Seems like it could have applications for something like a rope climbing device, since all of the internal edges converge (or diverge) as the parts are rotated.

Is this the first working triple gear? I'm having troubles understanding the significance of or uses for this device.

I think the primary (only?) value is as a demo object for showing off 3D printing.

I was thinking mainly for showing how awesome math is!

That looks like a piece of artwork!

Z-axis "elimination" due to the projection on a 2d plane makes it look like a triquerta[0] (really a trefoil knot[1]) on those shots, except there are three loops, not one.

[0]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triquetra [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trefoil_knot

More cool gear here:

http://bugman123.com/Gears/index.html

This is mechanical transistor. I'm looking forward to a Turing complete machine based on triple gears.

really cool thrust bearing!?