|
289 results found
|
displaying 88-90 |
|
|
| Improved freight transit 
This idea is directed at the USA but might have application elsewhere.I am proposing an idea to our government to promote the creation of a nationwide, privately run, rail shipping system that could significantly affect the energy cost and number of interstate trucks. The idea is a cross between the Interstate highways and Federal Express. The infrastructure would be developed and paid for by both the federal and local governments just as the Highways were. Initially it would only connect major transport hubs. Over time it would be extended to cover the same sites our current interstate system covers, possibly by using land contiguous with the highways. A major rail yard being set up outside each transport hub. The trains would only carry truck trailers that would be picked up at the rail yard and delivered to their final destination.Where the Fed Ex idea comes in would be in the charter under which the schedules were run. Trains would leave on-time, whether fully loaded or not. Delivery at the rail yard would be guaranteed by the private firm running the system. This private firm would gain the concession to run the service by bid from the Federal government. They would be held to their schedules, rates and penalties by the terms of their contract and federal law, the ultimate penalty being loss of the concession and a fine. Payment for the concession would be used for repayment of the construction costs. Private trucking firms would supply the delivery to final destination and from source to the rail yard.I suggest this idea for two reasons, although it may have several others. After talking with some friends who were truckers but have left the business, I found they were driven out by rising fuel costs and flat charge rates. The rates set by the major trucking firms make it impossible for small contractors to compete. This is the way capitalism works and eventually, when the competition is reduced, rates will rise again. This proposal would reduce the amount of fuel used for long distance transportation while overcoming the chief objection to rail transport, untimely delivery. Secondarily, it would decrease the number of heavy trucks on the interstates which would increase the safety and structural life of those roadways. I would appreciate your thoughts both on the feasibility of the idea and a method of presentation that might gain some considered thought by our government.Reward: Fewer trucks on the Interstate and less air polution. 
There is 1 reply to this idea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| What if your belongings could TALK
I lose things all the time. My cell phone, the remote, my purse, all sorts of objects are constantly squirting out of my grasp and getting lost, and I then spend countless hours searching... okay it's not that extreme, but it is annoying to lose stuff in your house and wander around looking for it.The product I imagine is a small round device with a button and a tiny speaker, with some adhesive on the back, you could peel and stick onto any item you are always losing. It uses voice recognition software similar to the way your cell phone can dial off voice commands. You hit the button to program it with that item's name. Or you could name it anything you like - name your purse Louis if you are so inclined. Then your item would be able to call out to you to aid in your search. You could call out "remote?" and your remote would either beep or answer back "here I am!". I imagine selling a package of these on TV commercials ("operators are standing by") for one lowlow price.I have seen a similar product sold by Sharper Image, but it didn't use voice recognition, and it had a base unit which was enormous, and the tags to apply to your belongings were huge. Maybe technology can't make it small enough...Reward: free product, credit for the idea~
There are 2 replies to this idea
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Desert houses
Building a house in the desert with very little material. Basically instead of building the house, dig it up. Add on some self tainting glass roof to benefit from all the sun light, a couple of solar panels in the 'underground' garden, which is obviously at the same level as your house (i.e. underground) and some system to recycle water for a month or so, while waiting for the next delivery by truck.Would be great in Algeria where there is over 2 million squares kilometers of desert to grab and the state gives you free concessions for 99 years. Could turn into an estate (they give up to 100 square kilometers for free) and start up some hi tech, hi added value products business and ensure enough cash for the whole environmentally friendly thing to work out.Problems: haven't got a clue on the architecture and technical stuff surrounding such a building project?Reward: A free Saharan dug up house like this. 
There are 4 replies to this idea
|
|
|
|
|
