panillo
10-10-07, 05:12 AM
R&D Magazine has sponsored the "Oscars of Inventions" for 45 years. These research and design awards are coveted by government as well as private industry inventors. The 100 winners selected by R&D Magazine for 2007 are stunning innovations - resourceful, effective, inspiring. A significant portion of the 2007 awards are homeland security/military innovations; others are environmental, health, and there's even innovations for kids, like a must-have-Holiday-toy robot!
Here are my picks for the top 10 inventions from R & D Magazine's list of the best of 2007:
1. Air Conditioner That Controls Superbugs
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/thermostat.jpg
The Kunne air conditioning system is the first of its kind to control heat and humidity at the same time, thereby helping to prevent "sick buildings," those that make us sick just by visiting or working in them. This system does not have a filter or anything else that may hold germs and is self-cleaning. By Palm Beach R&D (http://www.palmbeachrd.com/) . Hopefully, this system will be implemented by hospitals, so those with weak immunities can avoid the dreaded superbug as well.
2. No More Blood Tests!
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/image-patch.jpg
Electro Needle Biomedical Sensor Array
Some of the 2007 awards have gone to inventions that seem just short of miraculous and the Electro Needle Biomedical Sensor Array comes close. This is a small patch device with electro-chemically treated probes. When the patch is applied to the skin, it has the ability to ascertain chemical readings present in a patient's blood without having to withdraw any blood. Thus, readings such as "carbohydrates, electrolytes, lipids, enzymes, toxins, proteins, viruses, and bacteria can be detected in a patient's blood or interstitial cellular fluid." No more searching for "good" veins? You mean no more vials and vials and vials taken? One great step for medicine; 15 great steps for the sick folks in the emergency room. Developed by the Sandia National Laboratories (http://www.sandia.gov/LabNews/070720.html).
3. Troops Can Detect Surrounding Chemicals
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/CWA-device.jpg
Hapsite Viper Chemical Identification System
Chemical detection ability is extremely important t our troops, and this HAPSITE Viper Chemical Identification System (http://www.inficonchemicalidentificationsystems.com/en/hapsiteviper.html)uses infrared technology to improve the identification of toxic substances and chemical warfare agents (CWA's) in the environment in a matter of a few minutes. The Hapsite System that can be used inside a vehicle as well as in open space, is one thousand times more sensitive than NATO requirements for such a system, affording greater safety to troops and civilians in the area. Inficon (http://www.inficon.com/en/index.html) won an R&D environmental award for the system, just one of several detection devices made by the company.
4. Homeland Chemical Detection
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/long-range-cwa-detector.jpg
Millimeter-Wave Spectrometer for Remote Chemical Detection
Another environmental innovation in CWA technology, the Passive Millimeter-Wave Spectrometer for Remote Chemical Detection (http://www.anl.gov/Media_Center/News/2007/NE070831.html.) was developed by four scientists at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois This somewhat larger device can detect harmful nuclear waste from several miles away. Focusing, let's say, on a plume of smoke from a processing plant, the spectrometer can detect the levels of environmentally dangerous particles in the smoke. For use in the U.S., this system is seen to be a boost to Homeland Security efforts and one that may have several other applications in the future.
5. A Future With Cleaner Water
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/heavy-metal-detector.img_assist_custom.jpg
Functionalized Nanoporous Thin Film
Musically, you may be partial to heavy metal, but few of us care for it in our drinking water. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (http://www.pnl.gov/about/rd100awards.asp), has developed a Functionalized Nanoporous Thin Film (FNTF) that behaves like fly paper in attracting the metals in a sample of water. When the FNTF is removed from water, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) can then be used to identify the metals on the film. The combination of these technologies makes identifying almost every heavy metal identifiable, even when present in minute quantities.
6. Let Pilots See Where They're Going!
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/Integrated-Primary-Flight-D.jpg
Integrated Primary Flight Display
It's a bit disconcerting to think that your airline pilot can't see where he's going. Now, it turns out that not being able to see what's ahead when taking off and landing may indeed be the cause of some airline accidents (ahem).
The Integrated Primary Flight Display, developed by Honeywell International, is anticipated to greatly improve a pilot's ability to avert other planes, as well as obstacles on the ground. Cool. "Honeywell's Enhanced Ground, Proximity Warning System database-a tool that uses a worldwide terrain and obstacle database along with GPS navigation or other input-which draws a computer-generated picture of the landscape outside the cockpit and alerts pilots if they are approaching an obstacle too closely. And in an effort to ensure the accuracy of the terrain data, Honeywell continuously updates the data using feedback from users who have flown more than 750 million flight hours on more than 35,000 commercial aircraft."
