Beer-Tossing Refrigerator

The Denver Post reports Cornwell graduated in 2006 from Duke University with a degree in engineering. When Cornwell began a job as a software engineer in Atlanta, Georgia he began to miss the college days.

He told the Denver Post that, “I conceived it right after I got out. I missed the college scene.” So, Cornwell set to work on the contraption he had dreamed up. He reports that it took him $400 in parts and about 150 hours to get the beer-tossing refrigerator to its current state.

He told the Denver Post that while he was perfecting his machine, he came close to accidentally shattering the screen on his television. He also says he has a few dents in his walls from working out the machine’s kinks. The beer-tossing machine operates by remote control. One button click brings a can from the refrigerator, through a hole, and loads it into the catapult device. A second click of the button causes the beer can to be tossed reports the Denver Post. The device’s remote is made from a keyless entry car device.

He said, “My friends are the reason I built it. I told them about the idea and hyped it so much and I had to go through with it,” reports the Denver Post.

One of Cornwell’s professors at Duke University, Bob Kielb, reported to the Denver Post that Cornwell always participated in the engineering school’s annual robotic basketball contests when he attended the University. The professor commented, “He (Cornwell) always did well in it. He came up with completely unique ideas,” asserts the Denver Post.

When the Denver Post asked Cornwell if he is considering building more machines for sale, he said he is keeping the option open and that it depends on interest in the beer-tossing refrigerator. Cornwell also reported he has spoken to a brewing company about the machine, but at the time, there is only one machine, Cornwell’s personal refrigerator, out there.

While the contraption is currently only set up to launch cans, Cornwell tells the Denver Post he is thinking about making another machine that can launch bottles. At present, the refrigerator can launch up to ten cans of beer, soda, or juice before it needs reloading.

Imagine the super bowl parties one could have with this contraption in one’s living room. One wouldn’t have to miss a second of the game to retrieve a cold beer!

Source:

Denver Post: www.denverpost.com