Showing 1013 items
matching rod
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Nillumbik Shire Council
Sculpture: Tony Trembath (b.1946 Sale, Victoria), Tony Trembath, The Fences Act 1968 - Location: Edendale Farm (entrance) 30 Gastons Road, Eltham, 1989 - 1994
Eltham Council (now the Shire of Nillumbik) commissioned this work in 1989 to create an entrance / gateway to Edendale Community Farm. It was also aided by a grant from the Ministry of the Arts (now Arts Victoria). The former name of this work was "Gateway to Edendale Farm". Edendale Farm is a demonstration farm modelling sustainable environmental practices, providing support to the local residents of Nillumbik. Established in 1986, the land was purchased in 1970. It was previously an English gentleman's residence and was used for grazing. It consists of 5.6 hectares, with the Diamond Creek meandering through the property. The Victorian Fences Act 1968 governs liability of occupiers of adjoining lands to fence, and deals with disputes between neighbours regarding boundaries fences and costs. This work took into consideration ideas and suggestions from residents and committees, who required the use of recycled materials and that the work celebrate man's relationship with nature, animals and the earth, as well as relate to the fence-line on the far side of the carpark. Trembath also absorbed significant aspects of local history, making references to Eltham's agricultural past, the clearing of the land, the destruction of trees, the ruthless pruning of trees by suburban Councils and incorporated such Australian features as the post and rail fence. 'The Fences Act 1968' is significant for aesthetic, historic and social reasons at a regional level. It makes prominent the historical and social significance of Edendale and the rural aspects of Nillumbik. The use of existing tree stumps and salt pots in the work explores the iconography of the countryside such as the isolated farmhouse, pioneering farming practices, post and rail fencing and the regrowth of lopped trees. The title of the work, as well as the extensive community involvement in its creation, also makes reference to the Victorian Fences Act 1968, which makes neighbours jointly responsible for the cost of construction and maintenance of fences in the partitioning of land for settlement. 'The Fences Act 1968' has been classified as of regional significance by the National Trust of Australia. The work is an installation of wood and metal, approximately twenty five meters long. The design is very informal and rustic and runs the full width of the fence-line. It comprises groups of recycled tree trunks fitted with metal caps (chrome-nickel 'salt pots' that are shaped like tall bowler / top hats). Metal rods protrude from the trunks and some of these rods have metal birds. Two larger, sentinel-like stumps at the two outer ends have metal flame-like wings, which bend inward. To the left of the entrance, a simple architectural element indicates an isolated farmhouse. The rustic fence runs between the groups of tree trunks with native planting in clumps along it. The fence-line incorporates a functional engineered double gate and post and rail fencing. There may be many interpretations of the work and the intention is to stimulate interest and imagination rather than alienate. Interpretation is based on the personal experience that a visitor brings. The artist recommended that no explanation of the design logic be positioned with the work. N/Apublic art, sculpture, edendale, recycled, wood, metal, fences act 1968, gate, trembath, salt pot, tree stumps -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Furniture - Bentwood Chair, Mundas Furniture Manufactures, 1907 to 1920
Bentwood furniture is a type of furniture made by bending wooden rods into the required shape after they have been heated with steam. Mundus bentwood chairs are among the most successful examples of early mass-produced furniture. Mundus furniture was a manufacturing company, active in several places in the Austro Hungarian Empire, at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century. Factories seem to have existed in multiple locations, as the products carry diverse labels, such as "Budapest", "Borlova", "Czechoslovakia", etc. Some of the furniture was co-signed with "Jacob and Josef Kohn". In 1914 Mundus merged with J. & J. Kohn, and in 1922 with Gebrüder Thonet the inventor of the bentwood chair.The item is significant as it is an early example of mass-produced manufactured furniture from a company in Austria that pioneered this type of furniture around the turn of the 19th century. The item is now a collector's piece giving it additional significance.Bentwood ChairMundus Vienna Austriashipwreck coast, flagstaff maritime museum, flagstaff hill village, bentwood chairs, mundus furniture company, furniture, manufactured furniture, vienna austria -