7. Signing Made Easy
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/motorola-advertising-chips.jpg
Motorola Printed Active Display
Motorola Inc (http://www.motorola.com). has developed a technique to make advertising grab you whether you want it to or not. While not subliminal, this technique is subtle, employing special inks and paper thin printed circuits to make words and objects stand out more than others. The Motorola Printed Active Display can be used on posters and packaging, on the surface of most commonly used media. It's not that I don't get enough advertising, but think of the various safety uses of this technology... perhaps medical alerts, driving lanes, print for vision-impaired persons. Here's hoping that this quickly becomes a technology transferred!
8. Safe Clothing Limits Sports Injuries
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/nano-materials.jpg
Nano Materials
Bikers are safer if they wear protective headgear, but Dow Corning has developed a "suit of armor" for bikers and other daredevils. The fabric used in the Dow Corning Active Protection System (http://www.activeprotectionsystem.com/index2.html) is soft and flexible until impacted, when it becomes rigid, not only at the site of impact, but throughout the material, thus protecting the entire area of the body covered. When it bounces back to its soft consistency, it can be laundered and worn again and again. Not just bikers, but other sportsmen and women can be protected from injuries by these fabrics.
9. Rear Bumper Radar/Smart Head Rest Limit Whiplash Injuries
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/Toyota-Neck-Rest.jpg
Toyota Neck Rest
Toyota (http://www.toyota.com), no innovation wallflower, has come up with a safety feature that's sure to reduce whiplash injuries and maybe even save a few lives. It's called the Rear Pre-Crash Safety System. A radar system, installed in the rear bumper, comes into play within a millimeter of the car behind when it's within two seconds of rear-ending you. It sets off your warning lights, tightens your seatbelts, and activates the pictured headrest, moving it forward to prevent your head from snapping back after collision. Toyota received an R&D safety award for this device, which is installed in the 2008 Lexus LS (http://www.lexus.com/models/LS/features/safety.html). Let's spread the wealth of safety.
10. LegoŽ Robots Promote Science & Engineering Skills
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/Alpha%20Rex.jpg
Alpha Rex
The toy to buy this holiday season, the Mindstorms NXT, brings you and your kids the next generation of LEGO's. Designed by LEGO (http://mindstorms.lego.com/Overview/NXT_Software.aspx) and National Instruments (http://www.ni.com/academic/mindstorms/), the programmable robot is designed to encourage and enhance engineering and science skills in kids. It looks like quite a challenge for adults as well. Available right now for PC's and Macs at Amazon.com.
I picked my top 10 list from 100 of the top inventions in R&D community. Don't imagine what the others are... check them out (http://www.rdmag.com/ShowPR.aspx?PUBCODE=014&ACCT=1400000100&ISSUE=0709&RELTYPE=CVS&PRODCODE=00000000&PRODLETT=A). They are all truly awesome.
Salsa........ (http://inventorspot.com/articles/imagine_10_amazing_2007_rd_innov_7303)
Here are my picks for the top 10 inventions from R & D Magazine's list of the best of 2007:
1. Air Conditioner That Controls Superbugs
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/thermostat.jpg
The Kunne air conditioning system is the first of its kind to control heat and humidity at the same time, thereby helping to prevent "sick buildings," those that make us sick just by visiting or working in them. This system does not have a filter or anything else that may hold germs and is self-cleaning. By Palm Beach R&D (http://www.palmbeachrd.com/) . Hopefully, this system will be implemented by hospitals, so those with weak immunities can avoid the dreaded superbug as well.
2. No More Blood Tests!
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/image-patch.jpg
Electro Needle Biomedical Sensor Array
Some of the 2007 awards have gone to inventions that seem just short of miraculous and the Electro Needle Biomedical Sensor Array comes close. This is a small patch device with electro-chemically treated probes. When the patch is applied to the skin, it has the ability to ascertain chemical readings present in a patient's blood without having to withdraw any blood. Thus, readings such as "carbohydrates, electrolytes, lipids, enzymes, toxins, proteins, viruses, and bacteria can be detected in a patient's blood or interstitial cellular fluid." No more searching for "good" veins? You mean no more vials and vials and vials taken? One great step for medicine; 15 great steps for the sick folks in the emergency room. Developed by the Sandia National Laboratories (http://www.sandia.gov/LabNews/070720.html).
3. Troops Can Detect Surrounding Chemicals
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/CWA-device.jpg
Hapsite Viper Chemical Identification System
Chemical detection ability is extremely important t our troops, and this HAPSITE Viper Chemical Identification System (http://www.inficonchemicalidentificationsystems.com/en/hapsiteviper.html)uses infrared technology to improve the identification of toxic substances and chemical warfare agents (CWA's) in the environment in a matter of a few minutes. The Hapsite System that can be used inside a vehicle as well as in open space, is one thousand times more sensitive than NATO requirements for such a system, affording greater safety to troops and civilians in the area. Inficon (http://www.inficon.com/en/index.html) won an R&D environmental award for the system, just one of several detection devices made by the company.
