Technology
The Timberjack Walking Machine
Also known as the John Deere Walking Tractor. It was like a real-life version of the walkers from Star Wars (minus laser cannons). Details from Forestry Thoughts:There were few reasons why there were only two ever made. One was high price and other main one was its slowness in the field. It is a remarkable piece of engineering ahead of its time. One of these machines is at display at the Lusto, at the Finnish Forest Museum. And the other one I think, was shipped to USA to be displayed at some John Deere exhibition.
Posted By: Alex - Sun Nov 03, 2024 -
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Category: Robots, Technology
A Double Barrel Blast
Side 2 is particularly relevant to today's AI debate.
Posted By: Paul - Sun Nov 03, 2024 -
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Category: Death, Technology, Vinyl Albums and Other Media Recordings, 1960s
Mystery Gadget 113
The purpose of this contraption? The answer is here, or after the jump.
More in extended >>
Posted By: Paul - Sun Oct 06, 2024 -
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Category: Technology, 1940s
Clamp for Male Urinary Incontinence
I think you could substitute something like this from the hardware store.Full patent here.
Posted By: Paul - Sun Sep 29, 2024 -
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Category: Hygiene, Technology, 1950s, Men
Miss General Electric
In 2017, Alex reported on "Miss Food Freezer," who also held the title of "Miss General Electric." I thought I'd try to find other winners of the latter title. But references are few and far between.The earliest citation is 1925; the latest, 1968.
I am not sure about "Miss General Electric Torch" being the same honor.
Miss General Electric Torch and Miss Bell Torch presenting $507,412 and $630,943 to the United Fund. Two women holding a sign.
Posted By: Paul - Tue Sep 24, 2024 -
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Category: Awards, Prizes, Competitions and Contests, Beauty, Ugliness and Other Aesthetic Issues, Technology, Appliances, Twentieth Century
Miss Calculator of 1952
I've been unable to find out if Ruth Houser ended up winning the title of "Miss Calculator of 1952."Incidentally, the Monroe Calculating Company is still around, and still selling calculators.
Johnson City Press-Chronicle - May 18, 1952
Posted By: Alex - Sun Sep 01, 2024 -
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Category: Awards, Prizes, Competitions and Contests, Technology, Computers, 1950s
Mystery Gadget 112
Why? How? What?The answer is here.
Or after the jump.
More in extended >>
Posted By: Paul - Tue Aug 13, 2024 -
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Category: Body, Technology, 1920s
Electro-Vibratory Bodysuit
A full suit of electrical stimulators and vibrators to cure your charley-horses.Full patent here.
Posted By: Paul - Tue Aug 06, 2024 -
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Category: Body, Inventions, Patents, Technology, Twenty-first Century
Toaster That Butters the Toast
Man, given the laziness of the average person, this should have been a bestselling item. Unless...the notion of a reservoir full of old butter sitting at room temperature for weeks was a turn-off.Full patent here.
Posted By: Paul - Mon Jul 15, 2024 -
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Category: Domestic, Food, Inventions, Patents, Technology, 1960s
Follies of the Madmen #599
Who knew that electrical appliances could be such rivals? And is that gal's Bride of Frankenstein hairdo a result of the scary radio mystery, or just her natural style?If you go to the source, you can magnify the text.
Posted By: Paul - Wed Jun 26, 2024 -
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Category: Radio, Rivalries, Feuds and Grudges, Technology, Advertising, 1940s
| Who We Are |
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| 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 |