Seven Generational Ruminations

Their mission is to develop, innovate and disseminate sustainable technologies to the poor all over the world. The techniques they've developed are very "customer centric" in that they develop solutions that make sense based on the needs and abilities and infrastructure available to the communities they work with. This project is the work of Job Ebenezer, and as he is from South India his focus is to help communities in those places. A prime example of their approach is the repurposing of bicycles as machines. He's developed a simple method to quickly convert a bicycle from transportation to providing human power to drive a large range of machines so long as the the machine can take input from a belt- or chain-driven pulley.

A dual purpose bicycle is one that can be used for both transportation and power production. This modified bicycle can be used by people in low socio-economic status to operate a rice thresher, peanut sheller, corn sheller, circular saw, woodworking lathe and other implements that require 1/2 hp or less. By adding value to their product and services, the poor can earn more money and achieve sustainability.

Pedalmatic, multi-attachment, pedal-powered machine. Simple geared rear wheel of bicycle drives a belt to a band saw and angle drive unit with chuck for attachment to a variety of shafts. Flexible shafts for yard tools, saves on noise and air pollution. Can also be used with household appliances such as blenders, coffee grinders, carving knives.

My family team created a pedal powered mulcher for the Innovate or Die contest.

The bicycle cranks are connected to a cutting drum that cuts, grinds, and feeds the material in. In the back is a, free-wheeling, cutting drum provides the opposing cutting edge.

Its purpose: To turn yard waste into mulch for landscaping and reduce the size of organic materials to speed up the process of composting.

The Consumers Guide to Effective Environmental Choices by The Union of Concerned Scientists lists 7 High-Impact Activities to avoid due to their "especially high environmental impact".

Powerboats
Pesticides and Fertilizers
Gasoline-powered yard equipment
Fireplaces and wood stoves
Recreational off-road driving
Hazardous cleaners and paints
Products made from endangered or threatened species

This is our entry to Specialized and Google's "Innovate or Die" competition. It is a bicycle-powered water distillery. Using friction heat from a bicycle "fluid trainer", contaminated or unsafe water is boiled, and the vapor is condensed, making it fit to drink.

Currently the design relies on "pedal power", but it could be easily coupled with solar power, wind power, or a paddle-wheel in running water to produce clean water on a larger scale.

The design has two boiling chambers as shown, one at atmospheric pressure and one under a vacuum to boil water at a lower temperature. The optional vacuum is created by the use a hand pump before riding the device to increase efficiency. The steam coming out of the first chamber heats the second chamber as it condenses.

Any existing bicycle can be used and quickly mounted to the device.

Speciliazed Innovate or Die competition entry: bicycle powered water pump and slow sand filter for use in rural settings in third-world, developing countries.

This is our four person entry for the Specialized innovate or die challenge. Have a bicycle and want ice cream? No problem.All you need is salt, ice, milk, sugar and a bicycle to make ice cream in 10 minutes. The ice cream maker is mounted onto your bike. As you pedal, it churns the ice cream. After ten minutes, delicious ice cream is created from your pedal power. Pedal Powered Deliciousness!

Members: Chris Turitzin, Jaireh Tecarro, Jenn Chen, Nathan Lee

This is my multiuse bike machine.
Its functions include:
-knife sharpener, to maintain farming equipment
-grinder, for grinding coffee, grain, spices, or to make animal feed
-corn degrainer to simplify and accelerate a necessary but time consuming task in processing corn
-electric generator for off the grid lighting
-blender to improve nutrition and add enable home based micro industry
-water pump, capable of moving 5 gallons per minute

The tools are mounted on tables which attach to a simple 3 point mounting system. The tool tables can be switched easily using only one tool. Changing attachments usually takes under 5 minutes.

The design is simple yet versatile and I am still working on developing more attachments.

Similar pedal powered machines have proved to be very useful to subsistence farmers in rural Guatemala. My design combines these 6 machines into one simple design, to streamline production and lower costs. While it is unlikely any one user will want all 6 tools, the machine provides more utility at a lower cost.

All of the parts are locally available and it can be built and maintained with a minimal number of tools.

Note: Please pardon the terrible video editing, it's my first attempt and embarrassingly bad.

Designed and built to meet the requirement for an eye-catching and interactive display for trade shows, exhibits, and conferences, the Energy Efficiency Demonstration Bike demonstrates the concept of energy efficiency in a manner that is both fun and educational. The cyclist spins a generator to make electricity which is used to power either a compact fluorescent or incandescent light bulb by way of a switch. By having to physically supply the power to each light bulb, the cyclist gains an experiential understanding of energy efficiency.

Designed and built by Eesmyal Santos-Brault
Client: BC Sustainable Energy Association

Two hours after arriving, the first bicycle generator begins to take shape.

The Pedal Powered Prime Mover is extended with simple parts to power a hacksaw - the possibilities are endless!