The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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The discussion centers around two significant machines: the ENIAC, an early computer that was 10 feet tall, weighed 30 tons, and required 150 kilowatts of power, and the Russian Ekranoplan, a ground effect vehicle that could travel over 400 km/h and weighed 540 tons. The ENIAC utilized a vast number of electronic components but had less processing power than a modern pocket calculator. The Ekranoplan, developed by the Soviet Union, operates just above water using a shock wave principle, allowing it to travel over various terrains. The conversation also touches on trivia and historical facts about these machines, highlighting their unique engineering and capabilities. Overall, the thread showcases a blend of technical details and engaging quiz-like interactions.
  • #61
...The RAT?
 
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  • #62
Ivan Seeking said:
...The RAT?
Yep.
Rock Abrasion Tool, which can also make http://marsrovers.nasa.gov/gallery/press/spirit/20040414a.html :biggrin:
 
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  • #63
This food product was created by a chef in a fit of spite when a customer complained that his current version was too thick and soggy. Saratoga Springs, NY. Statistics say that today the average american now consumes six pounds of the "spite" version a year.

What was it?
 
  • #64
What is the potato chip?
 
  • #65
pancakes ?
 
  • #66
Lorider said:
What is the potato chip?
This is the correct food product. However, I must deduct .2 of a point for phrasing your answer in the form of a question. You have been watching Jeopardy too much.
 
  • #67
wolram said:
pancakes ?
Crepes would have been a better guess, if you were going to follow this train of logic. In any event, I was curious to see if you or Nereid were going to answer with "crisps" which is, I think, what potato chips are called in England: very thinly sliced potatos, deep fried in oil, heavily salted. Chef George Crum thought the customer who complained about the thickness and sogginess of his deep fried potatos would balk at his maliciously extreme fullfillment of his wishes. Instead, the customer loved them. It became a popular item on the menu. Other restaurants adopted the recipe. Potato chips became the rage, and still are.

Edit to add: This was at Moon's Lake House Resort, Saratoga Springs, NY, in 1853. The P chip is 151 years old!
 
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  • #68
I may not know too much of the scientific stuff, but I know the stuff I stuff my face with. But I digress, actually I liked the Jeopardy feel, where the answer is given and the question has to be figured out. This has been probably the coolest thread I have seen at this site.
 
  • #69
your correct ZOOBY, i eat crisp butties, great when no ones bothered to
buy groceries.
your turn LORIDER
 
  • #70
shall we give a time limit for last correct poster to reply with new WHAT WAS IS IT?
 
  • #71
wolram said:
shall we give a time limit for last correct poster to reply with new WHAT WAS IS IT?
Perhaps you, as thread starter, can post a new one anytime at your discretion, but lowrider has the option of posting one when he thinks of one?
 
  • #72
Sorry, I did not know we had to come up with one of our own. But no sweat, here's one, though it is probably pretty simple:

This formula was first developed by the Rocket Chemical Company and was used for the first time by Convair, an aerospace contractor. It first hit the shelves in San Diego for public use in 1958. The name is comprised of what it does and how many tries it took to perfect it. What is it?
 
  • #73
WD-40. "WD" stands for "Water Displacement"
 
  • #74
Yeah, I knew that was too easy of a question for the likes of these intellects. I wonder if it would have been as popular if it had been called WD39 or WD647?
 
  • #75
good idea ZOOBY.
 
  • #76
According to legend this extremely important tool was invented in Samos in the 7th century BC. However actual pictoral evidence is not found until it was depicted in an Egytian tomb painting from about 300 BC, in a version that required two people to operate.
(Hint: hieroglyphics at the bottom of the painting have been translated to mean "Chisel sold separately")
 
  • #77
minting machine
 
  • #78
wolram said:
minting machine
Sorry.

Hint #2: Leonardo da Vinci designed a version that could be operated by one person using a foot treadle.
 
  • #79
ah... a turning machine "lathe".
 
  • #80
wolram said:
ah... a turning machine "lathe".
Correct.

If the legend of Theodorus of Samos is correct, the lathe has been in existence for 2,700 years, and is still going strong. It is said to be the only machine tool that can be used to produce another of the same: to reproduce itself, so to speak.

Your turn, Wolram.
 
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  • #81
it weighed 171 pounds, diameter 34 inches, 15 watts power max.
 
  • #82
wolram said:
it weighed 171 pounds, diameter 34 inches, 15 watts power max.
Too easy: Telstar.
 
  • #83
Maybe I'm out of turn:

This device includes a wooden bow to drive the drill, a shaft for the drill, a removable tube shaped drill bit with a serrated edge, a center pin to guide the drill and a wooden removable cup to protect the user's hand. The purpose this device is used for can be traced to the late stone age. This tool was used to relieve distress caused by variety of disturbances including parasites, pressure, hydrocephaly, and evil spirits. What was it?
 
  • #84
i forget the name for this device, but it was used to expose the brain, trapaning
or some sutch.
 
  • #85
to date NEREID is the only one that has betten us do we give her a star or
something, smarty pants.
 
  • #86
part hippo and part cow, these were held in place with springs.
 
  • #87
the thread is open, zooby, said my question was to easy, so come on guys and
dolls give him a NEREID.
 
  • #88
wow ,this thing moves fast IVAN has the question.
 
  • #89
While doing my taxes, I sneak in a question when I stop to wipe the blood off of my forehead.
 
  • #90
Ivan Seeking said:
part hippo and part cow, these were held in place with springs.
My brassiere.
 
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