217 x 234 (millimeters, width x depth) 217 x 239 x 379 (millimeters, width x depth x height)
Description:
Escapements convert static energy, as in the form of a falling weight, into periodic oscillations which can then be used to measure the passage of time. As such escapements are dynamic mechanisms as opposed to kinematic devices. This model has its origins around the first millennium according to Reuleaux and certainly by the middle ages c 1300, according to other references. This model has a balance wheel with elastic spring. The original verge and foliot did not have a harmonic oscillator until Huygens(1629-1695) added the pendulum to control the period of the oscillation. Later the balance wheel was used to replace the pendulum as in the sea going chronometers developed by John Harrison in the 18th century. A verge and foliot escapement was used in many cathedral tower clocks as in Salisbury Cathedral (1386) in England. Many clock escapement models may be seen in the National Clock and Watch Museum in Columbia Pennsylvania. [Francis Moon, 2001-00-00] The 220 models in Cornell University’s Reuleaux Collection were built in the late 19th century to demonstrate the elements of machine motion, as theorized by the German engineer Franz Reuleaux. The University acquired the models in 1882 for use in teaching and research. The Reuleaux models are classified according to the alphanumeric schema employed in the catalog of the manufacturer, Gustav Voigt. The letter in a model's ID (e.g., B14 or S35) refers to a class of mechanism; the number is a specific instance of the class. This classification scheme is a simplified version of the taxonomy of machine elements elaborated in Reuleaux's work.
Photography credit: Jon Reis (www.jonreis.com). Jon Reis Photography grants Cornell University Libraries and the Cornell College of Engineering the rights to display copyrighted images of the Reuleux collection of kinetic machines on the Cornell University and National Science Digital Library web sites and for unlimited use in Cornell University Library publications for education purposes only. Rights for all other uses, including but not limited to, editorial, commercial, advertising, web use and display by third parties not affiliated with Cornell University are reserved by the photographer. The written permission of any copyright and other rights holders is required for distribution, reproduction, or other use that extends beyond what is authorized by fair use and other statutory exemptions. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of an item and securing any necessary permissions ultimately rests with persons desiring to use the item. For questions about this item or other items please contact the Physical Sciences Librarians at pslref@cornell.edu.
