Curta
Curta (Russian Ku'Rta) is the portable computing device, the mechanical analog of the calculator which is released in 1948. This device which still saves the status of a cult invention. Up to emergence of electronic computing devices in the 70th years of the last century, this device, similar to the old coffee grinder, was considered as the most convenient pocket calculator. The highlight of the device is that it was completely mechanical. Neither electricity, nor batteries - only a few hundreds of tiny parts.
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History
The inventor of this device Curt Hertsshtark (1902-1988) is a son of the Vienna businessman. Hertsshtark Sr. directed the enterprise for production of high-precision mechanical devices at which Curt also took the first steps in mechanics. At that time there were already pocket calculators, but they could only put and read. Hertsshtark dreamed to create the arithmometer capable to perform all four operations. In the winter of 1938 the first full-fledged sample was constructed, however mass production did not begin: war prevented. In 1943 Curt Hertsshtak was arrested on a charge of "complicity to Jews" and also "vicious communications with Aryan women". After long ordeals on prisons he appeared in a concentration camp in Buchenwald. Having learned who fell to it into hands, the camp commander was very happy. Hertsshtark's invention seemed an excellent gift for the Fuhrer. Issued to Curt a drawing table and ordered to make the drawing on memory. Working and day and night, the inventor recovered the scheme of the calculator. However Hitler did not receive the gift: in 1945 all captives of the camp were released by the American troops. With a full range of drawings Hertsshtark was released. The prince Liechtenstein permitted it to construct factory and in 1947 serial production of the device began. At first the calculator was wanted to be called Liliputian, but the name did not get accustomed. At a trade fair of 1948 in Basel someone from participants dropped: "This machine — mister Hertsshtark's daughter. If the father is called Curt, then it is necessary to name the daughter Kurta".
Specific Features
Curta — the most compact of all mechanical pocket calculators which were ever constructed. The device weighs only 100 grams. And here it works absolutely in an adult way. The first Curta were 11-bit (Curta I), in 1954 the 15-bit model (Curta II) appeared. Let's add that this wonderful machine was able to calculate square roots and allowed to multiply on nine only two turns of the handle. Till 1947 formed a basis of all mechanical calculators a step drum (by Leibniz's example) or the lantern wheel (which is thought up by Odner). Curt Hertsshtark offered something new – the so-called complemented step drum. The "complemented" drum simplifies work as allows to perform different arithmetic operations on one algorithm. For example, to turn subtraction into addition. How? Let's explain an example:
Let's say we should solve such problem: 219875 — 5789 =?
Let's assume, we have a 11-bit calculator
. 00,000,219,875 — Reduced
. 00,000,005,789 — Deductible
. 99,999,994,210 — we Supplement each discharge subtracted to nine
100,000,214,085 — we Put lines 1 and 3
As digit 1 lies out of 11-bit range, simply we cut it. Final
the result turned out one discharge shorter therefore we add unit to value of the lowest discharge.
. 00,000,214,086 — the Right answer
Modern calculators execute subtraction operations on the same algorithm. The difference consists only that electronic devices use a binary numeral system. Curt was the exact tool, and therefore was on sale with the protective capsule or a case. It were the wound cylinders, is frequent with sealant inside. Some time also plastic capsules were made, however they were recognized improper, production was phased down, and metal cases began to prevail again. The prince of Genrikh von Liechtenstein, obviously, found a metal case too tough for such exact tool therefore especially for his Kurta the special case from skin was created. Why the cover of the protective capsule of Kurta twists in the opposite direction (counterclockwise)? It was made partly to prevent falling of the tool on a floor at sharp opening of a cover, and partly — to prevent accidental turn of an operational leverage of Kurta when twisting a cover. In that case Curt it was not ready to calculations when the case was reopened. Obviously, early metal cases with the cover twisting clockwise are very rare.
Interesting Facts
Curta is the only arithmometer ever imprinted on stamps.
See Also
Links
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