This WireClamp is designed to clamp 0.8mm diameter wire onto 1/4in (6.4mm) diameter graphite rods. While a previous version was tested, this improved version hasn't been tested yet, so use at your own consideration.

This is a little tiny vase, about 50mm or 2 inches long. It happens to mechanically fit into the side USB port of my monitor. Of course this use is not recommended since it might cause damage, and I don't know how long it will "hold water".

Only order it in the "Detail" materials (shown is "Transparent Detail"). It carries the little logo of my experimentation activity. If you'd like it removed or apply your own logo, you have the following options:
(a) create one yourself, it's easy
(b) go to thingiverse* and modify yourself
(c) contact me; if I have time I could customize it for you...

*You can download the Sketchup and STL files from www.thingiverse.com/thing:3728

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Update: my friend s3gfault announced on Sept. 18 2010 that he is thinking about writing a Linux driver for the USB-Vase ;-)

This is a first attempt at making an "Auxetic" material. When compressed in the vertical direction, it shows the rather unusual behavior of contracting in the other two directions. If one assigned a Poisson number to the assembly, it would be negative. You could consider this a "mechanical metamaterial". See Wikipedia for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auxetics. Thanks to my friend Greg for introducing me to Auxetics.

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Technical Note: Lots can be improved going from this first try:
- compression in x/y leads to buckling: try introducing double parallel horizontal linkages to avoid
- actually, a 3x3x3 unit (or whatever one can afford) would be cool, and might also help with the buckling
- at maximum compression, the 4 hinges meet and interfere much less elegant than desired

Happy Birthday to Rowan... who can now also "tag" physical documents ;-)

Is it necessary to state that this has absolutely no function whatsoever? ;-)
No, and there are no Windows drivers (yet). If you need a driver, try a hammer. Ooooozapft is...!

If you like this (why would you?), then you might also like www.usb-vase.info .

Credits:
Modified and adapted to 3D printing by TrisQ based on the design "Spigot 2" by user "Chuck" on Google Warehouse. Published in Google Warehouse and accessed 09/18/2010 at http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=f5768e78c91ac91dd5fb864340bb146&prevstart=0

I use this clip when hiking and pumping water with my water filter pump from a stream. It holds the outlet hose securely in my (generic soda) bottle that I use for fresh water. This way, I avoid the hose falling out into the mud, etc. Of course you have to judge yourself whether you think the design and the material is suitable for this use.