inventors John Christie left and Lou Brits right

“John these are big claims, are you sure can live up to them?…. We don’t really need to live up to them, Chris, the technology speaks for itself” – A quote pulled from the interview with inventor John Christie. (video below)

So what are these “big claims”? John Christie believes he has invented a machine that will change the way the world get’s its power, and will make scientists re-write the laws of physics.

A machine powered using magnets and a battery can apparently produce over five times the amount of power put into it. The device is known as a “Free Energy Generator,” or Lutec 1000 motor, and aside from an initial cost to build or buy the machine the energy produced is “free” and the machine is said to run indefinitely.

According to the Magniwork website: “The generator powers itself and creates energy by itself, without requiring solar energy, heat, water, coal or any kind of resource.” The site goes on to add, “The generator is eco-friendly and doesn’t produce any harmful byproducts.” (Magniwork.com)

The technology does seem to be too good to be true. As inventors John Christie, and partner Lou Brits market their device as a revolutionary technology some scientist and entrepreneurs are having doubts about the machines practical functionality.

When asked about the critics claims against his machine John responded, “They are welcome to contact us and we will give them the names of experts who have assessed the machine, but who’s going to pay the experts, who are paid more than $US90 an hour, to sit down and explain it to them – because we’re not,”

The latest version of the Lutec

One engineer, Walt Rosenthal, discredited the machine after testing it saying his experimentation found “The inventors would start with fully charged batteries for the demonstration. They assumed that the battery terminal voltage would decrease linearly as the battery was used. So, after using the battery for, say, 30 minutes, they would again measure the battery terminal voltage, and subtract this value from the start voltage, then multiply that difference voltage times the known amp-hour capacity of the battery bank, to come up with their assumption of the total energy consumed from the battery bank. Unfortunately, battery terminal voltage is almost flat for perhaps 90 percent of the battery capacity, before it drops off rather steeply for the last 10 percent of it’s capacity. Parke Cole and I tried to explain this to the inventors. I am not sure we succeeded. We were about the 15th group of people to show up on their door step after they went public. We were the first people to bring our own test equipment. The inventors said that the first people to show up were the Russian Mafia. Our bottom line was 50 watts of DC power input, which resulted in 14 watts of rotary mechanical power output. I hope the inventors have improved their device from where we tested it so that it now matches their statements of it’s performance.” (rexresearch.com)

Despite, Walt’s claims, John is still convinced his device works and is still undergoing refinements to improve its power output and functionality. The idea of harnessing magnetic energy is not new, and has been attempted before with varying degrees of success. Check out Fuellessenergy.com for another example of a generator running from magnetic power.

John Christie says his device will be able to produce 24 megawatts of power per day, and is convinced that by 2020 energy companies will be converting to this magnetic power source for clean energy.

The device itself is not on sale yet, however, Magniwork.com offers an instruction manual for do it yourselfers who wish to try and build the Free Energy Generator themselves.

The Lutec 1000 technology has been granted patents in 17 countries including the United States.  (Lutec.com)

What do you think about the Lutec 1000? Is it a legitimate alternative energy source, or a case of misguided engineers?

Watch the videos below, and peruse the links for more information on this possible energy breakthrough.

Click Here, to read the official Lutec description of how the Lutec 1000 works.

Sources:

http://www.magniwork.com/

http://www.rexresearch.com/christie/christie.htm

http://www.lutec.com.au/

http://www.lutec.com.au/how.htm

http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/10/28/lutecs-perpetual-mot.html

Images:

http://www.lutec.com.au/

http://www.gorillawire.com/?p=10838

 

Anacondas in the water

“Anaconda” is not just the name of a big snake anymore; Anaconda is also the name for a new wave-power generating technology. Britain is hoping to release the Anaconda into their coastal waters as an alternative, and renewable energy source. The Anaconda is an invention that could help the UK achieve it’s goal of using 15% renewable energy by 2020, a goal many experts predict they will miss by a mere 1%. (Guardian)

