http://www.househacker.com/ househacker/tags/invention this article on CNN, the technology uses radio frequency and has a range of about 3 feet, making it suitable for charging mobile phones on desks or keeping wireless mice and keyboards charged. Thanks to the tiny receiver chip, electronics manufacturers can implement the technology into almost any device.

Powercast won CNET's Best in Show for Emerging Tech at the 2007 Consumer Electronic Show, and they describe the technology thusly:

While it's presented as wireless power, Powercast isn't just a replacement for a universal charger. Instead, it's meant to either continuously charge a battery or replace the need for them altogether.
It works like this: a transmitter can be placed anywhere--in a lamp, for example, that is plugged into the wall and sits on a table. The transmitter in the lamp sends out a continuous, low RF signal. Anything with either AA or AAA batteries set within its range--and equipped with a Powercast receiver, which is the size of your fingernail--will be continuously charged.

The first Powercast devices will be hitting the market in 2007, according to the Powercast website. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Powercast-Wireless-Power-Transmission software based cousins, can run widgets. Widgets are displayed on the unit's dual 2.5 inch LCD displays (one colour, one mono).

From the site:

WidgetStation is a desk clock which can run various "widgets". Widgets are small, user-friendly applications that can perform a variety of tasks. Users can even create their own widgets and share them with other WidgetStation users!

And also:

WidgetStation is a standalone device, with services available via Wi-Fi or Ethernet Internet access, without being connected to a computer. Alternatively, users may choose to interface their WidgetStation with a computer via USB connection.

According to the hardware specs, the device will run Linux and will be available in either black or white. The price has not yet been set. See the FAQ for a little more information. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Widget-Friendly-Desk-Clock
Clocky gives you one chance to get up. But if you snooze, Clocky will jump off of your nightstand and wheel around your room looking for a place to hide. Clocky is kind of like a misbehaving pet, only he will get up at the right time.

The unit is also available in a few colours as well as in a brown shag and can jump (fall?) from a 2 foot height.

Via Reddit ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Alarm-Clock-that-Runs-Away-and-Hides-Unless-You-Wake-up Brondell Swash, the Harmony toilet seat seems like a pretty ingenious product. The seat makes use of a small connector that runs from the bottom of the toilet seat latching mechanism to a float that you place in the toilet tank. When the toilet is flushed, the float lowers with the water in the tank which triggers a lever on the connector under the seat, which in turn releases a latch that activates the seat closing action. The seat closes very slowly for, as the company refers to it, a pinch-free close.

The unit is currently only available in Home Depots of the American Midwest.

Also: Froogle Search gives a price of about $80.
Promo Video of the seat in action.

Link: Harmony Toilet Seat]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Harmony-Flush-Activated-Toilet-Seat flickering LED candles before, but none were quite as clever as this set that can actually be blown out (and back on).

From ThinkGeek.com:

The LED Blow On-Off Candles still have a waxy coating and a natural-looking, flickering light just like normal candles, but they have one magic feature. Regular candles will blow out if you blow on the flame, but these LED candles will also blow on. All you have to do is press the master on/off switch on the bottom, and these candles will turn on and off with just a puff at the "flame." From the proper distance and height, these candles will fool everyone into thinking they are the real thing; they are a fantastic way to put candles where it is too dangerous to have open flames. And, they won't drip wax all over your mithril armor either.

Unfortunately the candles are not rechargeable, but they do, however, light for 300 hours off of two AA batteries.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Flickering-LED-Candles-that-Can-be-Blown-Out
From the site:

Grasp the handle and with a squeeze of the trigger the bristles open. Once you have surrounded the spider quickly release the trigger and the bristles close gently around the spider, catching it safely and soundly. Now you can safely release the spider outside by pressing the handle again and the bristles open up and the spider falls out.

But wait - there's more!

We know that you maybe apprehensive about using the Spider Catcher that's why we provide you with a practice plastic spider with every purchase of a Spider Catcher to show you how safe and easy it is to use.

