Earl R. Larson Papers, 1981-1985. Finding Aid.

Summary Information

Title: Earl R. Larson papers
Dates: 1981-1985
Creator: Larson, Earl R., 1911-
Extent: 1 box (0.1 cubic feet)
Language: English
Collection Number: CBI 31
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.

Repository: University of Minnesota Libraries. Charles Babbage Institute.

Access and Use

Acquisition Information:

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

Access Restrictions:

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).

Preferred Citation:

Earl R. Larson Papers (CBI 31), Charles Babbage Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

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 "History" note in the finding aid for: Honeywell, Inc., Honeywell vs. Sperry Rand Litigation Records (CBI 1).

Collection 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.

Subject Terms

Index Terms

• This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the University of Minnesota Libraries. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.
• Atanasoff, John V. (John Vincent)
• Larson, Earl R., 1911-
• Honeywell, Inc.
• Sperry Rand Corporation.
• Computers--Law and legislation.
• Computers--Patents--United States.

Box and Folder List

Location		Title
Box 1		From Linda Mihalko to Marconi International Fellowship Council  Box 1, Folder 1
		To Cecil A. Johnson (3) from Cecil A. Johnson (4)  Box 1 , Folder 1
Box 1		To Arthur W. Burks from Arthur W. Burks  Box 1, Folder 1
Box 1		To Dr. John V. Atanasoff (3) from Dr. John V. Atanasoff (3)  Box 1, Folder 1
		To Henry L. Hanson (3) from Henry L. Hanson (3)  Box 1, Folder 1
Box 1		To Allen L. Hammond (3) from Hanson, Lendt, Atanasoff  Box 1, Folder 1
		From William Silag (4) to William Silag (2)  Box 1, Folder 1