space wheel demo device
Illustration of a circuit
Explanation of mystery top with two figures of the device

 

Code Number: 5K40.49c

Demo Title: Space Wheel

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Motors, Electricity and Magnetism

Area of Study: Perpetual Motion

Equipment: 

Space Circles Demo, fresh 9-volt batteries.

Procedure: 

See also 5K40.49c in Electricity and Magnetism

These demos are specially designed brushless DC electric motors.  The moving parts have magnets in them and correspond to the rotor and flywheel of the motor.  The base of the demo contains a battery, coil, steel core, and transistor.  The moving rotor induces an electric current in the coil.  This current is amplified and fed into an electromagnet which applies a torque to the magnetic rotor, which in this case has a magnet in each of the three arms.

NOTE: Be gentle with the rails of the demo.  The tabs which connect the rails to the base are particularly fragile.  The battery will last for 6 or 7 months of continuous use.  The rails may have to be cleaned of dust periodically.

References:

  • Larry K. Smith, "A Better Explanation on the Perpetual Motion Simulator", TPT, Vol. 62, #6, Sept. 2024, p. 421.
  • Hollis Williams, "A "Perpetual Motion Machine" Powered by Electromagnetism", TPT, Vol. 62, #1, Jan. 2024, p. 47.
  • Gerrard Lietz and Tony Behof, "A Double Wheel", TPT, Vol. 22, # 5, May 1984, p. 324 - 325.
  • Arthur Schmidt, Peter Insley, "Perpetual (?) Spinning", TPT, Vol. 22, # 9, Dec. 1984, p. 594.
  • H. Richard Crane, "A Spinning Top, Lenz's Law and Electric Watches", TPT, Vol. 22, # 2, Feb. 1984, p. 113.
  • Maurice Bruce Stewart, "The Marquess of Worcester's Perpetual Motion Machine", TPT, Vol. 19, # 1, Jan. 1981, p. 37.
  • Allen S. Hsiao, "Today's Panacea", TPT, Vol. 19, # 5, May 1981, p. 282.
  • Jearl Walker,  "Motors in Which Magnets Attract Other Magnets in Apparent Perpetual Motion",  The Amateur Scientist,  March, 1982.
  • C.L. Stong,  "An Electrometer, a Temperature Control Apparatus, and a Simple Electric Motor",  The Amateur Scientist,  October, 1965.