Clunes Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPHS
Images of the following people; N Foster, Bob & Ros O'Brien, Lyn Foster, Wally Cook, Jock & Gordon McLennan, Donna Hellier, Les Johnson, Stuart Rodda, Millie & Chris Charleson, Pat Rodda, Brendan Rodda, Belinda Rodda, Kate Trigg, Norah Campbell, Robert Campbell, Andrew Brown, Chris Brown, Judith Brown, Dawn Musgrave, Dol Torney, Win Diamond, Mary Covendon, Rod Covery, Chris Hull, Norm Trigg, Malcom Hull, Mary McFarlane, Lynette & Teagan Ingram, Tom Evans, Bruce Reid, Pat Cook, Lindsay Torney, Allison & Andy CampbellColour photographs taken during Clunes 150 year Back to Clunes celebrationback to clunes, 150 years -
National Wool Museum
Textile - Green Wheat Bag Wagga, Percy Perkins, 1945
Mr Perkins joined the police force in his early twenties and apart from an 18-month posting in Melbourne, spent the rest of his career serving communities in country Victoria. He was a keen fisherman and hunter- his first love was sitting on the banks of the Murray River with a fishing rod in his hand. Family camping trips were spent by the river where everyone slept on stretchers with several army blankets underneath and a wheat bag wagga on top. The green colour of this wagga is from "Dekkol" a preservative which Mr Perkins used to protect his cotton fishing nets from rotting.Quilt made of two standard size jute wheat bags (a bushel = 150lbs) split and hand bound along seams.It is an example of the basic type of wagga made by shearers, farmers or swagmen. The green colour results from the application of "Dekkol" a preservative used for cotton fishing nets.quilting history, running stitch group, running stitch collection, highlights of the national wool museum: from waggas to the wool quilt prize - exhibition (22/09/2001 - 02/12/2001), perkins, mr percy, quilting - history -
National Wool Museum
Vehicle - Ford Truck, Ford Motor Company, 1930
1930 AA Ford 1.5 tonne (30cwt) truck. Originally owned by Blakiston & Company, Geelong. Built in 1930, this truck carried wool and general goods in Geelong and the Western District until the early 1940s. It was restored in 1989-1990 by David Malkit Automotive, Belmont, Geelong East Technical School. Specifications: 4 cyclinder side valve engine 201 cu.in. capacity 24 hp (R.A.C.) rating 40 bhp @2200rpm Optional 4 speed non-synchronised gearbox Heavy duty rear axle with torque rod Transverse front springs Cantilever back springs Coach built cab and tray bodyDark green truck with painted lettering on door and tray. The cabin has a black bench seat, and body has a wooden tray.printed: NATIONAL WOOL MUSEUM / GEELONG / BLAKISTON & Co. / Pty. Ltd. / CARRIERS / GEELONG / No 1 Licence plate: WOOL - 30ford, truck, transport, 1930s, vehicles -
Carlton Football Club
Hardcover Book, Football Record 1944, 1944
Hardcover book made in 1944 made to keep original copies of “The Football Record”. This book contains all Football Records relating to Carlton games for the season of 1944. Captain: Bob Atkinson / Jim Francis Coach: Percy Bentley Leading Goal-kicker: Jim Mooring - 42 goals Best & Fairest: Bob Chitty Second Best & Fairest: Jim Mooring Jim Park Memorial Cup: Bob Chitty Most Consistent: Arthur Sanger Special Trophy, Most Consistent: Frank Anderson Most Improved: Jim Clark Eddie Miller Trophy, Most Serviceable Player: Rod McLeanblue hardcover book -
Parks Victoria - Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Door, oven
The collection includes a small number of cast iron kitchen range components which appear to originate from more than one fuel-burning cooker. They are possibly relics from the two nineteenth century kitchens destroyed in the 1951 bushfire or bits from abandoned obsolete cookers. There are two oven doors, both with different types of hinges and handles discernible despite their badly corroded condition. One door is rectangular with a raised edging and a handle in the shape of a fist gripping a rod; the other door has a slightly curved top and is also framed and retains its strap hinges and central lock/handle. Door from a fuel burning domestic oven. It has a slightly curved top, is framed and retains its strap hinges and central lock/handle -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Functional object - Hair Curling Tongs
