View the Creative Technology That Earns Success for UC s Applied Science Students

The University of Cincinnati’s applied research means promising solutions to current challenges.

That applied research – created by hundreds of graduating seniors – will be on display during the UC College of Applied Science “Tech Expo” that runs from

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2009

, at the Duke Energy Center, 525 Elm St., downtown. The event is free and open to the public.

“Tech Expo 2009” includes more than 150 working demonstrations of applied science and technology by students seeking to serve the needs of business and industry as well as consumers in terms of better, more-efficient processes and products.

ENERGY-RELATED PROJECTS

Supermileage vehicle

Five UC mechanical engineering technology students have built a lightweight, single-person

car

that gets hundreds of miles to the gallon. Their vehicle will be entered in the national Supermileage competition to be held in June in Marshall, Michigan.

A lot goes into creating a vehicle that can go longer on less fuel, including finding way to use energy created by the vehicle itself. Said student Mick Long, “Vehicle-produced energy is something that vehicles of the future may well tap into for their electrical systems or to add energy back into their batteries for extended range on hybrid cars.”

Solar-powered blinds

Mechanical engineering senior Joe Lind has developed a system of window blinds that are solar powered. For instance, the solar panel will automatically close the blinds when the house is getting too warm in the summer months, thus keeping the house cooler and saving on electricity costs. And because his system is solar powered, it uses a clean energy source, not requiring electricity from the grid.

Solar-powered outdoor flood light

Electrical engineering technology senior Chris Bodnar has created a solar-powered outdoor flood light, requiring no wires or knowledge of electrical systems to attach and use in the home setting. And, of course, it requires no electricity from the grid in order to operate.

Solar-powered lawn mower

Electrical engineering technology senior Dorian Johnson had created a solar-powered lawn mower.

IMPROVED NUTRITION AND TASTIER TREATS

Better gummies

Culinology senior Andrew Scholle has created a vegetable-based gummi candy as a healthier snack alternative for kids. Each serving of the candy provides a full serving of vegetables for a child.

A “Vinkie,” better than a “Twinkie”

Culinology senior Graydon Stroud has invented a vegan snack cake that mimics the Twinkie in taste, texture and appearance. He’s then tested his product for shelf life, nutrition content and taste appeal.  

SAFETY PRODUCTS

Baby-in-car alarm

Electrical engineering technology senior Matt Brungs has developed a baby-seat detection system that will sound an alert if a child is left in a car seat.

A better and safer car jack

Mechanical engineering technology senior Faizan Nasir has developed a fully automated car-jack system that is installed under the vehicle’s body. The jack is actually an air balloon that is inflated using the vehicle’s own exhaust gases and can be engaged by the driver using controls inside the vehicle.

An easy-load truck trailer

Mechanical engineering technology senior Derek Anderson makes it easier to load a utility truck trailer with a system that allows a trailer’s frame to drop to ground level. Once loaded, the trailer is returned to normal ride height for transportation needs.

A better side-view mirror

Mechanical engineering technology senior Darryl Anderson has created a heated side-view mirror wiper. It keeps the side view mirror clean of snow, ice, water, condensation and dirt, and give drivers constant visibility when driving during any conditions.

MORE FUN

A better way to play baseball

Information technology senior Doug Krach has created a Web-based game called “The Baseball Simulator.” The game allows a user to assume managerial control over a Major League Baseball team. A user can manage his/her team against another user or against a simulated opponent, having control over a team’s lineup and strategy.  

UC’s Tech Expo at a glance

When:

10 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, May 7, 2009

Where:

Duke Energy Center, 525 Elm St., Cincinnati OH 45202

Admission:

Free and open to the public

• Find out more from the Tech Expo Web site.
• More on the Tech Expo energy conference. 
• Find out more about the UC College of Applied Science.
  
• Apply to UC’s College of Applied Science. 
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