6.9 Vector Hyperbolic Rules

The members of this special exhibit contain scales of hyperbolic trigonometric functions that are used in conjunction with regular trigonometric scales to perform calculations of vector quantities, and were particularly useful in electrical engineering. The first vector slide rule was the K&E Model 4093-3 (and 4093-5), which first appeared in K&E’s 1930 catalog. This model was discontinued and their new vector rule model, the 4083-3 (and 4083-5), was introduced in 1937. Other vector rules from other manufacturers quickly followed K&E’s lead during the subsequent decades.

Details of the use of these scales are provided in the vignette Vector/Hyperbolic Calculations. The Collection presently has 21 slide rules that can be classified as vector rules.

Note that the Sun-Hemmi Model 153 is included here as it had special scales from which hyperbolic function values could be determined directly. This very special rule and its scales are described in a separate vignette, Hemmi 153 Scales.

Maker Model Year
K&E 4093-3 1930
Hemmi 153 1931-1934
K&E 4093-3 1933
Hemmi 153 1936-1940
Hemmi 153 1938
UIF Shanghai 4083-3 1939-1947
Dietzgen 1735 1941-1952
Pickett 4 1947-49
K&E 4083-3 1948
Aristo 971 1950
Pickett 4 1950
Hemmi 255 1952
Hemmi 153 1955
Pickett 4-ES 1958
Pickett N4-ES 1959
Pickett N4-T 1959-1962
Relay-Ricoh F-686 1961
Pickett N4-ES 1964-1975
Ruyi 1002 1966
Dietzgen N1725 1967
Blundell Rules Limited 506 Academy Duplex 1970-1980