4. Homeland Chemical Detection
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/long-range-cwa-detector.jpg
Millimeter-Wave Spectrometer for Remote Chemical Detection
Another environmental innovation in CWA technology, the Passive Millimeter-Wave Spectrometer for Remote Chemical Detection (http://www.anl.gov/Media_Center/News/2007/NE070831.html.) was developed by four scientists at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois This somewhat larger device can detect harmful nuclear waste from several miles away. Focusing, let's say, on a plume of smoke from a processing plant, the spectrometer can detect the levels of environmentally dangerous particles in the smoke. For use in the U.S., this system is seen to be a boost to Homeland Security efforts and one that may have several other applications in the future.
5. A Future With Cleaner Water
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/heavy-metal-detector.img_assist_custom.jpg
Functionalized Nanoporous Thin Film
Musically, you may be partial to heavy metal, but few of us care for it in our drinking water. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (http://www.pnl.gov/about/rd100awards.asp), has developed a Functionalized Nanoporous Thin Film (FNTF) that behaves like fly paper in attracting the metals in a sample of water. When the FNTF is removed from water, x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) can then be used to identify the metals on the film. The combination of these technologies makes identifying almost every heavy metal identifiable, even when present in minute quantities.
6. Let Pilots See Where They're Going!
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/Integrated-Primary-Flight-D.jpg
Integrated Primary Flight Display
It's a bit disconcerting to think that your airline pilot can't see where he's going. Now, it turns out that not being able to see what's ahead when taking off and landing may indeed be the cause of some airline accidents (ahem).
The Integrated Primary Flight Display, developed by Honeywell International, is anticipated to greatly improve a pilot's ability to avert other planes, as well as obstacles on the ground. Cool. "Honeywell's Enhanced Ground, Proximity Warning System database-a tool that uses a worldwide terrain and obstacle database along with GPS navigation or other input-which draws a computer-generated picture of the landscape outside the cockpit and alerts pilots if they are approaching an obstacle too closely. And in an effort to ensure the accuracy of the terrain data, Honeywell continuously updates the data using feedback from users who have flown more than 750 million flight hours on more than 35,000 commercial aircraft."
7. Signing Made Easy
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/motorola-advertising-chips.jpg
Motorola Printed Active Display
Motorola Inc (http://www.motorola.com). has developed a technique to make advertising grab you whether you want it to or not. While not subliminal, this technique is subtle, employing special inks and paper thin printed circuits to make words and objects stand out more than others. The Motorola Printed Active Display can be used on posters and packaging, on the surface of most commonly used media. It's not that I don't get enough advertising, but think of the various safety uses of this technology... perhaps medical alerts, driving lanes, print for vision-impaired persons. Here's hoping that this quickly becomes a technology transferred!
8. Safe Clothing Limits Sports Injuries
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/nano-materials.jpg
Nano Materials
Bikers are safer if they wear protective headgear, but Dow Corning has developed a "suit of armor" for bikers and other daredevils. The fabric used in the Dow Corning Active Protection System (http://www.activeprotectionsystem.com/index2.html) is soft and flexible until impacted, when it becomes rigid, not only at the site of impact, but throughout the material, thus protecting the entire area of the body covered. When it bounces back to its soft consistency, it can be laundered and worn again and again. Not just bikers, but other sportsmen and women can be protected from injuries by these fabrics.
9. Rear Bumper Radar/Smart Head Rest Limit Whiplash Injuries
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/Toyota-Neck-Rest.jpg
Toyota Neck Rest
Toyota (http://www.toyota.com), no innovation wallflower, has come up with a safety feature that's sure to reduce whiplash injuries and maybe even save a few lives. It's called the Rear Pre-Crash Safety System. A radar system, installed in the rear bumper, comes into play within a millimeter of the car behind when it's within two seconds of rear-ending you. It sets off your warning lights, tightens your seatbelts, and activates the pictured headrest, moving it forward to prevent your head from snapping back after collision. Toyota received an R&D safety award for this device, which is installed in the 2008 Lexus LS (http://www.lexus.com/models/LS/features/safety.html). Let's spread the wealth of safety.
10. LegoŽ Robots Promote Science & Engineering Skills
http://inventorspot.com/files/images/Alpha%20Rex.jpg
Alpha Rex
The toy to buy this holiday season, the Mindstorms NXT, brings you and your kids the next generation of LEGO's. Designed by LEGO (http://mindstorms.lego.com/Overview/NXT_Software.aspx) and National Instruments (http://www.ni.com/academic/mindstorms/), the programmable robot is designed to encourage and enhance engineering and science skills in kids. It looks like quite a challenge for adults as well. Available right now for PC's and Macs at Amazon.com.
I picked my top 10 list from 100 of the top inventions in R&D community. Don't imagine what the others are... check them out (http://www.rdmag.com/ShowPR.aspx?PUBCODE=014&ACCT=1400000100&ISSUE=0709&RELTYPE=CVS&PRODCODE=00000000&PRODLETT=A). They are all truly awesome.
Salsa........ (http://inventorspot.com/articles/imagine_10_amazing_2007_rd_innov_7303)