Half a croissant, on a plate, with a sign in front of it saying '50c'
h a l f b a k e r y
We have a low common denominator: 2

idea: add, search, annotate, link, view, overview, recent, by name, random

meta: news, help, about, links, report a problem

account: browse anonymously, or get an account and write.

user:
pass:
register,


               

Please log in.
Before you can vote, you need to register. Please log in or create an account.

Foucault's Penguin

add a penguin to Foucault's pendulum
  (+3)
(+3)
  [vote for,
against]

Foucault's Penguin is a giant mechanical penguin that illustrates the same principle of the famous Foucault pendulum except using a different more visually animated method.

In the case of the new Penguin version, a deep conically shaped excavation houses the swinging, rigid, powered pendulum, which hangs from a freely rotating bar. This entire arrangement is able to turn in a complete circle, facilitated by precision engineered bearings.

Extending above the pendulum is the actual 3 dimensional penguin. When the pendulum swings forward, the connected penguin tilts backwards, and vice versa, the net effect is the creation of a nodding, action for the penguin.

As the pendulum generates a precession below the surface, the connected penguin above repeats the action.

An ink delivery system located inside the penguin means that every time it lunges forward, its beak delivers a tiny dot to a calibrated circular strip of paper positioned around the perimeter of the viewing/visitor room.

This paper is periodically removed and replaced following each rotation of the pendulum/penguin.

Elaborate miniature versions of Foucault's Penguin are for sale in the shop.

Inevitable deluxe version lays an egg at the end of each complete precession.

xenzag, Aug 29 2019

[link]






       Don't these poor, well-dressed, long-suffering characters already go through enough, what with the erratic weather patterns interfering with their feeding and breeding grounds?!   

       Penguin harassment [-1]
Sgt Teacup, Aug 29 2019
  

       Can we eat the penguin afterwards?
MaxwellBuchanan, Aug 29 2019
  

       "is a giant mechanical penguin...." The penguin is more likely to be modified to eat you.
xenzag, Aug 29 2019
  

       Nice, I like this.
bondarchukb, Aug 29 2019
  

       //The penguin is more likely to be modified to eat you//   

       I can help with that. With minimal tinkering, I can reactivate some dormant penguin genes and - gadulka! - penguin with teeth!
MaxwellBuchanan, Aug 29 2019
  

       I'm sure we can license you to construct that version for the usual exorbitant fee.
xenzag, Aug 29 2019
  

       I'm going to hazard a guess that due to diet, penguin tastes much the same as gull.   

       For reference reading, try the true story "The Raft" (Robert Trumbull).   

       "When a plane carrying three airmen fails to return from its bombing mission on January 16, 1942, the U.S. Navy can afford only a brief search before giving the men up as dead"
normzone, Aug 29 2019
  
      
[annotate]
  


 

back: main index

business  computer  culture  fashion  food  halfbakery  home  other  product  public  science  sport  vehicle