Awards Granted: Cal Poly SLO

Recipient: Ian Alexander

(Advisor: Clint Staley)

Tech USB is a device that automatically fixes your computer. It has the ability to perform diagnostics (check your hard drive, memory, cpu, etc), scan and remove viruses, tuneup and update your computer, and fix most common errors, all with the click of a button. To use it, put the Tech USB into any USB port and turn the computer on. It will then take the user to a menu, in which they simply press “GO”. After Tech USB finishes, it gives a detailed report of the issues it detected on the computer, and the steps Tech USB took.

Recipient: Alex Norred

(Advisor: Dr. Trevor Cardinal)

Our product is a semi-disposable medical device that treats Uterine Atony, which occurs when the uterus is unable to contract after a woman gives birth. After labor, muscles in the wall of a healthy uterus will contract to constrict it down to its original size, thereby constricting the blood vessels of the uterine wall and effectively stopping blood loss. In cases of uterine atony, the muscles do not provide enough contractile force to stop blood loss, causing severe bleeding after birth, which is known as postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). PPH is a complication that occurs in 5% of pregnancies in the United States (175,000 cases per year), and is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the world. By treating uterine atony, we can effectively treat 80-90% of PPH cases.

Recipient: AJ Forsythe

iCracked sells financial independence to the most socially- connected and tech-savvy generation through a unique model that revolutionizes iPhone repair targeting over 100 million iPhones in circulation worldwide. iCracked provides college-age entrepreneurs with the opportunity to own and operate a small, private technology-oriented replacement and repair company specializing in Apple iPhone products. From a customer’s perspective, iCracked is an extremely cost-competitive and reliable alternative to Apple, appealing to price-sensitive or cash-strapped iPhone users needing to replace or repair their iPhone screens or components. iCracked provides the next generation of entrepreneurs with a turn-key suite of products and services necessary to start a successful small business. iCracked offers individuals a prepackaged “business in a box”, complete with customized marketing, toll-free 24/7 support, step-by-step repair training, a centralized online operations hub, individualized management coaching for success, as well as supplying all repair parts.

Recipient: Jeffrey Leung

(Advisor: Chris Lupo, Tom Mase)

A closed system that has the ability to attach onto white canes of different diameter. The system offers upward detection particularly aimed to help the user detect objects from waist height (which is a weakness of the traditional white cane) and above and communicates via vibrational feedback. A second system will provide the user with frontal, leftward, and rightward detection using the same the same style system.

Recipient(s): Cody Neslen

(Advisor: Professor Vladimir Prodanov, PhD)

My product is an innovative new RF power amplifier design for cellphone communications. A typical cellphone amplifier gets, on average, about 6-10% efficiency, which is why the talk time of a cell phone is so much less than the standby time. My invention uses the concept of negative conductance to modulate the impedance of an antenna, which in-turn changes the output power of the amplifier. This technique has the potential to more than double the efficiency of current amplifiers.

Recipient(s): Max Maloney

(Advisor: Professor Tom Mase, PhD)

PolyGrasp will be the first commercially available prosthetic hand that closely mimics human anatomy in order to replicate the mechanics of a living human hand. It utilizes a unique dual-stage tendon system in order to grasp objects between the jointed index and middle fingers and a rigid thumb. Because of this simple and elegant design, our product will be the first on the market to combine all three key features of an ideal prosthetic: low cost, high functionality, and lifelike appearance. Our product’s low cost is achieved through the use of readily available, off-the-shelf electrical and mechanical components and a simple, user-serviceable design. We are currently producing a prototype using less than $600 in materials. The high functionality of this prosthetic is achieved with a unique dual-stage tendon actuation system which allows for a lifelike, conformable grasp around objects of varied size and shape. The hand is operated by a myoelectric control system that translates electrical muscle impulses from the residual limb into lifelike movement of the prosthetic hand. Our prosthetic will be one of the most lifelike on the market thanks to its natural motion and a flexible, incredibly lifelike silicone skin covering.

Recipient(s): Miguel Gaeta

(Advisor: Professor Clark Turner, PhD, JD)

Did you know that there are over 300 million video game players in the world with no popular website for them to socialize with each other online? There is an ever-growing need for a tool that allows gamers to interact, form friendships, and bridge the gap from their virtual avatars to their real life personalities. From this need, Gamers Portal was born.