Tongs were used by women and girls to wave or curl their hair. They were heated either on a wood stove or later over the flame from a burner and the applied to the hair. Curl papers were applied to the hair to stop it scorching. The use of tongs or iron rods to curl hair including men's beards dates back for centuries. French hair stylist is credited the invention of the curling iron in 1890. It was at this time that using tongs became particularly fashionable, when women started wearing their hair waved on top of the head. Very few changes were made to this method of hair curling until the introduction of the electric hair curler in 1959.This item is significant because it is representative of long-lasting trend in women's fashion, including in Wodonga and was donated by a local resident.Metal tongs with a double handle grip. One side of the tongs has a roller and the other has is hollow to fit over the strand of hair to be curled. women's accessories, household items -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTOGRAPH, FRAMED, 1966
Metal embossed frame with wooden backing. Photo of 6 Coy RAASC.Bottom of photo: “6 Coy RAASC (GT) v AHQ Survey Regt - Annual Range Competition Wellsford Range 1966 - Won by 6 Coy RAASC Team Sgt Rod Gill, 2Lt Len Steele, Cpl John May, Cpt Leon Scott, Pte Len Pearson, Pte John Fulton, Cfn Graeme Gibbs, LCpl Carl Bake”photography- photographs, frame accessories, military history - army, passchendaele barracks trust, wellsford -
Rutherglen Historical Society
Image, 21/10/2012
Former students of Rutherglen Higher Elementary School meet on Rutherglen Show day. This gathering was in the Eastern Palace Chinese restaurant at the Star Hotel on 21st October 2012.Colour photograph of a gathering of former Higher Elementary School students.Written on back of photo: "21st October 2012" Caption on separate piece of paper: "Max Wright, Ian Stones, Max Turner, Bill Morris, Doug Stanton, Gary Grail, Ken Buscall | Bob Martin, Aileen Terrill, Ena (Buscall)___, Andree (Buscall)___, Rod Johnston | Kath Morris, Jean (Buscall) McDonald, Jean Stanton, Leonie (Nicholl) Martin" rutherglen higher elementary school, rutherglen show, eastern palace, star hotel, buscall family, max wright, ian stones, max turner, bill morris, doug stanton, gary grail, ken buscall, bob martin, aileen terrill, ena buscall, andree buscall, rod johnston, kath morris, jean buscall, jean mcdonald, jean stanton, leonie nicholl, leonie martin -
Bendigo Military Museum
Badge - BADGE, HAT, ARMY, Stokes Melbourne
Part of the Kevin John Herdman, No.397661, collection. Refer Cat No 5492P for service details.Two RAASC Officer's metal hat badges. The badges are of bi-metal construction using silver and brass coloured metals. The silver metal background features a Queen's Crown and a seven pointed star. Centre piece is brass coloured and features a Royal Cypher encircled by a blue enameled band. On the back of 1, are two pins and brass fastening clips. 2. has two loops on two threaded rods for fastening. Both brass coloured centerpieces' are loose.Stamped on brass centrepiece "ROYAL AUSTRALIAN ARMY SERVICE CORPS" Printed in gold on blue enamel circle "MONI, SOIT, QUI. MAL. Y.PENSE" Stamped at back: “STOKES, MELB”badge, uniform, royal australian army service corps, kevin john herdman -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Educational Mathematics Activity
Mt Beauty Primary School and use of teaching aids.Plywood circular base with 16 wooden pencil shaped rods inserted around the perimeter equally spaced. Inside are 5 plywood colored circles each cut into equal parts - Half, thirds, quarters, fifths. 2. Polished timber 'sticks' joined at one end by screw and butterfly nut to created a hinge so that 'sticks' can be opened to form one long stick. Used to draw circles by holding and turning one stick around.2. 'Prep' in texta near hingemt beauty primary school, teaching aids, mathematics -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Lamp - Bradley and Hubbard Oil Lamp
Bradley and Hubbard Co. 1869 to 1940. Pat'd 1895 - 1898.Used by a Kiewa Valley residentNickel plate body with glass chimney and large white lamp shade. Both bowl and base are panelled and the base is scrolled on the edge. The bowl has a fill cap inscribed B & H and opposite there is a ratchet wheel lift. On top of the bowl is a decorated cylinder which lifts up to enable the lamp to be lit with a match. The glass chimney sits on top. There are 3 curved equally spaced rods coming up around this cylinder - to hold up the shade.Embossed on Fill Cap lid: "B & H" Embossed on top of bowl "Dec. 1885 / No. 4 Radiant / The/ B & H" and opposite "Pat'd Aug. 16 1888" Embossed on side under the 'grate': Pat'd Feb. 16 '97" Painted on glass chimney: "Griffen - Brand / dragon logo / Fire Proof / Madein Saxony / Rochester / No. 2lamp, lantern, bradley & hubbard, kerosene, oil light -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Backpack
