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Ringwood RSL Sub-Branch
Ammunition
Ammunition shell caseSeat ejection training No. 2 MK 2 MRA KTP 2780 -
Disability Sport & Recreation Victoria
DVD, 2012 Women's National Wheelchair Basketball Finals, 26/06/2012
The DVD features footage from two matches from the 2012 season of the Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League. The DVD features extended highlights from the second half of the game for 3rd/4th place, between the Western Stars and Sydney University Flames. Following this game is the full recording of the championship game played between Dandenong Rangers and Sydney Bears. These games were played at Dandenong Stadium in Victoria.DVD inside case.2012 Women's National Wheelchair Basketball Finalswheelchair basketball, dandenong rangers, sydney university flames, western stars, sydney bears, women's wheelchair basketball, women's national wheelchair basketball league, djuro sen -
Disability Sport & Recreation Victoria
Film - DVD, 2011 National Wheelchair Rugby League finals, 2011
The DVD features footage from two matches from the 2011 season of the National Wheelchair Rugby League. The DVD features the game for 3rd/4th place, between the South Australia Sharks and Gold Coast Titans. Following this game is the championship game played between Victoria Thunder and New South Wales Gladiators. T These games were played in Adelaide.DVD Inside case.2011 National Wheelchair Rugby League Finalssouth australia sharks, gold coast titans, victoria thunder, new south wales gladiators, wheelchair rugby, darryl wingard, national wheelchair rugby league, djuro sen, george hucks -
Disability Sport & Recreation Victoria
DVD, 2011 National Wheelchair Basketball League Finals, 21/09/2011
The DVD features footage from two matches from the 2011 season of the National Wheelchair Basketball League. The DVD features extended highlights from the game for 3rd/4th place, between the Queensland Spinning Bullets and Sydney University Wheelkings. Following this game is the full recording of the championship game played between Perth Wheelcats and Wollongong Rollerhawks. These games were played in Brisbane.DVD inside case2011 National Wheelchair Basketball League Finalsdon perriman, djuro sen, national wheelchair basketball league, wheelchair basketball, sydney university wheelkings, perth wheelcats, wollongong rollerhawks, queensland spinning bullets -
Disability Sport & Recreation Victoria
DVD, 2012 National Wheelchair Basketball League Finals, 20/06/2012
The DVD features footage from two matches from the 2012 season of the National Wheelchair Basketball League. The DVD features extended highlights from the game for 3rd/4th place, between the Sydney University Wheelkings and Dandenong Rangers. Following this game is the full recording of the championship game played between Perth Wheelcats and Wollongong Rollerhawks. These games were played in Shellharbour on the New South Wales south coast.DVD inside case2012 National Wheelchair Basketball League Finalsdjuro sen, national wheelchair basketball league, wheelchair basketball, sydney university wheelkings, perth wheelcats, wollongong rollerhawks, dandenong rangers, dylan alcott -
Lakes Entrance Regional Historical Society (operating as Lakes Entrance History Centre & Museum)
Functional Object - First aid kit, Trafalgar First Aid Kit
First Aid casemedicine, first aid -
Greensborough Historical Society
Audio - DVD, The Age, First Australians, The Untold Story of Australia, 2008
DVD of First Australian, The Untold Story of Australia. The white settlement of Australia from a first nations perspective. Based on an SBS program.DVD in plastic caseindigenous australians, aborigines, first nations -
Bialik College
Mixed media (Item) - Memories of Kinder 2011 slideshow K3Z
Created as commemoration of K3Z first year of school. Please contact [email protected] to request access to this record. Memories of Kinder 2011 slideshow Bialik College K3Zkinder, bialik, jewish life, photographs, 2011 -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Instrument, Soprano saxaphone and Box
