Infinity machines where to buy?

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    Infinity Machines
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for "infinity machines," which are described as devices that operate with minimal friction and energy loss, often resembling kinetic art or simple mechanical systems like pendulums and Newton's cradles. Participants share their experiences and suggestions for similar devices, exploring the aesthetics and mechanics involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire for machines that operate with very low energy loss and recalls their fascination with such devices as a child.
  • Another participant suggests that the described contraptions may be classified as clocks, referencing a specific example.
  • Several participants provide links to products that might fit the description, indicating a variety of kinetic toys and art pieces available for purchase.
  • A participant describes a specific "infinity machine" they encountered, detailing its construction and the misconception about its energy source.
  • One participant mentions that the official name for such devices might be "kinetic art," and shares their interest in solar-powered variations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact nature of the "infinity machines," with multiple interpretations and suggestions presented. The discussion includes various competing views on what constitutes such devices.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of interpretations regarding the mechanics and definitions of the devices in question, with some participants focusing on aesthetic aspects while others emphasize functional characteristics. There is also a lack of clarity on the specific terminology used to describe these machines.

pslarsen
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"Infinity" machines... where to buy?

To start out with - they don't exist so let's not discuses that.

What does exist are these small machines that can run with extremely little friction which I would love to have here on my desktop - my only problem is that I CANNOT find them and I have forgotten what they where called - so maybe you guys can help.

What I am talking about are machines based on the most simple mechanics at all, such as collisions (Newton cradle), rotations and oscillation motions (e.g. pendulums) with very low energy loss. They where kept alive with help for a battery but at an extremely low effect. They where quite stylish and I remember how fascinated is was at child looking at these sometimes sculpture-looking machines.. very simple and stylish models showing off the Newtonian world.. my guess is that they are also quite EXPENSIVE..!

Do you know what I am talking about - if yes please help me out..

/Peter
 
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Not a clue... Do you have a better description of it?
 


It seems that specialists have a technical term for such a contraption: a clock.

http://www.vanderheijden-antiquairs.nl/clocks/C_Stolpklok_1.jpg
 
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http://www.officeplayground.com/Kinetic-Motion-C21.aspx
 
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perpetual motion devices
 


That would be an aniversary clock in post #3. They are wound only several times a year. The balls you see in the picture rotate back and forth. It is the equivalent of a pendulum except it rotates back and forth instead. I'm sure there are electric variations of this which cause the flyweights to rotate by a coil underneath but the ones I've seen are spring wound.
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One 'infinity machine' I recall seeing was something a former coworker brought into work. He got it as a gift for Christmas. It consisted or 2 plexiglass sheets set side-by-side on edge to form 'rails'. They were cut as to form a valley in the center. There was a shaft with three flyweights attached to it that rolled back and forth on the plexiglass rails. There was a coil underneath (hidden) that pulsed and kept the wheel going. One day we were discussing how long it would run if the batteries were pulled out. The manager of manufacturing engineering overheard this and said: "That thing has batteries?" He thought that it had been rolling back and forth for months all on its own. Scary.
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Edit: Here is a pic of said device: http://physics.ham.muohio.edu/girep98wrkshop/figure14.htm
 
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Averagesupernova said:
One 'infinity machine' I recall seeing was something a former coworker brought into work. He got it as a gift for Christmas. It consisted or 2 plexiglass sheets set side-by-side on edge to form 'rails'. They were cut as to form a valley in the center. There was a shaft with three flyweights attached to it that rolled back and forth on the plexiglass rails. There was a coil underneath (hidden) that pulsed and kept the wheel going. One day we were discussing how long it would run if the batteries were pulled out. The manager of manufacturing engineering overheard this and said: "That thing has batteries?" He thought that it had been rolling back and forth for months all on its own. Scary.


HAHAHAHAHA :smile: :smile: :smile: :smile: I love that story..
 
  • #10


No wonder he's a manager. :wink:
 
  • #11


I think the official name for those things is "kinetic art".

I'm really into the solar powered stuff. I've got one of these on my windowsill that runs from sun up until sun down.

http://www.hobbyengineering.com/pics/i2145-600x641.jpg
 
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