Artifact Details

Description

This instrument draws ellipses and circles, from 10 to 560 mm. major diameter; the pen with bent point is used for ellipses of less than 22 mm. diameter.

Excerpt from F. Weber & Co. catalog, 1923, page 231: "The apparatus consists of two main parts, the frame and the beam compass. The former forms a T with slots in both arms in which the clamps i and i1 slide; these hold the beam 1-1 with pen or pencil z; it is divided and can be adjusted in the clamps and secured with the screws k and k1 ; the frame can be separated in two parts a and b for keeping in a case.

For use, the frame is set and screwed together and the middle part at n set in the centre of the intended ellipse, the front edge of the arm b-b to cover exactly the major axis; then secure in position by screwing down s till needle point of the same pierces the paper; adjust the beam 1 in clamp i to the length of minor axis and secure with screw k; then adjust beam in clamp i1 to the length of major axis, adding 20 mm. to the same, the axis of this clamp being so much nearer to the drawing point, and secure with screw k1; set pen or pencil z to correct height by means of screw m and draw one-half of the ellipse; after this, lift drawing point z, release screw p, reverse the instrument by swinging it 180 degrees around point n, reset screw p and drawing point z, and draw other half."

Manufacturer

C. Riefler Nesselwang & München

Place Manufactured

Germany

Identifying Numbers

Other number

48 on instrument; 2099 on bottom of case

Dimensions

box, overall: 1/2 in x 14 in x 3 5/8 in

Category

Calculator/mechanical

Credit

Gift of the University of Illinois, Department of Computer Sciences

Lot Number

X254.83