This musical instrument belonged to Donald Robert McDonald who was a member of a prominent South Warrnambool family. As his army service number is on the case it is presumed that he had the musical instrument with him during his wartime service (World War Two). Donald Robert McDonald (b. 1908) enlisted in 1942 and was discharged in 1946. He was a bombardier in the 2/4 Aust. Composite A/A Regiment.The instrument is significant because it belonged to a member of a prominent South Warrnambool family. It had historical and social significance as an example of the musical entertainment common in the 1940s (perhaps Donald McDonald played in a local band or a military band)Silver-coloured soprano saxophone; end taped with mouthpiece missing; Black case for holding a musical instrument made of moulded cardboard and lined with black velvet. It has a leather handle and metal catches and studs. ‘Trade Mark Boosey’ ‘Boosey and Co Makers London 25081’ ‘British Throughout’ donald robert mcdonald, south warrnambool, south warrnambool, 2/4 aust. composite a/a regiment., warrnambool -
Bendigo Military Museum
Weapon - CARTRIDGES, 1914-1918
Items souvenired by Edwin James Jones No 3511 AIF. Refer 1367.5 for his service history.Collection of cartridges. .1) Cartridge and projectile, brass case, rimless. .2) Cartridge and projectile, brass case, rimmed, 7mm .3) Cartridge and projectile, brass case, rimmed, lead bullet, 6mm .4) Cartridge and projectile, brass case, rimmed, lead bullet, .32 cal. .5) Cartridge and projectile, brass case, rimless, .320 cal..1) “12.15, 567, S" .2) “V15, VII" .3) "RACO, WCF, 25.20" .4) “WRACO, .32 S&W" .5) "11,16,5"arms-ammunition, metalcraft-brassware, cartridge, projectile, jones -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Instrument - Chronometer, 1987
First State Watch Factory: This factory was founded in 1930 under orders from Joseph Stalin, the "First State Watch Factory" was the first large-scale Soviet watch and mechanical movement manufacturer in the USSR. Via its USA-based trading company (Amtorg), the Soviet government bought the defunct Ansonia Clock Company of Brooklyn, New York in 1929, and the "Dueber-Hampden Watch Company of Canton", based in Ohio. The soviets moved twenty-eight freight cars full of machinery and parts from the USA to Moscow in order to establish the factory. Twenty-one former "Dueber-Hampden" watchmakers, engravers and various other technicians helped to train the Russian workers in the art of watchmaking as part of the Soviet's first five-year plan. The movements of very-early products were still stamped "Dueber-Hampden, Canton, Ohio, USA" (examples of these watches are very collectible today). In 1935 the factory was named after the murdered Soviet official Sergei Kirov. During the second world war, as the Germans closed in on Moscow in 1941, the factory was hurriedly evacuated to (Zlatoust USSR). By 1943 the Germans were in retreat, and the factory was moved back to Moscow, adopting the "First Moscow Watch Factory" name. In 1947 the first wristwatches under the brand name "Pobeda" and the first Marine Chronometers and Deck watches were produced. By 1951 the production of wristwatches had increased to 1.1 million. In 1975 new machinery and equipment for manufacturing complex watches were imported from Switzerland. The first chronograph called "Okean" (3133) was produced for the space station "Soyuz-23."The Chronometer is of recent manufacture and an excellent example of the type of instrument used to navigate the seas in the 19th century. It is of good quality and of a type regarded as very accurate and well made. The maker, First Watch Factory, has a dept that is still producing the "8916" standard Chronometer for horologists and collectors. Marine chronometer of Russian make in wooden case, metal handles on sides, inscription on a metal plaque on the front of the case. Polished square wooden outer case with green felt lining and, a leather carrying strap and buckle. Outer case is hinged and has a metal latch on the front. Outer case has a red velvet covering with a button and loop closure. Inscription on box are in Russian & translate as follows: ХРОНОМЕТР, = CHRONOMETER МОРСКОЙ, = NAUTICAL ГОСТ, 8916-77 = Gost ЛОЛ ЕТ, on dial face = LOL ETflagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, chonometer, russian, watch factory, marine, navigational instrument -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Needle case, Morris & Yeomans Ltd, 1920s
