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Ball-and-disk integrator
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The ball-and-disk integrator is a key component of many advanced mechanical computers. Through simple mechanical means, it performs continual integration of the value of an input. Typical uses were th
A number of ball-and-disk integrators were used on Lord Kelvin's tidal calculators. The cylindrical output shaft, ball and input disk are clearly visi
A number of ball-and-disk integrators were used on Lord Kelvin's tidal calculators. The cylindrical output shaft, ball and input disk are clearly visible. The ratio is changed by moving the balls to the left or right along the rack, seen at the top.
Norden bombsight
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The Norden Mk. XV, known as the Norden M series in US Army service, is a bombsight that was used by the United States Army Air Forces and the United States Navy during World War II, and the United Sta
Ball-and-disk integrator
…of the Torpedo Data Computer, which solved the more demanding problem of the very long engagement times of torpedo fire. A well-known example is the Norden bombsight which used a slight variation on the basic design, replacing the ball with another disk. In this system the integrator was used to calculate the relative…
The Norden bombsight at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. This example is only the bombsight itself; it does not include the a
The Norden bombsight at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California. This example is only the bombsight itself; it does not include the associated autopilot that would normally connect to it on the bottom.
Norden bombsight on display at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, with the stabilizer assembly attached
Norden bombsight on display at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, with the stabilizer assembly attached
A Norden bombsight in the nose of the B-29 FIFI
A Norden bombsight in the nose of the B-29 FIFI
1923 prototype Mark XI on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. A pre-autopilot version, turning it around the bearing at the base indicated the
1923 prototype Mark XI on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. A pre-autopilot version, turning it around the bearing at the base indicated the desired direction changes to the pilot.