Origin of modern calculating machinesTurck, J. A. V.
History
Origin of modern calculating machines
Turck, J. A. V.
Calculators
There is one feature about the machine of these two divisional patents
which stands out very prominently to those acquainted with the fine
points of the physical laws of mechanics. It is a feature that was not
printed into the specifications. It may be found only in the time
allowed for the mechanical movements to take place, which shows that
theoretical reasoning was the foundation for the distribution of the
functions in the machine of these patents into increments of time, and
that the arrangement of mechanism was especially designed to carry
out this primary theoretical reasoning. While it is obvious that such
procedure must accompany successful invention of mechanism, it is
seldom that we find such fineness displayed as may be found in the
timing of the mechanical functions of the later Comptometer.
The force of the above statement may be realized by study of the
mechanical motions of the old Comptometer and then trying to improve
on them to attain greater speed of operation. Such a possibility would
depend on more rapid key-strokes.
According to the physical laws of force and motion, to attain greater
speed of action demanded a decrease in resistance. Thus, less key
resistance must be attained to increase speed of operation.
Felt probably knew from experience that lighter key action could not be
had by juggling with springs or by polished surfaces. He was also aware
of the infinitesimal space of time allotted to each function, as the
parts of the mechanism flew about in the merry dance they performed in
whirling the numeral wheels around while under the manipulation of an
expert operator. He couldn’t see the parts work--he could only theorize
when there was trouble; thus he alone knew the difficulties to be met
in attempting to make a more rapid calculator.
To describe the mechanism of the new machine from drawings of these
patents would leave the reader still in the dark. What was really
accomplished can best be understood by reference to the mechanical
action in the old Comptometer.
In order that the reader may understand the significance of what
was accomplished, let him consider this fact; that the key action
of the old “Comptometer” measured as high as eighty-six ounces to a
key depression, while in the new machine made under the two named
later patents the key depression was reduced to but twenty-two ounces
maximum, or a little over a fourth of the power required to operate the
keys of the old “Comptometer.”
[Sidenote: _Power consumed by old carrying method_]
Facts show that a very large part of the resistance met with in the key
depression of the old machine was caused by the high tension of the
springs which performed the carrying. This high tension was necessary
on account of the extremely small fraction of a second allowed for the
performance of their function of supplying the power that turned the
higher wheel in carrying.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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