Skip to main content

Archives at The Museum of Flight


Inventions

 Subject
Subject Source: Library Of Congress Subject Headings
Scope Note: Here are entered works on original devices or processes. Works on fundamental technological improvements or changes in materials, production methods, processes, organization, or management which increase efficiency and production are entered under Technological innovations.

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records:

William P. and Moya Olsen Lear Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 2000-06-20
Abstract William P. “Bill” Lear was a prolific inventor with dozens of patents for a variety of machines to his name but is most famous for his work in the aviation field. Moya Marie Olsen Lear was a philanthropist, businesswoman, and the wife of aviation pioneer Bill Lear. The collection documents Bill Lear's inventions and career in the fields of radio navigation, aircraft design, the 8-track player, and his efforts at a steam-powered turbine. Materials are predominantly affiliated with Lear’s many...
Dates: 1838-2001, undated; Majority of material found within 1939-1986

Series I. Lear Developments, 1907-1944, 1979, undated

 Series
Scope and Contents: Series I: Lear Developments Series I: Lear Developments provides insight into one of WPL’s earliest companies, Lear Developments, whose main focus was aircraft radio development and production. The company was established in 1931 and continued through 1939, when it changed its name to Lear Avia Inc. The series includes materials from the lifespan of the company as well as collected items dating earlier and some items dated later due to the restructure.The series is broken down...
Dates: 1907-1944, 1979, undated

Series II. Lear Avia Inc., 1884-1946, 1957, 1975, 1998, undated

 Series
Scope and Contents: Series II. Lear Avia Inc. Series II: Lear Avia Inc. is the second largest series of the collection. It documents the research, development, and manufacture of Lear Avia’s key World War II-era products, notably clutches, screw jacks, motors, and aircraft navigation and radio equipment and parts. In addition, there is documentation of other products which reflect the company’s post-war considerations for manufacture and production. These are not just limited to the field of aeronautics...
Dates: 1884-1946, 1957, 1975, 1998, undated

The Museum of Flight | 9404 E. Marginal Way South | Seattle WA 98108-4097 | 206-764-5874
Contact us with a research request
curator@museumofflight.org