Thursday, July 15, 2010

Set 345

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1981. Approximately 17" tall, take a look at Neatorama for more guesses on this device and a chance to win a prize:




















1982. 14" long:

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1983. The large opening is around 12" wide:

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1984. 18" long, sent in by a visitor who is looking to find the purpose of this trough:


























1985. 18" long:

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Photos by Christopher Young


















1986. 4" diameter:

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Answers:


1981. A British Absolute Block Signaling Instrument, used to "facilitate the safe operation of a railway by preventing more than one train from occupying a defined section of route at the same time. This system is used on double or multiple lines where use of each line is assigned a direction of travel." The Millom Station is in the town of Millom in Cumbria, England.




















1982. A tool for opening wood crates, text on it reads "Mellor box opener No. 1", the patent states that it's a combination tool that could also be used for opening barrels, stretching wires, and driving and removing staples in constructing or repairing wire fences, patent number RE12458.

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1983. An X-ring Products Centrifugal Bullet Trap, a target was placed in front of the large opening, the bullets would be funneled to the back where they would be slowed down and then drop out.

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According to the seller it will take up to 45 cal. using target loads, behind the small plate at the top there is a metal clip for holding a paper target.



Patent number 4,126,311

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1984. No verifiable answer for this one yet:


























1985. "The Springfield" tire tool, text on it says "For tires 3 to 5 in":

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Photos by Christopher Young


















1986. A U.S. Signal Corps Cipher Disk, it was used during the Civil War at the Gettysburg Campaign, and was developed by Albert J. Myer, Chief Signal Officer of The Army of the Potomac. The disk was used to decode messages sent via signal flags. The hand written number 32 is a control number, used for accountability of the disk. Patent number 50,946

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The cipher disk pictured above was used by the Union, the one below is a replica of a Confederate cipher disk, which was for sale at the museum.














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Last week's set is seen below, click here to view the entire post.








More discussion and comments on these photos can be found at the newsgroup rec.puzzles.

8 comments:

  1. 1984. brick hod
    1985. bead breaker (auto, truck tire)

    ReplyDelete
  2. 1982 is a tool for opening shipping crates/boxes

    1983 is a bullet trap for shooting at paper targets.

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1981: Railway signal telegraph.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1982: Ferrier's tool for removing nails from horses hooves.
    1984: I agree with brick hod

    ReplyDelete
  5. I don't know if 1984 is a brick hod but that reminds me of a little joke.
    Q: What did one brick say to the other brick?
    A: I think we're about to get laid, here comes a man with a hod on.

    ReplyDelete
  6. 1986. Civil War era cipher disk

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1983: Microwave horn

    ReplyDelete
  8. 1891. Absolute Block Signal Device. It was part of a system that told station masters and engineers if there was a train on an adjacent section of track.

    - Edward

    ReplyDelete