See also: Video of the Spider Catcher in action. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Friendly-Spider-Catcher
Here's a YouTube video of the product in action.

Since 30% of electricity used in the US is for lighting (the number grows to 45% in retail), the product would theoretically have a huge potential market, especially commercially. The commercial version will light about 1000 square feet at a cost of about $10,000. That may sound expensive, but that's really only because that's a lot of money. However, if the (hard to believe) claims in the video of retailers seeing a 40% boost in sales when using natural lighting is true, then the $10,000 is largely irrelevant when viewed over the long term. According to the video, the company plans on launching a residential unit in 2008. No word on pricing...

Here's an interview with Duncan Earl, CEO of Sunlight Direct, that's also worth a look.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Sunlight-Direct-Hybrid-Solar-Lighting Gutter Stuff and still have to manually clear your eavestroughs, then this tool called "Gutter Tongs" might be something to consider. From the site:

Eliminate the danger of climbing ladders and crawling along roofs. Efficient, safe, and easy to use from ground level: extend your reach to approximately twelve feet! Manufactured with lightweight, anodized aluminum shafts, generous pliable rubber hand grips and fiberglass ABS jaws, hinged with a steel pin: Gutter Tongs are 60 inches in length, durable, and made to last!

And for those of you confused by this tong-technology-of-tomorrow-today, the site offers a breakdown:

To use the tool: merely spread the arms apart and slide the open jaws either from left to right or right to left along the inside of the gutter. Once sufficient material is collected, swing the arms together, lift upwards, and remove the debris.



Via Toolmonger]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Gutter-Tongs-Eavestrough-Cleaning-Tool
Sorry.

Hearthfalls manufactures interesting "fireplace waterfalls" that are unlike anything you may have seen before (less, of course, fireplaces and waterfalls). The concept is simple - a waterfall runs within a fireplace immediately in front of the flames to produce a visually interesting piece of art that also offers the soothing sounds of flowing water. Whether or not this will work for people is still to be determined, as the unique design is sure to dichotomize opinion, as any such departure from the traditional would.

Hearthfalls also offers some less expensive "Lightweight " units. The Lightweights are waterfalls made for retrofitting existing fireplaces.

Try to visualize one in your home with the company's interactive fireplace and room designer or just view the existing installations in the gallery here.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Waterfall-Fireplaces-by-Hearthfalls Avega Systems are developing WiFi speakers that connect to your wireless home network. The speakers, called "Oysters", play digital audio streamed directly from your computer. Listeners can control, browse and select media from their PC through the Oyster's graphical remote control. The speakers will also accept input from a CD/DVD source and wirelessly distribute the audio to the other speakers in the room. The Oysters also will accept iPods or other MP3 players, via USB port, which will, again, trigger the connected speaker to distribute the audio via WiFi.

The speakers feature wireless connectivity (801.11 a/b/g), support for DTS, 5.1 surround as well as MP3, OGG, WMA, AAC and FLAC digital audio formats.

The unit also has 2 S/PDIF optical connectors and USB port for wired connections.

CNET feature on the Oysters with video.
Company FAQ and spec sheet (Both PDFs)]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Avega-Oyster-WiFi-Speakers
View the complete process with pics and video here.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Tile-Over-Laminate-Countertops-with-Tavy-Thin-Skin-Underlay-System Switchlite.com explains how the glass works:

The secret of the transformation between clear glass and translucent glass is found in the Liquid Crystal sheet. In their non-energized state, the Liquid Crystal molecules disperse light. When voltage is applied, however, these same molecules arrange themselves in a specific direction in a way that permits parallel light to pass through the glass.

How Stuff Works offers some more detail on the technology involved.

The "Smart Glass", as it's also called, promises to be a huge energy saver for homeowners over the coming years, as it won't be long before smart glass is coupled with home automation systems that turn the transparency on and off at optimal times throughout the year.