Like the snake, the Anaconda generator has a long and rubbery body capable of wriggling with the waves. Measuring 656 feet in length and with a diameter of 22 feet, Anaconda technology would easily become the biggest sea serpent out there. As one site put it, the generator would be “Of such colossal girth that it would require at least a dozen chorus girls hand in hand to reach around it.” (The Register)

The way that the Anaconda generates power can be related to the way water reacts within a water balloon. If you hit one side of the water balloon a wave would be sent through the rubber giving it a “giggling effect”. Whereas in a water ballon the waves would be passed back and forth, in an Anaconda, a generator attached to one end harnesses the waves energy.

The Anaconda power generating process as described by Science Daily:

“A wave hitting the end squeezes it and causes a ‘bulge wave’ to form inside the tube. As the bulge wave runs through the tube, the initial sea wave that caused it runs along the outside of the tube at the same speed, squeezing the tube more and more and causing the bulge wave to get bigger and bigger. The bulge wave then turns a turbine fitted at the far end of the device and the power produced is fed to shore via a cable.”

The Anaconda’s innovative generation method has been verified in lab test experiments (Video below), and has been supported by Carbon Trust. The Anaconda has not yet seen real action in the seas. Britain is hoping to see the Anaconda swimming by 2014.

Unlike other tidal technology, the Anaconda’s maintenance and production cost are low due to its durable and simplistic structure. The Anaconda would not be susceptible to erosion like other metal machinery because it is made of natural rubber and fabric, the lack of mechanical parts means lower maintenance than it’s tidal generating counterparts.

According Anaconda Engineer Rod Rainey,  ”If the worst comes to the worst it’ll only be washed up on the beach, and you can patch it up and put it back out there,”

The Anaconda would be anchored to the sea floor, with it’s “mouth” facing the waves, and “tail” generator producing as much as 1 megawatt of power, which could power an estimated thousand homes.

The Anaconda is an exciting technology to watch as it leaves it’s “proof-of-concept trials” and enters into production, and finally implementation.

Watch the videos below to learn more about the Anaconda:

Sources:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/may/06/anaconda-wave-power

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/07/04/anaconda_wave_power_generators/

http://www.bulgewave.com/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2009/may/05/wave-tidal-hydropower-energy?picture=346906072

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080703101329.htm

http://www.ukti.gov.uk/investintheuk/sectoropportunities/environment/item/101339.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/jun/19/renewableenergy.alternativeenergy

Images:

http://www.reuk.co.uk/Anaconda-Bulge-Wave-Power-Generator.htm

http://www.rexresearch.com/farleywave/farley.htm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1177844/Wave-future-The-giant-rubber-sea-snakes-generate-electricity-tens-thousands-UK-homes.html

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14258-giant-rubber-snake-could-be-the-future-of-wave-power.html

 

Casey Reas

Casey Reas is an artist, yet his contribution to a finished piece is only half of the picture, the other half is completed by a computer. Most people think that work done on the computer is the users work alone. Casey, however, is experimenting with a computers capacity for creativity by writing codes of which he has no idea what the end result will look like, giving the computer a chance to make something truly unique.

In Casey’s Biography it describes the process as it:  “explores the relationship between naturally evolved systems and those that are synthetic. The imagery evokes transformation, and visualizes systems in motion and at rest. Equally embracing the qualitative human perception and the quantitative rules that define digital culture, organic form emerges from precise mechanical structures.” (Reas.com)

To learn more about Casey Reas art, and the process in which he makes it, watch the video below.


Images:

http://www.design.cmu.edu/show_news.php?id=199&m=2008

http://thesmartestfish.blogspot.com/2010/12/casey-reas.html

http://www.artificial.dk/articles/generativespecial.htm

http://www.pixelache.ac/2005/archives/casey-reas-marius-watz-lectures-in-helsinki/

 

Anke Domaske, a biologist and fashion designer.

