Spine Reconstruction Technology

David Bauer, Bauer Electronics,
Arnold, MO

The system is composed of a vertebral replacement system, as well as a synthetic disc and a posterior device to protect the spinal canal. The system consists of a composite spring, synthetic disc, composite screws, and the posterior device.

Hydristor Retrofit

Thomas E. Kasmer, Johnson City, NY

The Hydristor is an improvement on the dual-pressure balanced hydraulic pump. The system is a rotor with slots containing radially movable solid vanes spring-loaded to move out to contact the inner diameter surface of a flexible belt, with multiple contact friction causing the flexible belt to rotate with the rotor and vanes. The assembly is completely immersed in hydraulic oil so that four pistons jointly contact the outer diameter surface of the rotating flexible belt.

Airjet

Cain Piotrowski, Farmington Hills, MI

The Airjet is an air freshener that takes unwanted methane and bacteria from a toilet and converts it to fresh, filtered, scented, heated-oil air. The electric turbines create a vacuum, eliminating uncomfortable public or private restroom visits.

Aircraft Emergency Thrust Vector Control System

W. Plumpe, Gateway Space Transport,
Webster Groves, MO

This system provides an airliner with an alternate means of control should the primary controls fail. It consists of movable vanes installed in the exhaust pipes of the jet engines, and the associated control electronics. The system provides a means to pitch, roll, or yaw the aircraft so it can be flown to an emergency landing.

Self-Sort Recycle Bin

Nathan Carlson, Pocatello, ID

The Self-Sort Recycle Bin has three methods of sorting: (1) Using a laser scanner to sort the items by UPC barcode; (2) RFID (radio frequency identification) tags to sort items; and (3) For items not marked with RFID tags or UPC codes, the bin will have buttons that allow the consumer to direct the refuse manually.

Electric-Driven Water-Powered Engine

Loretto Abrenica, GE Aviation,
Cincinnati, OH

For this engine, water is pumped when an electric motor starts driving a centrifugal pump through a series of venturi-type nozzles. A vacuum is then formed through chambers, creating an additional suction from the main water tank, and creating the extra push needed to move the turbine-type blades.

Judges, “Create the Future” 2006 Design Contest

Emhart Teknologies Presents “Create the Future” 2006 Design Contest Winners