There are a few companies on the web that offer liquid crystal privacy glass, but finding a price on any of their sites seems to be impossible, which means that this flick-of-a-switch privacy glass, although very cool, is also likely to be ultra expensive.

Here's another privacy glass gallery from a company that understands the subtle power of lightning bolt bullet points.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Cool-Liquid-Crystal-Privacy-Glass http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Prevent-Fitted-Bed-Sheet-Slippage-with-Sleep-Snug videos here.

Amazon.com page - unfortunately they are currently unavailable.

Manufacturer's order page.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Blind-Mark-Drywall-Cutout-Tool video (Windows media) from the Free Hand site.

Available from Amazon.com.

Via the always interesting Smart Stuff.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Clever-Hands-Free-Drywall-Installation-Tool ZigBee wireless communication protocol. The system's base station offers internet connectivity that allows for remote monitoring, and the device can also be configured to issue status updates through email or text messages to the homeowner's cell phone.

The system is built in a modular fashion, meaning the device can couple with many different types of (Home Heartbeat) sensors, as they become available. From the site:

The backbone of the Home Heartbeat system is a network of detection sensors: water sensors, open/closed sensors, power sensors, reminder and attention sensors. The sensors can alert the homeowner to a wide range of problems, including pipe leaks and flooding, opened doors and windows, and appliances that are left on. An additional feature is a water shut-off valve that can be controlled and activated by any of the sensors. Reminder and attention sensors can be set to alert homeowners about easy-to-forget tasks, such as changing batteries in smoke detectors or cleaning out the gutters.

According to Fast Company, the basic starter unit offers only one sensor as well as the base unit and keychain and will retail for $149 US. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Home-Heartbeat-Awareness-System TCC Kitchen Center food processing unit lays innocuously flat on the countertop, unlike the clunky food processing space-hogs most of us are familiar with. The genius of the TCC system lies in the fact that the unit is nothing but a control panel and motor - at least until the processor is activated when different attachments (mixer, chopper, blender, etc...) are coupled with the base.

Not only is the unit slim to begin with, but is also installable in a pull out drawer (like the Sharp Microwave) which would obviously save even more space.

Via Mocoloco.com.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Ultra-Low-Profile-Food-Processing-System-by-TCC
This idea is based on the transparent heating glass featured in this issue. Although the glass does not currently get hot enough to toast bread, some day this application may be possible.

Ok, so this toaster doesn't actually toast bread. It's more of a luke-warmer than a toaster. Still, it's a cool idea and interesting technology nonetheless.

Via Digg.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Cool-Glass-Toaster
From the site:

Ideal for open-plan kitchens, islands and tight spaces, the Microwave Drawer elegantly addresses the question of microwave placement by offering a wealth of installation options, such as beneath a countertop. It features the neat look of traditional under-the-counter installations with the added ease and accessibility that these designs lack, and it frees space above the range for a powerful and stylish ventilation hood.

Via House in Progress.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Microwave-in-a-Drawer
We have incorporated light emitting diode (LED) technology into a flexible and durable package that has the appearance and brightness of traditional neon. Our uniform and super-bright light output is achieved through a proprietary optical maximization technique which is completely sealed and impervious to shock and vibration. The LED-FLEX product is suitable for wet locations and can withstand extreme temperatures. Offering bright color options, very low energy use and ease of installation, LED-FLEX is the ideal lighting solution for any architectural, decorative and indicator application where long life and no maintenance are preferred.

With the right touches, this could be useful in a home theatre or bar, or someone could make a seriously futuristic basement - or maybe a Tron suit, but of course that's been done to death already.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Flexible-LED-Lights-by-Mule-Lighting
The South African solar panels consist of a thin layer of a unique metal alloy that converts light into energy. The photo-responsive alloy can operate on virtually all flexible surfaces, which means it could in future find a host of other applications.

The new panels are 5 microns thick, allowing for a tremendous efficiency improvement over older solar panels that measure about 350 microns thick.

