My questions on patents and Peekskill generated a LOT of good information which --as thanks--I pass along. Even if you don't know that your ancestor had a patent, plug his name in and you might find something new! Each has a written description, a scale drawing, a number, the date of application and date of filing--and the signature of the inventor and his witnesses, so there are 'extras'. I like the personal signatures of the inventor--makes them so real! First: the patent HQs near Stanford I physically visited to locate and view the films available was called SRI-3 (the 3 being the tiny 3 symbol for cubed). that site is no longer in 'business' and it's holdings are now part of the Sunnyvale Public Library in Sunnyvale, CA. They can be accessed by acceptable Library Card, by name and patent number if you desire. Phone # 408/730-7300 for better information. Second: mjmann was kind enough to suggest http://www.google.com/patents/ -- then insert the name. I found more than I ever thought. Copies available for $3. each and entire detail copies available for $25, each and can be ordered on line. Thanks! suemaxwell, RickVT, Wolfpack, Barbara de la Mare, Snowstar, Clarkridge, mjmann--et al! Try inserting the name of your ancestor/inventor. I stopped looking at 20 ascribed to John Ormerod [self and those he assigned to J. Matthews Bottling factory]. In addition I found 'extra' Ormerods from Lancaster, ENG who also became patent-holders....more to do! Jan Miller jgrellim@sbcglobal.net