Inventions
Inventions of Buckminster Fuller, Part 3: The Dymaxion Map
This one is somewhat simpler than Bucky's other innovations, but no less impressive.
More in extended >>
Posted By: fyshstyxx - Wed May 27, 2009 -
Comments (2)
Category: Education, Inventions, Science
The Scream Muffler
Patent No. 4834212, issued on May 30, 1989 to inventors Moira and Frank Figone.:
It is a general object of the present invention to provide a sound muffler which can be placed over the mouth to receive and muffle sound from the mouth. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a sound muffler which provides means for measuring and indicating the intensity of the sound which is muffled.
But there seems to be a prior art issue here, because I did a news search and found a story about a woman, Diane Berkowitz, who was selling a scream muffler in 1987 described as a "silver-colored sphere which opens to reveal some sort of sound-absorbent acoustic foam."
Perhaps the Figones were able to claim their device was unique because Berkowitz didn't add blinking lights to indicate the scream intensity.
Ripley's Believe It or Not - Mar 5, 1987
The White Plains Journal News - Aug 7, 1987
Posted By: Alex - Fri May 22, 2009 -
Comments (1)
Category: Inventions, Patents
The Most Evil Device Ever?
Posted By: Nethie - Thu May 21, 2009 -
Comments (4)
Category: Body Modifications, Crime, Death, Inventions, More Things To Worry About
Inventions of Buckminster Fuller, part 1: the Dymaxion Car
This is just one of the many strange inventions that Fuller imagined would improve society. Dymaxion, which is an abbreviation of dynamic maximum tension, was the name he attached to many of his inventions.
More in extended >>
Posted By: fyshstyxx - Fri May 15, 2009 -
Comments (5)
Category: Inventions, Odd Names, 1930s, Cars
Murals That Move
Posted By: Nethie - Fri May 15, 2009 -
Comments (3)
Category: Architecture, Art, Inventions
They Had That Back Then? #2
Today's lesson: Musical Ring Tones.
(from the May 1956 issue of Popular Science)
Posted By: Salamander Sam - Tue May 12, 2009 -
Comments (4)
Category: Inventions, Music, Technology, 1950s, Yesterday’s Tomorrows
Guess the Object
This is my first entry, so I thought I'd go with something simple. Have a guess as to what this is and find out on the comments page
More in extended >>
Posted By: fyshstyxx - Tue May 05, 2009 -
Comments (4)
Category: Awards, Prizes, Competitions and Contests, Inventions
So, We Taste Like Bacon?
Ever wondered what human flesh would taste like but you've never been trapped in the Andes due to a horrific plane crash? Then this cute little robot has the answer. Designed by researchers in Japan, the Winebot is supposed to be for sorting different types of wine, cheese and hors d'oeuvres. But when a reporter placed his hand against the sensor, he was declared to be "bacon". Anyone care to confirm?
Posted By: Nethie - Mon May 04, 2009 -
Comments (7)
Category: Animals, Body, Cannibalism, Inventions, Robots
Water-Saving Shower Curtain
Here in Southern California we're facing water shortages, so Elisabeth Buecher's shower curtain could come in handy. It helps save water because it "slowly inflates around you while you shower. It leaves you only a few minutes to take your shower before trapping you."She calls her overall philosophy of design the "design of threat and punishment." Sounds kinky.
I have to admit that the idea of installing her shower curtain in the guest bathroom of our house, and not warning guests about it beforehand, is very tempting.
(Warning: One of the images on her page may be slightly NSFW.)
Posted By: Alex - Thu Apr 23, 2009 -
Comments (11)
Category: Bathrooms, Hygiene, Inventions
The Bicycle Shower
Combining your workout with a shower could save some time, I suppose. Though I'm not sure if that was the intended purpose of this invention. From the Chicago Tribune, Jan 18, 1903.
Posted By: Alex - Tue Apr 21, 2009 -
Comments (14)
Category: Bathrooms, Exercise and Fitness, Hygiene, Inventions, 1900s
| Who We Are |
|---|
| Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over thirty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. He has recently begun blogging on many curious topics with three fellow writers at The Inferior 4+1. Contact Us |