This is a needle case produced in a novelty form. Sewing kits and needle cases were essential items for women to have in their houses, to take with them when travelling and to carry in their handbags for emergency repairs. Today needle cases are still used but less frequently as in past times, depending on the craft skills of the person and the hobbies pursued.This item has no known local significance but it is an interesting example of an early 20th century needle case and is retained for display purposes.This is a needle case in a wooden container made in a rectangular shape with a pointed top. The shape is in the form of a church with an affixed metal or paint shape of a church on the front of the container. The front of the container has been polished. The two sides of the container are affixed with two metal hinges and there is a metal clasp on one side. Part of the metal clasp is missing. Inside the container is padded with white/grey cotton material. On one side are two paper grey and black folders which once contained needles and on the other side there is a middle band to hold other needles or pins. This side has one rusty pin.‘Sharps 5/9 6, 7, Wartd. By Morris & Yeomans’household accessories, history of warrnambool -
Stawell Historical Society Inc
Accessory - Costume and Accessories
Green Plastic Case (Travelling) case containing miniature clothes line and 6 pegs. McClure family.stawell clothing material -
Bialik College
Film - Bialik College Grease Feature Presentation 2 disc set
Created in 2007 by Bialik College the 2 dvd set. Disc one contains the feature presentation. Disc two contains images of rehearsals, camp, backstage, cameos, and Genia Janover's Speech. For use and permissions email the archive at [email protected] opaque dvd case with library barcodes and security passes affixed to the outside. Inside the case are two dvd. theatre, bialik college, judaism -
Melbourne Legacy
Audio - Newsletter, The Answer June/July 2021 Audio Version, 2021
The Answer is a newsletter in magazine format that is sent to the widows that are helped by Melbourne Legacy. For the widows who are sight impaired a copy of the newsletter is audio described onto CD by Vision Australia and posted to them. It contains information about meetings and activities. This edition contained articles on the Legacy Anzac Biscuit Bake Off, the opening of the Vivian Bullwinkel Veterans and Families Wellbeing Centre, and a planting of a Lone Pine seedling at Cobram Secondary College. Plus photos of our programs such as the Student Anzac ceremony, Path of the Horse family day, the walking group, the stamp ladies, adults with a disability program days, widows club gatherings. The Vivian Bullwinkel Veterans and Families Wellbeing Centre on the 3rd floor of Legacy House was opened on the 13 April 2021. It provides the veterans and their families a safe haven to access essential support services such as advocacy, case management and referral pathways whilst inviting them to relax within a 'club' like environment equipped with lounging and children's play areas, and both kitchen and bathroom facilities. It was named in honour of an Australian Army nurse who was the lone survivor of the Bangka Island massacre, and who dedicated her life to nursing. The exceptional portrait of Vivian Bullwinkel on the cover was painted by George Petrou. A record that Melbourne Legacy helps coordinate and organise events and activities for the widows, and provides items of interest for their enjoyment.Compact disc x 2 in a case that contains the audio recording of The Answer from June/July 2021.activities, answer, widows -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Doily Case, Daisy Dale, before 1922
In the Words of donor, Betty Stone, … “These crocheted and embroidered articles cover a period of three generations- ie. Sarah (nee Chamberlain) Lees, Ann (nee Lees) Dale, and Daisy Elvena (nee Dale) Welsh. All three were accomplished needlewomen; also, both Sarah Lees (born 1844) and her daughter, Ann (b 1865) crocheted a wide variety of articles for use in their homes. A few examples of these items have survived the years.” The purpose of a doily case was to hold embroidered or crocheted doilies or small mats, which were used on plates to serve cakes and similar items. This case was designed and made by Daisy Elvena Dale, born on 27 October 1899, the youngest child of Ellis and Anne (nee Lees) Dale, of Latrigg, Wangoom, Warrnambool. The doilies in the case are a mixed collection sewn by children, which my mother collected over the years. Daisy Dale made this doily case before her marriage in 1922; it was a tradition for brides to have a 'glory box' containing linen and embroidered articles to take to their new home. A skilled dressmaker, Daisy