A new material that harnesses the vibrations from a surface, such as inside a moving vehicle, could allow drivers to charge their phones simply by placing them inside the car. The material is made of a piezoelectric polymer called ployvinylidene fluoride (PVFD). By depositing nanoparticles of zinc oxide onto a thin film of the polymer and the etching them off, it is possible to create pores in the polymer that gave it a sponge-like consistency. It is this spongy consistency that...

The new multi-tool is designed for medics and rescue personnel, and includes such tools as an oxygen tank wrench and carbide glass breaker. It features only the tools specifically requested by EMT technicians. It includes 420HC stainless steel medical shears that can be adjusted to the desired tension as well as a strap cutter, ring cutter, and 5 cm ruler. The glass-filled nylon handles can withstand extreme temperatures and provide a firm grip in slippery conditions, and the...

The DNA fog tagging system can mark an intruder without their knowledge, making it easier for police to identify them later. DNA marking has already been in use by law enforcement agencies, with the most common use being to mark persons of interest at riots. The new system will be a bit more general, and will be meant to help stop and identify an intruder. Called DNA Fog, the device will fill a room with smoke and DNA-loaded droplets when triggered by a break-in. More than just...

Wearable PC will be controlled by facial movements, such as winking or grinding the teeth. The tiny computer will weigh just 17 grams and will be equipped with a GPS, compass, gyro-sensor, battery, barometer, speaker and microphone. Infrared sensors in the ear clip will monitor the small movements in the ear, which vary according to the movements from the eyes or mouth. Once linked with other gadgets via Bluetooth, such as an iPod or smartphone, the device will allow users to...

Flexible electronics, which have led to everything from cell phones to gadget-charging jeans, could now be used to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The idea is to develop a one-piece romper outfitted with a sensor system that will monitor the child's breathing. The suit's stretchable, printed circuit board will be ironed into the suit-- keeping the outfit comfortable while monitoring breathing in the chest and stomach areas. The stretchable circuit board could also be...

The solar-powered watercraft will not only cost much less than the traditional water craft--it will also help save a life. The solar-powered watercraft will be a design combination of a ski, surfboard and catamaran. Realizing how difficult it is to tow a body in the water, I suggest creating the solar, electric motor-powered paddleboard as way to speed water rescues. The watercraft central platform will make it easy to slide a body on board, and the V-shaped catamaran hull will...

The idea is to have a lighting system that will mimic the sun's movement and the temperature of sunlight to provide some sun-drenched relief to office workers and apartment dwellers. The surface of the system will be enhanced by nano-technology to replicate the same light-scattering process as the atmosphere (which creates our blue sky). When LED lights are placed behind these panels, the result will be a realistic 'skylight' that can add natural light to hard-to-reach interior...

The idea is to create a 'wheel within a wheel' to absorb energy from bumps on the road and transform it into forward motion. The wheel will be made up of a pair of steel hoops that will fit together and will be suspended by an array of springs. The outer hoop will be made of rubber similar to a conventional tire while the inner hoop will be attached to the springs by studs. When tire will roll over a bump, the outer ring will spring while the inner ring will remain stable, reducing...

The bicycle could be simplified eliminating the chain and gears completely by locating the pedals on the back wheel. The bicycle minimalist design will include a steel frame consisting of two bars between the wheels as well as diagonally placed forks, which will leave only a small gap between the front and back wheels. The rear steering and lightweight will offer new maneuverability options and the simplified design will be easy to maintain. The small size of the bicycle will...

A new pool-cleaning robot will use sensory/algorithmic system to determine the size of the pool and select the most efficient cleaning path. While avoiding obstacles--like the pool's ladder and its own power cord--the robot will clean the entire surface of the pool floor, walls and steps with its motorized PVC scrub brush. It will work without using the pool's filtration system, hoses or booster pumps, which should help save money by reducing the need to run those systems.