Description:
- Object ID: ALSA 2008.14.09
- Made by: A. Ott, Made in Germany
- Model: Unknown.
- Serial Number: 127274
- Date Made: Circa 1970s.
- Approximate size: Unknown.
- Accessories: See commentary below.
- Condition: good
Commentary:
The basic equipment has three main parts. One part is the arm (about 21.3 cm long). One end of the arm fits into the main mechanical device (about 25.5 cm long) used to trace lines for determining the area of a closed figure, the other end fits into a weighted block (about 7 cm X 4 cm X 2 cm). The main mechanical device consists of a bar which has, on one end, a clear magnified glass with a small circle in it (for following lines). Along the bar is a sliding instrument with various wheels and numeric gauges to determine areas of closed figures On the front of the device, the number “127274” is recorded and “A.OTT MADE IN GERMANY” is inscribed on a label affixed to it. The case also houses a flat bent bar (10 cm (l) X 3 cm (w) X 1.5 mm thick) with a small pin near the end, a small finger screw driver approximately 1.8 cm X 1.7 cm X 1 mm thick, and various small printed sheets providing formulas, scales and instructions for determining areas.
The black case (in two parts) is approximately 31 cm (l) X 10 cm (w) and 5.2 cm (h). Two chrome, in colour, folding latches are on the front and two hinges are on the back of this case. Inside the case are slots for holding the devices and accessories in place. The top and bottom of the case is lined with a red velvet material. The top of the case is inscribed with a small “A.OTT, KEMPTEN” and the bottom has a label indicating “Made in Germany”.
Brief Description and History of Planimeter: Owned by Brown Okamura & Associates Ltd. Used in the office of Brown Okamura & Associates Ltd. Used to compute areas for cross section to obtain earth work volumes on engineering drawings.
Source of Object: Donated by Dave Williams, ALS.
Notes: The Society has only one in their collection.
References: Visit article A Dying Art – Drafting becomes Impersonal for additional information.
Description by: Entered by Ed Titanich on December 23, 2024.