Gamers Portal will be the first social networking site for gamers that provides the following services:

- Complete personal and team profiles within the context of gaming culture

- An engine that helps introduce gamers to each other & events within their geographical location

- Picture, video and other media hosting for individual and team galleries

- Baseline building tools: activity streams, commenting, personal messaging, site-wide discussion boards

Traditional social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, MySpace) exist for users to bring the real world and friends online. This approach does not translate to gamers since their world BEGINS and REMAINS online. –often with people they’ve never met. Through game tracking and online mapping technology, Gamers Portal helps introduce gamers to each other and inject reality into their online world.

Recipient(s): Kimberly Todd

(Advisor: Professor Tom Mase, PhD)

Our innovation is an improved powered wheelchair design. Our design has a unique rear suspension assembly that is able to change the entire stance of the chair at the user’s command. The suspension assembly essentially raises and lowers, creating two distinct modes that the chair operates in. One mode is for off-road use, with a low, long, and wide stance that provides stability and excellent shock absorption. The other mode is for on-road/indoor use, with a shorter and narrower stance that allows access to any building and is easily maneuverable in tight spaces. The wheelchair is controlled by the user in much the same way as a standard powered wheelchair.

Recipient(s): Patrick Pezet & Matt Canepa - Business, Finance

Advisor: Prof. Mitch Wolf

Description: Chewing or smokeless tobacco has long been a growing problem within professional baseball. It’s estimated that between 40-50% of all players take part in baseball’s ‘dirty habit,’ and of that percentage nearly half will have their lives shortened as a direct result of their tobacco use. Our product, GRINDS Coffee, is essentially flavored coffee grinds packed in small pouches and is designed to provide an energy boost and healthy alternative to tobacco for minor league baseball specifically. The pouches, packaged similarly to chewing tobacco, are roughly half the size of a bag of tea and would come 12-14 in a can. Simply pop a pouch in your mouth and leave the tobacco behind. GRINDS is coffee in your pocket. Enjoy.

Recipient(s): Robert Ramm, Mechanical Engineering & team

Advisors: Prof. Keller, Dr. Mello

Our Electric motor is designed specifically to be used in an automobile. Most electric motors are large and heavy and not optimized for variable speeds. Our motor will be light and powerful. We are using a new design which will maximize efficiency by taking advantage of the magnetic fields from all dimension. Most motors on the market only use the magnetic fields from one direction. this leads to inefficiency and reduced power. Our motor will increase efficiency and power from the same amount of electricity used in a similar motor. Its control circuit can optimize battery life by taking into account variable power requirements for a vehicle. For instance during acceleration more power will be used. however, during cruising, less power will be used. Our motor will require much less maintenance than an internal combustion engine because it only has one moving part. We are also designing a computer program for a micro controller which will be able to vary the output of the motor so the customer can choose performance or economy at the click of button.

Recipient(s): Alan Tepe Mechanical Engineering and Adam Stephens Industrial Technology

Advisor: Dr. Jay Singh

A renewable packaging system that uses paper to create shaped packaging blocks. These blocks are similar in shape to those made of expanded polystyrene, commonly used to package computers. The paper system has great environmental benefits: it is recyclable and biodegradable. Another benefit is that the system doesn't require new molds for each new block shape, blocks are basically "printed" to their desired form.

Recipient: James Juma, Industrial Engineering

The QL+ Award is Sponsored by the QL+ Lab and alumnus Jon Monett for: The best development and application of technology to improve the quality of life of wounded and disabled veterans of the military, law enforcement and intelligence organizations.

The Dignity Tray would provide full accommodations for dining experiences of the wheelchair confined guest. The adapted tray fits any table and provides a proper lap covering extension that allows the disabled to dine with dignity without the embarrassment and humiliation often accompanied with the experience when wheel chairs cannot completely work in conjunction with a table configuration at a dining establishment.

Recipient(s): Andrew Macaluso, Nicole Chamberlain, Nick Marcotte, Preston Parrett.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Joe Montecalvo.