This pack is made from materials available at the time and was used to carry supplies & equipment for bushwalking and/or skiing. it is designed to protect the contents in all weather and to be as comfortable and practical as possible.The Bogong High Plains was a popular destination for bushwalking and cross country skiing. This backpack is an example of the equipment used for extended walks and/or cross country skiing.Orange backpack with nylon front and canvas back. The back flap has cord threaded along the sides for adjusting the shape of the pack. It has 6 pockets with zips - 2 each side and 2 across the back. There is 1 pocket with a velcro fastening on the outside of the flap. The cord enables the closing of the top. The frame is aluminium with 2 nearly straight sides and continuing across the top. There are 3 separate aluminium rods that are joined across and 1 piece of canvas.backpack; bush walking; bogong high plains; cross country skiing -
Geelong RSL Sub Branch
Machete, There are no makers names, Mid 20th Century
These machete's were issued to military personnel posted in jungle like conditions.The machete would have been used by military personnel during WW2 and during the 1950s.Steel blade machete with wooden double sided handle. The handle is attached to the wood with four steel rods. There is an olive green scabbard made of cotton material oil impregnated. The scabbard has a pocket on the front to hold a sharpening stone and has steel on the top opening to keep the opening firm, there is a steel catch for attachment to webbing and a cloth loop with press stud to hold the handle of the machete in place when in the scabbard. There is a cotton fabric loop through the handle.On the handle of the machete MA67. The item number on the scabbard is not readable.army, military, machete. -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Light Bulb - S.E.C.V
This globe is unusual as the filament is coiled and held by 5 points coming from the glass piece inside the globe. This light globe belonged to the State Electricity Commission of Victoria and may have been used for a special purpose on the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme.The State Electricity Commission of Victoria built the Kiewa Hydro Electric Scheme using unique equipment to achieve its construction. Clear glass in the shape of a circular bulge around the filament with a metal alloy at the narrow end with 2 small rods jutting out at opposite ends to enable the light to be attached to a fitting. The filament is made of glass and has a very fine wire on each side extending nearly to the top edge of the glass globe. This fine wire is a spiral with each loop connected to each of 3 small fine wires coming up from the top centre of the glass inside. light. electricity. globe. s.e.c.v.. kiewa hydro electric scheme. -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Artwork, other - Window, circa 1928
This religiously themed window is situated in the western (weather) wall of the St. Nicholas Mission to Seamen’s Church building in the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. It was crafted circa 1928. ABOUT THE WINDOW This window, once known as the Dr Connell Memorial Window, was a feature of an external wall adjacent to the Women’s Children’s Wards of Warrnambool Hospital. Honorary Doctors had played a significant role in the operation of the hospital between the years 1900 to 1939. One of these doctors was Dr. Connell, who passed away in 1928. The green glass plaque is also a registered object in Flagstaff Hill's Collection. Its inscription dedicates the window to Dr. Connell. The inscription reads: “A tribute to Egbert John Connell M.B.B.S. who for 30 years rendered devoted and valuable service to this institution. Obiit April 4th 1928 A.D." A paragraph in the book ‘A History of the Warrnambool Base Hospital’ by Forth and Yule describes the role of the Honorary Doctors - “At the start of the period the senior-part time medical officer was replaced by the junior resident medical officer and control of beds and the right to operate were given to the honorary medical officers...and these men dominated the Warrnambool medical world in the years before the Second World War.” Dr. Connell leased ‘Ambleside’, 192 Koroit Street, in the early 20th century, following Dr Teed who had previously run his medical practice there. In 1914 Dr Connell purchased the property and continued his private