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Stuff I've Built

Here are a couple devices I've built for myself. If you're interested, I can provide more detail. I freely admit that part of the reason for this page is that I'm proud that I accomplished something after TM got me. It's part of my recovery from feeling useless.

A note of explanation: this is what extremely frustrated engineers do when they can't work.

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THE MOONWALKER

This supports 100 pounds of my weight while I walk on a treadmill. With that help I can walk for 10 minutes without much trouble. Otherwise I walk about 10 steps at a time due to pain. (Actually on the moon I would weigh even less, but it's too expensive to get there.)

If you can get a treadmill, this is really a reasonable project. All materials are available and cheap, except the vest. All the steps are simple. If you want to do it, I'll help you.
You must use the right kind of cord and pulleys or it won't work!

Point to the pictures to enlarge.

Strap in to the vest. It uses lots of Velcro, came from Pneumex in Idaho, and cost $400. (Ouch!)

Vest is tight. Now I lift the 25 pound weight off the peg.

 The 4:1 block & tackle gives 100-lb. of lift for the 25-lb. weight.

The lift is taken by my abdomen and the butt belt.

Yes, those are carabineers. I used to be a rock climber.

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THE COMPUTER PLATFORM
(and the chair)

I can sit for a little while before the pain eats me up. Pain also makes it very difficult to go out and see and do. Besides, I was a Computer Science professional at HP in my previous life. I was also a mechanical engineer in my previous life (the same one mentioned previously).

I need a link to the world. I have to stay horizontal. I can't crawl under the computer. Therefore, it has to crawl over me. The monitor in the picture is huge and heavy. It had a very good picture for a long time. Recently I got a new flat screen at a great price.

All Mechanical Engineers are recyclers (we save everything) so I had a couple very long sliders. I also had a keyboard tray that attaches under the desk. I also still have an M.E. friend who can make little sheet metal things in their shop.

The chair model is Lafuma, bought from BackSmart or the Back Store. They work so well for me that I bought 3. I take one with me anywhere I'll have to sit more than an hour, to keep my feet up. They fold up into a tight bundle, and are light enough to carry with one hand. I still use the original carton on airlines (very beat up!). Each cost $160.

Point to the pictures to enlarge.

When the platform is pushed back and latched, I have enough room to slip in and sit down.

With the platform extended and locked I can read the screen, and slide out & tilt the keyboard to a comfortable position. My toes actually come up behind the platform.

It's a pretty natural motion as shown here.

But in fact, I recline most of the way, then use my foot to release and pull the platform until I can reach it.

The model I hired for these demonstrations may not be the best, but he was really cheap, and available.