Description: Last Spring we set out to create a beverage specifically formulated to cleanse the palate. This was in response to data collected from our senior projects that clearly demonstrated the magnitude that palate fatigue has on the perception of wine characteristics. Our goal was to make a beverage that helps people enjoy multiple food experiences. In 2008 we began testing our product with wine industry professionals, Cal Poly faculty, and Wine and Viticulture students trained in sensory analysis. These tests have shown that our beverage outperforms water 100% of the time, and is preferred by winemakers over still and carbonated water. While the initial application of this product was for wine, namely tasting rooms, wineries, and restaurants, the beverage has also shown strong performance with other products: beer, coffee, and spicy foods to name a few. The product is a functional alternative to sparkling and still water. It allows consumers to taste more flavors from more foods and beverages by alleviating palate fatigue.

Recipient(s): Andrew Ouellet

Faculty Advisor: Michael Cirovic

Description: I have designed a braking system for bicycles from the ground up. This design not only increases braking power, but makes the braking system extremely safe. The system is designed to solve the problem of riders flying over the handlebars when they brake too hard. In addition, ease of use proves that the rider must only actuate one brake lever to simultaneously control both the front and rear brakes at peak efficiency. My design allows for the perfect amount of braking power to be applied to each brake for minimum stopping distance (incorporated front brake force regulation). The simplicity of my design (being strictly mechanical) allows for high reliability and lets the consumer service it his/herself. In addition, my design can be applied to different types of brakes, and not strictly road brakes. Benefits of my design: 1) Safety: problem of flying over the handlebars solved. 2) Drastically increased braking power. 3) Can be serviced by consumers with common tools. 4) Easier to use, less to think about with only one lever. This project has the potential to make a significant impact in bicycle brake design and safety. This brake can be made for and sold on all different types of bicycles: from mountain to road.

Recipient(s): Dave Patierno

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Clinton Staley

Description: Imagine if every person on earth had the knowledge to fix everything they owned. What would happen if every computer came with a comprehensive hardware repair manual and every cell phone came with instructions to replace the LCD? This information would empower consumers to perform repairs and increase the total lifetime of the device. We are creating a web-based architecture that will allow anyone to create and publish step-by-step repair instructions. This tool will become the center of a community of people who know how to fix things and want to share that knowledge with the world. We will enable anyone to create a step-by-step repair guide with images and explanatory text.

Recipient(s): Stephen Barr & Daniel Frost
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tryg Lundquist

Recipient(s): Alexandre Mattos & Team TBA (Aaron Favinger, Kyle Haughey, Ryan Murphy, and Tawa White)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Clark Turner

Recipient(s): hayes Metzger & Team HTS Connect
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Barry D. Floyd

• The Mechanisms of Noise Generation and Vibrational Characteristics of Rail Systems
  By Joshua Davis and Dr. Charles Birdsong, Dr. Mohammad Noori
• Powering Microprocessors with Multiphase DC-DC Converters
  By Ian Waters and Dr. Taufik
• Health Timeline
  By Fillip Southerland and Dr. Diana Franklin
• Algae to Biodiesel Grown in Agricultural Wastewater
  By Ian Woertz and Dr. Yarrow Nelson
• Shinobi
  By Brett Bojduj and Dr. Franz Kurfess
• Real Estate Tools for a Buyer's Market
  By David Janzen and David Janzen
• Sonar Based Sensor System for the Visually Impaired
  By Christopher Gearhart and Dr. Brian Self & Dr. Charles Birdsong (ME), Dr. Lynne Slivovsky (EE)
• Brew KVM
  By Alexandre Mattos and Clark Turner
• Venue Management System
  By Hayes Metzger and Barry D. Floyd
• Nonvolitile memory using Chalcogenide glass AgSGe
  By William Dunn and Dr. Fei Wang
• H2O-2-GO
  By Stephen Barr and Tryg Lundquist
• LED Water Purification System
  By Thomas Poon and none
• Small Displacement Diesel Race Engine
  By Jess Turnbull and Tryg Lundquist
• Braille Tablet
  By Jacleen Webber and none
• Mnet
  By Alan Tepe and Ken Riener Finance Professor
• Next Generation Textbook
  By Jasna Jovanovic and Jasna Jovanovic
• Dynamic Sprinkler Orifice
  By Brett Perkins and Dr. Charles M. Burt