began her apprenticeship at two shillings and sixpence per week at Miss A. E. Emery's dressmaking establishment at 150-152 Liebig Street, Warrnambool. Considered to be the leading house of fashion in Warrnambool, Miss Emery employed about eight young women who worked long hours to sew elaborate gowns for clients, including wives of graziers who would attend the race carnivals and social functions in Warrnambool. (NOTE: For additional information please refer to my book Pioneer and Places- A History of Three Warrnambool Pioneering Families ie. Chamberlain, Dale and Lees families)This item is associated with the Warrnambool pioneer families of Chamberlain, Dale and Lees. These families are listed in the Pioneers' Register for Warrnambool Township and Shire, 1835-1900, published by A.I.G.S. Warrnambool Branch. The item is a fine example of early 20th-century needlework.Doily Case made by Daisy Dale. Two green fabric-covered circles with white cord edge trip. The front has a motif of a tulip flower and bud embroidered on it. The circles are secured shut by a knot and loop. From the 'Chamberlain Dale Lees Collection'.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chamberlain, dale, lees, stone, betty stone, warrnambool pioneers, daisy dale, wangoom, dressmaker, fashion, 1920's, doily, miss a. e. emery, glory box, embroidery, handmade, needlework, doily case -
National Wool Museum
Tool - Numnuts, Numnuts, 2020
Worldwide, more than 100 million lambs are castrated, and their tails are docked each year. Numnuts is a technological innovation to improve animal welfare. It combines traditions with innovation. In the mid-1990s it was scientifically shown that the immense pain felt during castration and tail docking could be significantly reduced with the use of anaesthetic. For the next 15 years, the industry said the cost the welfare devices and development were too high. But todays ethical consumer has demanded that sheep have no more pain. Initiated in Glasgow in 2009, Numnuts took nearly a decade to develop. Here you can see five stages of development, from an early prototype to the Numnuts device farmers use today. Each phase of development took years of on-farm trails to achieve the final product. Today there is even NumOcaine, an approved local anaesthetic used by Numnuts. Using the simple elastrator ring and adding an anaesthetic injector, Numnuts delivers pain relief during tail docking and castration. In the world’s first rubber ring applicator with a pain relief delivery mechanism. Through innovation and consumer pressure the wool industry is going through a moment of rapid change.8098.1 - Numnuts tool made with stainless steel and black, orange and grey plastic. 8098.2 - Glass bottle with orange and grey plastic nozzle containing water for injection. 8098.3 - Yellow plastic case containing 12 stainless steel needles 8098.4 - 10 green plastic elastrator rings 8098.5 - Product cardboard box with the product image on the front8097.2 - on label - For animal treatment only WATER FOR INJECTION 100mL 8097.3 - On case - numnuts 12x Veterinary Hypodermic Needles On needdles - 18G 8097.5 - Numnuts targeted pain relief for tail docking and castrationnumnuts, tools, sheep, castration, docking -
Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
Equipment - Medical case used by Dr Reginald Worcester
Reginald George Worcester (1903-1972) was a highly regarded obstetrics and gynaecology specialist. Between 1930 and 1933, Worcester was the Medical Superintendent at the Royal Women's Hospital. He obtained his MRCOG in England in 1935, and on his return to Australia was appointed as a university tutor in obstetrics and gynaecology. In 1939, he was appointed as the honorary gynaecologist to outpatients at the Royal Women's Hospital. Worcester served with the AIF during World War II as C.O. of the 17th Field Ambulance in Darwin and as A.D.M.S., Northern Territory Force, and the 2nd/9th Australian Army Corps from 1942 to 1943. His major war service, however, was undertaken in Borneo and Moratai, commanding the 2nd/1st Australian C.C.S. and the 2nd/9th Australian General Hospital. Worcester acquitted himself admirably during the war, with company commander Hubert Smith praising his contribution in no uncertain terms: " His [Worcester's] success as C.O. of a Field Ambulance resulted from a complete understanding of what the unit should be able to do in the transportation of casualties in the field, as well as