Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!lll-winken!sun-barr!newstop!sun!amdahl!JUTS!rbw00
From: rbw00@ccc.amdahl.com (  213  Richard Wilmot)
Newsgroups: comp.arch
Subject: Re: Pneumatic computers (yes, air-pressure powered)
Message-ID: <0amT02b908Ut01@JUTS.ccc.amdahl.com>
Date: 30 May 91 15:17:46 GMT
References: <1991May24.231620.15367@digi.lonestar.org> <1360010@aspen.IAG.HP.COM>
Reply-To: rbw00@JUTS.ccc.amdahl.com (  213  Richard Wilmot)
Organization: Amdahl Corporation, Sunnyvale CA
Lines: 14

Pneumatic computers should be banned and their designers sentenced to
repair all malfunctions in them forever. I worked for two years with
a pneumatic control system on a destroyer escort. This Westinghouse
thing controlled two diesel engines (nice Fairbanks Morse double
opposed piston 8"X20") and the clutches which combined their power
onto a propeller shaft. The tiny air valves were forever sticking
and jamming so that it was hard to restart the engines in reverse
(to back up or slow down). After counselling from the chaplain
I forgave Westinghouse, but only because it was built in 1943. This
is now later enough that there should be no excuse. Just say NO.

-- 
  Dick Wilmot  | I declaim that Amdahl might disclaim any of my claims.
                 (408) 746-6108