Ability to separate cells under a liquid surface layer (ie. water under immersion oil). Then testing to find optimum properties of cell manipulation and survivability. Factors include:

• Voltage, peak to peak
• Force down onto slide
• Wave shape (sine, sawtooth, etc)
• Medium composition
• Medium, layers of liquid
• Medium temperature
• Size and type of cells
• Static cling of cells, water,-surface tension Shape of piezo pieces
• Direction/orientation of piezo pieces
• Method of attachment of piezo pieces
• Manufacturing/cutting of pz pieces
• Soldering of pz pieces, surface metals
• Lead length and attachment
• Power supply/Amplifier construction

Lycopene is a carotenoid with several biological functions that are associated with decreased cancer risks. The key concept that must be validated is a cost effective, repeatable means of enriching egg yolk with lycopene.

"America is addicted to oil." (George W. Bush 2006) With the nation's new interest in sustainable energy security we must look to new fuel sources that are less dependent on imported oil. The purpose of this project is to build a test biodiesel processor. The key concept that must be proved is that there is a cheap alternative to petroleum oil that can be made from waste, without substantial infrastructure investment. Campus Dining is currently paying to discard an average of 120 gallons of grease per week. This waste stream could be diverted and refined into a clean burning, renewable fuel. This has potential to offset a large portion of petroleum fuel consumed on campus without the addition of any new infrastructure or major fleet conversions. This prototype will prove that an alternative energy source can be produced from an efficient, transportable and inexpensive self contained unit. Design and procedures will be developed to be easily replicated and used by anyone that has access to used or virgin vegetable oil.

To design, fabricate, test, and ultimately deploy a robotic vehicle in the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge competition. This will be the official Cal Poly entry in this well-publicized national competition to build a fully-autonomous (robotic) vehicle capable of traversing a 300 mile course across the Mojave Desert.

Design of a portable, full-featured, lapboard on which to study. It will be collapsible and have a light. Other features may include holders for a book, a notebook, a cup, a calculator, as well as pens and pencils. The back would have a padded gel type material for added comfort as it sits in ones lap. Our goal is to make it as useful and as light weight as possible.

To build and test a new design of a two-speed conventional saltwater fishing reel capable of casting great distances (over 300 feet). It will implement a "Star Drag" system that can be set once and keep its setting no matter how may times the reel shifts gears or free spools unlike current models on the market today that implement a "Lever Drag" system.

This design will target Southern California yellow tail and Calico bass fishing where gear selection and casting distance is critical. This project will also fulfill the Cal Poly Senior Project requirement.

This is essentially a watch or a pocket pc or palm pilot that can be worn to help people who charge their time. (i.e. electricians who are paid by the hour, professionals who charge their time to different departments) It is so tedious to keep a paper and pencil to write down the hours worked and for what job. Using this watch will eliminate this old fashioned method and keep time accurately. At the end of the week, the data in the watch will be transmitted into a database through a cable in a computer which also eliminates typing in hours.

To create a desktop barreling wave (similar to an ocean wave). This wave and its container will be able to fit on a desktop. This product idea is meant to be marketed especially to surfers and anyone who enjoys the ocean.

To design and build a dynamic guitar tuner. The tuner will have three modes of operation. The first is the calibration mode. When the user switches to calibration mode, he or she will lightly strum all six strings.

Soil-cement is a densely compacted mixture of Portland cement, soil/aggregate, and water. More specifically, it is a material produced by blending, compacting, and curing a mixture of soil/aggregate, Portland cement, possibly admixtures including pozzolans, and water to form a hardened material with specific engineering properties, for examples, compressive strength. Used primarily as a base material for highway/airport pavements, soil-cement is also used for slope protection, foundation stabilization and other applications. The focus of this proposed research will address its use in pavement base construction. Despite the successful use of soil-cement as pavement base material, one aspect that retracts from serviceability is shrinkage cracking. In case of asphalt pavement, these cracks may reflect through the pavement surface and in case of concrete pavement a cracked base layer contributes to erosion and pumping of sub grade soil.

To develop a biofidelic pedestrian legform impactor in order to test pedestrian friendly front bumper designs in automobiles. Project includes complete design, manufacturing, and testing (including a trip to Detroit to test the device in Ford's impact research lab).