Do you know what are these physics-I-lab devices?

[Dorea]

These are some devices in our lab that I don't know their application! I'm a lab TA.
1. http://i.imgur.com/ZmgIdmv.png + http://i.imgur.com/LKpOYci.png + http://i.imgur.com/JFrQi3k.png
2. http://i.imgur.com/CO8Ympz.png + http://i.imgur.com/bTcVsPZ.png
3. http://i.imgur.com/4K3dCiz.png + http://i.imgur.com/rFNoyFR.png

 

[jedishrfu]

I think they were developed to torture grad students who didn't improve their grades enough.

 

[mfb]

1.: You can spin the top quite fast. If the attached metallic things can rotate as the comparison between the two images suggests, it could be used as cheap centrifuge.
2. Something to apply a strong force? A height measuring device?
3. Does the metallic strip look to be so weird on purpose?

 

[Dorea]

1.: You can spin the top quite fast. If the attached metallic things can rotate as the comparison between the two images suggests, it could be used as cheap centrifuge.

Isn't it an electrical device in order to produce a current in combination with something else?!

 

[mfb]

I don't see how you would use together with electricity.