The Village (Patent) People

The U.S. patent collection is an impressive technical library literally providing solutions to more than 10,000,000 problems.  However often overlooked is the fact that it is an also an art gallery of technical drawings from the most basic, such as U.S. Patent No. 448,647 on a Tooth Pick:

to the most intricate, such as U.S. Patent No. 3,398,406 on a Buoyant Bulletproof Combat Uniform, which has drawings worthy of a graphic novel:

One interesting aspect of this “gallery” is how people are depicted in various professions over time.  Assembled for the first time below, in homage to another group of varied professionals, are the Village (Patent) People:

who no doubt believe that “it’s fun to stay at the US – P – T – O.”