The spray-on coating can be easily applied to any object, rendering it waterproof while also slowing bacteria growth preventing staining. The coating is a silicon-based spray made up of nanoparticles that create a hydrophobic surface when sprayed onto a material. Liquids that come in contact with the coating will roll off, allowing the object to resist corrosion, stains, icing and bacteria growth.

The wheelblades are designed to give wheelchair users more traction and control for better mobility through slush and snow. The wheelblades are basically mini skies that attach to the front wheels of the wheelchair with a clamp lock. The skis spread the weight of the chair and occupant over a greater surface area, increasing stability and reducing sinking and slipping. The wheelblades can also be used with strollers, and the clamp lock can adjust to fit wheels of varying...

The house features integrated solar panels and an intelligent design. The house is made of engineered wood and load-bearing panels filled with thermal insulation. To maintain a low maintenance and open feel, most of the house's HVAC systems are located in one room, with the plumbing placed strategically near the water tanks to reduce material use. The house produces 20 percent more energy than it consumes.

The idea is to develop a new transparent solar cell that will replace the glass of home windows, windshields, and even touchscreens. The solar cell will be 70% transparent and made from lightweight and flexible plastic-like materials. Even the metal that will transfer the charge will be transparent, made of a silver nano wire that will be virtually invisible. The manufacturing process will be inexpensive, and the material can also be made as a liquid and sprayed onto a surface much...

The vacuum climber will use suction to enable the user to scale walls more quickly and with more dexterity than ever before. The climber will be based around a pair of rear-mounted carpet extractor motors that will create a suction strong enough to support a climber with the connected handheld pads. The pads will be easily attached and removed as the climber moves up the wall, and the stirrups hanging beneath each pad will provide a foot rest that will encourage a motion much like...

The idea is to design designed cargo ships with retractable sails, which could eventually help to cut fuel use by up to 30 percent. The tall, narrow sails, measuring 64 feet wide by 164 feet tall, would be constructed from tubes of strong, lightweight aluminum and a fiber-reinforced plastic. Reacting independently and automatically, they would be able to harness the winds along the optimum route, even taking advantage of difficult crosswinds. Taking the load off the ship's...

The new hybrid surgical table will combine diagnostic imaging with surgical procedures, allowing hospitals to use the same area for both applications. The table will include the angiography system and the operating table system. It will be used for angiographing imaging as well as open surgery, proving more options to clinics with smaller spaces.

The idea is to develop a plasma flashlight able to eliminate bacteria on the skin with a burst of plasma light harmless to the skin. The flashlight will be powered by a 12V battery and will be completely self-contained, with no external gas feed required. The device will include resistors to keep it from becoming too hot, and the emitted plasma will be between 68 and 73 degrees F, which won't harm the skin. Better yet, it is believed to be easily manufactured for less than $100 per...

A new floating wind turbine will be able to generate more energy by harnessing higher altitude winds, and could be used at remote sites. The turbine will be contained within an inflatable tube-shaped shell filled with helium, which will allow it to rise to the strong winds at high altitudes while remaining tethered to the ground. Besides harnessing more powerful winds, the turbine will require little maintenance.

A new haptic steering wheel will give GPS based directions silently, by vibrating to signal where to turn. The prototype will include 20 actuators able to buzz in many different patterns, such as clockwise to turn right or counterclockwise to turn left. The wheel could also be programmed to warn the driver of other diving conditions, such as objects in the blind spot. The haptic steering wheel is supposed to allow drivers to keep their eyes more consistently on the road and...