A gas pump that you can insert cash into (similar to a vending machine). I know theft could be a problem, but it would be similar to a ATM. This would be a convenience for people who don't use debit cards.Reward: a hug
Due to the loss of lives on oil rigs in the North Atlantic and other areas, I thought of a possibly fiberglass,watertight, pod or shell-like, floating device equipped with O2 and emergency equipment that oil rig workers could access in an emergency. Two or more workers could jump in and strap themselves in, seal the lid with tinted windows, and have the exterior numbered,painted with fluorescent paint for tracking and designed with hook/or magnet for being plucked out of the sea by rescue helicopters.Reward: Future lives would be saved.
Large or small boats can carry air bags that inflate which can prevent a boat from sinking. A good desig of such air bags and smart placing of them (which can not be seen on deck) can result in balancing the boat and giving enough time for the crew to unload any water.Reward: a free cruise to Caribbean for the family
Main features: * 2-3 kitesurfing type sails * 2 catamaran hulls * hydrofoils under both ends of each catamaran hull * some kind of deck to hold passengers and cargoDetails: * the kitesails would be staggered from front to farther back (exact locations need to be worked out) * the angle of attack of the sets of hydrofoil blades on each corner would need to be controllable to facilitate the boat rising out of the water for less drag but not getting tipped over by gusts of wind * the vertical members that hold the hydroil blades would also act as daggerboards and be steerable to control sideways slipping and enable tacking against the wind * a small auxiliary energy system would be very helpful for "power steering" and to power onboard computer circuitry and sensors to respond to wind gusts and make rapid adjustments to avoid tipping overBackground * boats using kites for propulsion date back to 12th century in China (see http://www.kitesurfingnow.com/kitesurfing-facts/history-of-kitesurfing.shtml)Reward: A lot of free publicity for California State University, Pomona in advertising, literature, web sites, etc. related to commercial sales of products based on this concept.
Over ten years ago the ultimate fluid drive bicycle was invented by Douglas Brackett. This idea will transform that invention into the ultimate augmented drive cycling machine for commuters by introducing a micro-engine driven hydraulic rotory pump that feeds the same hub motor as does the variable piston pump driven by the pedal cranks. A control/relief valve will govern the top speed to meet legal requirements regardless the engine speed.Reward: The duel independent drive systems will meet Federal requirements for cycling streets and trails w/o any need for license, registration or insurance. The problems this closed system will solve are: exhausting commutes, chain, rear tire and friction wheel excessive wear and maintenance/replacements; bike imbalance due to side mounted engines; and inconvenient adjustments for wet weather conditions. Other rewards include the 200 mpg ecomomy of using a micro-engine as well as its possible application on a fold up bike. An all round happy ride.