practice there until his death in 1928. He also took a prominent part in hospital work, both as physician and surgeon, and often acted as spokesmen for the Honorary Doctors. According to colleague Dr. Horace Holmes’ subsequent notes, it was after the close of the First World War, and the following years of the world-wide pneumonic influenza epidemic, that Dr. Connell himself contracted pneumonia and died. His family and friends then recognised his work by gifting the memorial window in his honour to the Hospital. By the mid-1970s the old wards at the hospital had been replaced and there was no obvious place for the window. Discussions between the previous and past Hospital managers, the Anglican Diocese, and Flagstaff Hill Planning Board, led to its installation in its present position in St Nicholas Seamen’s Church and the memorial plaque was later installed beside the window. St NICHOLAS SEAMEN’S CHURCH, Anglican Church Flagstaff Hill’s Mission to Seamen was opened in 1981. Its conception was partly motivated by the offer of Stained Glass Memorial Windows from the local Warrnambool and District Base Hospital, which was undergoing multi-storey development in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. The Manager/Secretary at the time was keen to see the historical windows installed in an appropriate location. The chapel was designed by a local architectural draftsman in conjunction with members of the Planning Board of Flagstaff Hill, and built by Mr Leon Habel. The vision of the designers included the hope that the church be used for formal worship such as weddings and funeral, and for multi-denominational special services such as War commemorations. The design is based on the ‘Mission to Seamen’ buildings in both Portland and Port Melbourne. These types of buildings were often erected to house social and worshipful activities for seamen. The materials used in the building include sandstone recycled from nineteenth-century buildings demolished in Warrnambool and American slate tiles retrieved from the 1908 wreck of the FALLS OF HALLADALE. Most of the chapel furnishings came from the Williamstown Missions to Seamen, which was consecrated in 1946 but later decommissioned. These artefacts range from the altar cloth to the hymn board and include a visually stunning round stained glass widow called ‘Christ Guiding the Helmsman’. However the provenance of this particular artefact, large western window, is local. This stained glass memorial window is of local, historical and social significance, linking local history and heritage with one of Warrnambool's doctors, Dr. Egbert John Connell (d. 1928), who gave 30 years of dedicated, medical service to the local citizens.Stained glass leadlight window in Gothic arched metal frame with six horizontal reinforcing rods. Image depicts a golden flat-bowled baptismal font on a slender stand with foliage proceeding from it. The image is internally framed by a Roman arch of coloured glass and surrounding rectangular and breaking-wave shapes. (The window was previously known locally as the Dr. Connell Memorial Window and a plaque dedicated to Dr. Connell is catalogued separately. See Context notes for details.)flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, chapel window, stained glass window, warrnambool and district base hospital, st nicholas mission to seamen’s church, williamstown mission to seamen, dr egbert connell, ambleside warrnambool, leon habel builder, falls of halladale slate, memorial window, commemorative window, dr connell -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Photograph - COMPOUND AIR COMPRESSOR
Black and white photograph. One male with right hand on wheel of control valve in the compressed air pipe outlet of a two stage or compound air compressor with con rod and crank shaft to a large flywheel. Two belts to a vertical governor. Outgoing air pipe vertical to ceiling of enclosing building. Inscriptions: Nameplate or bed plate 'A Roberts and sons, Engineers, Bendigo' Lower left corner handwritten 'with A Rob. Compliments' On back - 'Compound Air Compressor'.machinery, compressors, compound air compressor, worker, male -
Tennis Australia
Racquet, Circa 1970
A Chemold Rod Laver tennis racquet, white ribbon whipping around shoulders and a leather handle grip with quatrefoil perforations. Model name features across base of head. Australian national coat-of-arms features on throat. Lower shaft features decal of 'Town and Country' trademark, through which the racquet was sold. Materials: Wood, Nylon, String, Ribbon, Paint, Ink, Adhesive tape, Leather, Rubber, Plastic, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Bambootennis -
