reset timer
Datecirca 1965
Inventory NumberWJ0965
ClassificationTimer
Subject
Maker
Automatic Timing and Controls Company
founded 1920
User
B. F. Skinner
1904 - 1990
Maker
Department of Psychology, Harvard University
founded 1934
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensions17.9 × 10 × 17.8 cm (7 1/16 × 3 15/16 × 7 in.)
Material
DescriptionBlack panel of rac mounted instrument contains a 30-second dial with a white scale and contacts for snap leads. Currently mounted in instrument rack (WJ1011).
Signedbutton on front by dial: atc
printed on back: AUTOMATIC TIMING / & CONTROL INC. / King of Prussia, PA U.S.A / LOAD RATING 115 V.A.C. 10 amp / NON-INDUCTIVE 230 V.A.C. 5 amp. / ONE OR MORE PATENTS APPLY / US: 2852154, 2885001, 3081384, 3117191 / CAN: 585927, 588300 667645 703109
printed on back: FM [in a diamond]
Curatorial Remarks
FunctionThis timer was used to control pre-set intervals, such as the delays between recorded behaviors (e.g., a subject's response) and their consequences (e.g., a reinforcement). At the end of a cycle, the timer could trigger a circuit that activated the food hopper and reset itself for the next response.
ProvenanceB. F. Skinner's laboratory, Memorial Hall, Department of Psychology, Harvard University.
Historical AttributesUsed 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. This was part of Skinner's third experimental set-up.
Automatic Timing and Controls Company
Accessories: Long grey power cord
Object number: WJ1038
Automatic Timing and Controls Company
Accessories: Long grey power cord
Object number: WJ1041
Zenith Controls Inc.
Date: dated 1983
Accessories: cardboard box and photocopy of packing slip in the box.
Object number: 2004-1-0393
Ralph Gerbrands Company
Date: 1960-1965
Object number: WJ0964
Grason-Stadler Company
Date: 1962-1965
Object number: WJ1014
Graphic Controls Corporation
Date: before 1997
Object number: 2003-1-0105