of the usual medial functions. He organized both with efficiency and at all times difficult decisions were made with humility and good humour. The personal qualities which made him such a calm and considerate consultant never left him, even in the most dangerous and trying circumstances of war." Worcester's time in the army greatly affected his health, but despite this he was able to build a strong and reputable practice upon his return to Australia. As outlined by Arthur Hill, Worcester " was appointed in turn to the following important posts: Honorary Outpatient Obstetrician and Inpatient Gynaecologist to the Women’s Hospital (1946-1948); Honorary Gynaecologist to Prince Henry’s Hospital (1946-1963); Guest Examiner in London for the R.C.O.G. (1953); Examiner in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (1957-1964); Visiting Gynaecologist to the Repatriation General Hospital, Heidelberg 1963- 1967); and first Victorian Members’ representative (1947-1950) and later Fellows’ Representative (1953-1960) on the Australian (Regional) Council of the R.C.O.G. To these posts he brought the benefits of clear thinking and critical awareness. In 1949 he was elected F.R.C.O.G." In early 1967, Worcester suffered a hemiplegia which left him with an impaired gait and paralysed his right hand. Although unable to do major surgery, he returned to part-time practice by September 1967. His ill-health persisted though, and he was retired from practice in 1970. (Source: (1973), REGINALD GEORGE WORCESTER. Medical Journal of Australia, 1: 770-771.)Brown leather medical case. The case has a solid frame and is rectangular, with a leather handle at top. There are two locks on the top of the case, and a metal clasp on either side to fasten the bag closed. The case is embossed with the text 'R.G. WORCESTER' on top, in a position between the two locks and below the handle at bottom centre. The inside of the case is lined with a canvas bag that is buttoned to the case with press studs. The inside of the case also contains a loose canvas bag on which is handwritten 'BAG No/THREE/ R.G. WORCESTER'. The loose canvas bag has a metal zipper at opening.'R.G.WORCESTER'obstetrics, surgery -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Medallions, Commemorative (x2), Hafner Mint, 75th Anniversary of ANZAC Medal, 1990
Set of two oxidised bronze 75th Anniversary of Anzac medals in a dark blue coloured presentation case. The medallions feature a scene depicting the Anzac Cove landing on one side with the inscriptions "75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANZAC" "WE WILL REMEMBER THEM". The other side of the medallions has a scene depicting Simpson and his donkey with the inscription "202 J.SIMPSON 3 F.AMB. AAMC". The medal was presented to Gallipoli survivors and the members of the 'Gallipoli 1990 Task Force' at the time of the 75th anniversary of Anzac.The medallions are inscribed with the following, "75TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANZAC" "WE WILL REMEMBER THEM" "202 J.SIMPSON 3 F.AMB. AAMC". The presentation case is inscribed "NUMISMATIC SOCIETY OF VICTORIA". medal, medallion, anzac medal, 75th anniversary of anzac medal, 75th anniversary, simpson, anzac cove -
Cheese World Museum
Company Seal, Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Co.Ltd. Original Company Seal, c1890
The seal was used in the Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Co Ltd office for stamping legal documents. It is not known when it became obsolete and housed in a glass case for safekeeping.The Seal is historically significant as it relates to the formation of the WCBF in 1888 and used for legal documents. Until 2013 the Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory was the only remaining independently owned butter factory in Victoria. The company was taken over by Canadian company Saputo in 2013. It is artistically significant as the surface of the arm of this functional cast iron Seal features a gold design. The seal is made of black painted cast iron. The flat base has a gold-painted border. The curved iron arm to which a wooden handle is attached has a swirling scroll pattern on the side. The seal component consists of a round base and a round iron stamp attached to the handle mechanism. The seal is housed in a glass case with a small name plate at the front.Name plate: Warrnambool Cheese & Butter Factory Co Ltd 'Original Company Seal'allansford, warrnambool cheese & butter factory company ltd, company seals, office equipment -