Science in Africa has a November 2004 article with some additional details:

Prof Vivian Alberts of the Department of Physics at the Rand Afrikaans University in South Africa and team have developed and patented a novel manufacturing technique that finally makes it possible to construct CIGS solar panels at a very low cost. The method is easily upscalable to industrial output levels, while remaining much cheaper to produce than conventional silicon solar panels.

Work done over the last two years indicates that panels can be produced in commercial volumes at a cost of about R 500 for a 50 Watt panel. This is much cheaper than existing solar panels available on the market. CIGS is a remarkably stable material and conversion efficiencies should be sustainable for 15-20 years in any given panel.

It will be interesting to see if this technology is able to gain traction and catch on, offering both humanitarian and eco-friendly benefits to the world. Also worth watching is the film-thin photovoltaic solar strips developed by Nobel laureate Alan Heeger's Konarka.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Possible-Solar-Technology-Breakthrough-out-of-South-Africa http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Consistent-Garage-Parking-with-Laser-Parking-Helper http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Invisiwire-Super-Thin-Adhesive-CAT5-Cabling inanimate object interaction, then Sanyo's got you covered. Sanyo has developed an intelligent oven with voice navigation capabilities. Although it's difficult to discern from the translated page if the oven is internet aware (as this oven is), the oven does come complete with voice feedback/cooking instructions as well as melodies that play at certain times during the cooking process (i.e. when water has boiled, or cooking is complete). The songs can be downloaded to your mobile phone and IR'ed over to the oven.

via PopGadget]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Finally-a-Stove-with-Voice-Navigation Doormate.com makes an automatic patio door opener aimed at the elderly and people with special needs. The unit is pushbutton controlled (keychain) or activated through the optional, mountable numeric keypad for secure entrance. Once open, the Doormate slides the door closed after a short delay. Aside from the obvious practical benefit for people with special physical needs, the most interesting accessory is the 'Pet Prox' proximity device that clips on to your dog's collar. The device is triggered as the dog comes within a few feet of the Doormate- from either inside or out. This should be a welcome addition to the home for anyone that has a dog with a small bladder or frequent, obsessive hankerings for grass.

Doormate system and Pet Prox add-on available from Smarthome.com.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Doormate-Automatic-Patio-Door-with-Pet-Proximity-Sensor Pulsar Advanced Technologies, the inventors of the Vulcanus MK4 (now apparently the "Mark 4")microwave based hot water heater, have updated their website, adding some details on the unit:

The Vulcanus Mark 4, is a state of the art microwave hot water delivery system for the 21st Century. It is a containment field otherwise known as a Faraday box, much like the ones used in your microwave oven at home. The unit size is 24x14x7.5 and weighs only 20lbs. It was designed to save on construction costs, as a boiler room is no longer necessary but was made esthetically appealing so that it could fit as a “stand alone” fixture. Its compact size allows the Contractor, Plumber or Developer the versatility to place the unit as close or as distant to the water outlets as is desirable.

Also, some details from the gas to microwave comparison page:

Electricity used only when required

No storage tank

Can fit on wall or closet

Eliminates possible bacterial growth

Corrosion of elements - nil

Unlimited hot water

Gas infrastructure not required

20 year life span

Weight-20lbs

It looks the company will be showcasing the Mark 4 at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas in May, 2006.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/More-Info-on-the-Vulcanus-MK4-Microwave-Hot-Water-Heater
The PowerSquid is a power bar that will actually allow you to utilise all 5 of its outlets, regardless of the size of any attached power adapters, thanks to its unique, power distributing tentacles. Pure genius for like $12.99.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/PowerSquid-Electrical-Outlet-Multiplier Two minutes in the spindryer will save you thirty minutes in the clothes dryer!

So says the website of Spin-X, the clothes drying centrifuge. You may have seen similar devices at your local public swimming pool, allowing swimmers to quickly dry their swim suits before placing them in their gym bags. The Spin-X attempts to bring that same centrifugal power into the home. The site has a list of reasons to use the Spin-X, including this one addressing the important energy usage question:

[The device] Will remove one quart of water from clothing using only 15 seconds worth of clothes dryer electricity.

