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What Is IT?

by Steve Gibson, Jan 10, 2001 11:32am PST
Related Topics – Nerdy News

The emails are just pouring in over IT whatever IT is that was mentioned in ER yesterday. Basically there is a new invention by this guy that is staging to be announced in the near future that promises to change the world, the way people think (!?) and the way cities are designed. Most people are pointing towards a new mode of transportation or energy. There is coverage in a few places so far, here's a list:

MSNBCInside.com , Salon.com , Wired , Image (Thanks BillG) Patents from the past: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Patents applying for: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6




Comments

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  • As anyone in last night's ER can attest, I was seriously disturbed by this story yesterday. To that end, I undertook an investigation into the facts and have come up with the following conclusions:

    - This is not a hoax, or a disproportional amount of hype for an otherwise 'ordinary' product.

    - The product is obviously a means of personal transport.

    - There is no doubt that this product is revolutionary, yet it may employ very simple components and mechanics.

    - While the inventor is a genius in the field of heavier than air flight, it is very unlikely that this product in any way 'flies'. This includes a hovercraft of any form, and any kind of personal helicopter.

    - The product may be pedal operated, and if not the engine and fuel are very efficient and clean, possibly based on his Stirling research.

    - This device would need it's own pathway, but not because of a reliance on maglev rails or anything other than a hard surface.

    - It's safe, which means it's not a jetpack or anything that would ever leave the ground to any height.



    Possibilities as to what it may be:

    - One wheeled vehicle, a kind of sitting/standing powered unicycle.

    - A contraption somewhat like a stair-glider on scissorjacks, that allows you to take giant, bouncy steps with ease.

    - Something so fantastic and jaw-dropping that it will make mortal men shit in their pants upon witnessing it in action.