Orbost & District Historical Society
sovereign balance, c 19th century
No historical information, but used to weigh sovereigns and half sovereigns to make sure that they are the correct weight and therefore genuine.This item is an example of an item no longer in common use as sovereigns were once unique in that it had no denomination, or currency value printed on the coin. Its value was tied to the value of gold.A brass sovereign and half-sovereign balance and its cardboard case. The case is principally red and pulls apart in the middle.On a label on the box: IMPROVED SOVEREIGN BALANCE To weigh and gauge Sovereigns and Half Sovereigns. Warranted b......with steel. On the balance: SOVEREIGN WARRANTED and SOVEREIGN 1/2 also a crown image.sovereign-balance money-coins -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Film - DVD - 'Harry's War' 'No Way to Forget', c. 1996
DVD in black plastic case. Photo of Harry Saunders front and back of case, same photos on front of DVD. -
Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection
Container - Record Case, Thomas A. Edison (TM), Just before the battle, Mother, 1912
Displayed at History HouseCardboard case (empty) Edison Blue Amberol Record Case: "Just before the battle, Mother" by Will Oakland and ChorusFront: 1516music, music recording, container -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Accessory - DONEY COLLECTION: PRAKTICA LEATHER SLR CAMERA CASE
Leather case for Praktica IV SLR (single lens camera) camera Prodct supplied case in excellent conditionPraktica -
City of Moorabbin Historical Society (Operating the Box Cottage Museum)
Watches, pocket watch, c1900
A pocket watch is a watch that is made to be carried in a pocket, as opposed to a wristwatch, which is strapped to the wrist.. They were the most common type of watch from their development in the 16th century until wristwatches became popular after World War I The first stem-wind and stem-set pocket watches were sold during the Great Exhibition in London in 1851 and the first owners of these new kinds of watches were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Stem-wind, stem-set movements are the most common type of watch-movement found in both vintage and modern pocket watches.In 1857 the American Watch Company in Waltham, Massachusetts introduced the Waltham Model 57, the first to use interchangeable parts which cut the cost of manufacture and repair. Most Model 57 pocket watches were in a coin silver. Watch manufacture was becoming streamlined; the Japy family of Schaffhausen, Switzerland, led the way in this, and soon afterwards the newborn American watch industry developed much new machinery, so that by 1865 the American Watch Company (afterwards known as Waltham) could turn out more than 50,000 reliable watches each year.This silver plated pocket watch with an open glass face has black roman numerals on a white dial , gold hour hands and a blue second hand. The winding stem is at 12 o’clock and has a metal ring for attachment to a chain. Back: of case ; a shield inside 2 circleswatches, brighton, cheltenham, moorabbin, bentleigh, early settlers, pioneers -
Warrnambool and District Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Box Swinton Collection, Mid 20th century
This box comes from the Swinton collection and belonged to Alex Swinton. The Swinton family are a pioneering family in Warrnambool with William and Ann Swinton arriving in the town in 1854. Swinton businesses (stores selling furnishings, produce, hardware, clothing, glassware etc.) have been important in Timor Street, Warrnambool since 1865 and are among the oldest family businesses in Australia. Alexander Swinton (1907-1986) was the son of George and Florence Swinton of Merri Crescent Warrnambool. He attended Warrnambool Technical School in the early 1920s. This box is of minor interest as a memento of Alexander Swinton, a prominent member of a prominent Warrnambool family.This is a rectangular-shaped wooden box. It has a rough surface base suggesting that it once was covered in some type of cloth. The top and the sides have a brown varnished surface with a marbled finish. The remains of a metal plaque are in the centre of the top. The inside of the box suggests that it was originally padded to fit a particular object. The lid has two metal hinges and the two catches on the side are metal. Some lettering inside is encased in the outline of a shield and a triangle. Union Case …. Trade Mark H.Coward (or Goward) alexander swinton, warrnambool, history of warrnambool, swinton -
