Has anyone on the list come across this or better still got one?
Roger
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Sent: Tue 17/06/2003 22:21
To: Sub Brit Postings
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Subject: [SUB-BRIT] A new torch for the kit?
Somebody will no doubt correct me on my assessment of the novelty of this but I believe an interesting torch has just become available in this country. "The Forever Flashlight". It combines old and new technology to produce a waterproof sealed torch without batteries that you shake for 15 seconds to give 5 minutes of high power LED light. The charge is held on a capacitor.There are loads of sites in US (which was the origin of the spam that alerted me to this) but not much in the UK yet. I found the one below on Google.
http://www.gadgetsuk.com/xcart/catalog/category_259_Torches_and_lights_page_1.html
I'd be interested to know if anyone buys one and what they think.In America it comes in two sizes. I think it needs clarifying with the UK seller which is actually on offer at the price given.
Without wishing to insult anyone's intelligence the simple science for this piece of kit is reproduced below from an American website for those of gadget inclination. It is widely available in America but seems to have appeared here only this April.
Technical Information
What is "Electromagnetic Induction" and how does the Forever Flashlight use it?
The Forever Flashlight uses the Faraday Principle of Electromagnetic Energy to create the electricity it needs to charge itself. The Faraday Principle describes how a magnetic field can produce electric current in a wire that passes through it. When the Forever Flashlight is shaken, a magnet slides back and forth through a copper wire coil. The electricity produced as a result is then stored in a capacitor instead of a battery.
What is a "Capacitor" and why does the Forever Flashlight use one?
A capacitor is a basic electronic component that stores electric charge. A capacitor is used in the forever flashlight instead of a battery due to the fact that power is always available by shaking, thereby requiring less electricity storage than normal flashlights. The Forever's capacitor holds enough charge for over 5 minutes of bright light without further shaking.
What is an "LED" and why does the Forever Flashlight use one?
An LED, or "Light Emitting Diode" is an electronic component that emits light when an electric current is applied to it. LED's, long used for electronic indicator lights, have become very popular for other lighting applications over the past few years in everything from street lights to roadway hazard lights and vehicles. A big reason for their popularity is their efficiency and lifespan. An LED is many times more efficient than a halogen or fluorescent bulb, uses much less power, and lasts for up to 10 years - a perfect match for the design of the Forever Flashlight!
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