Device Collection (page 2)

Ladder gripping attachment patent, 1913 C024 / 3612
Ladder gripping attachment patent, 1913. Artwork showing a device invented by Edmond Dennis that allows two people to climb at opposite ends of a ladder suspended in mid-air.The shoe attachment grips

Fusion reactor maintenance T180 / 0078
^BFusion reactor maintenance. ^b Technician in the interior of a Tokamak device, which confines hot plasma. This is used in the research of fusion as a future energy source

Advertisement for clothing and bedding disinfector
An 1880 trade advertisement for a disinfector by made by Nelson and Sons of Leeds. The device, used by workhouses, hospitals and prisons

Telegraph receiver. Historical artwork of a Breguet telegraph receiver. Messages arrived at the receiver in wires as a series of long and short electric pulses

Gearstick
Gearknob in a vehicle

Baby bouncer. Harness device used to allow young babies, who are yet to walk, the ability to stand upright by means of elasticated ropes

Pascals calculator, 17th Century artwork
Pascals calculator. Historical artwork showing the mechanism inside a 17th Century mechanical device used to perform mathematical calculations

Dead Mans Handle
A dead mans handle is a switch that is automatically operated in case the human operator becomes incapacitated. Photograph by Heinz Zinram

The method of linking up hands and feet of sitting mediums
Undated photograph showing the method of linking up hands and feet of sitting mediums by means of electrical control. This is one of series of photographs documenting Harry Prices investigations into

Hurray for the Robinson Ray! by W. Heath Robinson
We are privileged to publish the first illustration of a Death Ray at its dirty work. the top secret experiment was entirely successful, and as our picture shows

First World War surveillance kite. US soldier being lifted up by a surveillance kite during the First World War (1914-1918)

Early TV Remote Control
An early remote control, or an Armchair Programme Control. Manufactured by Ferranti, this device came with 15 feet of cord which enabled the TV to be operated from a distance

Blitz in London -- burnt-out incendiary device, WW2
Blitz in London -- incendiary device which burnt itself out on an asphalt roof. Date: 1940s

Microchip connecting wire, SEM
Micro-wire. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a micro-wire (yellow, often made of gold) connecting to the surface of a microchip

X-ray security machine, 1900
X-ray security machine. Historical artwork of a fluoroscope being used in a late 19th-century French customs hall. The fluoroscope was designed and built by the French inventor Eugene Ducretet

Alec James of Arsenal in the gym
Arsenal player Alec James tries out the Vita Gymno Frame in the Gym at Arsenals Highbury Football Ground

Armoured bayonet curler by W H Robinson
For rendering useless the sentrys arme blanche. Please note: Credit must appear as Courtesy of the Estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evans 1915

Alexander G. Bell, Scottish-US inventor C017 / 7105
Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922), Scottish-US inventor, using a telephone, his most famous invention. Bell followed his father and grandfather into the speech therapy profession

Copy of the Imperial Standard Pound C016 / 2048
Copy of the Imperial Standard Pound. Parliamentary Copy number 5 (P.C.5) of the Imperial Standard Pound, dated 1879. The imperial system of weights and measures was established in 1824

Close-up of some computer data wires
Computer wire. Close-up of several computer wires. A length of multicoloured ribbon wire is seen in the foreground. These insulated electronic wires are used for data connections in computers

Rosenhain optical microscope. The viewing lens (eyepiece, upper right), focusing wheel (lower right) and objective lens (centre) are seen

Alcohol thermometer reading 25 degrees Celsius. When heated the dyed liquid expands and rises up the tube. The tube is calibrated to display an accurate temperature depending on the location of

Magnifying glass. The glass lens is polished to an exact shape to produce a clear image. It magnifies the view of an object because the shape of the lens is convex

Measuring water levels
Water level recorder in a river, being adjusted by a scientist. It uses float activation of a gearing assembly to move a pen across a chart drum. The chart drum is driven by a spring-wound clock

Gyroscope, artwork
Gyroscope. Artwork of a gyroscope with the piece of string (red) that is used to set it spinning. This device consists of a heavy spinning disc (horizontal)

Wireless communication
MODEL RELEASED. Wireless communication. Boy using a bluetooth hands-free headset for his mobile phone

Quantum cryptography equipment
Quantum cryptography. Eye of an observer reflected in a mirror in quantum cryptography apparatus. Quantum cryptography is based on the principle of entanglement

Adjusting a tape storage device
A computer technician adjusts the large reels on a computer tape storage device. A promotional photograph for ICT. Photograph by Heinz Zinram

Manufacture of circuit boards
A complicated multi-component electronic device for manufacturing circuit boards. It consists of a number of miniature soldering irons to attach the electrical components and a magnifying camera

Sketches in the Bank of England. Machine for weighing coins
Engraving of complicated device for weighing gold sovereigns

Mer-People and God
Merman and mermaid feature in the device of London printer John Rastell = a rare, maybe unique, instance of mer-people depicted as part of Gods creation

Reynaud Praxinoscope 2
Reynauds device with central lamp, drum holding the images, and a handle for turning it, giving the illusion of movement

Mastiff and Panama Remote Controlled Vehicle
Pictured is a Mastiff fitted with Choker Mine Rollers following on behind the Panama remote control Land Rover which carries a ground penetrating radar used for route clearance operations

