The Hypergravity Fit-N-Flex Olympic Professional

fitness-paradise

Bicycle for space training

The National Space Biomedical Research Institute is exploring the concept of a bike-like centrifuge to be used by astronauts for inflight resistance-training exercise.

The Space Cycle recreates various levels of gravity ranging from Earth gravity to five times Earth’s gravity. The speed of rotation determines the level of gravitational force.

There's two participants: one on a bike and the other on a platform. As one person pedals, the cycle moves in a circular motion around a centralized pole. The motion generates pressure on the rider, forcing him against the seat in a manner similar to the effect of gravity on Earth. On the platform, the other person performs squat exercises.

"Space Cycle is an artificial gravity exercise gym," said Dr. Vincent J. Caiozzo at NSBRI. "The platform can be fitted with a treadmill, bike or any kind of exercise equipment and provides an environment for exercise under normal, Earth-like loading conditions."

Now if the local gym could get one of those, i might consider investing in a membership (to watch the live show.)

Scientists take the effort out of moving objects

A team led by scientists from Edinburgh University has succeeded in objects move remotely and with no direct physical effort.

They used nanotechnology to shift a tiny droplet of a thick liquid called diiodomethane up a 12-degree slope against the force of gravity. This is claimed to be the small-scale equivalent of a conventional machine lifting an object twice the height of the world's tallest building.

Professor David Leigh said: "It is the first time molecular machines have managed to talk to the real world."

The experience could mean that lifting things becomes unnecessary in the future, people would then shift objects about remotely, using laser pointers.

The team has developed a surface that is covered with synthetic molecular Teflon-like "shuttles". The components of the shuttles move up and down by a millionth of a millimetre when exposed to light. After most of the shuttle molecules change position, this prompts a change in surface properties and this in turn moves the droplets.

Via Eyebeam reBlog < The Herald. See also Nanomachines take giant leap.

Balance Substitution

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's Neurological Sciences Institute and the University of Bologna have developed a portable "Ipod-like" device that can be used to help correct balance disorders. Scientists believe this new device, based on auditory feedback of balance, can be worn on the belt like a pager to provide regular therapy for patients with balance disorders, improving their day-to-day activities. The research is published in the current edition of the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

http://www.ohsu.edu/landing/balance/

Speedmania - Bloodhound

In just three years a 12 metre long version of this design could smash the world land speed record by reaching 1000mph, powered by a jet engine and a rocket

http://www.bloodhoundssc.swan.ac.uk/
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn15021-plans-unveiled-for-recordsmashing-1000mph-car.html

Crystal Beach Cyclone of Harry G. Traver

Some call the roller coaster the only avantgarde roller coaster ever built.

Gravitational script:

• curve out of the station onto the lift
• the chain lift
• a spiraling first drop about 90 feet tall
• a second hill which ended about 82 feet above the ground
• an abrupt left turn down the second drop at 52 degrees
• a spiral drop
• the emergency brakes
• a steep drop into the high speed figure eight
• another drop and "hops" under the lift hill
• a 210 degree high speed turn under the coaster's superstructure
• a "zigzag" or "jazz twister" track (now called trick track)
• a series of track which rose and fell like small, one foot bunny hops, leading back to the station

http://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/coasters/history/designer/traver.shtml
http://www.designboom.com/history/traver.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Traver
Theme Park by Scott A. Lukas, p. 109

walking assist device by honda

honda recently unveiled its second walking assist device. the strange looking gadget is designed to support the user’s body weight, reducing the weight load on their legs. the machine consists of a seat, frame and shoes. the user simply moves as normal and the machine reduces the load on their knees and ankles. the unit weighs 6.5kg and has two battery powered motors which will last for 2 hours of use. honda has already begun testing the device at one of its factory’s.

Rocket Belts

Bell Jet Belt
Eric Scott flying the Go Fast rocket belt in front of the Niagara Aerospace Museum on 23 September 2006.

Cycle Rollercoaster

SKY CYCLE

Superstanding

HUBO-FX1 is the human-riding robot having 12 DOF. The development concept is that the robot can walk naturally with carrying a person or a load of 100kg, so the lower body takes after legs of human and the upper body takes after a chair. A person who sits on the upper body can control the robot naturally using the built-on joystick installed. It has many kinds of sensors. Each ankle has the 3-axis force/torque sensor which measures a normal force and 2 moments. Each foot has the inclination sensor which measures angle of the slope. Also the rate gyro and the inclination sensor of the body can do a stabilization of itself. HUBO-FX1 is 2m in height and 150kg in weight. It is possible to perform forward walking, backward walking, side walking and turning around.

Hovering
China's He Wenna floats above the judges while competing in the Women's Trampoline final

Bill Shannon (AKA Crutch)

"Influenced by breakdancing, hip-hop, silent film aesthetics and disability culture, Shannon's unique hybrid of movement defies gravity with devastating style and grace. Diagnosed at the age of 5 with a rare form of arthritis that affects his hips, Shannon dances on crutches, and has developed an extraordinary vocabulary with impeccable timing, fluidity and body awareness. Spatial Theory includes a live narrated video segment that that examines his street performance explorations.

Bill Shannon is known internationally as a conceptual, interdisciplinary performance and media artist. He considers his work rooted in street/club culture and informed by the fine arts. He is widely recognized in the
dance/performance world, the underground hip-hop and club dance scene as well as the disabled artist community. Shannon was recently honored with a John Simon Guggenheim (2003). His performance and video work have been presented nationally and internationally over the past ten years.

"Bill Shannon's choreography appeared to defy basic principles of balance and gravity, creating a remarkable kinetic world of its own" Jack Anderson, New York Times

"Bill Shannon dances like a new bionic man made of metal and flesh with a hip-hop heart" Sally Sommer, Dance Magazine

"He glides, he floats, he spins, he balances and crumples, all with breathtaking grace" Lisa Traiger, the Washington Post