KELP: controlled mobility aboard the ISS - These images illustrate the inner structure of the KELP unit, the way in which the unit slides and locks into place with existing ISS handrails and the tri-symetrical shape of the unit in full stretch.
Hawaiian sling/Atlatl Hybrid - In using Hawaiian slings while spearfishing for open ocean species, I noticed that most slings would not allow a diver to impale anything farther than the length of the spear itself. As I tried to refine the sling, I found the existing mechanics of an ancient hunting weapon (the atlatl) to best fit my needs. This simple spun aluminum piece now allows the spear to separate from the spearfisherman, allowing a greater distance between the hunter and hunted.
Pelagic ocean animal movement studies for Monofin - In beginning to understand the extreme efficiency of the movement of oceanic animals, I needed to explore the body structure as well as their locomotive qualities. These important factors were imperitive to the design of the monofin. Through watching ocean documentries and visiting aquariums I arrived at studies such as these.
Initial ideas for the Monofin - As I became increasingly interested with the sport of free-diving, I decided to refine the main piece of equipment used in this dangerous sport. I began to arrive at a design early in my brainstorming, but decided to further experiment with the shape of the blade and the different ways of attaching it to a human body. These initial sketches show the evolution of the design.
dolfin swimming device (working prototype) - This simply designed swimming apparatus is the precursor to my recent refinement of a free-diving monofin. aluminum swiveling fork, neoprene/ nylon calf & ankle straps, carbon-fiber composite spine, plexiglass tail piece. designed for open ocean helecopter rescue teams. It attaches to the knee and ankle joints, preventing injury to the rescuer during splash-down.
Monofin blade prototype model - At 50 inches across, this low drag sickle shaped monofin blade is meant to increase the efficiency of a free-divers kicking movement as he/she descends during a dive. The sickle shape is important to my design due to the fact that every fast moving pelagic ocean predator has a large tail that uses this shape to travel long distances efficiently and without extranious movement.
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