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Image Not Available for latching relay module
latching relay module
Image Not Available for latching relay module

latching relay module

Date1950-1955
Inventory NumberWJ1006
ClassificationRelay
Subject
    Maker B. F. Skinner 1904 - 1990
    Cultural Region
      Place of Origin
        Dimensions18.7 × 5.1 × 14 cm (7 3/8 × 2 × 5 1/2 in.)
        Material
          DescriptionThis shopbuilt latching relay has a black panel with contacts for snap leads. The reverse contains the relays. Currently mounted in an instrument rack (WJ1011).
          Signedunsigned
          Inscribeda silver and blue sticker on front right side: LOCK UP
          Curatorial RemarksOriginally mounted in instrument rack (WJ1005) for exhibit in William James Hall (basement), removed 2016, and remounted onto instrument rack (WJ1011) for new exhibit in William James Hall (ninth floor)
          FunctionThis rack module contains two relays that are wired together. When the first is energized, the second keeps it closed (i.e. latched) until the current in the second relay is broken.

          This was used to set up reinforcement for variable interval schemes.
          ProvenanceB. F. Skinner's laboratory, Memorial Hall, Department of Psychology, Harvard University.
          Historical AttributesOne of many typical modular programming devices used in the late 1950s and early 1960's in B. F. Skinner's laboratory in the basement of Memorial Hall at Harvard University as part of his experiments on operant conditioning and behavioral psychology.
          Department of Psychology, Harvard University
          Date: 1950-1955
          Object number: WJ1007
          Department of Psychology, Harvard University
          Date: circa 1959
          Object number: WJ0981
          B. F. Skinner
          Date: circa 1950
          Object number: WJ0974
          B. F. Skinner
          Date: 1950-1965
          Object number: WJ1013
          B. F. Skinner
          Date: circa 1959
          Object number: WJ0963
          Shop-Made
          Date: circa 1959
          Object number: WJ0975
          Automatic Timing and Controls Company
          Date: circa 1965
          Object number: WJ0965
          box containing A.C. relays, electrical bells, and timers
          Leach Relay Company
          Date: 1890-1930
          Object number: RS0531
          Date: circa 1955
          Accessories: WJ0978 is the other part of Skinner Exhibit #10.
          Object number: WJ1010