Reuleaux Collection of Kinematic Mechanisms, Cornell University

The 220 models in Cornell University’s Reuleaux Collection were built in the late 19th century to demonstrate the elements of machine motion, as theorized by the German engineer Franz Reuleaux. The University acquired the models in 1882 for use in teaching and research. <more about the Reuleaux Collection>

The Reuleaux models are classified according to the alphanumeric schema employed in the catalog of the manufacturer, Gustav Voigt. The letter in a model's ID (e.g., B14 or S35) refers to a class of mechanism; the number is a specific instance of the class. This classification scheme is a simplified version of the taxonomy of machine elements elaborated in Reuleaux's work.

Click a class folder for a list of the models in the class and to browse thumbnail images. Select a model by title or image to view the informational page for that model, with links to related resources.