Pictures and Images

Pictures and Images

Return to main page

Graphics

Click thumbnail for separate window. Click text filename for same window.

		Image: battery_animated.gif 822x398 528,345 bytes July 27, 2003 New Image Under my new company name, 'Dragon Engineering Ltd' here in New Zealand, I've started drafting up some of the ideas I've had rattling around in my head these last years. Here's one example - a 'plug battery' I call it. Basically its a universal canister designed to fit into a standardized receptacle. The receptacle could be in your electric car, House backup supply, motorcycle, lawn mower, anything which requires power and battery storage. I've also got plans to make either hydrogen fuel cells, gell cell, or regular 4 stroke mini generators all using the exact same form-factor. I predict some interest in the aviation, and military industries as the concept requires no tools to install, can be swapped out in less then 10 seconds, and once installed, is hermetically sealed in two places. The first picture is an animated .gif, which gives a very basic installation and operation view. Another image shows additional views and features. Created in Canvas 6.0 © 2003 Dragon Engineering Ltd.
	Image: dragon1.jpg 540x540 43,050 bytes August 09, 2000 This is an old graphic I liked a whole bunch, so I rendered it in Canvas 6.0 The original form is usually found in a vinyl cut decal, 'see through' so you can stick it on a window and see the reverse image from the inside. If you don't recognize who originally created it, it's from the Dragon Sunglasses Company. Another version I did, which is basically a inverted color scheme is here.
	Image: bcard.jpg 914x464 61,468 bytes July 31, 2003 New Image Here's The concept logo, and format of my new company card I've put together. Right now its a fluid design, possibly subject to change but so far, I'm happy with the look and layout. So far, I've had at least one person tell me the dragon looks like an umbrella. :} Created with Canvas 6.0 © 2003 Dragon Engineering Ltd.
	Image: digi1.jpg 792x1131 130,617 bytes August 04, 2003 New Image Here we have an example of my own imagination at work. A very long time back I wanted to build a set of 'leg extensions' so I could jump higher, and run faster. With a little more engineering knowledge under my belt, I figured out this design. It's still in the imagination stage, but eventually I hope to start building the basic components soon. The basic premise was to make a set of leg extensions which would allow the wearer to safely extend their normal walking/jumping/running stride. Additionally, allowing for adjustment of both spring tension, wearer stature, and a few other items. So far, this is what I've come up with. Basically it uses two spring sets, both of which have on the fly adjustment of spring tension (barrel) and endstop. (smaller pin integral to the top) Then both the upper leg adapter and artificial knee joint are also adjustable, along with the spring mounts. The benefits of this design that I can see so far, is the wearer never need about twisting either their knee, or ankle because of the sealed bearing joints. Also, the extensions 'mimic' the normal leg, as you stand or squat, as the spring anchor points are affixed to the lower leg, which move depending on how you want to stand. I think the only limitation is the need for a custom rollerblade boot, but that's no different then having to go to a sporting goods store and spending the next couple of hours locating just the right boot for your feet. Unfortunately, one of the other ideas I had, was to make this design as silent as possible. Anyone that's heard a springed screen door shut, knows how noisy a spring can be. Even though I plan on using oil damping, and a Teflon insert, There's a certain amount of noise associated with putting metal through torsional stress. I might end up using a array of Neodymium-Iron-Boron donut magnets, arranged in a N/S S/N N/S configuration. I figure however these things work, they would make a great addition to extreme sports. Imagine normal players being able to jump 6' or cross country runners with a 10' running stride. Who knows, until their built, its another idea for the shelf. Created in Canvas 6.0 © 2003 Dragon Engineering Ltd.
	Image: engine.jpg 748x597 88,139 bytes July 7, 2002 Idle thinking. Came up with an idea to improve the efficiency of a standard car engine, and also reduce engine weight. So far, I've heard that this kind of idea has been developed for some very select motorcycle engines. Like everything else, it gets shunted to the shelf. Created with Canvas 6.0 © 2003 Dragon Engineering Ltd.
	Image: flamewarning.jpg 1165x922 110,782 bytes May 14, 2003 New Image While staying with a friend in Sydney, who also consequently owns the company Animalcrackers. He was showing me some of his creations, one of which is a dragon costume which has a propane burner in the snout, so it really does 'breath fire.' (Amusingly, the fire breath is switched by diaphragm switch attached to a tube which is kept in your mouth, you really do blow to start the cycle) As a matter of legal precedent, he was required to have warning signs posted to advise that his costume was capable of producing flame, so he showed me the sign he currently had, to which I responded "Oh, I can make you something much better then that!" So, here is the result. Interestingly, the picture I created also is just a few pixels off from standard desktop size. and I know its been used on a few desktops now. Created in Canvas 6.0 © 2003 Dragon Engineering Ltd.
	Image: graphic1.jpg 762x762 72,494 bytes July 13, 2002 Ah, long story behind this one - here's the short version. I wanted to create a readily recognizable logo for otherkin. So, after much collaboration with a fellow dragon, Kaijima, and a whole lot of long nights finally I had something all the 'fandom' seemed to like. There is also a few other versions located in these links - graphic2.jpg - graphic3.jpg - graphic4.jpg - graphic5.jpg - graphic6.jpg - Created with Canvas 6.0
