When did Frank Stephen Baldwin first conceive of his pinwheel device?

Answer

1875

Frank Stephen Baldwin's initial conception of his mechanical calculator, which utilized the pinwheel mechanism, occurred in the year 1875. This early device was fundamental in establishing the core principles of the stepped drum approach in the United States. Although this initial prototype was limited in its operational scope, primarily handling only addition and subtraction, it represented the crucial breakthrough that led to his later patent filing in 1887 for the improved machine. The date 1875 marks the true genesis of his practical application of this calculating concept, distinguishing it from the earlier theoretical work by Leibniz.

When did Frank Stephen Baldwin first conceive of his pinwheel device?
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