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Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 ("Old Brass Brains"&#x29

This photo shows the largest of the three sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The gears on the left transmit power from the hand crank. The components on the right contribute to the computation of the time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to produce its tide predictions. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland. This photo shows the largest of the three sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The gears on the left transmit power from the hand crank. The components on the right contribute to the computation of the time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to produce its tide predictions. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Two Sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Praya de Vale Figueiras

Can't beat Iphone's daylight panoramas with any DSLR out there. Can't beat Iphone's daylight panoramas with any DSLR out there.

Tide Formula Component Cranks on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

Tide formula component cranks on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The mechanical arrangement (a slotted crank yoke) converts circular motion to a sinusoidal motion. The operator adjusts the position of the pin on each crank to represent the tide formula at a specific port before starting computations. The pin position affects the amplitude and phase of the sinusoid. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Dhow and local home on Zanzibar beach

A dhow exposed at low tide with a local home in the background on a Zanzibar beach. A dhow exposed at low tide with a local home in the background on a Zanzibar beach

A view at lowtide of the coastline at barneville in normandy, france. A view at lowtide of the coastline at barneville in normandy, france

Summation Chain

The summation chain runs around pulleys on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The pulleys move up and down and the chain sums their displacements to compute the height or time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

See shell composition

See shell composition urchin ocean

Lowtide at sunset, San Felipe

An extreme low tide is accentuated by a purple sunset in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico. An extreme low tide is accentuated by a purple sunset in San Felipe, Baja California, Mexico.

Sea grass at low tide in early morning light

See slaw two colorfull heavy

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 ("Old Brass Brains"&#x29

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. When the machine was routinely used, the operator would sit at the desk and turn the crank on the left, which powered the machine. Mechanical components, partially visible on the left, computed the height of tides. These were displayed on the paper tide curve visible at the top right and on the dial below the paper. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland. Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. When the machine was routinely used, the operator would sit at the desk and turn the crank on the left, which powered the machine. Mechanical components, partially visible on the left, computed the height of tides. These were displayed on the paper tide curve visible at the top right and on the dial below the paper. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Thousand step beach area putuoshan china

Thousand step beach area putuoshan china

Mechanically Adding Trigonometric Functions

These components perform key computations for Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The tide prediction formula implemented by the machine includes the addition of a series of cosine terms. The triangular metal pieces are part of slotted yoke cranks which convert circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. Each slotted yoke crank is connected by a shaft to a pulley, which causes the pulley to follow the sinusoidal motion. A chain going over and under pulleys sums each of their deflections to compute the tide. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. These components perform key computations for Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The tide prediction formula implemented by the machine includes the addition of a series of cosine terms. The triangular metal pieces are part of slotted yoke cranks which convert circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. Each slotted yoke crank is connected by a shaft to a pulley, which causes the pulley to follow the sinusoidal motion. A chain going over and under pulleys sums each of their deflections to compute the tide. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Seashell on a rock during lowtide, Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia

Seashell on a rock during lowtide, Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia

Summation Chain Close-Up

A part of the summation chain of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. By wrapping above and below a series of pulleys, the chain sums their deflections, which is a key component of computing tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. A part of the summation chain of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. By wrapping above and below a series of pulleys, the chain sums their deflections, which is a key component of computing tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Big sandy landscape in low tide, near Mont St. Michel, France. It was a rainy day. Big sandy landscape in low tide, near Mont St. Michel, France. It was a rainy day.

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

Sailing boats in Morston creek at high tide. Sailing boats in Morston creek at high tide.

Gears on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

These gears pass some the energy provided by the operator turning a crank to the rear section of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. These gears pass some the energy provided by the operator turning a crank to the rear section of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

A small fishing boat stranded on the beach at low tide.

A small fishing boat in the harbour at Milford Haven, Wales.

Gears on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 is a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Face of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

The output face of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The pen at the top draws the tide height as the paper moves beneath it. The dials below display the predicted tide height and the corresponding date and time. When the machine was in operation, the operator recorded the height and time of high and low tides, which were later reproduced in printed tide tables. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Foreshore: That part of a beach that is exposed by the low tides and submerged by high tides. This area can include many different types of habitats, including steep rocky cliffs, sandy beaches or vast mudflats. Also called intertidal beach. Foreshore: That part of a beach that is exposed by the low tides and submerged by high tides. This area can include many different types of habitats, including steep rocky cliffs, sandy beaches or vast mudflats. Also called intertidal beach.

