This long glass vase with a rounded bottom is bent in the middle to a U shape and stands like a U on its flattened middle. It has one open side to insert the flowers and one closed side (the former rounded bottom) to hold extra water. It is filled most easily in a bowl or sink of water leaving a maximum desired level in the open side and very little air in the closed side.
As the water evaporates from the vase and flowers, the level drops until finally air bubbles flow to the closed side in exchange for water escaping to the open side. This continues for several days until the two sides’ levels are the same. Thus an extended minimum water level is maintained in this fascinating and attractive vase.-- FarmerJohn, Apr 17 2004 Japanese patent number 2000217432 http://v3.espacenet...DX=JP2000217432&F=0closest patent I could find [xaviergisz, Apr 14 2007] Like the water dispensers for pets? A small valve could be inserted in the blind end, to allow initial pumping out of air (and filling of water). Imagine the strange sounds that gurgle from time to time."Are you hungry again?"-- Ling, Apr 17 2004 Well, yes the same function, but with a much more elegant form and cleaner design.-- FarmerJohn, Apr 17 2004 Like a toilet 'U-bend' (+)-- Cunninglinguist, Apr 17 2004 Added advantage: you could use it to predict the weather...-- DrCurry, Apr 17 2004 You can predict the weather with almost anything - or with nothing at all. It's the accuracy of the predictions that's the problem, in all cases.-- Cosh i Pi, Apr 13 2007 I can't wait! In another three years, maybe there will be a reply 'sez you' ?
This must be an extreme example of esprit d'escalier!-- GutPunchLullabies, Apr 13 2007 I think the change in water levels would occur with a sporadic *gulp* (this would make would be fun to wait and watch for).
If you wanted to make the water level change more smoothly, you could put a straw inside the vase. The straw would extend from just below the desired water level on one side and inside the low pressure chamber on the other side.-- xaviergisz, Apr 13 2007 random, halfbakery