This clock has iron fillings in the face. electromagnets are placed so that they can produce any number (think normal digital clock). When it is on, the fillings are attracted to the numbers, forming the correct time. The electromagnets are behind a highly polished non-magnetic metal surface to provide the contrast with which you use to discern the shape of the iron fillings.
-- DesertFox, May 27 2004

Needs a vibrator to make sure that the filings don't lump together and clog everything.
-- kbecker, May 27 2004


The fillings are sealed of from the rest of the clock.
-- DesertFox, May 27 2004


charming, well done Mr/Ms [Fox].
-- neilp, May 27 2004


I see a problem with the iron filings falling down to the bottom of the face. The magnets would have trouble in picking them back up. What is your solution to this? I'm sorry, I cannot think of anything.
-- Ling, May 27 2004


The electromagnets would only have to raise the fillings an inch or two. The electromagnets wouldn't have to be that powerful.

Neilp, its Mr. Fox. Check my account page.
-- DesertFox, May 27 2004


Air jets at the bottom, maybe?

(I hadn't checked this posting in a looooong time. I was looking at the MacGyver Hoots Down! thingy and decided to check my old idea.
-- DesertFox, Aug 22 2004



random, halfbakery