At $450, the device would take a while to pay for itself, but the energy (and therefore cost) savings combined with quicker dry times and environmental benefits would appeal to many. Could this device not, theoretically, be constructed to harness human foot power instead of electricity, or perhaps a version that would allow you to use electricity or muscle power, at one's discretion? ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Save-Energy-with-the-SpinX-Clothes-Drying-Centrifuge
VIOlight uses a germicidal UV bulb - the same technology used in hospitals - to kill germs. Sanitization is activated with a simple push of a button. A blue-violet glow on top of the VIOlight lets you know the sanitizer is working. The entire process takes only 10 minutes. When finished, the bulb automatically shuts off and your toothbrush is fresh, clean, and safely stored for the next time you brush!

A travel version is also available.




via popgadget]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Germ-Eliminating-Ultra-Violet-Toothbrush-Sanitizer kitchen is great, but shoving them deep into a cabinet usually means only the most common, frequently used spices remain accessible - much to the detriment of your culinary creations. So, most people have a spice rack to keep things in order and available. What most people don't have, is a sweet, space saving "Zero Gravity, Magnetic Spice Rack" like this one. From the site:

Only design available where you can store spices on both top and bottom of spice rack, which maximizes space and reduces clutter

Windows on spice canisters indicate when spices are getting low]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Zero-Gravity-Magnetic-Spice-Rack E-ink. The clock is only 3mm thick and can bend around pillars, making it visible from many angles. This would be a fine addition to any recroom, fitting in nicely with your 360 degree LED television. From Yahoo:

Citizen will start production of the clock early next year upon receiving orders with a price tag at 500,000-600,000 yen (4,200-5,000 dollars) each.

via engadget]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Citizen--Shows-Off-3mm-Thin-Flexible-Clock
Electric Bucket
Also in today, a bucket still exists in a home and it is used for various uses, such as bleaching of a shirt, pasting, and every clothing beginning. It has been said that it being dirty and putting into a washing machine suddenly washes by hand division washing of the thing, for example, a dustcloth etc., and important lingeries in a bath just for a moment.

It sure does.

Some interesting items:

A refrigerator that opens from either side

Variable height bathroom vanity

Electric carpet
]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Bizarre-and-Interesting-List-of-Japanese-Home-Appliances 03-29-2006 UPDATE: Please note that there appears to be a patent infringement dispute between PowerPipe and GFX Technology. See first comment below for more.
-Sean

The PowerPipe drain water heat recovery system is a unique product that uses the hot water flowing down the drain to preheat the cold water entering the hot water heater. From the site:

Power-PipeTM raises the temperature of incoming cold water by recycling free heat from waste water going down the drain. Approximately 80% to 90% of all hot water energy goes down the drain, allowing the Power-PipeTM to recycle as much as 60% of the wasted heat.

]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/PowerPipe-Drainwater-Heat-Recovery-System original post about the Vulcanus MK4 microwave based water heater, the Pulsar Advanced Technologies website found in the Globe and Mail article turned out to be a work in progress. It looks as though the Pulsar Advanced Technologies people have another website, found here. Website number two has some actual information on the Vulcanus MK4, including a FAQ and a tiny picture, seen here. Apparently PAT, as I call them, are developing two models:

To begin with, we have two models whose function is to deliver two temperatures to several points of use. The first model has the capabilities to go from 35F-140F within seconds and supply multiple outlets concurrently. That is to say that this base model can service a bath/shower, and all other household faucets endlessly. The second model is equally fluid, but through a secondary thermostat control will deliver water at a higher temperature to service dishwashers and washing machines along with the various bathroom and kitchen amenities.

Stay tuned... ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Update-on-the-Vulcanus-MK4-Microwave-Water-Heater ceramic tile or hardwood floors which require constant sweeping action. The SweepEZE vacuuming dustpan powers its 600w motor on when the activity sensing infrared beam is broken by debris, which is then vacuumed up into the unit.

