The most modern home security systems include Barry Manilow music, killer bunnies, giant fly swatters and "toxic-hypnotic-subliminal-bubble blowers."

These were some of the mechanisms mechanical engineering students designed and built for Tuesday afternoon's "Home Alone" design competition. The contest was inspired by Rube Goldberg, a cartoonist known for his illustrations of complex and absurd but theoretically workable mechanical systems, and the movie Home Alone.

"The idea was to have as many things going on at once . . . to eliminate the intruder in as many ways as possible," said Brad Nelson (senior-mechanical engineering) and Curt Reynolds (senior-mechanical engineering), whose project included the "chop on, chop off, the chopper" and the "bubble blower."

John Lamancusa, associate professor of mechanical engineering, said the class and the final project were to "give them experience using mechanical and electrical components, interfacing them to the computer in a fun environment."

Students were given a $50 stipend to buy materials, but were encouraged to scrounge for old parts. Each working small-scale model was judged on creativity, presentation, technical merit and appearance, Lamancusa said.

"The Electromagnetic, Super-Natural, Rotational, Sectionalized Intruder Apprehension, Embarrassment and Removal System, complete with bad music," created by Grenville Day (senior-mechanical engineering) and Rick Sleutaris (senior-mechanical engineering), won the competition held in Kunkle Lounge.

In their project, intruder Gumby was assaulted in a number of ways. Upon entering the house, Gumby was distracted by the tunes of Barry Manilow and frightened by a ghost; then he was lifted by an electromagnetic crane and moved across the room to be tarred and feathered. Afterwards he was lifted into a cage where he was catapulted from the house, only to be run over by a model 4x4 truck.

It easily took them 100 hours and two all-nighters to build their security system, Sleutaris said.

"I think it's wonderful, to see that all of the projects have been set up by mechanical engineering students, and what's most amazing is that some of them at least work," said William Leonard, founder of the Leonard Center which sponsored the competition.

The overall purpose of the project was to directly apply what was learned in class, said Barbara Bogue, coordinator of engineering college relations.

Many participants and observers thought the contest was a good idea because of the practical experience.

"This class as a whole is definitely a good experience as far as the electrical, computer experience -- good hands-on, practical applications," said Dean Schoenfeldt (senior-mechanical engineering) who, along with partner Ben Kasten (senior-mechanical engineering), won the "spaghetti award" for having the biggest mess of wires.

In addition to the learning experience, students and observers had a lot of fun.

"I enjoyed it a lot," said Richard Devon, associate professor of engineering graphics and judge of the competition. "It's nice to be able to enjoy engineering and see the possibility for humor."

Some other prizes included the "MacGyver award" for being the best at improvising and scrounging, the "President's trophy" for the most different from what was originally proposed, and the "Crying Game" award for the most unexpected presentation.