Good times and designs at the Next Big Idea

Curious festival-goers of every age strolled up and down 15th and Central Saturday, there to check out the future innovations of local inventors.

As a way to kick off the Next Big Idea, sponsored by Los Alamos MainStreet, independent developers and area companies set up booths displaying their latest creations. From the straightforward, single purpose devices like the bagel and doughnut stuffer, to the complex mobile wind generator designed by Eco-Dynamic Wind Solutions, the event had something for everybody.

“It’s very fun,” said event-goer Doris Lodwig. “I'm from White Rock and I don't come up here often. I've gotten to see lots of stuff but I'm still looking. I'm going to the LAVA display because I'm really interested in that,” she said.

The display Lodwig to which referred was one put on by Los Alamos Visual Analytics (LAVA) inside the Chamber of Commerce, an interactive booth that featured the company’s 3D imaging software.

Retiree Noel Calkins was proud to show the crowd his modified M-16, capable of rapidly and consistently firing shots even after being immersed in a foot of sand.

His invention, which uses a ceramic powder lubricant that prevents corrosion inside the gun barrel, allows for the weapon to be fired in almost any conditions without jamming.

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