Eccentric genius, Kamen lives in a house with secret passages, a closet full of denim, and a helicopter garage. Dean Lawrence Kamen (born April 5, 1951) is an American engineer, inventor, and businessman. Statistics from the World Health Organization show that there are 900 million people worldwide without a readily available supply of drinking water and that some 3.5 million people die annually because of diseases resulting from the consumption of unsanitary water. [12], "Dean Kamen Honored by Popular Mechanics", "Dean Kamen aims to clean water, generate electricity with Slingshot machine", "Pure Genius: How Dean Kamen's Invention Could Bring Clean Water To Millions", "Segway inventor takes aim at thirst with Slingshot", "Segway inventor drinks his own pee (really)", "Slingshot: Inventor Dean Kamen's Revolutionary Clean Water Machine", Dean Kamen Unveils Slingshot, The Ultimate Water Regenerator, "Bargaining for Clean Water: Why Dean Kamen Invented the Coca-Cola Freestyle", Dean Kamen’s Slingshot water purifier and Stirling generator tech — low cost water and power for the developing world, SlingShot documentary film (2014) Director: Paul Lazarus, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Slingshot_(water_vapor_distillation_system)&oldid=1000483253, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, five years of operation without overhaul or maintenance, generate 1000 litres of pure water/day, enough for 100 people for hygiene and cooking, meets the U.S. pharmacopoeic standard for water for injections, requires no pre-treatment, pipelines, engineers, consumables (osmosis membranes, charcoal, etc. Dean Kamen, the man who brought us the Segway, has just such a solution in the form of a water purification device called the Slingshot. The test devices have been used with "anything that looks wet", including polluted river water, saline ocean water and raw sewage. The title of the movie was SlingShot. Future target price for the device is in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Thursday October 23rd: "Slingshot" a Dean Kamen Documentary Solving the world's water crisis. In 2005, the power generator was tested for six months in a village in Bangladesh and generated enough electricity to light 70 energy-efficient light bulbs. Share Shares Copy Link. His inventions help people in need and ease suffering. There's a new film out on Dean Kamen's latest and greatest invention, "Slingshot." Slingshot provided emergency relief in Dominica following Tropical Storm Erika in 2015. Dean Kamen has unveiled the latest iteration of his power and water package for the third world. Dean Kamen is well-known as the entrepreneur and wild-eyed inventor of the highly promoted Segway scooter. SlingShot: Inventor Dean Kamen's 15-Year Quest to Solve the World’s Safe Water Crisis By. An eccentric genius with a provocative worldview, Kamen takes on grand-challenges one invention at a time, helping people in need. His latest passion: the SlingShot water purification system created to obliterate half of human illness on the planet. [4], In his TEDMED 2010 presentation, Kamen announced several goals for and characteristics of the machine:[5], Kamen came to develop the device on the basis of statistics that showed lack of access to clean water as a public health crisis. Dean Kamen was born in 1951, in Rockville Center, Long Island, New York. Dean Kamen, Inventor of Medical Technology. Segway inventor Dean Kamen wants to tackle the world's fresh water shortage Kamen has designed a portable water purifying device called a Slingshot The … ), or installation permits, This page was last edited on 15 January 2021, at 08:22. While the initial devices cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, Kamen hopes that increased economies of scale will allow production machines to be made available for $2,000 each. [1] Powered by a Stirling engine running on a combustible fuel source, it claims to be able to produce drinking water from almost any source[2] by means of vapor compression distillation,[3] requires no filters, and can operate using cow dung as fuel. His father, Jack, was an illustrator for Weird Science and Mad comic books; his mother, Evelyn, was a teacher. In 1982, Dean Kamen set up DEKA, a technology company that is headquartered in Manchester, New Hampshire, and currently boasts of about 400 engineers, technicians, and support staff. [8], By the end of 2005, a team of 200 at DEKA had produced 30 units, each the size of a compact refrigerator. This indefatigable man just might have enough passion, will, and innovative thinking to create a solution for a crisis affecting billions. [7] A pair of Slingshot devices ran successfully for a month in a village in Honduras during the summer of 2006. [6] In a demonstration at a technology conference in October 2004, Kamen ran his own urine through the machine and drank the clean water that came out. The inventor of the Segway, Dean Kamen is known in the scientific community for developing medical equipment. An eccentric genius with a provocative worldview, Kamen takes on grand-challenges one invention at a time, helping … SlingShot is both an inspirational character study and a look at the trajectory of Kamen’s vapor compression distiller from its earliest development through recent trials in rural Ghana and beyond. Kamen hopes to send thousands of the units with local village entrepreneurs, in much the same way independent cell phone businesses have thrived and gradually changed the face of many impoverished areas around the globe. The systems appear to be distributed in