GiraDora: Safe Agua - Washer and Spin Dryer

GiraDora, a human-powered washer and spin dryer, increases the efficiency and improves the experience of hand-washing clothes for people living without access to running water. The user sits on the drum-like appliance and pumps the pedal with the foot, which agitates, cleans, rinses and then spin dries clothes. Local assembly and an innovative business plan with three revenue streams for micro-entrepreneurs provide supplemental income. For under $40, GiraDora’s comfortable and ergonomic operation more than doubles productivity, increases health, instills dignity and affords opportunities to begin breaking the poverty cycle.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 1:28am

Balde a Balde: Safe Agua

Balde a Balde (Spanish for “Bucket to Bucket”) is a portable faucet that delivers water from any container. It makes the convenience and health benefits of running water available to the 46 percent of the global population living without it.

A universal clip attaches the Balde a Balde unit to any existing container. A squeeze of the siphon pump initiates a continuous flow of water. Tapping the spout instantly turns on and off the water, and twisting the valve regulates the volume of water. Balde a Balde maximizes the benefits of clean water to improve health, makes washing hands easy and accessible, and allows users to control exactly where and how much water is used. Most of all, it delivers the experience and dignity of using a tap.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 1:18am

DIGIFI: Audionauts

The years between 1999 and 2008 saw a 25 percent decline in music sales and the beginning of the end of the traditional recording industry. Without official standards in recording quality and the equity of music nearing zero, how can the music industry innovate to become profitable again?

Most pirated files are low-quality MP3 files. While the inexperienced can’t tell the difference, for one who truly appreciates a particular song, the difference is unacceptable. Perhaps quality is the innovation the music industry needs in order to adapt. The Audionaut is the tool to draw popular attention to the cause. Reinvigorate interest in high-fidelity, foster newfound respect for an art form and innovate the music industry for the future—that is the purpose of the Audionaut.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 2, 2012 - 12:46am

Nursing Kit

The Nursing Kit is a family first-aid kit designed to blend into its surroundings and be a part of people’s daily lives. It adds a breath of fresh air to the mundane. The designers observed that the concept of a first-aid kit is not familiar to typical Taiwanese families. Therefore, they began the design process by seeking a form with which affinities could be easily found and that could be looked upon as a piece of art within the home.

When the Nursing Kit is picked up, the red emergency first-aid cross lights up. The user opens the kit by pushing down on it and turning. The container is separated into three sections: one for sterilization, one for medication and one for dressings. The lid portion functions as a light source, so when the kit is taken apart it can be used as a flashlight.

Submitted by askkurthow on July 1, 2012 - 11:59pm

DISCOVERY IGS 730 (* IGS = Interventional Guided System )

The Discovery IGS 730 is a laser-guided robotic interventional X-ray system. It has the mobility of a small C-arm with the power and image quality of a fixed system, enabling full patient access without having to suspend the device above the patient. Based on laser guidance, the C-arm is mounted on an advanced guided vehicle and is placed using predefined trajectories. Motion is predictable, precise and easy to use while creating sterility for a flexible and secure operating-room environment.

Submitted by sangl on June 14, 2012 - 12:46pm

Samsung XGEO GU60

The XGEO GU60 offers an ergonomic approach to taking X-rays that enhances efficiency and productivity. Through advanced technology from Samsung, radiation exposure can be lowered while still capturing high image levels. In addition, real-time monitoring ensures constant high-level performance.

Submitted by sangl on June 14, 2012 - 12:43pm

Samsung XGEO GC80

The Samsung XGEO GC80 is a ceiling type X-ray system with a simplified workflow, increasing throughput and improving the workspace. With its soft-handling technology, clinicians can easily operate the top head unit, even without a side handle.

Submitted by sangl on June 14, 2012 - 12:39pm

Samsung Digital X-ray XGEO UX

This simple and intuitive graphical user interface design maximizes the user experience of the Samsung XGEO line of X-ray systems by applying a consistent user interface design to both the top head unit and the workstation. Although radiographers are the primary users, patients were also kept in mind during the design process because the X-ray device is also a part of their holistic experience in hospitals.

Submitted by sangl on June 14, 2012 - 12:36pm

sleepToo™

The sleepToo™ is a virtual family room for hospital rooms. This revolutionary, fully-renewable seating unit has an integrated height-adjustable table and a three-seat sofa that transforms in a chair with ottoman or a twin-sized bed. It enables a patient’s family to stay for a day or overnight or for weeks on end, both in comfort and in the knowledge that they are valued contributors to the healing process. And it does all that in as little as 18 square feet.

Submitted by sangl on June 14, 2012 - 12:30pm

Cocoon Open MRI Chair

The Cocoon Open MRI Chair concept is dedicated to spinal exams, focusing on the anatomy of the vertebrae, the disks, the spinal cord and the spaces between the vertebrae. Its design redefines the spine exam, increasing patient comfort and decreasing patient fear. The design uses a shell metaphor, which is associated with a cocoon and provides a welcoming, nonthreatening feeling when patients enter the exam room.