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Earl R. Larson papers

 Collection
Identifier: CBI 31

Scope and Content Note

The collection consists of a file of 32 pieces of correspondence, dating 1981 to 1985, relating to the Honeywell vs. Sperry Rand trial and John V. Atanasoff's recognition as the inventor of the electronic digital computer. Newspaper clippings are attached to the correspondence. The file includes correspondence from historical researchers, awards committees, Atanasoff, and the patent counsel from Honeywell.

Dates

  • 1981-1985

Creator

Language of Materials

English

Access to materials:

Access to the collection is unrestricted.

Copyright:

CBI holds the copyright to all materials in the collection, except for items covered by a prior copyright (such as published materials). Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provisions of the copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code).

Biographical Note

As judge of the Fourth Division of the United States District Court in Minnesota, Earl R. Larson presided over the Honeywell vs. Sperry Rand trial (1971-1973) and ruled Sperry Rand's patent invalid partly because the patent was derived from the work of John V. Atanasoff.

For a more detailed description of the Honeywell vs. Sperry case, see the Historynote in the finding aid for: Honeywell, Inc., Honeywell vs. Sperry Rand Litigation Records (CBI 1).

Extent

1 box (0.1 cubic feet)

Abstract

Collection contains correspondence and newspaper clippings relating to the Honeywell vs. Sperry Rand trial and John V. Atanasoff's recognition as the inventor of the electronic digital computer. Includes correspondence from historical researchers, awards committees, Atanasoff, and the patent counsel from Honeywell.

Acquisition:

The records were given to the Charles Babbage Institute by Earl R. Larson in 1986.

Title
Earl R. Larson Papers, 1981-1985. Finding Aid.
Author
Prepared by Bruce H. Bruemmer, March 1991.
Date
March 2004
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English

Collecting Area Details

Contact The Charles Babbage Institute Archives Collecting Area

Contact:
Elmer L. Andersen Library
222 - 21st Avenue South
Minneapolis MN 55455
612-624-5050