Set 345

For first time visitors I recommend this archive for some of my best posts.



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:

Larger image
















1983. The large opening is around 12" wide:

Larger image




















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


























1985. 18" long:

Larger image
Photos by Christopher Young


















1986. 4" diameter:

Larger image


















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.

Larger image
















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.

Larger image


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

Larger image

















1984. No verifiable answer for this one yet:


























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

Larger image
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

Larger image


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.














To submit photos, send them to the address in my profile.















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.