The history of the early attempts to apply the algebra of logic to engineering problems

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-20
Author(s):  
Yury Druzhinin
Keyword(s):  
Technological Systems ◽  
Binary Variables ◽  
Relay Contact ◽  
Logical Operators ◽  
Logical Description ◽  
Electric Engineering ◽  
Switch Control ◽  
Mechanical Signal ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
History Of

The development of electric engineering led to the emergence of relay-contact systems that included dozens of relays and contacts in some areas of technology (interlocking in naval turret artillery, automated statistical calculations, etc.) back in the 1880s and 1890s. Due to their relative simplicity, notwithstanding certain expenses, such systems were designed without using the apparatus of the algebra of logic. At the same time, the need in logical description of the functioning of complicated technological systems had arisen in the railroad sector (central mechanical signal and switch control). Such descriptions that actually used binary variables had been created by the French and Belgian engineering practitioners. The operators of one of such systems, i.e. Armand Flamache’s system, were functionally the same as logical operators of the algebra of logic, while lacking a wide set of properties inherent in the latters. Flamache’s system did not go any further and was forgotten although, despite its being narrowly specialized, was the first portent of using the algebra of logic in technology.

A Centennial History of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers: 1880-1980

1980 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Progressive Era ◽  
Political System ◽  
City Government ◽  
American People ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
History Of ◽  
American Society ◽  
Technical Question

In 1980 the American Society of Mechanical Engineers celebrates the centenary of its founding. The occasion has provided an opportunity for the Society to look back and survey its accomplishments, its distinguished members, and its constant dialogue — among its members and with the American people — concerning the role of engineering in a technological society. The dynamic tensions within the ASME make a fascinating background to this centennial history. The central role of the Society’s headquarters in New York is examined the light of various movements for regional and professional sections within (and occasionally outside) the Society. The technical question of standards is shown to be a constant and creative problem for members — reflecting their attitudes towards their role in a political system often reluctant to enforce nation-wide standars in business and industry. From the Progressive Era, and its attempts to reform city government and check the power of private utilities, to the 1970s and its renewed concern with ecology and business ethnics, the Society has provided a microcosm of informed debate about technical engineering problems which — as this book makes clear — concerns us all.

scholarly journals Voices from the Uncanny Valley

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-64
Author(s):  
Tiina Männistö-Funk ◽  
Tanja Sihvonen
Keyword(s):  
Historical Context ◽  
Uncanny Valley ◽  
Cultural Issues ◽  
Technological Systems ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Late 19Th Century ◽  
Technical Problems ◽  
Talking Heads ◽  
History Of ◽  
Gender Aspects

Abstract Voice is a powerful tool of agency - for humans and non-humans alike. In this article, we go through the long history of talking heads and statues to publicly displayed robots and fortune-tellers, as well as consumer-oriented products such as the late 19th century talking dolls of Thomas Edison. We also analyse the attempts at making speaking machines commercially successful on various occasions. In the end, we investigate how speech producing devices such as the actual digital assistants that operate our current technological systems fit into this historical context. Our focus is on the gender aspects of the artificial, posthuman voice. On the basis of our study, we conclude that the female voice and other feminine characteristics as well as the figures of exoticized and racialized ‘Others’ have been applied to draw attention away from the uncanniness and other negative effects of these artificial humans and the machinic speech they produce. Technical problems associated with the commercialization of technologically produced speech have been considerable, but cultural issues have played an equally important role.

Gas Turbine Propulsion Machinery for the MSTS Roll-On/Roll-Off Ship

1967 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald L. Caldera ◽  
Gerald C. Swensson ◽  
Charles E. Hoch
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Service Performance ◽  
Machinery Plant ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
History Of

The history of the roll-on/roll-off type of cargo ship is reviewed to illustrate the development of the specific ship requirements for the Adm. Wm. M. Callaghan. The ship is unique in that it is the first large cargo ship to be built which has been initially designed to incorporate all advantages of gas turbine propulsion. The basic engineering problems and selections involved in the design of the machinery plant are briefly described. The service performance of this ship will have a significant influence on future applications of gas turbine machinery for commercial ships.

Locomotive to Aeromotive

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simine Short
Keyword(s):  
Kansas City ◽  
Missouri River ◽  
The United States ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Personal Relationships ◽  
Collaborative Approach ◽  
Archival Material ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
History Of ◽  
Aeronautical Engineering

French-born and self-trained civil engineer Octave Chanute designed America's two largest stockyards, created innovative and influential structures such as the Kansas City Bridge over the previously “unbridgeable” Missouri River, and was a passionate aviation pioneer whose collaborative approach to aeronautical engineering problems helped the Wright brothers take flight. Drawing on a trove of archival material and exclusive family sources, this book is the first detailed examination of Chanute's life and his immeasurable contributions to the fields of engineering and transportation, from the ground transportation revolution of the mid-nineteenth century to the early days of aviation. This book brings to light many previously overlooked facets of Chanute's life, in both his professional accomplishments and his personal relationships. Through the reflections of other engineers, scientists and pioneers in various fields who knew him, the book characterizes Chanute as a man who believed in fostering and supporting people who were willing to learn. This biography cements Chanute's place as a preeminent engineer, pioneer, and mentor in the history of transportation in the United States and the development of the airplane.

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