Tennis Australia
Racquet, Circa 1970
A Chemold Rod Laver Tournament tennis racquet, with ribbon whipping around shoulders, and mottled black leather grip. Model name features across base of head, flanked by Classical Greek motifs. A coat-of-arms with lion and deer features on throat. Lower shaft and plastic butt cover feature blue, red, and white Chemold trademark. Materials: Wood, Nylon, String, Ribbon, Paint, Ink, Plastic, Leather, Rubber, Glue, Lacquer, Metaltennis -
Tennis Australia
Racquet, Circa 1965
A Dunlop, Rod Laver, Grand Slam tennis racquet, with ribbon whipping around shoulders, which are enamel painted along with throat and shaft. Model name features along throat and shaft, accompanied by decal images of the flags of U.S.A., Great Britain, Australia, and France. 'D' trademark in arrowhead device, above Dunlop logo, features across base of the shaft. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Ribbon, Ink, Leather, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Enamel, Adhesive tapetennis -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Domestic object - Sharpening Steel
A honing steel, sometimes referred to as a sharpening steel, whet steel, sharpening stick, sharpening rod, butcher's steel, and chef's steel, is a rod of steel, ceramic or diamond-coated steel used to restore keenness to dulled blade edges. They are flat, oval, or round in cross-section and up to 30 centimetres (1 ft) long. The steel and ceramic honing steels may have longitudinal ridges, whereas the diamond-coated steels are smooth but embedded with abrasive diamond particles. Non-abrasive honing rods such as smooth ceramic or ribbed steel are able to remove small amounts of metal via adhesive wear. In normal use, the rod is applied to the blade at a slightly higher angle than that of the bevel, resulting in the formation of a micro-bevel. The term "hone" is associated with light maintenance performed on a blade without the effort and precision normally associated with sharpening, so the name "hone" was borrowed. In the 1980s, ceramic abrasives became increasingly popular and proved an equal, if not superior, method for accomplishing the same daily maintenance tasks; manufacturers replaced steels with ceramic (and later, manufactured diamond abrasive) sharpening "steels" that were actually hones. Use Honing steels are used by lightly placing the near edge of the blade against the base of the steel, then sliding the blade away from yourself along the steel while moving it down – the blade moves diagonally, while the steel remains stationary. This should be done with the blade held at an angle to the steel, usually about 20°, and repeating on the opposite side at the same angle. This is repeated five to ten times per side. Steeling It is often recommended that steeling be performed immediately before or after using a knife and can be done daily. By contrast, knives are generally sharpened much less frequently. A traditional smooth honing steel is of no use if the edge is blunt, because it removes no material; instead it fixes deformations along the edge of a sharp blade, technically known as burnishing. There has long been speculation about the efficacy of steeling (re-aligning the edge) vs honing (removing minor deformation with abrasives); studies tend to favour abrasives for daily maintenance, especially in high-carbide-volume "stainless" steels (such as the popular CPM S30V steel, which tends to "tear out" when steeled rather than re-forming an edge.) Small honing steel for outdoor activities Usage trends Steels have traditionally been used in the West, especially in heavy-use scenarios (e.g. butchering, where the edge deforms due to forceful contact with bone). These scenarios also lead Western trends toward blades tempered to a lower level of hardness (and thus lower brittleness). In East Asia, notably Japan, harder knives are preferred, so there is little need for steeling intra-day, as the edge does not deform as much. Instead, the blade is honed as needed on a waterstone. While tradition has kept the practice of steeling alive in Western kitchens, the majority of honing steels sold are abrasive rather than smooth, and knives are harder and more frequently made of stainless steel, which does not respond to traditional steeling techniques as well as high-carbon/low alloy tool steels.The sharpening steel is essential to maintain the sharpness of carving and other knives.Steel knife sharpener with bone handle. Part of a carving set.None.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, sharpening steel, carving set, kitchen equipment -
