“The Siemens Stiftung has initiated a worldwide competition to identify and present appropriate technical solutions for developmental activities. Held to directly bring together low tech innovations for basic supply problems in developing countries, these innovations should be implemented with the resources in the regions. The project also aims to build up a database of inventions that is accessible to actors in developmental cooperation. All intellectual properties will remain with the developer/developing team. The Siemens Stiftung has a total of 200,000 EUR at its disposal to be awarded to the best 23 entries. Online application is possible until 31st December 2012.” Read more. Via Afrigadget.
Modern Stone and Flint Tools
October 16, 2012 by Filed Under: Primitive technology, Tools
“The set is a result of an experimental exploration of the realm of tool
making. Where stone and flint tools have been the means of our
ancestors’ survival for over a million years, they magnify our bodily
(teeth, fingernails, fists etc.) capabilities of cutting and chopping,
sawing and pounding. Through a method of three-dimensionally scanning
and printing, the ancient artifacts are digitally outfitted with
custom-designed handles, encapsulating the rugged forms in a perfectly
enclosed case.”
Modern stone and flint tools. Via Makezine. Previously: Flint knapping.
Bicycle Trailer with Solar Panel Charges Electric Bicycle
October 11, 2012 by Filed Under: Bicycles, Bikes, Pedal power, Solar, Travel
“The electric bicycle has become a very long way in recent years. However, the lack of luggage space and limited range of the battery makes the electric bike less suited to long distances. Solarwind, designed by architect Raf Van Hulle, offers a solution.
The trailer provides extra luggage space and is fitted with a solar panel to keep the electric bicycle’s battery charged.”
Historic Bottle Website
“Website Goals: To enable the user to answer two primary questions about most utilitarian bottles and jars produced in the United States and Canada between the early 1800s and 1950s, as follows:
1. What is the age of the bottle?
2. What type of bottle is it?
The above two questions also address what was succinctly articulated in the Intermountain Antiquities Computer System (IMACS) and the nominal purpose of this website, which is “…to provide archaeologists with a manual for a standard approach to arriving at historical artifact function and chronology”. This entire website is essentially a “key” – albeit a complex one – to the dating and typing (typology) of historic bottles.
In addition, this site also assists the user with these questions:
3. What technology, techniques, or processes were used to manufacture the bottle?
4. Where did the bottle come from, i.e., where was it made and/or used?
5. Where can I go for more information on historic bottles?”
Resawing By Hand
October 10, 2012 by Filed Under: Sawing machines, Wood
“Resawing is the technique of ripping boards across their width to make thinner boards. It’s useful for making things like drawer sides, box dividers, custom veneers, or slices for bent wood laminations. This is the alternative to planing thicker stock down, which wastes a lot of wood.” Read more.
Building Plans for Dutch Industrial Windmills (1850)
October 8, 2012 by Filed Under: DIY, Random, Wind Power, Windmills
This collection of 21 building plans for 5 different types of Dutch industrial windmills was published in 1850. There is a saw mill, an oats mill, a flour mill, and two pumping mills. The book contains no text, only illustrations.
“Theoretisch en practisch molenboek: voor ingenieurs, aannemers, molenaars en andere bouwkundigen“, G. Krook, 1850.
(“Theoretical and practical windmill book; for engineers, contractors and millwrights”).
