For 15 years I have propounded the possibilty of a self-reproducing machine tool in news:sci.physics.research and news:rec.crafts.metalworking and described my investigations. (1) After 10 years, I was cited; it was a footnote, really (2) Actually, I've already built one. (3) Er, two; they were identical. That was the point.
TED (Ideas Worth Spreading from Technology, Entertainment, and Design) offers Fellowships to its 2010 conferences.
formatting link
My application would be due by September 25, 2009.
formatting link
If you think a self-reproducing universal wood and metalworking machine tool that can make just about anything of value from metal, wood, plastic, glass, paper, fabric, or stone is an Idea Worth Sharing from Technology and Design, as I do, then I would appreciate a TED Fellows nomination, or an offer of listing you as one of three references. If you disagree strongly, I might abandon the idea of attending.
Douglas (Dana) Goncz, CPS Replikon Research Seven Corners, VA 22044-0394
Ref:
(1)
formatting link
(2) Robert A. Freitas Jr., Ralph C. Merkle, Kinematic Self-Replicating Machines, Landes Bioscience, Georgetown, TX, 2004
(3)
formatting link