The Rolling Ball Web
An Online Compendium of
Rolling Ball Sculptures, Clocks, Etc.
By David M. MacMillan et. al.
The first Gravitram was constructed with George Hohnstein (completed September 20, 1973) and installed in the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry ("OMSI") in Portland, Oregon. At the time, Levy was exhibit designer and exhibition director for OMSI.
The OMSI Gravitram is made of copper-plated 1/8 inch mild steel rods and is encased in a glass box 10 feet tall and 5 feet square. It uses eight one-inch diameter steel ball bearings, which it lifts using two separate lifters: one, a caged helix, and the other a "chain and claw."
Note: The OMSI Gravitram is entirely distinct from the OMSI rolling ball computer simulator.
The following image of the OMSI Gravitram appears through the courtesy of the sculptor, Shab Levy. It was taken in 1973. Levy is in the background of the photo.
An article and a set of photographs of the OMSI Gravitram appear here.
Thanks to Ross Olson of OMSI there are now photographs of the OMSI Gravitram online on the OMSI website at:
http://www.omsi.edu/explore/gravitram/
Please note that this site may move.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
1945 SE Water Ave.
Portland, Oregon 97214
USA
(503) 797-4000
http://www.omsi.edu/
The image on this page is copyright © 1973 by Shab Levy. With the exception of any material noted as being in the public domain, the text and encoding of this document are copyright © 1998 and 1999 by David M. MacMillan.
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Version
1.2, 1999/11/30.
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