Burroughs Adding Machine Section
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.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- adding machine section
- date made
- ca 1920
- Associated Name
- Morse, J. J.
- maker
- Burroughs Adding Machine Company
- place made
- United States: Michigan, Detroit
- 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
- ID Number
- 1982.0794.04
- catalog number
- 1982.0794.04
- accession number
- 1982.0794
- Credit Line
- Gift of Burroughs Corporation
- subject
- Mathematics
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Mathematics
- Science & Mathematics
- Adding Machines
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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.
