Longest Service: Continuous Device Motion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying devices with at least one moving part that have been in continuous motion for the longest period of time. Participants explore various examples, considering factors such as maintenance, original parts, and definitions of "service." The conversation includes both historical and contemporary examples, as well as humorous interjections.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the device must have all original parts or if maintenance, such as oiling, is permissible.
  • The Salisbury Cathedral clock, dating back to around 1386, is proposed as a candidate for the longest-serving device with original parts.
  • One participant mentions a light bulb that has been in continuous service for over 100 years, although it lacks moving parts.
  • Another participant humorously suggests the Solar System as a contender for continuous motion over billions of years, raising the question of whether natural objects can be considered devices.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about a mixer that has been in the family for generations without part replacement.
  • Several humorous exchanges occur regarding the nature of the discussion and personal relationships among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the criteria for what constitutes a valid device in continuous motion, with no consensus reached on the definitions or examples provided.

Contextual Notes

There are ambiguities regarding the definitions of "service" and "original parts," as well as the implications of maintenance and repairs on the eligibility of devices discussed.

wolram
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What device (thing with at least one moving part) in constant motion, has given the longest service?
 
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You mean with only original parts?
 
That's a bit ambigeous, would there be maintenance carried out, are worn down and corroded parts replaced? Anyway, these things lasts milleniums:

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/366762/2/istockphoto_366762_balanced_brass_scale.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
lisab said:
You mean with only original parts?


Yes, an engine that has had say piston rings changed would not count.
 
Andre said:
That's a bit ambigeous, would there be maintenance carried out, are worn down and corroded parts replaced? Anyway, these things lasts milleniums:

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/366762/2/istockphoto_366762_balanced_brass_scale.jpg
[/URL]


No part replacement, may be oiling allowed.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
The Salisbury cathedral clock?

The Salisbury Cathedral clock, a large iron-framed clock without a dial located in the aisle of Salisbury Cathedral. The clock dating from about 1386 is the oldest working clock in the world. The clock is one of the group of 14th to 16th century astronomical clocks to be found in the West of England. (See also Wells, Exeter, Ottery St Mary, and Wimborne Minster.) It can be dated to around 1386, and most of the parts are original.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salisbury_cathedral_clock
 
I was going to nominate my mother, but she only dates back to 1912... and she's not always in constant motion.
 
my mixer belonged to my great grandmother. We laughed when we went to the science museum in Ottawa, and there it was. My dad took it apart and cleaned everything once, but we've never replaced any parts. I am sure its full of lead...
 
  • #10
fileen said:
we went to the science museum in Ottawa

What the hey?! You're a Canuck too?
 
  • #11
On Mythbusters I saw a thing about a light bulb, incandescent, that had been in service in a firehouse for over 100 years, on 24/7...
 
  • #12
binzing said:
On Mythbusters I saw a thing about a light bulb, incandescent, that had been in service in a firehouse for over 100 years, on 24/7...

binzing, I swear you and I have resonant brain waves sometimes. I had this same thought, but since there are no moving parts I didn't post it.
 
  • #13
lisab said:
binzing, I swear you and I have resonant brain waves sometimes. I had this same thought, but since there are no moving parts I didn't post it.
The filament vibrates, therefor, it moves. :biggrin:
 
  • #14
My and my roommate had a small floor fan running 24/7 all last school year. It still works to this day.
 
  • #15
Danger said:
What the hey?! You're a Canuck too?

yuppers
 
  • #16
Gawd, the Canuckerites are invading, watch out guys or we will all be eating peanut butter on horse back.
 
  • #17
I'd vote for the Solar System - sun, planets, moons. Continuous motion, as far as we know, since before humanity, something on the order of 4-5 billion years. And no lubrication or adjustments required.

Before the solar system would be the galaxy in which we are located - billions of years older.

One did not specify if the device was natural or not.
 
  • #18
Astronuc said:
I'd vote for the Solar System - sun, planets, moons. Continuous motion, as far as we know, since before humanity, something on the order of 4-5 billion years. And no lubrication or adjustments required.

Before the solar system would be the galaxy in which we are located - billions of years older.

One did not specify if the device was natural or not.


:bugeye: Give some people an inch and they will take billions :smile:
 
  • #19
wolram said:
:bugeye: Give some people an inch and they will take billions :smile:
I think BIG! :smile: :biggrin:
 
  • #21
~christina~ said:
LOL I thought of this...not sure if it can be called service though. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_bird


I love them things, the one you linked to reminds me of some one, i will remember who later.
 
  • #22
wolram said:
:bugeye: Give some people an inch and they will take billions :smile:

If I give W an inch, I tell her that it's 6... :rolleyes:
 
  • #23
why are you giving wolram any inches?
 
  • #24
Danger said:
If I give W an inch, I tell her that it's 6... :rolleyes:


LOL, you guys exaggerate the smallest things.

Mean while back to the thread.
 
  • #25
tribdog said:
why are you giving wolram any inches?

'W' is the PF name for my wife. I refer to Wolram as 'Woolie'.
 
  • #26
wolram said:
LOL, you guys exaggerate the smallest things.
:smile:


wolram said:
Mean while back to the thread.

Yeah... good luck with that.
 
  • #27
Danger said:
'W' is the PF name for my wife. I refer to Wolram as 'Woolie'.

<sarcasm>really? what a fool I am for really thinking you were having sex with wolram. </sarcasm>
 
  • #28
tribdog said:
what a fool I am for really thinking you were having sex with wolram.
I'm sure that's not the only reason.
 
  • #29
tribdog said:
<sarcasm>really? what a fool I am for really thinking you were having sex with wolram. </sarcasm>

Bloody H---, he would have to have the longest Thingy wotsit in the world to have sex with me, Besides i like Danger very much but only as a friend.
 
  • #30
Danger said:
I'm sure that's not the only reason.

:smile:
 

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