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[bob ford <bobford79 AT yahoo.com>]

I don't really understand this technology.  The article doesn't give enough 
info.  This is not a wind-up flashligh, nor does it use batteries.  It lasts 
forever, without having to use and throw away a lifetime of batteries.  It 
can go from  "not charged" to "fully recharged" in 90 seconds.  It is 
presently very expensive, being marketed to police and military; but, I would 
think with quantity , price should reduce.  Why could this technology not 
also apply to other small devices?  ....bobford



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RELATED SECTIONS : Military / Outdoor
Ultracapacitor flashlight uses no batteries and recharges in 90 seconds 


Few things are more frustrating than grabbing your flashlight in an 
emergency, and getting little more than a dim glow because the batteries are 
dead. Even modern rechargeable LED flashlights need hours to take a full 
charge, and lose a little running time with each battery cycle. 

All of this fumbling with batteries could be history if the Light For Life 
UC3.400 flashlight from 5.11 Tactical live up to its promise. Instead of 
batteries, it uses something called an ultracapacitor to hold its charge, 
providing about 90 minutes of light per charge. But what's most amazing, is 
that the ultracapacitor will go from dead flat to fully charged in only 90 
seconds, and can do this at least 50,000 times. Even if you go through a full 
charge every day, that works out to about 135 years.

5.11 Tactical is marketing the Light For Life to professional users such as 
Police and Military forces, not surprising considering the hefty $170 price 
tag. Deliveries are scheduled to start early next year. 

5.11 Tactical, via Flashlight News




http://dvice.com/archives/2008/11/ultracapacitor.php#comments