[BobNovas]

I have invented a design for a new type of wheel. You've undoubtably seen the wheels that have an inner part that is free turning on a bearing. (Actually, I find these wheels kind of physically disturbing.)

The new wheel also has a freely turning part, but in this new wheel, it serves as an electrical generator - It is weighted so that it remains roughly steady, like a pendulum, and has a magnet about which a coil, carried by the main wheel, rotates such that the coil generates an alternating current.

The current is rectified and filtered, and supplies DC electricity to a circuit that senses the wheel position, using a sensor and the pendulum. The circuit then fires Light Emitting Diodes, positioned around the rim of the rotating part of the wheel, so that they appear to be steady in space.

So, at night, when you look at this wheel, you see an illuminated set of dots that do not rotate. The wheel has additional modes where the lights appear to rotate slowly forward or slowly backward.

I am sure that this wheel would sell like hotcakes.

As a further development, I believe that the electric current developed by the wheel generator could be transformed to a much higher voltage, in the kilovolt range, and used to create an arc discharge from the center outwards to the rim of the wheel, creating an attractive and exciting display.

Anyone want to help with this invention?

(Trapped at VIR)

[Trak Ratt]

Way to much time on your hands since you finished your MBA

See you tomorrow

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by BobNovas

As a further development, I believe that the electric current developed by the wheel generator could be transformed to a much higher voltage, in the kilovolt range, and used to create an arc discharge from the center outwards to the rim of the wheel, creating an attractive and exciting display.

Anyone want to help with this invention?

(Trapped at VIR)

If it will shoot out like a laser, I'm in for a test set!!

Sort of related, did anyone see the Rolls Royce on Top Gear Monday? The wheel hubs are engineered so the "RR" always is upright.

[87turbolook911]

Your first customer.....



(Pimp My Ride host)