Tag: rapid prototyping

12 intubation boxes go to UVMMC

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]

We went another batch of intubation boxes to UVM Medical Center yesterday.

Board member and jack-of-all-trades Steve Contact made the delivery.

Thank you to everyone who’s donated to make our PPE production possible![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][recent_posts style=”default” category=”covid19″ columns=”3″ title_labels=”true” posts_per_page=”3″ post_offset=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

April 24, 2020
2,200 face shields!
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]An update about our PPE effort:
- As of Friday 4/17, Generator has built and packaged a total of 2,200 face shields. Soon, much larger manufacturers around Vermont will able to build far more face shields per week than our small-yet-powerful “boutique” factory can. We’re proud to have responded so quickly and to continue producing PPE while larger-scale operations ramp up.
- We are currently fulfilling an order from the State of Vermont for 4,000 face shields. On Friday 4/17 we sent the first batch of 900 shields to the State.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
- Thanks to generous donations from over 110 individuals over the past few weeks, Generator has donated 45 face shields to smaller organizations including:
  - Addison County Home Hospice Center
  - Anew Place
  - Birth Wife Midwifery
  - Spectrum
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″][image_with_animation image_url=”9213″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″][image_with_animation image_url=”9214″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]
- We’ve built 35 intubation boxes. With the support of a few anonymous donors, Generator was able to donate many of the intubation boxes to Vermont hospitals. Elliott is working on version 2.0 of our intubation box in response to feedback from emergency doctors at UVMMC. The new design is easier for doctors to use and clean, and it accommodates more body sizes and bed sizes.
- Our production team has grown thanks to collaboration with ECHO, the Leahy Center for Lake Champlain! Caroline Frigon, ECHO Education Coordinator, and Nina Ridhibhinyo, ECHO Education Director, pivoted from their usual work at ECHO to join our production team. We’re working hard to meet demand and we couldn’t do it without these two, or without this kind of community generosity and collaboration.
Thank you for your continued support of our PPE production effort![/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][divider line_type=”Small Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default” custom_height=”20″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][vc_column_text]

RECENT POSTS

[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”30″][recent_posts style=”default” category=”covid19″ columns=”3″ posts_per_page=”3″ post_offset=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 20, 2020
Stuck in Vermont: Communities Come Together During the Pandemic

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]Thank you to Eva at Seven Days for putting together this beautiful piece about Vermonters coming together during these challenging times. It’s a must-watch!

She talks about our PPE effort right up top at :57[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UByT3Q7paT4″][divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][divider line_type=”No Line”][divider line_type=”No Line”][vc_text_separator title=”RECENT POSTS” title_align=”separator_align_left”][recent_posts style=”default” category=”covid19″ columns=”3″ posts_per_page=”3″ post_offset=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

April 9, 2020
450 face shields, 18 intubation boxes, and counting
[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]

We haven’t updated you in a few days — we’ve been moving so fast!

As of today, we’ve delivered 450 face shields to UVM Medical Center. We have another 550 in production to meet their initial request for 1,000 face shields.

We’ve also donated 18 intubation boxes to the following area hospitals:
- UVM Medical Center (10)
- Copley Hospital (2)
- Northeastern Vermont Hospital (2)
- Central Vermont Medical Center (2)
- Rutland Regional Medical Center (1)
- Northwestern Vermont Regional Hospital (1)
“What’s an intubation box?” you ask.

The clear plexiglass boxes are placed over patients’ heads while medical workers intubate them, limiting the ability of the virus particles to spread.

We’re gaining efficiency and removing bottlenecks in our operation every day.

Our production crew’s spirits are high. All of the supportive messages from our community — especially coming from those in the medical field — have helped these guys keep their energy up.

We’re feeding the crew, but if you want to send treats you’re more than welcome. 🍩

We’ve secured enough PETG to keep printing headbands for the time being thanks to the rigorous search and supply chain management skills of our board member, Michael Metz.

Coincidentally, these enormous 10lb spools come in our signature orange. 🤷‍♀️

We can’t believe how many folks responded to our call for Prusas!

Many others offered to loan us a different 3D printer or to print on their machine at home for us.

Each additional printer we get online helps speed up the entire operation, so thank you to everyone who’s letting us take care of their precious printers!

We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve received for this effort, from local politicians reaching out to ask what we need, to artists offering to write a song for anyone who donates $5 or more… it all helps keep this important effort in motion.

We’ve recognized some of our major supporters on this page. Thank you to everyone who has donated.

Want to donate? You can do so here:

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][nectar_btn size=”extra_jumbo” button_style=”regular” button_color_2=”Accent-Color” icon_family=”none” url=”https://generatorvt.com/ppe/#DONATE” text=”DONATE”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
April 6, 2020
Seven Days: Generator Maker Space Prototyping Face Shields for Hospitals

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]Check out Seven Days’ coverage of our PPE production initiative.

