Pendulum eases pumping of water
A Serbian inventor, Veljko Milkovic, has found that by attaching a rocking beam to a hand water pump, and attaching a pendulum to the other end, it is possible to greatly increase its efficiency and ease of use
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To get the water running out of the pump, the inventor says that the pendulum needs to be out of balance. After this, it only needs the occasional push to keep the water flowing.
The pump apparently works with all sizes of pendulum, but ideally, the swing amplitude should be about 90 deg.
This simple piece of mechanism makes it possible for a human user to lift 1200 litres of water per hour from 12m depth without over exerting themselves.
Hand water pumps are important sources of water in many parts of the world, while the basic idea is applicable to improving the mechanical efficiency of many mechanisms involving reciprocating motion.
The idea is protected by patent.