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 -
Melbourne Legacy
Document, Lord Somers Camp 1967. RW Anderson reports on the Lord Somers' Camp, 1967
An account of Big Camp 1967 by a junior legatee that attended. It was an impression of the camp by Rod Anderson from Brighton Grammar. It was a reprint from 'The Brighton Grammarian'. The boys took a special train from Flinders St station direct to Somers. It mentions the location of the camp on the shores of Westernport Bay and the tidal creek and wooden bridge. It has a centrally placed circular lawn with huts and slushies quarters and the main hall. The camp has it's own radio station - Radio Somers, plus a printing press and open air theatre. Was stapled to 01970 JL11 Why I founded the Somers Camp an article about Lord Somers published in 1933.A record of the camp at Somers in the words of a junior legatee that attended in 1967.Foolscap page x 2 of black type.Handwritten 'JL11/10' in black pen.camp, lord somers, lord somers camp -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Weapon
Mauser rifle of late 1800s vintage, known as the "Swedish Mauser" (type96), calibre 6.5 mm (using the 6.5/55 "Swedish" cartridge), bolt action, five round internal magazine. The wooden butt has been ornately carved with the name J. A. VERSTER in the manner of the Dutch Boers. This rifle is incomplete with the cleaning rod missing. Serial number A5348 Victorian RSL Branch licence stock number (not yet advised) note: rendered inoperative in accordance with Victorian RSL HQ policystamped "mod. Mauser 1896. Ludw Doewd & Co Berlin" -
Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village
Functional object - Platform Scales
Thaddeus Fairbanks (1796 –1886) was an American inventor. of heating and cook stoves, cast iron ploughs, and other items. His greatest success was the invention and manufacture of the platform scale, which allowed the weighing of large objects accurately. Fairbanks was born in Brimfield, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1796, the son of Joseph Fairbanks (1763–1846) and Phebe (Paddock) Fairbanks (1760–1853). His uncle was Ephraim Paddock, the brother of Phebe Paddock. In 1815 he moved to St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and set up a wheelwright's shop above his father's gristmill. In 1820 he married Lucy Peck Barker and In 1824 he built an iron foundry. his brother Erastus joined him to establish E. and T. Fairbanks, a partnership to manufacture heating stoves, cast iron ploughs a design for which he patented in 1826. In 1830 Fairbanks and Erastus became interested in the raising and processing of hemp. Fairbanks went on to patent a hemp and flax dressing machine and became the manager of the St. Johnsbury Hemp Company. He also built a set of scales that would measure large loads of hemp accurately, as there were no reliable scales at the time. Upon the success of building these scales, his brothers recommended that he make and sell these for general use. Fairbanks' most famous invention then became the platform scale for weighing heavy objects. These are commonly known as the Fairbanks Scales, for which he patented his original design in 1830. Before this time, accurate weighing of objects required hanging them from a balancing beam as a result, particularly heavy or ungainly objects could not be weighed accurately. A platform scale, if large enough, could weigh an entire wagon. By placing a full wagon on the scale, unloading it, and then placing it on the scale when empty, it became possible to easily and accurately calculate the weight and value of farm produce and other loads. In 1834 Fairbanks and his brother formed "E. and T. Fairbanks and Company" to manufacture and sell these platform scales. These scales were well known in the United States and around the world resulting in the company doubling in volume every three years from 1842 to 1857. There was a temporary slow down during the American Civil War, however, the business took off again after the war. Their partnership was incorporated in 1874 into a firm known as "Fairbanks Scale Company". These platform scales revolutionized weighing methods of large loads and have been in use ever since. Portable platform scales are found in almost every hardware store, physician's office, and manufacturing factory throughout the United States and the world. The first railway track platform scale patent was granted to Fairbanks on January 13, 1857, as Patent No. 16,381. In 1916 the company was purchased by ”Fairbanks, Morse and Company”. Ownership of the company has since changed several times, but Fairbanks Scales continue to be made in