I like that Lift Buddy (slide 4)--we could use a modified version around here. I wish firewood hauling tool makers would integrate the lift function into their products. Aside from log bags, they make wheelbarrow-like devices something like this, but those are worthless on anything but flat surfaces, and tough to control even there. Incorporating this could at least help loading and unloading at both ends.
I agree Ann - after reading your post, I could hardly wait to see the Lift Buddy. I have had a similar prototype in the works for years that we call the "Saddle-Jack." Being a horsewoman, I have seen a need for something that would help folks who are prone to back problems to be able to saddle their horses by themselves. We have the two wheeler but are still in the brainstorming stage for making it work in a cost-effective manner. That Lift Buddy is a great idea for lots of applications!
Nancy, that sounds like an other great app for Lift Buddy. It's been several years since I had to lift a saddle, but I'd probably have problems now getting one onto a horse's back.
I would like to know how high the Lift Buddy can lift. Most of the toughest tasks (for example, in my garage) require a reach of about eight feet. If the Lift Buddy can do that, they've got a customer.
It's amazing to see how many peripherals Microchip is able to integrate onto an 8-bit chip. I suppose that's why, after numerous predictions of ther demise of 8-bit, it's still going strong.
I agree Charles - love 8 bit microcontrollers and leave it to Microchip to expand on its peripheral capabilities. Seems like there is a PIC for every task!
Over the years, we've heard many prognosticators predict the demise of 8-bit, Nancy. The folks at Microchip always laugh about it. Seems like they've always had the last laugh.
Reminds me of a funny story, Charles. When I was a kid, I interviewed my neighbor who happened to be an engineer for Texas Instruments for a school assignment. He told me that when the transistor first came out - they said it was just a fad...
When it comes to technology, most pronosticators have been notoriously inaccurate. Here's one of my favorites from Popular Science in 1949: "In the future, computers may weigh no more than 1.5 tons."
TI's gas sensing platform is another interesting one. Gas sensing systems are a growing market for the home. Emission testing stations can also use them for measuring exhaust gases. On the inside of the vehicle, there could also be a growing market in alcohol (breathalyzer) sensing, as well as carbon monoxide sensing. I've always wondered when someone would develop a CO sensor for inside the car. Anyone who's ever driven an old beater knows the importance of that.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Two new introductions in the world of motion drives for automation are moving toward use of standard Ethernet communications, eliminating the use of custom hardware.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
2 
