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Oscillograph Recorder

Physics

This instrument consists of a black box, largely made of metal, with various black attachments on its sides and top; heavy rivets and screws attach each piece.

A lens wrapped with electrical tape protrudes from the front of the box. Mounted on the top, there is a motor out of which a pair of twisted wires attached to a plug emerge, and two other cylindrical protrusions of unknown purpose. One of these is underneath an open structure supported by two metal pillars. On the back of this there are three plugs. On one side of the box there is a handle. On the opposite, there are two protrusions with a notch in the middle. It is possible the instrument is intended to be mounted vertically, with the handle used for insertion and removal within a larger piece of apparatus. Labels and signs are all aligned in this way.

The recorder is associated with additional pieces, most of which are wheels likely associated with the camera.

Accession Number: 2009.ph.263

Alternative Name:

High Speed Camera, Oscillograph Camera, Oscilloscope Camera

Primary Materials: Metal, Plastic

Markings:

On a metal label affixed to the top of the box: “OSCILLOGRAPH RECORDER”
TYPE NO. 651-AE SERIAL NO. 431
GENERAL RADIO CO.
CAMBRIDGE MASSACHUSETTS
U.S. PATENTS: 218601″

On a stamp on the top surface: “SC 7145 A”

On a metal label affixed to the motor:
“BODINE ELECTRICAL COMPANY
CHICAGO U.S.A.
VOLTS 115 AMPS 1.5
DUTY INTER H.P. 1/10
R.P.M. 7500
TEMP RISE 55°C
NO. 1256228 TYPE NSE 12
PAT. 1735222
1897405
1683601
1945028
UNIV. MOTOR

On the back panel, adjacent to plugs:
DRIVE
TAKE UP
OFF ON
LINE

Dimensions (cm):

Function:

The motion recording of an oscillograph (oscilloscope), likely with the use of strobe lighting.

Condition:

Good. The instrument is of solid construction and aside from general wear in the form of marks and scrapes on corners and edges, is in good condition. Electrical tape has been wrapped around the lens. There is some corrosion on the surface of the rivets and in places where paint has been scraped off.

Associated Instruments:

Manufacturer: General Radio, Bodine Electric Company

Date of Manufacture: Mid-20th century

Provenance:

Department of Physics, University of Toronto

Additional Information and References:

The Patent referred to on the manufacturer’s label, filed in 1934 by Harold Eugene Edgerton and granted in 1940, refers to the motion recording of a rapidly moving subject with the use of bright, flashing light: http://www.google.ch/patents/US2186013 [29/10/17]

Harold E. Edgerton is associated with the development of the strobe light and its use in various functions.

Historical Notes:

Themes: