Machines and Mechanisms
From Machines and Mechanisms
Machines and Mechanisms is an open collection of mechanical models and related resources for studying and teaching the principles of kinematics -- the geometry of pure motion. The site contains both historical and contemporary machines. This collection is an open version based on the original [KMODDL] collection developed at Cornell University with funding from the National Science Foundation from 2002-2004 and the Institute for Museum and Library Services from 2004-2006 as part of the National Science Digital Library. The original KMODDL is currently curated by the Cornell University Library.
Kinematics is the geometry of pure motion - motion considered abstractly, without reference to force or mass. Engineers use kinematics in machine design. Although hidden in much of modern technology, kinematic mechanisms are important components of many technologies such as robots, automobiles, aircraft, satellites, and consumer electronics, as well as biomechanical prostheses. In physics, kinematics is part of the teaching of basic ideas of dynamics; in mathematics, it is a fundamental part of geometric thinking and concepts of motion. The development of high-speed computers and robotics, and the growth of design synthesis theory and mechatronics have recently revived interest in kinematics and early work in machine design. Lean more...
Historical Collections
Reuleaux Collection of Kinematic Mechanisms, Cornell University
Franz Reuleaux created over 800 models of mechanisms to embody his basic machine elements, and he authorized a German company, Gustav Voigt Mechanische Werkstatt, in Berlin, to manufacture over 300 of these models for technical schools to use in teaching inventors and engineers about machines. By 1907, 368 models were available in the Voigt catalog. The Cornell Reuleaux Collection contains numerous kinematic mechanisms for rotary and reciprocating engines for both steam and internal combustion, as well as mechanisms for producing mathematical functions, which are related to the early history of calculation machines and later computer engineering.
 A01 |  A02 |
 B01 |  B02 |
Clark Collection of Mechanical Movements, Museum of Science, Boston
The Clark Collection of Mechanical Movements, housed at the Museum of Science (MoS) in Boston, is a set of working models of mechanical movements and combinations of drive mechanisms built by American engineer William M. Clark in the early 1900s (Based in large measure on designs laid out in Henry T. Brown's Five Hundred and Seven Mechanical Movements (1871)). Originally numbering over 200, these working models were displayed as the Mechanical Wonderland in New York in 1928 and at the Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago in 1933. Today, 120 of these mechanical models remain in working order and on display at the Museum.
 001 |
 002 |
 003 |
 004 |
 005 |
Redtenbacher Collection of Kinematic Mechanisms, University of Karlsruhe, Germany
This Redtenbacher Kinematics Collection contains about 100 models of mechanisms, most of them manufactured in the workshop of the Polytechnische Schule in Karlsruhe, Germany which is the oldest Technische Universität (technical university) of Germany (founded in 1825). The models were created under the guidance of Ferdinand Redtenbacher when he was Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of this institution from 1841 to 1863, and include numerous kinematic mechanisms for rotary and reciprocating engines as well as mechanisms for producing mathematical functions. The collection is housed in the Institut für Kolbenmaschinen (Combustion Engines) at the Universität Karlsruhe.
 UK041 |  UK046 |  UK053 |  UK054 |
Illinois Gear Collection, Cornell University
This set of 15 models built by the Illinois Gear & Machine Company of Chicago was acquired by Cornell University around 1950. Documentation of the collection is in progress; models will be made available as the descriptions are completed.
 010b |
 004b |
 008 |
 011 |
Reuleaux Collection, Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU) has a collection of about 60 models from the Voigt-Reuleaux models catalog. Gustav Voigt of Berlin put out two catalogs of models of Franz Reuleaux. The 230 models featured in Cornell's Reuleaux Collection in KMODDL are from Voigt's first catalog. Of special interest are the models in the second Voigt catalog since there are 20 models at BMSTU from this second catalog that are not available anywhere else in the world.
 93 |
Schröder Collection, Foundation for Science and Technology, Florence, Italy
The Schröder kinematic models at the Foundation for Science and Technology (FST) comprise one of the largest collection of kinematic models of the Jacob Peter Schröder company of Darmstadt, Germany founded in 1837. His catalogs of 1870-1900 listed models copied after the kinematics and machine engineering books of Ferdinand Redtenbacher of Karlsruhe University and his student, Franz Reuleaux of the Technical Uniersity of Berlin.
 FST1343 |  FST1349 |
Rothschild Collection
A collection of patent models. Currently only consists of still image files.
 Wrestlers |
 Velocipedes |
 Paper Folder |
 Watch |
Deutsches Museum Machines
Kinematic models from the collection of the Deutsches Museum, Munich, Germany, Circa Late 19th century.
Some models are from the original collection of Franz Reuleaux. Most of
these machines are not on public display. Photographs with permission by
Prof. F. C. Moon of Cornell University.
