A thick metal cylinder casing houses a single large ball bearing (approximately 8 cm across). There are three rotating devices affixed to the outside at right angles to the ball bearing; rotating one of these produces motion in the other. At the opposite end a single thin axle protrudes that turns with certain motions of the ball. Around the base, the cylinder is engraved “E.B.L. 524 05.3528.A”. There is a logo consisting of ’92’ and ‘D’ separated by a vertical line, all capped by a downward concave horizontal line. Also engraved on the ring that encircles the bottom-most rotating device is the inscription “CA1 9/16 B”, as well as “RAM”. A third inscription is obscured by a mounting bracket.
Accession Number: 2009.ph.181
Alternative Name:
Primary Materials: Metal: Iron Alloy, Plastic, Glass
Around the base, the cylinder is engraved “E.B.L. 524 05.3528.A”. There is a logo consisting of ’92’ and ‘D’ separated by a vertical line, all capped by a downward concave horizontal line.
Length = 15 cm, Width = 10 cm, Height = 10 cm
Function: Unknown
Very Good: The artifact is in good condition, with very little signs of rust or corrosion on the main components. The screws holding the object together are somewhat rusty.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer:
Date of Manufacture: 20th Century(?)
This artifact was part of a collection of electrical instruments (mostly brass electrometers and ballistic galvanometers) gathered by University of Toronto Professor of Physics Martin J.G. Lee (d. 2009). The collection was likely acquired from Dr. Lee’s office c. 2010 or 2011.
Additional Information and References:
Historical Notes:
- Donated to UTSIC