The
gear problem
The frames, B,
and the wheels, G, are secured upon the hollow shafts, so that they can
not move independent of each other. Shafts are placed within the hollow
shafts, H, upon which the communicating wheels, D, and the center
wheels are secured, so that they can move independent of the frames, B,
and wheels, G.
While the
frames, B, make one revolution, the wheels, D, and the center
wheels make two revolutions. This is caused by the action of the
weighted levers E. Their weight, or inertia, prevents them from passing
around the center of the axis of the wheels with which they are
suspended in the revolving frames. The full force of this resistance,
or inertia, is applied to the other wheels of each set, and by these
wheels communicated to the center wheel.
(Subsection 937, from
p.375)
From: Gardner D. Hiscox, M.E., Mechanical Appliances and Novelties of Construction (1927), Norman W. Henley Publ. Co.
In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time something like that happened in politics or religion. (1987) -- Carl Sagan
