KING@KESTREL (12/29/82)
From: Richard M. King <KING at KESTREL> I once looked at a battery powered clock that had a magnetized balance wheel, but instead of the usual escapement on the balance wheel there was a ratchet pawl that drove the gears of the timekeeping mechanism. The only coupling between the battery and the wheel was a set of coils near the wheel, connected to an electronics package, in turn connected to some device that was probably a hall-effect sensor. I suspect that's what you have there. A Lithium watch battery would cost the manufacturer about a quarter and would last for five or ten years. There could even be a small photovoltaic cell recharging the battery. Dick PS: By the way, has anyone heard any more about the alledged room-temperature superconductor? -------
warren (01/03/83)
In response to many requests for the maker of my perpetual motion top, I am posting the name and address of the manufacturer. It was ordered from a catalog for "The Game Room", whose address has at least temporarily been lost. The top is called "Top Secret" and is made by: Andrews Manufacturing Company, Inc. 2121 Franklin bvd. Eugene Oregon, 97403 Thanks to all who replied to my puzzle. It is a very interesting device. Warren Montgomery (ihnss!warren)