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Universal Allen Key

 An Allen key for all bolts, using biology?
 
(0) 		  [vote for,
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Certain protein mixtures can change their mechanical characteristics with a change in applied voltage. If you could contain a mixture which when a voltage is applied it becomes rigid, (and the electrodes) in a tough flexible "bag" then when a voltage is applied it would become rigid. If this were attached to the end of a handle then the "bag" could be forced over the head of an Allen bolt (or possibly other fixings) at which point flexible "bag" would take on the internal geometry of the hexagonal hole on the head of the Allen bolt. Apply a certain voltage and it will become rigid (or very nearly) allowing you to undo this bolt, and bolts of other sizes and geometries. Then switch the voltage off and the mixture becomes fluid again.
—gooseganda, Dec 01 2003

(?) Universal Allen Keys http://www.cyclepat...oducts/itm00150.htm
No magic technology needed... [DrCurry, Oct 04 2004]

(?) Like this? http://www.lotsofto...mage-locale-us.html
[silverstormer, Oct 04 2004]

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       The possibilities are (almost) endless.
—phoenix, Dec 01 2003
   

       Universal bolt/allen-key tools are baked, see link. I'm not sure if we have the technology to do what you are talking about, yet.
—silverstormer, Dec 01 2003
   

       Well, those in [DrCurry}'s link are "universal" by providing many into one ... what I would like to see is ONE that caters to many ... [+]
—Letsbuildafort, Dec 01 2003
   

       The next custard/ferrofluid. Not that that's a bad thing. Link to these electrohappy proteins?   

       Form-fit the other end to your hand, for better grip.
—RayfordSteele, Dec 01 2003
   


 

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