flynn@pixel.cps.msu.edu (Patrick J. Flynn) (05/20/89)
May 2: Drs. Stanley Pons and Martin Fleischmann, whose claims to have demonstrated room-temperature fusion were roundly criticized at a meeting of the American Physical Society last night, announced a new breakthrough in room-temperature fusion technology in a press conference at the University of Utah today. Nicknamed the `room-temperature fusion bomb', their new process is a logical outgrowth of one of their earlier experiments in which an electrode melted, destroying part of their experimental apparatus. ``We concluded that clever design of the palladium electrode can drastically affect the release of energy. We've developed (and are in the process of patenting) our new `chunky electrode' technology, which allows us to tailor energy production to the desired application. The room-temperature fusion bomb employs an `extremely chunky' electrode.'' Pons and Fleischmann say that they have been sensitive to the criticism recently leveled at their experimental methods; however, they remain convinced that room-temperature fusion is occurring in their experiments. They plan to Federal Express one room-temperature fusion bomb experiment to each member of the American Physical Society. ``Operating instructions for the apparatus have not yet been photocopied. They will be sent via first-class mail when they're ready in a week or so,'' said Pons. -- Pat Flynn, Computer Science, Michigan State University -- Edited by Brad Templeton. MAIL, yes MAIL your jokes to funny@looking.UUCP Attribute the joke's source if at all possible. I will reply, mailers willing. Remember: Always give your jokes a descriptive "Subject:" line. Not "joke."