It is the computer-specific part of information technology...
.
In 1902, electrical engineer Mr. Frank Pearne approached Mr. Joy Morton, head of Morton Salt
Morton Salt
Morton Salt is a United States company producing salt for food, water conditioning, industrial, agricultural, and road/highway use. Based in Chicago, the business is North America's leading producer and marketer of salt. It is a subsidiary of the German company K+S.-History:The company began in...
, seeking a sponsor for Pearne's research into the practicalities of developing a printing telegraph system. Joy Morton needed to determine whether this was worthwhile and so consulted renowned mechanical engineer Charles Krum, who was vice president of the Western Cold Storage Company (which was run by Morton’s brother Mark Morton
Mark Morton (businessman)
Mark Morton was an American businessman and philanthropist. He co-founded the Morton Salt Company.-Early life:...
).
Krum gave Joy Morton a positive response to the idea of helping Pearne, so space to set up a laboratory in the attic of Western Cold Storage was provided to Pearne. Pearne, after about a year of unsuccessful experiments, lost interest and left to get involved in teaching.
Krum was prepared to continue Pearne’s work, and in August, 1903 a patent was filed for a ‘typebar page printer’ ( issued in May, 1908).
In the following year, 1904 Krum filed a patent for a ‘type wheel printing telegraph machine’ which was issued in August, 1907.
In 1906 Charles Krum's son, Howard Krum, graduated in electrical engineering and joined his father in this work. It was Howard who developed the start-stop synchronizing method for code telegraph systems, which made possible the practical teleprinter. This was recognized in filed in May, 1910, and issued in December, 1918.