UNIVAC

[Van Snyder]

On Thu, 2021-01-28 at 09:52 -0600, Jon Elson via cctalk wrote:
> On 01/28/2021 02:29 AM, Curious Marc via cctalk wrote:
> > We have had this guy harassing the Computer History Museum, then all unsuspecting restorers under the false pretense of doing computer materials history research. In the end we understood he was trying to find out if asbestos was used in the machinery or buildings that were used to make the IBM 1401. We believe he is trying to find a sleazy way to sue all the computer makers that have made computers in the past.
> Wow!  I doubt there is an asbestos in the actual computer 
> parts, but quite possible asbestos-containing floor tiles 
> and pipe insulation WAS used in the factory buildings, or 
> computer rooms where they were used.
> 
> Suing the manufacturers for something that was general 
> practice 60 years ago seems a far stretch.  And, other than 
> IBM, all the other computer makers are long gone.  Some may 
> have been absorbed into other corporations, of course.  
> Getting legal, what would be his standing for such a suit?
> If he wants a class action, he has to find somebody that was 
> harmed, and then track down others and/or heirs.

It wasn't just "general practice" sixty years ago. It was mandated by
building codes.

> Well, some people just need to find real work, like digging 
> ditches or driving trucks.
> 
> Jon