Own the Tesla Valve, as per the original design of Nikola Tesla, patented in 1920. See the video below to observe the valvular conduit in action.

Nikola Tesla invented this valvular conduit as a valve for his engines. Materials at the time were pretty bad, and valves were unreliable. Tesla figured that by removing any moving parts from a valving mechanism, he could create a simpler and more robust valve. The hook regions in the Tesla Valve reroute the fluid back in on itself creating a bit of resistance. All the hooks added together do a good job of arresting the fluid, especially when the gas or liquid is pulsed through the valvular conduit.

When you hold the valve in your hands after opening your shapeways package you are possessed of a strange kinship with the historical figure of Nikola Tesla. Pressing your lips to the valve, and blowing through it, you see that it actually works. In the resistive direction your breath is nullified to a mere whisper by the Tesla Valve. And in the non-resistive direction, air flows through unimpeded. It is startling the effect, and to think something so interesting as this valvular conduit was made so long ago.

I made this valve to commemorate Tesla's birthday on the 10th of July, 1856. Owning this valve is a way of recognizing a forgotten genius of unparralled creativity.

Here is a tower-like candelabra, which has a housing for an LED and coin battery (both supplied by purchaser). While the piece is lovely and interesting on its own, a shade is available, sold separately, in the shop to diffuse the light and provide more character.


Directions for assembly:

When you look at the housing where the coin battery slips in, you will notice that there are three supports that define this space. Two look the same, and one looks a little different. Let's call the one that looks different the "back support".

Get yourself an a standard 5mm LED. Any colour is good - your choice. For the brightest, I would recommend a super bright white or an ultra bright white. But for fun, know that blue and green LED's look very nice with the moon shade if you have bought it also :) Notice that one of the wires coming from the LED is longer. This is the "positive" wire.

Insert the wires of the LED down through the top hole in the candelabra, and wrap the "positive" wire around the "back support" taking care that it is placed so that it will only touch the battery at this place and no other.

Bend the other wire in a such a way that it will touch only the topside of the battery.

Get yourself a 2cm diameter, 3 volt coin battery. The ones I use are described by this code: CR2025. Insert this battery, negative side up, into the LED Candelabra housing.

Your Candelabra should immediately turn on nicely! Note that you can slide the battery slightly away from the back support and this will turn the light out.

If you have purchased the shade, this is very easy to twist on. Simply drop the shade down allowing its slots to slide over the three housing supports. Then twist the shade to secure it fits tightly.

Enjoy!

-Whystler

Wraith space superiority fighter (pictured next to Scout Ship Proto in yellow)

Have your very own Black Hole / Worm Hole! Travel thru space and time without breaking the bank. 1 X 1mm grid lines. Almost 4 inches long.  For a smaller version of this  visit http://shpws.me/1YzD

Tested in the following materials:
white strong & flexible

Proof of concept overlapping iris component (Outer Ring). Similar to iris mechanism in Stargate.

Can't take the sky from me

Size bumped up to 60mm per request.
Model reworked some 

The Original MineGate from this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksog1wHcrJg

Puddle Jumper space ship found in the TV show Stargate ..

The LED candle is an elegant sculpture that sheds a romantic light. Fitting snugly into any of your most favourite standard candle holders, the LED candle is a new generation of task lighting that not only sets a mood and defines a style, but is far more energy efficient than a fire burning candle. It hearkens to an old form for a new age, but never attempts to be a faked illusion. Instead, the LED candle showcases its electric coin battery and wires as part of the design for those who love to be close to the magic of technology.

-futuristic charm at home on a space station

-sinuous form equally suited on the tables of mystical elven banquet halls.

-minimal use of material and energy.

**submitted for consideration in the 2011 icff11 contest.