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'''Mechanical counters''' are ] built using mechanical components. Long before electronics became common, mechanical devices were used to count events. They typically consist of a series of disks mounted on an axle, with the digits 0 through 9 marked on their edge. The right most disk moves one increment with each event. Each disk except the left-most has a protrusion that, after the completion of one revolution, moves the next disk to the left one increment. Such counters were originally used to control manufacturing processes, but were later used as ]s for bicycles and cars and in ] and ]s. One of the largest manufacturers was the Veeder-Root company, and their name was often used for this type of counter.<ref>{{Citation | url = http://www.veeder.com/page/vr_history | title = VR History | publisher = Veeder}}.</ref>

==Examples==
* ]s
* ]
* Babbage's ] and ]
* Mechanical counter were used to accumulate totals in ]s that pioneered the data processing industry.
* Older ]s (gas pumps)
* Mechanical ]s
* ]s
* ]s
* ]s
* Elapsed time meters

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{commons category|mechanical counters}}

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Revision as of 09:37, 17 March 2015

Mechanical counter wheels showing both sides. The bump on the wheel shown at the top engages the ratchet on the wheel below every turn.
Several mechanical counters
Early IBM tabulating machine using mechanical counters


Mechanical counters are digital counters built using mechanical components. Long before electronics became common, mechanical devices were used to count events. They typically consist of a series of disks mounted on an axle, with the digits 0 through 9 marked on their edge. The right most disk moves one increment with each event. Each disk except the left-most has a protrusion that, after the completion of one revolution, moves the next disk to the left one increment. Such counters were originally used to control manufacturing processes, but were later used as odometers for bicycles and cars and in tape recorders and fuel dispensers. One of the largest manufacturers was the Veeder-Root company, and their name was often used for this type of counter.

Examples

References

  1. VR History, Veeder.
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