Burroughs Adding Machine Section

Description:

This is one of a series of adding machines and adding machine models prepared by the Patent Department of the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. It has a steel mechanism with octagonal black plastic keys and plastic numeral wheel rims. Keys for odd digits are concave, those for even digits are flat. Complementary digits are indicated on the keys. The object consists of a single bank of nine plastic keys with numbers and complements of numbers indicated. There are two numeral wheels and a spring-driven lever. Described in accession file as “Full Stroke & Key-Lock Device” by J. J. Morse, it is one of seven models (1982.0794.04 through 1982.0794.10) that formed Burroughs Patent Dept. 42.

The machine is marked on a metal tag on the side: B.A.M. CO. (/) MODEL (/) NO. 418.

John J. Morse of Cleveland, Ohio, took out U.S. Patent 1,510,951 for a “key-driven calculating machine” on October 7, 1924 (application date October 5, 1923), and assigned this patent to Burroughs Adding Machine Company. His patent was concerned with preventing incomplete key action, and hence erroneous calculations, on a key-driven adding machine.

Date Made: ca 1920

Associated Name: Morse, J. J.Maker: Burroughs Adding Machine Company

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Michigan, Detroit

Subject: Mathematics

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Adding Machines, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Burroughs Corporation

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: 1982.0794.04Catalog Number: 1982.0794.04Accession Number: 1982.0794

Object Name: adding machine section

Physical Description: plastic (overall material)steel (overall material)Measurements: overall: .1 cm x 4.5 cm x 26.3 cm; 1/32 in x 1 25/32 in x 10 11/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-ffbd-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_690207

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