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Corkscrew Cups Could Keep Space Drinks Flowing

holy_calamity writes "A Canadian chemical engineer has a novel solution to containing liquids in space. He has been experimenting with corkscrews of ribbon-like material that keep liquids suspended in their center while in microgravity. This effect is caused by the surface tension of the liquids. The helical containers allow the fluid to be sucked out of the coil in one go. In more conventional shapes, such as coffee cups, interaction between the container and the liquid's internal pressure makes the beverage break into annoying globules you have to chase with a straw."

19 of 181 comments (clear)

  1. Globule wars. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    "In more conventional shapes, such as coffee cups, interaction between the container and the liquid's internal pressure makes the beverage break into annoying globules you have to chase with a straw."

    Yes, but that's half the fun right there of going into space. The other is passing space gas.

  2. Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? by PrescriptionWarning · · Score: 5, Funny

    And also begs the question, what shape would the corkscrew opener be for that? the shape of a bottle perhaps?

    1. Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? by Zeinfeld · · Score: 2, Funny

      This is so useful to me in my daily life. From now on I am going to insist on helical containers for all my micro-gravity beverage needs.

      --
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    2. Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? by fotoguzzi · · Score: 2, Funny

      She + he + it. Now, if only there were a convenient way to contract those.

      --
      Their they're doing there hair.
  3. whooa by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Stop it you're totally freaking me out man

  4. Star bucks by EmbeddedJanitor · · Score: 2, Funny

    Coffee in space?

    --
    Engineering is the art of compromise.
    1. Re:Star bucks by FiloEleven · · Score: 3, Funny

      In space, no one can hear you sip.

  5. Prior art. by bobdotorg · · Score: 4, Funny

    I believe it's called a Silly Straw. I have one sitting right next to my Tang.

    --
    __ Someday, but not this morning, I'll finally learn to use the preview button.
  6. Let me get this straight by Teflon_Jeff · · Score: 3, Funny

    If you keep the liquid in a tube smaller than the globule it will break into, it won't break into a globule? Next thing, they'll be supplying these "astronauts" with "air" Brilliant!

    --
    "Teach a man to build a fire, and he's warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life."
  7. Re:Capri Sun by Microlith · · Score: 3, Funny

    Did the russians have fun brushing the shavings and graphite dust out of the relays?

  8. College students rejoice by gblackwo · · Score: 2, Funny

    Sounds like a space-age beer bong

  9. Re:Does this mean... by kcbanner · · Score: 3, Funny

    It means your "Strategically Engineering Anti-Gravity Humanoid Powered Suction Devices(TM)" are worth something, yes.

    --
    Obligatory blog plug: http://www.caseybanner.ca/
  10. Re:I'm interested in how they simulated microgravi by Walt+Dismal · · Score: 4, Funny

    As if we didn't have enough trouble with drunken diapered astronauts, now NASA's come up with a way to have martinis in space! They should have stuck with Jello Shots in a Tube, TangDrivers, and secretly fermenting raisins from their Space Lunches. Not to mention huffing escaping gas from the air conditioning system. Yes, these plain-vanilla pilots and scientists have a wild side. The dewy-eyed novices on all-male flights awarded their first "Member of 50-Mile High Club" patch. The ones with a secret tattoo of Richard Simmons on their lower back saying "Your Space Buddy!" The "NASA Says Save Water in Space, Shower With Your Co-Pilot" ecology program. Oh, the horror. Cover your eyes, children.

  11. Re:How do you fill it? by Anonymous+Cowpat · · Score: 2, Funny

    Duh, the replicator serves drinks in these things. Sheesh - do I have to explain even the most BASIC space technology to you guys?

    --
    FGD 135
  12. Now all I need is by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    two girls, a camera, soothing music, and a space ship.

  13. Re:Does this mean... by gaelfx · · Score: 2, Funny

    Damn, I knew i should have invested more in marketing! Do have the number of a good PR rep?

  14. Re:I KNEW IT! by moosesocks · · Score: 3, Funny

    Personally, I'm waiting for them to start cutting the corners off of our paper.

    (The urban legend goes that the production company behind BSG liked the series, but thought that it was too expensive for what it was, and instructed the director to "cut some corners." Not being too happy with this, the director subsequently told his props manager to cut the corners off of every square and rectangular object he could find in his inventory. Oddly enough, this added to the "futuristic" appearance of the props)

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    -- If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done? - Uli's moose
  15. Crazy Straw 3: Electric Boogaloo by byronne · · Score: 2, Funny

    I'm gratified to see that Crazy Straw technology has evolved...in space!

    --
    "Look, Smithers! I'm Davy Crockett!"