Mechanical computer
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A mechanical computer is a computer built from mechanical components such as levers and gears rather than electronic components. The most common examples are adding machines and mechanical counters, w
Hamman Manus R mechanical computer, produced in Germany by the DeTeWe company between 1953 and 1959
Curta Calculator
Harwell Dekatron
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 visible. The ratio is changed by moving the balls to the left or right along the rack, seen at the top.