Who knew that there has been a material for fabric in your fridge this whole time?  Anke Domaske, a German biologist and fashion designer used her mixed skill set to come up with a “dairy” fashion line made of milk-made fabrics.

Domaske has come up with a process to extract protein from sour milk, which causes the milk to solidify. Once the milk is solid it is cut into threads for fabric.

The “dairy” fabric has been compared to silk in textural likeness, but as Domaske states:

“Milk is underrated because people only view it as a food-stuff. But you can make a lot more from it – milk is a wonderful, natural raw material. The special thing about milk is that is has a lovely silky feel. The fabric falls wonderfully, and it’s cheaper than silk.”

Domaske also talks about how her fabric is eco-friendly as it comes from sour milk. The milk to fabric process only takes about an hour.

Mischa Barton, who Domaske counts as one of her greatest supporters, wears clothes from “dairy”.

The milk-made fashion line is called Mademoiselle Chi Chi. Currently Domaske is working on a new line of “dairy” clothes for men.

Would you buy milk-made clothes?

A "dairy" dress.

Sources:

http://www.styleite.com/retail/mademoiselle-chichi-milk-clothes/

http://gizmodo.com/5824826/these-women-are-wearing-clothes-made-of-real-milk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Vri98Cyg8&feature=player_embedded

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/27/anke-domaske-milk-fiber_n_910717.html

Images:

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2006/05/26/mischa_barton_got_milk_ad

http://coolspotters.com/clothing/mademoiselle-chi-chi-dress/wallpapers/18884

http://www.ustrendy.com/mademoiselle-chi-chi/portfolio/6809/mademoiselle-chi-chi/

http://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/karriere/junge-profis/article13415233/Klamotten-aus-Milch.html

 

Lights on................Lights off

South Koreans are shocking Americans with their scientific kitsch. I have seen black dogs, brown dogs, tan dogs and white dogs but never have I seen a glowing dog. South Korean Scientists have cloned a dog using a somatic cell nuclear transfer, and this dog can glow. The research being done with the luminescent dog may soon become cutting edge medical research for disease control and prevention.

A dog named Tegon looks like a normal beagle in the light, but under ultraviolet light she glows. The “Glowing Dog Project” cost about 3 million dollars to accomplish, yet the project has loftier goals than simply creating a puppy-night-light.

Scientist hope that by inputting different genes into dogs, such as the one that causes Tegon to glow, they will be able to cure some diseases that both humans and dogs are susceptible to. Scientist next step is to give dogs genes for deadly diseases then try and cure them. There are approximately 268 diseases that humans and dogs share.

“The creation of Tegon opens new horizons since the gene injected to make the dog glow can be substituted with genes that trigger fatal human diseases,” Said lead researcher Lee Byeong-Chun.

The amount of illumination Tegon gives off can now be adjusted by how much of a certain drug is put into her food. Scientist are planning to use this same process to help determine if drugs they are using to “cure” the diseases they give to the dog are working.

In 2005, scientist Hwang Woo-Suk used a somatic cell transfer to clone the worlds first dog, Snuppy.

In 2009, South Korean Scientists led by Lee Byeong-Chun, completed the initial experiment of producing four glowing puppies known as “Ruppys”. Out of the four, two puppies survived, and for the last two years they have been undergoing research leading up to this point where Lee can now turn off the glowing ailment he gave the dogs.

Lee Byeong-Chun says his Ruppys: “Are the world’s first transgenic dogs,” meaning they have genes which are not found in nature and have been engineered.

Using the method of cloning, gene implantation, and experimentation South Korean scientist will try to cure diseases. The process learned by making glowing puppies not glow will now be used in an attempt to cure real diseases. Scientist made puppies glow and then “cured” the puppies of glowing. Now, scientist will give dogs diseases, then try and cure them. The final step in this process will be implementing a cloned-dog-cure on a diseased human.

