University Health Network - Academy of Medicine Collection
Category
Basic Science Artifacts
Classification
Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis
Accession Number
1976.5.8 a-d
Description
A small wooden end handle (a), widens out to a calibrated metal indicator, narrows to a metal pointer with a rubber tip (d) which moves the indicator when turned; contained in carboard box (b,c).
A small wooden end handle (a), widens out to a calibrated metal indicator, narrows to a metal pointer with a rubber tip (d) which moves the indicator when turned; contained in carboard box (b,c).
Number Of Parts
4
Part Names
a - handle and indicator - Size: Length 13.3 cm x Width 4.0 cm
b,c - container - Size: Length 16.0 cm x Width 5.0 cm x Depth 2.0 cm
d - rubber tip
Provenance
Acquired from the Academy of Medicine; source: Mr. Austin, administrator, Dept. of Pathology, Banting Institute.
Inscribed on centre of dial: "L. S. STARRETT ATHOL, MASS. U.S.A. // PAT. APRIL 15, 1897"; metal indicator is calibrated 10 to 100 and 100 to 10; lid of box has, "Red - Labelled No. 107 STARRETT // Registering Speed Indicator // MADE BY".
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-F6-10
Condition Remarks
#2: cardboard box falling apart
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Internet
Reference Comments
Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Research Facts
A revolution counter. To count revolutions of the shafts that ran machinery, engineers used counters like this one. The manufacturer, L. S. Starrett Company of Athol , Mass., called the device a speed indicator, although it has no timekeeping apparatus. The steel counter has a flat handle on one side and a rotating cylindrical rod on the other. In between is a flat curved case on which a dial is mounted. Pressing the rod against a rotating shaft rotates it and advances the dial. The edge of the dial is divided into 100 equal parts, which are numbered from 10 to 100 by tens. Two different nozzles fit into the far end of the cylinder. The instrument fits in a red, white, and black paper box.
his counter is one of the many inventions of Laroy Starrett (1836-1922), who was born and raised on a farm in Maine. In 1880, having successfully patented and sold a meat chopper, as well as shoe studs and hooks, Starrett established a business in Athol, Mass., to sell drawing instruments and small tools. He applied for a patent for a speed indicator in 1895, and received it in 1897.
patent to L. S. Starrett Company when it was granted March 28, 1905. The device sold in at least three models. This is No. 104, which was particularly intended for high speeds. It was sold both directly by Starrett and through distributors of tools and steam engine equipment. This speed indicator is mentioned in Starrett catalogues into the 1930s.