Ball Bearing Device [Archive]

Voxynn

Sep2-10, 05:35 AM

Does anyone know the name for a mechanical device where a ball bearing is made to go down a ramp, through loops, up and down pulleys etc, while moving on a metal rail?

My first thought was a Rube Goldberg device, but I don't think that's it.

Richard

Astronuc

Sep2-10, 06:28 AM

Does anyone know the name for a mechanical device where a ball bearing is made to go down a ramp, through loops, up and down pulleys etc, while moving on a metal rail?

My first thought was a Rube Goldberg device, but I don't think that's it.

Richard Rube Goldberg refers to a complicated, the more complicated the better, for achieving a simple goal. I believe you're describing a Rube Goldberg device.

Enjoy - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEF0cg1j35o

Janus

Sep2-10, 07:17 AM

Does anyone know the name for a mechanical device where a ball bearing is made to go down a ramp, through loops, up and down pulleys etc, while moving on a metal rail?

My first thought was a Rube Goldberg device, but I don't think that's it.

Richard I think the generic term for such a device is a kinetic sculpture.

Evo

Sep2-10, 11:15 AM

Sounds like the old game "Mousetrap".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMzbRkWGLv0

aMzbRkWGLv0

Janus

Sep2-10, 05:34 PM

The particular kinetic sculpture described sounds like it might be the "Gravitram".

http://www.gravitram.com/images/Gravitram-OMSI-w-Shab.jpg

Evo

Sep2-10, 06:06 PM

Is this it janus?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpg0Y3oPGW0&feature=related

Rpg0Y3oPGW0

leroyjenkens

Sep2-10, 07:04 PM

I'm wearing a ball bearing device right now.

Janus

Sep2-10, 09:08 PM

Is this it janus?

Yep, that's what I'm thinking about, I just don't know if this is what the OP is looking for.
By the way, OMSI (http://www.omsi.edu/), the home of the original Gravitram is located right here in Portland, OR.

nismaratwork

Sep2-10, 09:16 PM

I don't think that kinetic sculpture can be considered a Rube Goldberg device, because the latter is a device meant to accomplish a simple task in a ridiculously complex fashion. Maybe a very complex gumball vending machine could be, but even then...

Anyway, it can't be bad any time the name of Reuben Lucius Goldberg is mentioned.

http://hhe.wikispaces.com/file/view/rube-goldberg.jpg/51160771/rube-goldberg.jpg

mugaliens

Sep2-10, 10:48 PM

Yep, that's what I'm thinking about, I just don't know if this is what the OP is looking for.
By the way, OMSI (http://www.omsi.edu/), the home of the original Gravitram is located right here in Portland, OR.

I thought it looked familiar! My son and I saw it in action while visiting my brother. :)