Tegon is the sole survivor who has given South Korean scientist the success they were looking for. Tegon’s successful cloning, illumination, and anti-glow cure have paved the way for further research with diseases and clones.

Sources:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/27/us-korea-dog-idUSTRE76Q1MK20110727

http://articles.nydailynews.com/2009-04-28/news/17920687_1_gyeongsang-national-university-cloning-genes

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/227598/world/south-korean-scientists-create-glowing-dog-report

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30463427/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/scientists-claim-have-cloned-glowing-dogs/

http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Korean+researchers+clone+glowing+puppies/1549872/story.html

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/187754/20110727/glowing-dog-south-korea-tegon-seoul-national-university-alzheimers-parkinsons.htm

http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=4647

Images:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/07/27/south-korean-scientists-seem-to-have-produced-a-glowing-dog/

http://www.kimatv.com/news/national/43989262.html

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/04/30/fluorescent_beagles/

 

This car is being devoured by Kudzu

Down South there is a plant so infamous for its rapid growth that Georgian’s sleep with their windows closed as to not be bothered by the “noxious weed”, Kudzu. Jacob Schindler has taken it upon himself to be the vigilante of a Kudzu killing crusade. “There are wives-tales…” Jacob warns, “If you didn’t close your windows at night it would climb into the rooms and it would take your children”. A CNN report begins to tell the story of Jacob: “He spends his days battling Kudzu…”

The boy has become almost as infamous as the plant, however, Jacob and Kudzu were not always archrivals. There was a time when Jacob was fond of the Kudzu plant and had a plan for it that was out of this world. Schindler became fascinated with the idea of planting Kudzu on Mars. Jacob gave this statement to CNN on the topic:

“We breathe in oxygen, we breathe out CO2, and plants breathe in CO2 and breathe out oxygen. I started asking what would make it impossible to grow kudzu on Mars,”

Kudzu has been around much longer than seventeen-year-old Jacob. In 1876 Kudzu crossed the seas of Japan and settled on the shores of America making it’s first appearance at a Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. It was America’s 100-year anniversary celebration and Japanese citizens pledged their support by constructing a garden filled with foreign plants. Since it’s introduction to the U.S. agriculture scene Kudzu has gone through phases of various uses. Originally the plant was used for ornamental purposes. It was later discovered that Kudzu was a desirable feed crop for native critters, and so farmers used it for forage in the 1920’s. In the 1930’s Kudzu’s anti-erosion potential was experimented with and much of the plant was planted in the South. In the 1940’s the Kudzu planting was still in full steam, and was supported by a government initiative that gave eight dollars an hour to farmers willing grow an acre of it.

Today, the Kudzu is a noxious weed that local governments are fighting against as it invades more and more territory. Jacob

Overgrown Kudzu

Schindler is fighting back, armed with a modified drill bit and a helium tank. Jacob abandoned his Mars colonization effort with the Kudzu and became its adversary.

The patent-pending tool Jacob uses, he also invented. While researching the effects of different gasses on Kudzu, Jacob found out that Helium was like kryptonite to the weed. With a long steel drill bit customized for this purpose, Jacob bores holes in the ground around invading Kudzu plants; he then hooks a helium tank up to the bit and releases gas into the ground. This kills Kudzu but leaves natural foliage like pine trees un-effected.

Jacob has his work cut out for him, as there are over seven million acres of Kudzu plants in the South, and grows at a rate of a foot a day. Even after all Jacob’s Kudzu battles, he still does not despise the plant and actually wishes it well. “I’m interested in getting Kudzu off the weed list and back on the plant list. It has many uses.” Jacob says.

These uses include basket weaving, cooking, and medicine. The rubbery vines have been described as ideal for basket making by many weaving aficionados. “The roots are starch” Jacob describes, “It can be used as wine, cakes, and Kudzu salad”. Preliminary test have found that Kudzu extract can also help curve alcohol cravings for alcoholics. There are also veterinary medicines for hamsters and mice made from Kudzu.