]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Sweep-Debris-into-the-SweepEZE-Automatic-Dustpan candle wax and stuffed the mixture in an old cigar tube to create a one of a kind product - Java Log. The Java Log burns cleaner and brighter than other manufactured logs, is easier on the environment, smells nice, manages to leave less soot buildup in the chimney, and, according to the FAQ, "has about 25% more energy than wood and triple the flame per unit of energy."]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Java-Log-is-Recycled-Coffee-Grounds Gutter Stuff is a clever product that is so simple that it will leave many wondering how it was that they didn't think it up themselves. The product is a non-absorbent foam filler that fits in your roof's gutter, allowing water to drain out as normal while preventing leaves or unwanted debris from settling in. Check out the Gutter Stuff movie (direct link) for a demo.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Clever-Foam-Eavestrough-Filler gadget with a wallwart so big that it blocks the entire electrical outlet? This product from 360 Electrical aims to eliminate that modern annoyance with the introduction of fully rotating outlets. The device has 18 'click and hold' positions in the rotation and, importantly, does not interrupt power during positioning, allowing devices to be moved as needed.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Convenient-360-Degree-Rotating-Electrical-Outlets website, the Connect Io Intelligent Oven allows you to begin cooking your food remotely, via either a telephone or internet connection. The idea is that you prepare your food ahead of time and place it in the oven, which keeps the food refrigerated until the cooking process is initiated remotely. Throughout the process, the display on your web browser exactly matches the display on the oven itself, in real time.

Program, command, and control your Connect Io oven remotely through your cell phone from anywhere in the world. No matter where you are, send commands over the Internet from your computer through a standard web browser.

Anywhere in the world? Sure, this might be handy to use from work or even to monitor your food from the pc in the other room, but who are they marketing to with 'from anywhere in the world'?]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Internet-and-Telephone-Controlled-Oven-with-Refrigeration BonBon Trading might be just what you're looking for. The clever design allows the sofa to 'effortlessly' convert to a bunk bed. From the site:

Doc XL a convertible sofa-bunk bed solution with rotating mechanism. Doc is a comfortable divan with slipcovers, which requires a simple gesture and no physical strain to become a practical bunk bed with a safe ladder that is both a support element and a protective barrier. To use the item only as a bed, it is sufficient to remove the back cushions. The item can be converted from bed to furniture piece without having to remove the sheets and blankets, thus offering the possibility to always dispose of a ready to use bed.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Space-Saving-Sofa-Converts-to-Bunk-Bed instant hot water these days. According to Canada's Globe and Mail, a company called Pulsar Advanced Technologies is about to announce a product that uses microwave technology to instantly heat hot water. According to the article, the Vulcanus MK4 "can heat water from 35 degrees Fahrenheit to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in seconds and can source multiple applications at once: showers, dishwasher, sink usages and more. The Vulcanus MK4 is the size of a stereo speaker with a sleek modern look, making it ideal for condos and apartments, while powerful enough to serve the needs of any size family." This is exciting news for anyone tired of being at the mercy of natural gas prices, not to mention those just looking to reduce their energy footprint.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/New-Microwave-Based-Water-Heater-Announced Best Inventions of 2005, the hanging Topsy Turvy upside down tomato planter produces tomatoes that are bigger, better and easier to grow than with traditional methods. The planter's elevation has the added benefit of preventing certain bacteria and fungus, as well as keeping critters at bay. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Topsy-Turvy-Upside-Down-Tomato-Planter Banana Guard and Fish Noose Food Loop.
The Food Loop site claims the non-stick kitchen helper can withstand temperatures of up to 675° F / 357° C and is dishwasher and microwave chummy. The site also illustrates the gadget being used on a variety of items, including a seemingly communicative fish. The Banana Guard, on the other hand, is for people who treat their lunch bags the way gorillas treat luggage in the wild.]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Fish-and-Banana-Restraining-Systems