[Press Release]
Thousand Oaks, California, April 7, 2009 – World-recognized strategy, innovation, and design consultancy RKS is proud to announce the introduction of the Neuma Hybrid Tattoo Machine, as RKS helps Neuma revolutionize the tattoo industry and usher in a new age of artistry, comfort, and safety. The superior technology of Neuma tattoo machines benefits tattoo collectors and artists alike – with the lighter-weight, fully-autoclavable tattoo machine delivering a less painful tattoo experience and drastically reduced healing times.

Dissatisfied with traditional coil machines, award-winning tattoo artist and inventor Carson Hill set out to create a completely new kind of tattoo technology – the first air-powered tattoo machine. Carved out of solid aluminum years before the MacBook made it cool, the original pneumatic tattoo machine, known as the Neuma2, was light-weight and fully-autoclavable.

The latest evolution of the Neuma, the Neuma Hybrid, is the result of Hill’s desire to constantly push for improvements. Hill listened carefully to suggestions from artists and engaged RKS to re-engineer and re-design the Neuma2. The result is the Neuma Hybrid. At only 3.7 ounces in its pneumatic configuration, the Hybrid still weights less than half as much as traditional coil machines. Packed inside this small but powerful package is an improved pneumatic design for greater efficiency and less air consumption, a larger impeller for more torque, a cushioned armature for compliance, a variable stroke-length, an improved collet, and optimized cycle timing for less drag on the skin when lining.

The “hybrid” part comes in when Neuma tattoo artists want to take the show on the road. Year-round and world-wide, tattoo artists travel to expos to create their art right before their fans’ eyes. With the baggage restrictions now in force by airlines, it’s becoming more of a challenge to travel with an air compressor. The Neuma and RKS teams brainstormed an ideal solution… a motorized module that magnetically-couples with the Neuma to transform it into an electric-powered tattoo machine. This means that Neuma artists can have the Neuma performance they love in an electric configuration that still weighs a full third less than traditional coil machines. And, most importantly, the pneumatic machine is still fully-autoclavable.

Whether you’re an artist, a long-time collector, or someone who’s been tempted but afraid to get a tattoo, the Neuma Hybrid represents a breakthrough in delivering a safer, less-painful, tattoo experience. And as for Carson Hill, perhaps Rosenau said it best, “He’s developed something that’s changing the way tattoos are done and the look of tattoos. He has his own little place in tattoo history.” Hearing that makes Hill squirm a little.

Designer : RKS Design for Neuma

Philip Simpson, the designer, together with architect David Miller, (who designed the award-winning Media Centre at Lords’ Cricket Ground while at Future Systems) and a leading structural engineering practice, the design/idea is fast becoming a reality. One of the UK’s top interior design consultancies, Real Studios, has created a range of inspiring interiors to highlight the lifestyle potential of these unique units.

The Orb has been designed to sleep 7 people comfortably, whether it’s young couples who like to spend holidays or weekends with an assortment of friends, or couples with kids who like to holiday with or without extended family. The Orb’s monocoque construction is more durable and long lasting than any other traditionally built structure on the market. The Orb will come with a minimum 5-year structural warranty.

The materials and technology used in the Orb’s construction are exactly the same as in marine construction. Boats are designed to be incredibly strong, lightweight and water resistant – so is the Orb! Being light weight it will be easy to move on site. This makes it ideal for coastal locations, where it will withstand extreme weather conditions much better than the traditional park home.

The Orb’s continuous shell makes it an ideal branding proposition. A full graphic wrap that may be updated or changed as required can be applied to create a distinct brand differentiator.

Designer : Philip Simpson [Orb Website]

Press Release :Honda’s Unique and Futuristic DN-01 On Sale From 1 August

Honda’s unique DN-01 motorcycle goes on sale on Friday 1 August from Honda Motorcycle dealers across the UK .

Available in two sleek colours of graphite black and pearl amethyst purple and priced at £9200*, the DN-01 – dream concept turned production reality motorcycle – with fully automatic transmission, is a truly unique machine in the world of motorcycling and defies being categorised.

Honda’s team of engineers set out to create an entirely new category of motorcycle and sought to combine elements of swift superbike performance, relaxed custom cruiser riding comfort, operating ease of a big scooter, attention grabbing and futuristic styling with unparalleled technological advancements.

It’s not a sportsbike, a cruiser, a scooter, a naked bike, adventure bike or a sports-tourer: it’s a new-breed of machine which couples performance, poise, comfort and practicality, all wrapped up in futuristic and radical styling whilst boasting some of the latest Honda technology.

The DN-01 introduces to motorcycling the most advanced fully automatic transmission ever developed for any two-wheeled vehicle – with HFT ‘human-friendly transmission’. Power comes from the proven and punchy Transalp 680cc V-twin, feeding through the HFT system, which offers auto, sports-auto or thumb-operated six-speed manual transmission modes, all providing smooth drive to the rear tyre without the lag of some traditional automatic transmission systems.The low-slung chassis keeps the rider in total comfort and control, while Honda’s superb Combined ABS Braking System keeps braking distances to a minimum in all conditions as well as enhancing safety. And to minimise environmental impact, the oxygen-sensing catalyser system manages the air/fuel mixture to reduce emissions to well below EURO-3 regulations.

Like most of Honda’s larger displacement motorcycles, the new DN-01 also comes fully equipped with the highly capable Honda Ignition Security System (HISS) to protect against ride-away theft.

Whilst the DN-01 looks stunning as standard, it can be further enhanced with a range of Honda Genuine Accessories designed specifically for this model, to include: a custom styled backrest for extra pillion comfort, heated grips with adjustable temperature, Honda Motorcycle Navigation Kit, speakers for a rider’s MP3 player, Bluetooth connection for a mobile phone, a motion and vibration sensitive anti-theft AVERTO alarm system, sturdy U-lock and a rugged, full bike cover.

This new breed of machine made its debut in the UK at the International Scooter and Motorcycle Show at Birmingham ’s NEC in December last year, before its world media launch at Lake Como in April. Having inspired a ‘wow’ factor for many, coupled with limited availability in the UK this year, orders have already been received for the DN-01 as many motorcyclists have stared in awe at the machine’s futuristic looks and the user-friendly nature of the new HFT system.

Honda Motorcycle dealers across the country will be unveiling the DN-01 on Friday 1 August so to see this unique machine in the flesh, or to book at test ride, contact your local dealer.Honda Motorcycle dealers can be located by calling Honda on 0845 200 8000, or by using the ‘Dealer Search’ facility within the Motorcycles area of www.honda.co.uk, where you can also find all the latest news and information about the full Honda motorcycle range, offers, genuine parts, accessories and forthcoming events.

Source : TimesOnline

Designer : CLEVER via Inhabitat

Designer : Huang Zi

Source : HardcoreDesign via Engadget

The Space Efficient Vehicle (SEV) was a finalist in the 2008 Michelin Challenge Design, and was put on display at the Detroit Motor Show.

The design of SEV is based around 3 wheel platform vehicle, if you can look the picture of this car concept, there are two passengers at the front and one at the rear, this will offer more stable platform than the alternate configuration and at the same time gives the driver a more car-like driving experience.

Designer : Ralph Panhuyzen (project lead and inventor) and Steven van der Veen (visualization)