Jacob has made national headlines for his youthful aspiration and successful innovation in combating Kudzu. Jacob’s practice is environmentally friendly too, as his method is designed to specifically target Kudzu and not harm any other plants or wildlife. Jacob has been recognized by the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair where he won first place for his invention and research, he also received the American Meteorology Society award, and was named in the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge.

Perhaps Jacob will someday succeed in his initial quest of planting Kudzu on Mars. For now, he has his hands full of dead Kudzu, and is showing no signs of stopping. “Hopefully I’ve developed my future career” Jacob said, “If not, I’ve learned a lot of life skills: research, public speaking, making connections. It’s opened a lot of doors for me. Otherwise, I would probably be home this summer, just washing the truck.” Kudzu wont be stealing children through open windows so long as Jacob has something to do about it.

“He spends his days battling Kudzu….”

Watch the videos below to learn more about Jacob, Kudzu, and Jacob’s Kudzu killing contraption:

A Kudzu covered hillside.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/07/18/teen.scientist.kudzu.killer/index.html?hpt=te_bn5

http://valdostadailytimes.com/local/x1414113336/An-Ivy-League-of-His-Own/print

http://www.maxshores.com/kudzu/

Images:

http://grandpacliff.com/InvSp/Kudzu.htm

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1404766/posts

http://wikiality.wikia.com/User:Kudzu

http://chemicallygreen.com/kudzu-ethanol/

 

The slums of the Philippines are getting an extreme home makeover in the form of two liter bottles in their ceilings. The bottles function as 60-watt lights powered by 100% solar energy. Refraction is an amazing thing, if you drilled a hole in your ceiling light would drop directly through the opening in a straight line casting a shadow on the ground in the shape of the hole. By placing a bottle filled with water into the hole, the light is refracted by the water and emitted at 360 degrees like a light bulb. Light bulbs are taken for granted in America, yet are luxury item for the Philippines slums. The two liter bottles filled with water and a small amount of bleach to keep algae from growing, act as a light in the often-unlit slums.

The initiative in the Philippines to provide these lights to those who need them is known as “A liter of light”. It is estimated that each bottle light will last for about five years, which is more than any store-bought light bulb will do you for.

Its not just the Philippines who are getting on board with liters of light. Many Americans struggling with high utilities bills amidst economic woes are looking for innovative solutions to their financial problems. The liter of light is definitely innovative, extremely functional, affordable (if you get lucky you may be able to dumpster dive and not pay for a thing), and green. So if you’re thinking your garage is looking a little dark, then you might want to try out some liters of light out for yourself to see if they live up to the hype.

It’s rare that the simplicity of a project or initiative shocks me with its sublime form and function, yet this is one of those projects. I hope you enjoy “A liter of light” as much as I have, be sure to check out the videos below for additional information and demonstration.

Check out other Solar Powered Lights on Greencupboards.com


Sources:

http://lifehacker.com/5195641/diy-no+electricity-lighting-from-2+liter-bottles

http://uk.reuters.com/video/2011/07/11/bringing-light-to-the-poor-one-liter-at?videoId=216968892&videoChannel=82


 

This Wand Kills Germs

Germguardian’s UV-C Sanitizing wand is like a flashlight of the future. With a wave of the wand (and no magic words) you can eliminate up to 99 percent of surface germs. UV-C technology is used in hospitals, nursing homes and sewage treatment plants, now; you can use it in your own home.

UV-C light is a frequency above the visible spectrum of light; our atmosphere filters out this light emitted by the sun. UV-C light is harmless to  humans, however, it could do damage to eyes if the light is stared directly into for an extended period of time (over 8 hours).

From Greencupboards.com:

The Sanitizer Wand also works as an air sanitizer, it fights bacteria-caused odors and allergens, like mold spores. This new-age technology is chemical-free and is capable of sanitizing such things as pillows, bedding, toys, cell phones, computer equipment, toilets, showers, sinks, countertops, and even shoes.

