These are tabletop sized machines based on an amusment park ride. They can be manually controlled with a wired remote, or set "automatic" to run interesting routines unattended. There are 2 independently controled motors: one runs the main platter (causing the legs to rotate), and the other rotates the off-center mast (causing the legs to rise and fall). The rather simple physical arrangement of this design results in a smooth and unexpectedly engaging motion pattern.
Each leg has an incandescent lamp set in a diffuser shade and red/green LEDs in the tip. Lighing electrical lines pass through slip rings (to transit continuously rotating main axis). Lamp wiring is hidden in structure recesses and protected in flexing zones. In dim room light, the machine self-illuminates, and the lamps become streaks during fast spinning.
Each leg can carry a small, freely rotating object at it's end. These spin chaotically as the legs rise and fall.
These machines are designed to run reliably. They are strongly built of machined, bolted aluminum and all pivot points have precision ball bearings. Two CPM4 motor controllers protect motors and structure from shock loads by gracefully ramping motor speeds up and down, and will shut down the machine if a problem is sensed. Lift-Cable flexure zones are bell shaped to ensure long cable life.
Each leg can carry a small, freely rotating object at it's end. These spin chaotically as the legs rise and fall.
These machines are designed to run reliably. They are strongly built of machined, bolted aluminum and all pivot points have precision ball bearings. Two CPM4 motor controllers protect motors and structure from shock loads by gracefully ramping motor speeds up and down, and will shut down the machine if a problem is sensed. Lift-Cable flexure zones are bell shaped to ensure long cable life.
Motorized Kinetic Sculpture with Lighting
Rotating Amusement Device (aka Octopus) #1, #2, 2004. Design & Construction: Carl Pisaturo. Motion routines: Carl Pisaturo, Stephanie Lie. Materials: Aluminum, steel, miniature cable, polycarbonate, 2 x DC electric motors, custom motor controller modules, BasicStamp sequencer, etc. Approx 36" diameter.
Octopus
Octopus Details:
works of Carl C Pisaturo