Academy Pendulum Sales
Specializing in Foucault Pendulum displays combining science and art in a captivating display of beauty and motion

Cary Ponchione
cponchione@netzero.com
(510) 215-0446

*** Notice: Change in Pendulum Specifications ***
Mark II Foucault Pendulum: Mark II Pendulum Specifications (1.2 MB PDF updated 11/15/2006)

Pendulums Built by CAS (20 KB PDF)

Academy Pendulums (formerly California Academy of Science Pendulums) are designed as permanent display installations. The Academy began selling pendulums in the early 50’s, and many may still be found operating in museums, planetarium foyers or universities.

The pendulum is a favorite of both artist or architects who want to make a bold statement showing beauty, motion, and science.

A beautiful blend of brass sculpture and motion make this exhibit a great attraction for all ages. Visitors are still awed as they were in 1851 when Jean Foucault first demonstrated the concept of a ball swinging constantly in the same direction, while the Earth rotates beneath it.

This demonstration is usually enhanced by the ball knocking down pegs, or turning on objects. Designers have free reign to use their imagination and create new ways to demonstrate this effect. Modern technologies combined with using the balls motion to trigger sensors in the floor opens up all new territories for the imagination to create new methods of showing off this exhibit.

General Description of the Pendulum Kit

Academy pendulum kits consist of the following:

• A 235 pound 16” polished brass ball with sculptured end caps.
• A 1/8” cable to suspend the ball.
• One magnetic drive system is used to keep the ball swing continuously.
• (The magnet is located near the suspension point at the top of the cable.)
• One support tower and pivot assembly
• One Electronics control package
• One 8”Cast brass floor plaque with a compass rose.
• One 10”w x 14”h, educational brass wall plaque mounted on a walnut base. It includes a credit to Jean Foucault for his contribution to science, and a brief explanation of the pendulum.

Kits come packed in wooden crates and weights approximately 600 pounds total.

 

Pendulum Site Map | Credits | Pendulum Specifications

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