Milford Sound - New-Zealand south island.

Blue beach at dusk

Blue beach at dusk

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

On the cliff of coastal rocky sea shore. On the cliff of coastal rocky sea shore.

Thousand step beach putuoshan china

Thousand step beach putuoshan china

A Tide Formula Component Crank on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

A tide forumula component crank on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The mechanical arrangement (a slotted crank yoke) converts circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. The operator adjusts the position of the pin on the crank to represent a component of the tide formula at a specific coastal port before starting computations. The pin position affects the amplitude and phase of the sinusoid. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to produce its tide predictions. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. A tide forumula component crank on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The mechanical arrangement (a slotted crank yoke) converts circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. The operator adjusts the position of the pin on the crank to represent a component of the tide formula at a specific coastal port before starting computations. The pin position affects the amplitude and phase of the sinusoid. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to produce its tide predictions. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Tide in nosy be

Tide in nosy be

NOAA's Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

This photo shows the largest of the three sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The gears on the left transmit power from the hand crank. The components on the right contribute to the computation of the time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains the machine in working order. This photo shows the largest of the three sections of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The gears on the left transmit power from the hand crank. The components on the right contribute to the computation of the time of high and low tides. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains the machine in working order.

Thousand step beach putuoshan china

Thousand step beach putuoshan china

Dials on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

Dials for tide height (outer ring), date, and time on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. When the machine was in operation, the operator recorded the height and time of high and low tides, which were later reproduced in printed tide tables. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. Dials for tide height (outer ring), date, and time on Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. When the machine was in operation, the operator recorded the height and time of high and low tides, which were later reproduced in printed tide tables. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank.

Beach and pier at sunset

Scenic view of beach and pier at sunset.

Lowtide in Milford Sound, New Zealand

Black bear and cub

Black bear and cub

Sunrise at the coast during lowtide. Sunrise at the coast during lowtide

Mamoko beach

Looking into the Top of Tide Predicting Machine No. 2

These components perform key computations for Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The tide prediction formula implemented by the machine includes the addition of a series of cosine terms. The triangular metal pieces are part of slotted yoke cranks which convert circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. Each slotted yoke crank is connected by a shaft to a pulley, which causes the pulley to follow the sinusoidal motion. A chain going over and under pulleys sums each of their deflections to compute the tide. Along the top of the photo, connecting shafts drive slotted yoke cranks on both sides of the machine. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland. These components perform key computations for Tide Predicting Machine No. 2, a special purpose mechanical analog computer for predicting the height and time of high and low tides. The tide prediction formula implemented by the machine includes the addition of a series of cosine terms. The triangular metal pieces are part of slotted yoke cranks which convert circular motion to a vertical motion that traces a sinusoid. Each slotted yoke crank is connected by a shaft to a pulley, which causes the pulley to follow the sinusoidal motion. A chain going over and under pulleys sums each of their deflections to compute the tide. Along the top of the photo, connecting shafts drive slotted yoke cranks on both sides of the machine. The U.S. government used Tide Predicting Machine No. 2 from 1910 to 1965 to predict tides for ports around the world. The machine, also known as “Old Brass Brains,” uses an intricate arrangement of gears, pulleys, chains, slides, and other mechanical components to perform the computations. A person using the machine would require 2-3 days to compute a year’s tides at one location. A person performing the same calculations by hand would require hundreds of days to perform the work. The machine is 10.8 feet (3.3 m) long, 6.2 feet (1.9 m) high, and 2.0 feet (0.61 m) wide and weighs approximately 2,500 pounds (1134 kg). The operator powers the machine with a hand crank. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) occasionally displays the machine at its facility in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Mangrove tree along a beach in El Nido, Philippines, Asia

Mangrove Seedling

Mangrove Seedling

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

Charles Island Milford Connecticut

On the coastal of a rocky sea shore. On the coastal of a rocky sea shore.

Coastline at lowtide

Rockshapes with sunrise at lowtide. Rockshapes with sunrise at lowtide

Silver Sands State Park Milford Connecticut

Silver Sands State Park Milford Connecticut

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