National Wool Museum
Knitting needle set
Baylis's/ SOUTH KENSINGTON/ Knitting Pin/ Caseknitting handicrafts, knitting, handicrafts -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Cylinder of Sewing Needles
From Betty McPhee Collection of Sewing Equipment.Cylinder of Sewing Needles. Size assorted. Best English Egg EyedAbel & Morall - Cross Fox Needle Casehandcrafts, equipment, dressmaking, embroidery, needlework, domestic items, sewing -
Hymettus Cottage & Garden Ballarat
Boxed set of Playing cards, Gordon Quality Playing Cards
A twin pack of Gordon quality playing cards made in Australia in the 1930s.Sticker on bottom of case with M. Fogarty in ink.paper -
Vision Australia
Equipment - Object, Telesensory Systems, Optacon, 1974
The Optacon OPtical-to-TActile-CONverter is a compact, portable reading aid for the blind. It is about the size of a textbook, and weighs less than 2kg. It works by converting a printed image into a tactile image that a blind person can feel with one finger. After a period of training and practice, a blind person can use the Optacon to read ordinary books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed materials. The Optacon was developed after intensive research at Standford University, California, USA and was trialed by clients of the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind (now part of Vision Australia) in 1973. It has three main sections: 1 a miniature camera, 2 an electronics section, and 3 a tactile stimulator array. The miniature camera, about the size of a pocket knife, is mounted in a housing that has rollers for easy movement along a line of print. The camera is connected to the electronics section by a lightweight cable. The electronics section and the tactile stimulator array are in the main chassis. The array consists of 144 tiny metal rods arranged in six vertical columns and 24 horizontal rows. Each of the rods can vibrate independently. The tips of these rods protrude through holes in a concave finger plate where the index finger is placed flat in order to read. These three components act together to convert the image of a printed letter or other shape into a pattern of vibrating rods, a tactile image of the letter or shape. The letter shape is tactually perceived as an image that moves from right to left on the finger, showing the left or leading edge of the letter first. Letters are felt sequentially rather than all at once, and the image should be kept moving. The Optacon converts a printed O into a tactile form that resembles a crater with a vibrating rim -- a completed circle. C would have a gap or opening on the right side of the curve. The letter F would be felt, sequentially, as a vertical line with two trailing horizontal lines. Because it can convert any ordinary printed image into a corresponding tactile image, the Optacon is not restricted to any special typestyle or language. The camera has a zoom lens that compensates for differences in the size of type. The standard Optacon lens can accommodate type sizes from 6 point to 20 point. With the optional F4A magnifier lens, type sizes as small as 4 point can be read. Powered by a rechargeable battery, and comes with its own battery charger. The battery is contained within the main chassis, and is not removable by the user. There are four basic controls on the Optacon: the Magnification Adjustment zoom button located on the camera section on the side opposite the rollers; and the On-Off switch, the Stimulator Intensity Adjustment knob, and the Threshold Adjustment knob located on the right side of the front panel. The Circuit Breaker protrudes from the right-hand wall inside the chassis compartment. From left to right when the back panel is facing you, are located: the jack for connecting the battery charger; the Battery Check button; the Normal-Invert switch; and the Input/Output I/O connector for use with the Visual Display, when using the Repeater Cable to connect two Optacons to one another or with other accessories. Designed not be removed from the leather case during normal operation, the On-Off switch is a slide switch located on the right side of the front panel. It slides up and snaps into place in the on position. 1 black with orange front, rectangular device in leather case assistive devices, audio equipment