St. Johnsbury Vermont to this day. Fairbanks had received 43 patents in his lifetime with the last one at the age of 91. He died on April 12, 1886, and is buried at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. An early example of the first type of platform scale that revolutionised the weighing of goods throughout the world made in the USA around the turn of the 19th century. Commercially built platform scale on wheels. Cast iron base supports iron weighing platform with wooden floor. At back, square hollow wooden post supports a hooded rod which bears the weight of the platform and which hooks onto a brass balancing arm, marked in pounds up to 50. There is a cylindrical sliding weight and on the end a loop for a metal weight holder. The holder is designed for three circular pieces of metal with a slit to the centre. The weights used are 50, 100 and 200 lbs.Embossed to base Fairbanks Patent No 11 1/2, flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, platform scales -
Kiewa Valley Historical Society
Iron Hand Kerosene, circa 1948
This item was in use before electricity and was manufactured after the flat stove irons.The weight of the iron base, is heavy, helping in smoothing out crinkly material being ironed. This item permitted ironing of clothes to be separate and away from heating stoves. It permitted greater flexibility for ironing clothes and permitted more control (consistency) of the temperature of the iron.Historically and significantly this item enforces the relative isolation of the Kiewa Valley and period when and where this domestic item was in use(manufactured circa 1950). A rural setting with mining, beef , milk and tobacco production in the early 1900s. Even though the community was in a rural setting, the standards of dress was the same as in the bigger towns and cities. Social and religious mores and values demanded that the personal appearance be clean and crisp no matter where a person was living or working. Heavy laborious work was considered by some religions as virtuous, therefore the heavy and tiring work of ironing during this period had its rewards. Rural areas where the last to be connected to electricity and therefore this item was a domestic necessity far into the 1950's.This iron has a steel base and a metal body coated with green coloured enamel. The wooden hand grip is painted dark green. The kerosene (spirit) container is a chrome metal cylinder with a flat bottom and top. The top has a small filler/air plug is located on the top side. There are two control knobs located next to and under the metal cylinder. The close to the cylinder is a lock which locks the top lid of the iron and the other knob controls the airflow to the heater rodOn the base of the handle "PEERMAN" and below this P/46, C.I. Thomas & Son Pty Ltd household, ironing, domestic kerosene, dry cleaning -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Functional object - Harris Collection Kerosene Pump
Jonathan Harris operated a winery on the banks of the Axe Creek, Axedale in the 1850s. A metal pipe three centimetres diameter, 50 centimetres long has a cap screwed to the top which has a one centimetre diameter 13 centimetre long curved tube coming from the side of it. From the top of it a half centimetre diameter metal rod in a triangle six centimetres by nine centimetres by six centimetres pulls out and would have an attachment on to draw out the liquid. There is an attachment that slides on the pipe and has a screw cap on it to screw the pump to a container. Part of the Harris Collection.harris collection, kerosene pump -
Tennis Australia
Racquet, Circa 1975
A Chemold Rod Laver Professional Model tennis racquet, with ribbon whipping around shoulders and shaft, and leather grip with lozenge perforations. Model name features across base of head and throat, accompanied by an 8-pointed star device. Chemold logo features along shaft. Chemold trademark with large 'C' features on lower shaft. Plain white plastic butt cap. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Ribbon, Paint, Ink, Plastic, Leather, Rubber, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Adhesive tapetennis -
Tennis Australia
Racquet, Circa 1976
A Chemold Rod Laver Sovereign tennis racquet, with ribbon whipping around shoulders, and leather grip featuring quatrefoil perforations. Chemold logo features across base of head. Model name features across throat and shaft, accompanied by a mounted fleur-de-lis device. Chemold trademark with large 'C' features on lower shaft and black butt cap. Materials: Wood, Nylon, Ink, Plastic, Leather, Rubber, Glue, Lacquer, Metal, Adhesive tape, Ribbontennis