Why is UV-C light so effective at killing germs?

UV-C light is able to penetrate the cell walls of germs and get into its DNA where the light acts much like high doses of radiation does on humans, the end result of which is dead germs. UV-C light is effective on viruses, killing them with even more ease than germs, as viruses do not have cell membranes.

By simply shining a light upon your household items you could instantly make them clean, what’s simpler than that?

More Benefits of UV-C Air Sanitizers:

- Kills Over 99.9% of Airborne Bacteria: Unlike traditional air purifiers which become less effective as their filters get full and over worked, UV air sanitizers kill over 99.9% of the bacteria in the air.
- Odor Fighting: UV-C air sanitizers also help to reduce the odors in the air. Whether it’s odors caused by pets, smoking, mildew or mold, ultraviolet light has the air cleaning power to make your house smell clean and fresh.
- Kills Mold: One of the ways UV-C air sanitizers fight mold and mildew smells is by actually stopping them from growing. The UV rays of their special light bulb kills mold spores at a micro organic level.
- Quietness: Traditional air purifiers use forced air induction and utilize noisy fans to create air movement. UV-C air sanitizers operate with only UV light. Amazingly, even small ultraviolet air sanitizers are able to process over 1000 cubic feet of air per hour.

If you’re interested in getting a UV-C Sanitizing wand for yourself you can find them at Greencupboards.com

Images:

http://www.guardiantechnologies.com/uvc-technology.asp

 

Scotland's AK1000 Tidal Turbine

Imagine a windfarm. Now, put that underwater, and then you have a tidal farm. Water, being denser than air (by about 800 times), is able to produce much more power than a wind turbine. In order to generate as much power, wind turbine blades need to be much larger than tidal turbine blades. Therefore, in the water, less is more when it comes to generating electricity.

Tidal turbines and tidal farms are relatively new. They are being tested and implemented all over the world. Tidal turbines currently exist in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Scotland, Philippians, Ireland, Wales, China, Russia, and more.

Tidal currents are dependable and their patterns are much more predictable than wind currents. That is to say power output can be estimated and projected during different times of the day, resulting in consistent annual production trends.

Speaking on this monumental step toward alternative sustainable energy is Timothy Cornelius, chief executive of the company behind the AK1000. “Today is not just about our technology, it is about the emergence of tidal power as a viable asset class that will require the development of local supply chains employing local people to deliver sustainable energy to the local grid,”

The AK1000 is the world’s largest tidal turbine. To be set into motion in Scotland’s shores, this generator will produce 1 megawatt of power per year. It weighs 1,430 tons, stands 75 feet tall, and its blades are 60 feet in diameter. “The AK1000 will bring power to over 1,000 homes” Proclaimed Mr. Cornelius. (Rudolf)

One must wonder, however, what is the affect on marine life? Because the tidal turbine moves at slow speeds, 10-30 revolutions a minute, they are said to have no impact on marine life, nor water traffic. The only cost of the tidal farm is that provided upfront, and minimal upkeep as required.

The benefits and full reward of the tidal turbines have not yet been reaped. In the years/ months to follow, more information about this promising energy source will surface. With any new technology we can only hope that there are no unforeseen consequences.


Sources:

http://www.reuk.co.uk/Tidal-Turbines.htm

http://www.dailytech.com/Huge+Tidal+Turbine+Could+Soon+Grace+Coasts/article19382.htm

http://www.rise.org.au/info/Tech/tidal/index.html

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/the-prince-of-tides-a-mammoth-turbine/

Images:

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/the-prince-of-tides-a-mammoth-turbine/

http://www.eepe.murdoch.edu.au/resources/info/Tech/tidal/index.html

http://www.goodcleantech.com/2007/08/tidal_turbine_projects_move_fo.php