07-28-2011, 08:42 PM | #11 |
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Location: Pelham, NH, USA.
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I believe you may be thinking of the 'y' shaped stick with a rubber band across the uprights, as in a modern slingshot.
The true or older more original definition would have been of a leather strap with a pocket for a projectile (usually a rock) in the center. You hold both ends and the pocket is at the center of the sling that is made from both ends being suspended. Then the slingshot is spun overhead in a similar manner to a bolo or other stringed weapon, and one end of the sling is released, allowing the shot to fly. Think of David and Goliath. In relation to this application, I was thinking of a tool that employed centrifugal force (or the release of energy made by that force) to do some of the work being contained in Kamen's device.
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Karl Ian Sagal To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. "Well done is better than well said." (Ben Franklin) Bene factum melior bene dictum Proud past President of SEG America and member of the First Premier Segway Enthusiasts Group and subsequent ones as well. |
07-28-2011, 10:54 PM | #12 |
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If you watch this video, you will see that Slingshot is a distilling machine. The key to it's potential is that it is a very efficient distilling machine, recycling the heat given up by the condensing of steam to liquid water to pre-heat the incoming dirty water. The Slingshot has no direct inter-relationship with Kamen's Stirling engine generator. Slingshot needs electrical power, and the Stirling generator can provide it, using non-conventional fuels and apparently quite efficiently, but it could get electrical power from anywhere else, if it were available. Suppose one designed a still that operated directly on cow chips, but implemented some of the efficient insulation and heat recycling technologies? Perhaps not as tidy as the Slingshot, but no electrical power required. However, Bob Kerns has an excellent point: Renewable fuel sources might be available, but that doesn't mean they are good for the environment. As an example, Colorado began setting limitations on wood-burning stoves and fireplaces years ago. Some of the beautiful ski-resort areas were getting overwhelmed with air pollution. Last edited by Civicsman; 07-28-2011 at 11:09 PM.. |
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