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Grant Experimental Model Calculating Machine

National Museum of American History

Object Details

Grant, George B.
Description
This lever-set non-printing connection pawl calculating machine is the last experimental model of George B. Grant, designed to incorporate subtraction and division as well as addition and multiplication. It has a wooden base and a brass frame. Five pins slide to set numbers. Positions next to the pins are labeled from 0 to 9. Moving back a pin drives back a toothed rack.
Behind the racks is a movable carriage with 11 gears on it. The carriage can be set at six different positions. When the racks are pushed back (there is no cam to drive the racks), the gears are engaged, and rotate in proportion to the number set. The gears move in the opposite direction when the racks are moved forward. Carry teeth are arranged in a spiral shaft above the carriage. A lever at the front of the machine may be rotated in a way that may affect the action of the carry shaft. A crank on the right zeros the result shaft.
This model represents Grant’s enduring interest in the improvement of calculating devices. It did not lead directly to any commercial product.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Edwin A. Bayley
after 1895
ID Number
MA.310650
catalog number
310650
accession number
118852
Object Name
calculating machine
Physical Description
brass (overall material)
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 21.2 cm x 23.5 cm x 30 cm; 8 11/32 in x 9 1/4 in x 11 13/16 in
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Calculating Machines
Science & Mathematics
National Museum of American History
Subject
Mathematics
Record ID
nmah_690743
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a5-1602-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

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George B. Grant Experimental Model Calculating Machine
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