Read the article >>>

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

March 27, 2020
Member Made: Montpelier Parks & Trees’ Wayfinding Signs

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1611947209173{padding-bottom: 40px !important;}”]With the return of winter comes a return to Generator for Montpelier’s Parks & Trees Department.

Once a week a staff person or two trucks it up 89 with some rough hewn lumber and gets to work in our wood shop and on our laser cutter to make custom signage for the parks they maintain.

We love having them and seeing what they’re up to. Here’s Jaqueline’s latest project:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”10888″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”10884″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”10885″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”10889″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”10886″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][image_with_animation image_url=”10887″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

March 2, 2020
Maker in Residence: Colin Gaunt

Meet our current Maker in Residence: Colin Gaunt.

Colin is a recent Saint Michael’s College grad developing an affordable, portable device using ultra-efficient LED technology to disinfect water on an individual or family-sized scale.

From Saint Michael’s:

“Gaunt said the market niche he is trying to fill with the Sipping Safe is ‘a family unit essentially,’ explaining, ‘there already are products that can give water to 1,000 people really well or to one person fairly well, but there isn’t a product that can give water to a family of 6 to 12 without a plumbing network of some kind.’ His device would not need to be pressurized like many existing devices, which is another big advantage. ‘I’m thinking of any developing nation or city that doesn’t have access to a steady plumbing system,’ he said.”

Colin is also a Jump Start Collegiate cohort member, so he’s been spending a lot of time here making his first prototype using the Prusa 3D printer and Epilog laser cutter. Next step? Make the thing!

Follow along on Instagram to see Colin’s progress.

July 16, 2019
Member Made: Corrine’s stamps & community mural

Local artist and organizer Corrine Yonce recently utilized Generator’s Epilog laser cutter to create rubber stamps from hand drawings. These stamps were for use in a community mural in the Old North End’s new community center.

The stamps made it easy for folks to contribute to the mural regardless of whether they felt they had “artistic talent.”

Words from Corrine:

“This project has been lead by high school students of the BTV City and Lake Semester – their mission was to represent this thriving new community that is the Old North End (ONE) Community Center, which is the former St. Joseph school.”

The mural was to represent its vibrant history and exciting future. They asked to show the true diversity of ages, cultures, and ways people use the space. The students loved the activities that bridged communities- food, play, sports. They wanted people to see themselves in the mural, no matter who they are.”

The ONE Community Center is a critical resource in the Old North End. The center is home to Vermont Adult Learning, the The Family Room, the Association of Africans Living in Vermont, Spectrum’s after school program, Very Merry Theater, the Vermont Hindu temple, the Burlington City Lake Program, among others.”

The students at Burlington City and Lake Semester worked hard to guide my hand in this piece, to bring community together, and ensure this mural would have a enduring & inclusive message for all communities that use the space now, and will use the space in the future.”

A big thanks to Megan Humphrey whose 1,200 photos of the Old North End (still exhibited at the ONE Community Center!) inspired us so much that we use some in the mural. Also a big thanks to Burlington Parks, Recreation, & Waterfront who bought the supplies and dealt with our mess, to Champlain House Trust who hosts space to these critical community organizations, and to all the wonderful organizations who showed up to this event to have a hand in the final piece. Vermont Adult Learning, The Family Room, Robin’s Nest Childcare, AALV and the Champlain Senior Center.”

Photos by Montgomery Sheridan.

May 30, 2019
Member Made: Marc’s Stand Up Paddleboard

Member Marc Heinzer is BYOSUPing— building your own stand up paddleboard.

Marc hails from Switzerland where he built boats and movie sets. He had this to say of his building experience:

“Boat builder is one of the few jobs where you build something from start to finish. With house builders, there are people that frame, and then people that put plumbing in… not so with boats.”

Instead of the standard foam most paddleboards use, environmentalist Marc chose wood due to its ease of availability and sustainability. He used the Epilog laser cutter to cut the frame and glued up and assembled the frame in our big build space. He’s now starting to think about next steps — including adding a window in the board that allows riders to see what lies beneath.

Marc wanted to create something that inspired people to engage in local recreation and he’s thinking about how to make the board available to the public. He’s considering inviting local kids to help him decorate the board before finishing to make it a true community effort and asset.

Stay tuned for progress! We’re excited to see the board in action on the waves of Lake Champlain this summer.

May 21, 2019
Member Made: Marni’s giant laser cut ovaries

Marni Leikin is a Generator member and professor of digital media.

Marni schooling herself in all of our rapid prototyping tools, including the 3D printer, 4 Axis Modeling Mill, vinyl cutter, and of course the Epilog laser cutter — all to prepare for the rapid prototyping unit of her upcoming Digital Media Methodologies for Educators course at Champlain College, which will train and empower educators to bring cutting edge digital technology into the classroom.

This is one of the many awesome pieces she’s made during her practice and preparation: laser cut ovaries for the #vermontwomensmarch last month.

She says they were a major attention-grabber, and now they’re hanging down in Nutty Steph’s to help promote their chocolate vulva sales benefiting Planned Parenthood of New England.

Amazing.

February 17, 2019