a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
See video preview here. A second video can be seen here, but you need to create an account and log-in first. Search for "NEW DERBY HOPE" "Tractor Classic", May/June 2004, Vol. 19 #3, pages 25-26. "Blowtorch" currently on display at : Western Development Museum, Moose Jaw Branch – History of Transportation. 50 Diefenbaker Drive Moose …
Read More “1947 – “Blowtorch” Mechanical Horse – W.J. McIntyre (Canadian)”
This wood and brass model with clockwork by Enoch Rice Morrison is a walking mechanism probably very similar to his “Steam Man”. The maker’s name is painted on an upright as is his home town – Bergen, NJ The model is 6.5″ tall. I have now located the patent for this mechanism – see below. Tuapeka Times, Volume III, …
This French model, attributed to Alain Gillier, looks as if it is a working model, with the steam boiler in the cart, and a flexible tube leading to the engine mounted in the body. You can see the flywheel in the shadows. The linkages are similar to other Mechanical Horses in this blog. I have …
Read More “French Steam Horse “Cheval Vapeur” – Model (French)”
See similar video clip here. – RECIPROCATING LOAD CARRIER E. SNELL Patent number: 2430537 Filing date: Dec 8, 1944 Issue date: Nov 1947 See patent here. 1949 Multi-Ped Walking Tractor Manufacture: Multi-Ped Traction Limited, Edmonton, Alberta Engine: Case Model R tractor, 4 cylinder Wasukesha Edward ( Ward ) Snell of Wetaskiwin, Edmonton wanted to design …
Read More “1944 – Multi-Ped Walking Tractor – Edward Snell (American)”
Although sometimes attributed to Robert Hooke, the invention was Francis Potter's, and when presented to the Royal Society (see transcript of minutes below), they asked Hooke to present drawings and comment on it. Hooke; Robert (1635 – 1703); Natural Philosopher Potter; Francis (1594 -1678) Above image found on Royal Society's web site. Let h. denote …
Read More “1663 – Cart with Legs – Francis Potter / Robert Hooke (British)”