partnership with Coca-Cola as a component of EKOCENTER kiosks, of which over 150 have been deployed worldwide. It is called Slingshot, a vapor compression water purification machine produced by inventor Dean Kamen, the man best known as creator of the Segway transporter. This indefatigable man just might have enough passion, will, and innovative thinking to create a solution for a crisis affecting billions. Writer. Powered by a Stirling engine running on a combustible fuel source, it claims to be able to produce drinking water from almost any source by means of vapor compression distillation , requires no filters, and can operate using cow dung as fuel. The first initiative will be testing the Slingshot technology in health centers and schools in remote communities in Latin America in 2013. [5], In 2011, field tests of Slingshot in five towns in Ghana proved their effectiveness and durability.[10]. Dean Kamen is fixing the world, one invention at a time. His research and development company also developed such innovative products as a portable kidney dialysis machine. Several documentaries have been produced about the … There is a movie inspired from Kamen’s hard work for fixing the water crisis in the world using his vapor compression distiller. Match the picture of the invention to its name Slingshot Luke Arm iBot Segway. Directed by Paul Lazarus. Recently, Kamen allied himself with Coca-Cola . Solar power invention would be … Dean Kamen is fixing the world one invention at a time. Slingshot is a water purification device created by inventor Dean Kamen. [11], As of 2020, the product does not seem to be in commercial production or wide use. He is known for his invention of the Segway and iBOT, as well as founding the non-profit organization FIRST with Woodie Flowers. The name is a reference to the story of David and Goliath -- to Kamen, waterborne disease is a Goliath of a problem, and technology is the slingshot [source: Richardson ]. An eccentric genius with a provocative world view, Kamen is an inspiration for future scientists. SlingShot focuses on noted Segway inventor Dean Kamen and his work to solve the world's water crisis. In October 2012, Kamen and Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent announced at the Clinton Global Initiative that in collaboration with DEKA Research, Africare and Inter-American Development Bank, they will start bringing the Slingshot to rural parts of Latin America and Africa. SlingShot focuses on Segway inventor Dean Kamen, his fascinating life and his work to solve the world s water crisis. [6], Kamen sought to develop a technology that would transform the 97% of water that is undrinkable into water that can be used and consumed on the spot, readily and inexpensively. Kamen has a patent on his water purifier, and other patents pending. The name of the machine is a reference to the slingshot used by David to defeat Goliath. Someone will contact you for further information if there is a possibility that we can accommodate your request. SlingShot focuses on Segway inventor Dean Kamen, his fascinating life, and his work to solve the world’s water crisis. Updated: 1:04 PM … The $1500 water purifier will produce 1000 liters of water a day, while the $3,700 generator produces around 1 kW, … In 2014, the film SlingShot was released, which showed Kamen's quest to use his machine to fix the world's water crisis. Kamen holds over 1,000 patents. The name is a reference to the story of David and Goliath — to Kamen, waterborne disease is a Goliath of a problem, and technology is the slingshot. How Kamen's slingshot water invention could help millions receive clean water. With Dean Kamen. [7], Kamen built two machines — a power generator that would output one kilowatt from "anything that burns", and the water distiller, which uses the electricity. [9], In his TEDMED 2010 presentation, Kamen lamented throughout that when he asked for "a few million dollars" over a few months, no large global health organizations supported the development. Kamen began tinkering with gadgets when he was fairly young. Tackling a Seemingly Insurmountable Global Issue Dean Kamen, American inventor who created the Segway, a motorized device that allowed passengers to travel at up to 20 km (12.5 miles) per hour. Dean Kamen. SlingShot, the informative yet didactic new documentary about Kamen’s decade-long quest to distribute a mobile purification unit that could help solve the … The two components are a water purifier called Slingshot that uses a fraction of the power of alternatives and a Stirling engine based power generator that works on cow dung. SlingShot is about an indomitable man who just might have enough innovative thinking to solve a crisis affecting billions. Coca-Cola and DEKA piloted the Slingshot technology at schools in Ghana in 2011-2012 and installed units at schools in Pilar, Paraguay and health clinics in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in 2013-2014. When Kamen asked Coke for help distributing his water purifier, Coke challenged Kamen to develop a better soda fountain first. Derek Markham. The device takes contaminated water and runs it through a vapor compression distiller that produces clean water, producing 250 gallons daily (~946 litres), enough for 100 people. Kamen was born in Long Island, New York, to a Jewish family. Dean Kamen, who invented the Segway and several groundbreaking medical devices, has put a decade of work into a water purifier that he calls the “Slingshot.” This idea worth tens of millions of lives. 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