A Lathe using a spring bow and device to allow eccentric turning, 16th century
5311313 A Lathe using a spring bow and device to allow eccentric turning, 16th century; Universal History Archive/UIG

An engraving depicting details of Robert Hooke's hygrometer, an instrument used for measuring the amount of
5311628 An engraving depicting details of Robert Hooke's hygrometer, an instrument used for measuring the amount of humidity water vapour in the atmosphere, soil, or in confined spaces. 1

A bookplate aka Ex libris stamp from the library of William Gladstone, from Enciclopedia Ilustrada Segui, c.1900
3432463 A bookplate aka Ex libris stamp from the library of William Gladstone, from Enciclopedia Ilustrada Segui, c.1900; Private Collection; (add.info)

Screws for compression of blood vessels by Jean Louis Petite, tourniquet device and double band to adjust it
FLO4611834 Screws for compression of blood vessels by Jean Louis Petite, tourniquet device and double band to adjust it, chamois skin compress

A man being punished by a cangue
5312117 A man being punished by a cangue; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a man being punished by a cangue, a device that was used for public humiliation and corporal punishment)

19th century illustration showing two electrically powered gyroscopes, 1880
5311569 19th century illustration showing two electrically powered gyroscopes, 1880. A gyroscope is a device used for measuring or maintaining orientation and angular velocity

19th century illustration showing the Time Ball of New York. The purpose of the device was for people to set their
5311563 19th century illustration showing the Time Ball of New York. The purpose of the device was for people to set their watches to a standard measure of time.1883; (add.info.: Date)

Coat of arms of the Right Honourable Hugh Boscanven, 1st Viscount Falmouth, 1680-1734, 1724 (copperplate engraving)
6337527 Coat of arms of the Right Honourable Hugh Boscanven, 1st Viscount Falmouth, 1680-1734, 1724 (copperplate engraving); (add.info.: Andrew Johnston after C)

Eastern European handcuffs
5614377 Eastern European handcuffs; (add.info.: Eastern European handcuffs. From The Strand Magazine, published January to June 1894.); Photo © Hilary Morgan

A bookplate aka Ex libris stamp from the library of George Washington, from Enciclopedia Ilustrada Segui, c.1900
3432458 A bookplate aka Ex libris stamp from the library of George Washington, from Enciclopedia Ilustrada Segui, c.1900; Private Collection; (add.info)

A bookplate aka Ex libris stamp from the library of German emperor Willhelm II, from Enciclopedia Ilustrada Segui
3432457 A bookplate aka Ex libris stamp from the library of German emperor Willhelm II, from Enciclopedia Ilustrada Segui

A phenakistoscope
3520850 A phenakistoscope; (add.info.: A phenakistoscope, an early animation device that used the persistence of vision principle to create an illusion of motion)

H Conybeare's apparatus for laying submarine telegraph cables using flexible frames built in segments, 1859
3479560 H Conybeare's apparatus for laying submarine telegraph cables using flexible frames built in segments, 1859; (add.info.: H)

Detail of flexible frame built in segments for laying submarine telegraph cables, 1859
3479559 Detail of flexible frame built in segments for laying submarine telegraph cables, 1859; (add.info.: Detail of flexible frame built in segments for laying submarine telegraph cables)

Cartoon depicting an old lady using an ear trumpet
5308861 Cartoon depicting an old lady using an ear trumpet; (add.info.: Cartoon depicting an old lady using an ear trumpet)

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"Unveiling the Ingenious Device: A Journey through Time and Innovation" Step into a world where creativity knows no bounds, as we explore the fascinating realm of devices throughout history. From the bizarre to the brilliant, these captivating contraptions have shaped our lives in unimaginable ways. Delve into the depths of medieval ingenuity with the peculiar "Medieval Urine Wheel, " an unconventional invention that harnessed human waste for practical purposes. Witness William Heath Robinson's whimsical imagination come to life in his masterpiece "Ultra-Marine, " showcasing a fantastical device that defies logic. Marvel at mankind's relentless pursuit of knowledge as you encounter Curiosity rover, not just a scientific marvel but also an artwork in its own right. Yet, even brilliance can face rejection, as evidenced by those unfortunate creations deemed unworthy by the inventions board. Prepare to be astounded by moments of sheer genius like "A Swimming Stroke of Genius, " where innovation meets athleticism to create unparalleled grace. Discover precision engineering with Tungsten Carbide Slip Gauge Blocks C016/2042 - small yet mighty tools that revolutionized measurement accuracy. Journey back in time and witness celestial mechanics unfold before your eyes with "Epicycles of Mercury and Venus. " Marvel at how William Heath Robinson ingeniously solves everyday problems with his cunning strokes of brilliance. Unlock the secrets behind electrical circuits using standard symbols that have become universal language for engineers worldwide. Step into a vintage salon and experience glamour from yesteryears with the Permanent Hair-Waving Machine from 1928 – an early glimpse into beauty technology. Embark on a quest for limitless energy through fusion research, exploring tokamak devices designed to harness nuclear power safely and sustainably. Finally, witness distillation's ancient artistry depicted in a mesmerizing 16th-century woodcut – revealing humanity's thirst for knowledge since time immemorial.