IBM Machine Load Computer Slide Rule

IBM Machine Load Computer Slide Rule

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description
This plastic rectangular instrument calculated the time required for different types of IBM punched card equipment to process given numbers of cards. The black side is for accounting machines, sorters, and collators. The white side is for card punches, verifiers, and auxiliary machines. These machines were in use from roughly 1953 through 1959. The white side is marked: IBM; International Business Machines Corp. (/) 590 Madison Ave. New York 22, N.Y. (/) Patent Applied For. It is also marked THINK and MADE IN U.S.A. An instruction card is provided. A tan envelope is marked: IBM (/) MACHINE LOAD COMPUTER (/) AND DESCRIPTIVE FOLDER (/) Form 20-8704-1. No patent record was located.
Benjamin S. Mulitz, the donor, worked with punched card equipment and then with computers from 1940 until 1985. He used both Remington Rand and IBM products. He was employed by the U.S. government and then in the wholesale drug industry.
Reference: accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
slide rule
date made
1953-1959
maker
International Business Machines Corporation
place made
United States: New York, New York City
Physical Description
plastic (overall material)
paper (case material)
Measurements
overall:.2 cm x 25 cm x 10 cm; 1/16 in x 9 13/16 in x 3 15/16 in
ID Number
2006.0174.02
accession number
2006.0174
catalog number
2006.0174.02
Credit Line
Gift of Benjamin S. Mulitz
subject
Mathematics
Rule, Calculating
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Computers & Business Machines
Science & Mathematics
Slide Rules
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.