Wrist Multitool

Over spring break from school I decided to build a multitool that I could wear in a shop were it would always be quick and easy to grab and use for just about anything.

The Wrist Tool is an early version. I have adapters on it for screwdrivers and socket wrenches. The top also has an english hex set cut in it. And what tool would be complete without a bottle opener.

The entire thing is 3-D printed. In the future I'll add holders for the screwdriver set on the inside of the tool.

Rugged Prosthetic Arm Concept

I have wanted to build a heavy duty prosthetic for awhile. So I decided to get a basic concept design in CAD.

In the Slant Rugged Prosthetic 0.8, the elbow is supported by a bike spring. I downloaded the spring part, because of that the spring is a quite a bit larger than I would use in practice.

All the pieces of the arm are machined aluminum plates. This drastically reduces production costs of the prosthetic.

This arm is intended to be used by amputees with an active lifestyle. Its won't break and certainly won't short circuit. It could be used on snowmobiles, bikes, or water skis to give the amputee greater control and balance on the vehicle. It also allows for the user to perform heavier duty lifting, such as moving 2x4's, something no other prosthetic could withstand.

The passive design is a limitation since the arm is stuck in a particular static position, until the user basically leans into it. This is fine on an ATV, but not when moving boards around. (Check out my exoskeleton to see this problem in action)

Fortunately the design can easily be changed from using a spring to using a linear actuator. A slight adjustment in the fastening locations on the arm and a person would have a super strong arm, which would only require a very basic controller to operate.

But most of all this arm would be cheap. Maximum manufacturing cost would be around 200-400 dollars.

The next step will be to layout the manipulator and its attachment.

Personal Submarine

This is a project that I found from a few years ago that I thought would be cool to share.

It is a design for a faceted personal submarine. It would have what are essentially trolling motors on the end of each fin. The two from fins can be angled by the pilot to turn and even submerge the sub because of the V-like design.

While not shown in this first Google Sketch-up Design the sides of the sub would have ballast tanks that would make it neutrally buoyant so the motors could take over.

The windows would be supported by steel bars so that the large panes don't have to support the water pressure entirely.

The faceted design was to make sure that the sub would be cheap to manufacture. You could just weld the panels over the internal frame. No molding.

This project could be changed to a pull behind sub, where it it is towed by a boat and the fins force it under the water. But then it would need to be a little sleeker. And the front fins need to be moved forward no matter what. So sue me I designed it in an hour.

Pot Hooks

These pot hooks were something that I threw together to replace cloth potholders and oven mitts. I wanted something that would not be burned and could be washed easily with other utensils. So I made something that could get a good hold on any kind of handle. I use a pair of them in the kitchen but they are also pretty handy for camping.

RC System for New Holland TV 145 Tractor

I was contracted to build this system for a local rancher so that he could control his tractors from a wagon that they pull so he alone could complete a certain task, which used to require two people.

I completed a product form of this system several months ago that the rancher is using extensively. The very first test of the project can be seen below. 

It is much prettier now, believe me. It looks nothing like the first draft prototype in the video.      

Test of RC Tractor System

Un-powered Exoskeleton

This project is meant to be the implementation of an exoskeleton that uses no power to offset loads that workers and soldiers must bear in their respective environments  I have made several prototypes that have proven the concept. I am currently refining the design.

3D Printed MultiTools

These multitools, which I designed with Google Sketchup, are something that I wanted to have around.
So I made them and had them printed. Since they were there, I decided to set-up a Shapeways store so anyone can get the designs printed.

The PentaTool at the right actually has, up to eight separate tools in it.

This bracelet multitool was meant to reduce
the clutter in my pockets if possible.

The TriTool at the right is actually my favorite. One because it is cheaper, two, it is just better. It has the same seven tools in it that are also part of the eight that the PentaTool has.

Steel Cow-Catcher

A cow-catcher is a head latch for cattle that holds them in place so that people are able to vaccinate the cow or help her give birth.

During my time as a ranch-hand I was asked to build this one out of scrap metal. It is able to hold a 1500 pound cow without any problem at all. 

To use, the cow is directed into the catcher where, when she pushes on the gate with her shoulders, the two flaps latch catching her. When the work with the cow is done a person simply pushes down on the handle and the gate will allow the cow to move away.

This project probably took a little less than a day to finish but it will be standing for the next twenty years.

Horse Shoe Bar Stools

This was one of my artier projects that a friend contracted me to do. Each stool was made completely out of used horseshoes. and some scrap metal stripping that I had available. The wooden seats have been changed. they were originally covered with cowhide. I made these about eight years ago.