UNIVAC computer element
Datecirca 1960
Inventory Number1997-1-1141
ClassificationComputer Element
Subject
Maker
Sperry Rand Corporation (UNIVAC Federal Systems Division)
1955 - 1978
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions1.2 × 19.5 × 9.9 cm (1/2 × 7 11/16 × 3 7/8 in.)
Material
DescriptionA component from the UNIVAC computer encased in a transparent blue plastic rectangle with rounded edges and corners. There are flecks of foil suspended in the plastic as decorative glitter. There is a silver name plate on the left hand side of the blue rectangle. Above it is a small, round plastic holder (possibly for holding a pen).
The computer component itself is a square, black microchip plate with various circuit parts soldered together and onto the surface. A black, elongated-H shaped extension is attached to one edge of the plate. There are twenty-eight brass prongs for connecting the chip along the edge of this extension. The microchip plate itself contains layers of conducting foil encased in a textured black epoxy.
The computer component itself is a square, black microchip plate with various circuit parts soldered together and onto the surface. A black, elongated-H shaped extension is attached to one edge of the plate. There are twenty-eight brass prongs for connecting the chip along the edge of this extension. The microchip plate itself contains layers of conducting foil encased in a textured black epoxy.
Signedprinted in blue and black lettering on device label plate: SPERRY RAND / CORPORATION / UNIVAC / FEDERAL SYSTEMS DIVISION / C.B. MERRITT
FunctionThe object is a decorative preservation of the UNIVAC component, possible to serve as a pen holder or paper weight. The function of the computer component itself, and the specifications of the circuits built on it are unknown.
A historical overview of the UNIVAC computer is available here.
A historical overview of the UNIVAC computer is available here.
ProvenanceGift of R. Forsberg '41, 4/21/89.
Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: 1960-1970
Accessories: circuit board, "flip chip" cards (10)
Object number: 1998-1-0230
Panelvision Corporation
Date: 1984
Accessories: single-board display controller
cable for display (1997-1-0686c)
shipping ticket/ hand carry pass dated June 11, 1997 (in instrument file)
letter to Dr. Richard V. Kollarits from William Andrewes dated June 16, 1997 regarding donation of MiniGraphic display and letter to William Andrewes from Dr. Richard V. Kollarits that accompanied the object upon donation on June 11, 1997 (in instrument file)
four sample color prints made with this display on micro-encapsulated photographic paper. 1. man in business suit, 2. woman crouching next to lawn ornament, 3. two clowns painting a third's face, 4. woman in winter hat and scarf (in instrument file)
copies of two articles by AT&T Bell Laboratories staff (Richard V. Kollarits, William, H. Ninke, David C. Gibbon) on color imaging and printing (in instrument file)
Panelvision pamphlet introducing the MiniGraphic multipurpose flat panel display, including instrument specifications, consumer prices, functioning and features (in instrument file)
1984 article by Panelvision employees (Peter Brody Fang-Chen Luo, Paul Malmberg) on active matrix technology (in instrument file)
Panelvision Corporation Fact Sheet, including details of company history and recent developments (in instrument file)
article about commercial debut of active matrix technology from Design Engineering newspaper, June 18, 1984 (in instrument file)
full circuit diagram and schematic for MiniGraphic Display Controller (in instrument file)
instruction manual and description of MiniGraphic Display Controller (two copies, in instrument file)
circuit diagrams and instruction manuals for the MiniGraphic Display (two booklets, in instrument file)
Object number: 1997-1-0686a
Panelvision Corporation
Date: 1984
Accessories: control for Panelvision MiniGraphic display (1997-1-0686a)
shipping ticket/ hand carry pass dated June 11, 1997 (in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
letter to Dr. Richard V. Kollarits from William Andrewes dated June 16, 1997 regarding donation of MiniGraphic display and letter to William Andrewes from Dr. Richard V. Kollarits that accompanied the object upon donation on June 11, 1997 (in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
four sample color prints made with this display on micro-encapsulated photographic paper. 1. man in business suit, 2. woman crouching next to lawn ornament, 3. two clowns painting a third's face, 4. woman in winter hat and scarf (in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
copies of two articles by AT&T Bell Laboratories staff (Richard V. Kollarits, William, H. Ninke, David C. Gibbon) on color imaging and printing (in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
Panelvision pamphlet introducing the MiniGraphic multipurpose flat panel display, including instrument specifications, consumer prices, functioning and features (in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
1984 article by Panelvision employees (Peter Brody Fang-Chen Luo, Paul Malmberg) on active matrix technology (in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
Panelvision Corporation Fact Sheet, including details of company history and recent developments (in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
article about commercial debut of active matrix technology from Design Engineering newspaper, June 18, 1984 (in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
full circuit diagram and schematic for MiniGraphic Display Controller (in instrument file)
instruction manual and description of MiniGraphic Display Controller (two copies, in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
circuit diagrams and instruction manuals for the MiniGraphic Display (two booklets, in instrument 1997 - 0686a file)
Object number: 1997-1-0686b
Digital Equipment Corporation
Date: 1991
Accessories: black plastic case
Object number: 1998-1-0789
IBM Japan Ltd
Date: 1993
Accessories: re-usable grey plastic sleeve
Object number: 2004-1-0012
