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reset timer
Date: circa 1965
Inventory Number: WJ0965
Classification: Timer
Subject:
Maker: Automatic Timing and Controls Company (founded 1920)
User: B. F. Skinner (1904 - 1990)
Maker: Department of Psychology, Harvard University (founded 1934)
Cultural Region:
Place of Origin:
Dimensions:
17.9 × 10 × 17.8 cm (7 1/16 × 3 15/16 × 7 in.)
Description:
Black panel of rac mounted instrument contains a 30-second dial with a white scale and contacts for snap leads. Currently mounted in instrument rack (WJ1011).
Signedbutton on front by dial: atc
printed on back: AUTOMATIC TIMING / & CONTROL INC. / King of Prussia, PA U.S.A / LOAD RATING 115 V.A.C. 10 amp / NON-INDUCTIVE 230 V.A.C. 5 amp. / ONE OR MORE PATENTS APPLY / US: 2852154, 2885001, 3081384, 3117191 / CAN: 585927, 588300 667645 703109
printed on back: FM [in a diamond]
printed on back: AUTOMATIC TIMING / & CONTROL INC. / King of Prussia, PA U.S.A / LOAD RATING 115 V.A.C. 10 amp / NON-INDUCTIVE 230 V.A.C. 5 amp. / ONE OR MORE PATENTS APPLY / US: 2852154, 2885001, 3081384, 3117191 / CAN: 585927, 588300 667645 703109
printed on back: FM [in a diamond]
FunctionThis timer was used to control pre-set intervals, such as the delays between recorded behaviors (e.g., a subject's response) and their consequences (e.g., a reinforcement). At the end of a cycle, the timer could trigger a circuit that activated the food hopper and reset itself for the next response.
Historical AttributesUsed in B. F. Skinner's laboratory in the basement of Memorial Hall at Harvard University as part of his experiments on operant conditioning and behavioral psychology. This was part of Skinner's third experimental set-up.
ProvenanceB. F. Skinner's laboratory, Memorial Hall, Department of Psychology, Harvard University.