A Lego Technic Motor was attached to a Jensen #75 steam engine to make a crude generator. He then added a 5V regulator circuit and soldered a female USB connection. He also added some circuit protection. It even looks like a cute little rest stop on the Oregon Trail before you had to dump all that leftover buffalo meat you shot into the river (sigh, what a waste.) He should remember though that water, heat and electronics usually don't mix or he might end up taking the pony express to the nearest Apple store. [Boing Boing Gadgets]

The software also filters out variables like swaying and head-bobbing that could confuse the signal. Obviously, this technology is a long way from being implemented in the real world (as you can see from the crude helmet pictured here), but I can see how it could be a big help to rescue workers if some sort of monitor was added to the helmet or it was integrated into a handheld device. [New Scientist]