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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."

10 of 181 comments (clear)

  1. Capri Sun by Asmor · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Wouldn't a Capri Sun work just fine? Just a packet of liquid with no rigid structure which contracts to always contain the liquid...

    Reminds me of that old (and false) joke about Americans spending a million dollars to invent a pen that can write in space, while the Russians used a pencil.

    1. Re:Capri Sun by moosesocks · · Score: 2, Insightful

      I think you're missing the point. As long as a reasonably good seal is maintained (which is usually the case), the drink "packet" will deform as the drink is consumed instead of letting air to fill the void left by the liquid.

      Gravity doesn't even factor into the equation, although getting the last few drops out could prove to be frustrating..

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      -- If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done? - Uli's moose
  2. Uh.. Capri Sun? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Wouldn't a "Capri Sun" solution work just as easily? Put the liquid in an air-tight bag with a straw.

    Ah, solutions looking for problems.

  3. Re:Let me get this straight by xenocide2 · · Score: 2, Insightful

    No, no. It's even more simple than that. All you have to do is put the liquid in the straw before takeoff, then you don't have to chase the globule down with a straw!

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  4. Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? by Gewalt · · Score: 2, Insightful

    No, it begs the question.

    No, I don't care if some website says the etymology of that phrase is in some fashion contrary to it's current modern day usage. The mere fact of the matter is that language evolves, and so did that phrase. People look like idiots for suggesting that the phrase was used incorrectly, as that is NOT the accepted definition.

    Quit modding that wrongful correction as insightful. That statement, and its "Insightful" modding is a very good indication that the poster, nor the modder has any insight on the fluidity of language. /soapbox

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  5. Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Fie! Hast thou not esteem for the sanctitee of the English tonge? Verily, that sufficentlly benefecent to be used by Jesus Christ must needs be goodest enoughtst for you. Getest thee backest to Russia!

  6. Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? by agrippa_cash · · Score: 4, Insightful

    "You're assuming your conclusion" isn't that many more letters than "You're begging the question." and uses each word as it's currently understood.

  7. Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? by pushing-robot · · Score: 2, Insightful

    You are not the first person to make the claim that widespread incorrect usage is no longer incorrect. You are not the last person who will do so.

    And he is not wrong for doing so. How do you think the English language was created? Lexical Engineers?

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  8. Re:Would you need a screw shaped cork for wine? by jesdynf · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Merely because everyone else in the world is wrong is no reason to change my opinion.

    If, as you say, popular usage legitimizes, and if the users of the language have the right to define it... you appear to be forgetting that *I am a user of the language*, and have the right to define it. You don't get to claim that everyone but me has the right to an opinion on the subject. I simply need to change popular meaning and its use in everyday English, exactly like *you* are trying to do by posting in this thread.

    Anyone attempting to construct an argument so rigorous they have cause to use the phrase "begging the question" usually places enough value on words and language to be shamed by their misuse of them when the point is explained. I find that one correction on *this* point usually sticks.

    In fact... thinking about it... I'd be willing to bet karma on the fact that you don't use it, either. Because -- your arguments about "popular usage" aside -- you, personally, know very well that it's wrong, and *you* place enough value on your words not to make such a mistake.

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  9. Re:a better more obvious solution? by binaryspiral · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Maybe not a cardboard juicebox, but more like a foil or plastic bag.... I was thinking the same thing.

    This goes back to the millions of dollars spent researching and developing an ink pen that would write in zero G. The Russians laughed all the way to the pencil sharpener.