	Image: instrument.jpg 1064x1418 188,177 bytes October 6, 2000 More thinking one day, Wondered why we aren't seeing LCD displays in our cars yet, so I created this. The basic premise was to have something which the driver could configure to their liking. Not to mention the interactive gauges. For instance, if your oil pressure starts dropping, the gauge can turn a different color, When conditions become worse, then it could flash. Created in Canvas 6.0 © 2003 Dragon Engineering Ltd.
	Image: motorcycle_wings.jpg 1193x655 89,017 bytes September 16, 2003 New Image Here's a quicky, which turned out to be one of my best renderings yet. I had a small image in my computer which I had saved a long time ago, and I decided to recreate it with a little clearer lines, and better color. So, here it is. If I was still running a cafepress site, I would consider getting this printed on a shirt, perhaps some day I still will. A definite image for any motorcycle gear-head. While the black background does look good, I've also made a alternate with a white background. Created in Canvas 6.0 © 2003 Dragon Engineering Ltd.
	Image: quantum.jpg 848x844 172,978 bytes April 05, 2003 New Image Long story behind this one. Before moving out to New Zealand, I bought a large case to store all my electronic and computer goodies. (For those that might recognize it, it's a 'road case' the kind bands would protect large electronic keyboards with while being transported on the road, very durable and heavy) So, as some added fun, I got a large plate of aluminum which I bolted it to the cover then made up some stickers to attach warning of the contents. However, me being who I am, I couldn't resist a little fun. I remembered seeing a similar graphic once a while back, likely in some high energy or physics application. Along with some other warning stickers, this got applied to the case. Can you believe the case went through three American airports, and wasn't questioned once? Incredible eh? Let's hear it for enhanced security. Just to make things more suspicious, the case weighted over 100lbs, containing a oscilloscope, Two broken down computers, lots of techie crap, and padding. The case was screaming to be investigated and I was never questioned. Remember this next time you go flying :} Later on, a friend had seen the image, and immediately asked to have a copy to put on their computer, so I made up two versions for both dark and light cases. Created in Canvas 6.0
	Image: rejects.jpg 682x1857 184,264 bytes April 05, 2003 New Image Installment #2 in the case stickers. I was having a lot of fun making up all these warning images. So, I made up these as well. Understandably, these never made it to the warning cover. Airport security might be ignorant, but their not stupid. I thought I would include them for anyone that might have a need. Fun to put them on computer covers, bedroom doors, or the like. Created in Canvas 6.0
	Image: warnings.jpg 941x806 184,368 bytes April 05, 2003 New Image Installment #3 in the case stickers. Here's some of the more legitimate images which were created for the purpose. Actually, only the ESD and 'shipping stresses' sticker were legitimate by any stretch of the imagination. The others are more fun I was having at the expense of airport security. The faces of people as they walked by, seeing this enormous black case with all kinds of high energy, fragile and dangerous warnings on the outside was a source of never ending entertainment. Especially as they would suddenly give me a very wide berth :} What really trips me up, is the Microwave Laser warning. No two ways about it, that's weapons grade styled technology there, and they still never asked me. Created in Canvas 6.0
	Image: turbine.gif 1903x1097 146,740 bytes July 27, 2003 New Image Here is my take on a micro turbine engine I designed. Realistically this engine would only be about a foot in length, perhaps 8" in diameter. There are companies out there today which make engines like this for model airplanes, but after seeing their designs I wasn't very impressed. A lot of room for improvement in my opinion. So as a mental exercise for myself, I started doing what I could to improve the design. First, I noted the gas path (the way the air travels through the cavities) following at least 2 90° angles, and 2 180° angles. That's very inefficient. Also, no bearing seals, or positive lubrication. (supposedly the wren design was like a two stroke engine, mixing both fuel and oil together and splashing it everywhere in the hope parts are lubricated. Not a good way to run a turbine engine) Lastly, the way the engine was constructed, the entire engine needed to be disassembled to inspect and replace critical components. Not the way to build anything in my opinion. So, after I had my fun with it, I included a pair of labyrinth seals, made the central axle an integral oil pump, relocated components (like the fuel nozzles) to be more easily accessed and straightened out the gas path to have only two gradual 75° angles and a final 30° angle. As an afterthought, I also adjusted the construction so that either the cold or hot sides (compression, or exhaust) could be disassembled and worked on with out touching the other side, improving on down time. Overall I think it's a success but I'll never know until I build it. Originally, I wanted this engine to power a small generator for a electric motorcycle, which I'm still working on. But, because I don't have the proper tools or materials, it's yet another idea for the shelf. Created in Canvas 6.0 © 2003 Dragon Engineering Ltd.
	Image: wings_color.jpg 2332x1304 75,945 bytes 2001.7.09 I've always wanted a set of hanglider wings, but wow are they expensive. Not to mention they all look funny, angular and blocky. So... what I do about this? Why pull up Canvas of course, and design something better. Will it ever fly? Who knows. I'm certain the materials used would be more then strong enough, question is the aerodynamics. A second picture shows a little more of the construction dynamics, dimensions, plus the auxiliary propulsion should you live in a flat area. Created in Canvas 3.5