Jeff Thompson | Blog

Restrictor plate designs for joysticks (via ArcadeControls forum)

J.A. Purves’ model car, from Popular Science (May 1932). Via this very cool article about “monowheels“.

From the archives – the Elefant Numeric Video (apparently having something to do with slow motion).

Beautifully-handled (no pun intended) handle from the Oro Bookshelf by Boston-based NADAAA.

Via: Core77

The menkiri bocho, also known as the udon kiri, is a knife for slicing handmade noodles – note the inset and the sharpened front edge.  Simply squishing the blade down will not make proper noodles, so the very sharp knife is drawn across to ensure a clean cut.

Via: Serious Eats

The “Compass” by GRiD Systems, designed by Bill Moggridge in 1982 (and used on NASA’s Space Shuttle in the mid-80s.

Via Walker Art Center’s “The Gradient” blog; extra shots via OldComputers.net

Sensor array at the Dark Survey Camera (video), part of the Blanco Telescope in Chile (via Wired).

Images of rope making machines, which twist individual strands separately (driven by a single crank), which are then combined into one thicker rope.

Also highly recommended are these videos on the Wikipedia page for Rope, which I sadly cannot seem to convert from OGV to anything usable :(

Via: MK Drafting and Lumenaris

The “Hexagon” spy satellite, deployed via Titan rocket in 1971.  According to this fascinating article in Wired this morning, the satellite was to return high-resolution film.  When the parachute failed to open, the module crashed into the Pacific Ocean and sunk 16,000 feet.  After a year-long recovery effort, the film succumbed to the elements and disintegrated when it reached the surface.

As I’ve posted before, I’m fascinated by the geometry and design of space equipment (and I think “Secret Hexagon” would be a great band name).

Via: Wired