Analog Computing Component - Integrator

Analog Computing Component - Integrator

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Description
Instruments for finding the area under curved lines date from the nineteenth century. This twentieth century example is based on a mechanism invented by British engineer James Thomson and used by his bother William (later Lord Kelvin) in constructing the first harmonic analyzer in 1876. The object shows modifications and refinements made by the American inventor Hannibal Ford. It has two stacked balls, held between a steel disk and relatively long aluminum cylinder. The carrier for the cylinder is linked to two metal springs.
From about 1915 into the 1940s, Ford's integrators were used by the U. S. Navy in devices for aiming guns on ships. This Ford integrator is a relatively early one, for use in range keepers and computers.
Objects 1982.0751.35, 1982.0751.36, and 1982.0751.37 are stored together in a wooden box lined with fabric that has a black handle. A tag on it reads: #78 Integrators 78a, 78b, 78c. The handle has two paper labels attached to it with string. One reads: Grand Central Terminal (/) Red Cap Service (/) Serial Number 35773 Red Cap Number 137. The other reads: No. 83583 Q.
The accession file indicates that this integrator is earlier than object 1982.0751.06
References:
A.B. Clymer, "The Mechanical Analog Computers of Hannibal Ford and William Newell," Annals of the History of Computing, 15, #2, 1993, 19-34.
Accession file.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
analog computing component
date made
ca 1920-1940
maker
Ford Instrument Company
place made
United States: New York, Queens, Long Island City
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
wood, fabric, metal (case material)
Measurements
overall: 8 cm x 23.5 cm x 17.5 cm; 3 5/32 in x 9 1/4 in x 6 7/8 in
ID Number
1982.0751.37
accession number
1982.0751
catalog number
1982.0751.37
Credit Line
Ford Instrument Company, Division of Sperry Rand Corporation
subject
Mathematics
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Mechanical Integrators and Analyzers
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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