Electronics Manufacturing News

Picotte says that the device is non-rechargeable, and that it's useful life is rated at five years. "It really is exciting," says Picotte, "when you watch it work the first time."

Picotte thought of the device in 1995, while taking electronics courses at a local technical school. "I worked nights while attending school," he says, "and it came to me like an epiphany. I saw exactly how it was built, how it worked, in my mind. I took a break and sketched it on paper."

His current prototype is designed to deliver 12V power to various applications, and other projects include power supplies for cordless telephones and cell phones. "I know I get tired of having to recharge my phones on a constant basis," Picotte said.

He has entered negotiations with a Chinese manufacturer to mass-produce the devices, but is also discussing his prototype with various toy manufacturers around the globe. "It would be awesome to buy a hand-held game that didn't require batteries, or a flashlight, or anything!" he exclaimed.

“Alkaline battery sales in the United States in 2003 were over $6 billion dollars, and are predicted to climb to over $18 billion dollars by 2009, “ quoted Picotte. “I think those figures will change within the next year.” He said with a grin.

Picotte claims he is also considering other applications for the device, including electric automobiles and radio-controlled vehicles. “There’s really no limit on the number of applications. I think of new things every day, new ways to use this device, including standard consumer products and even military use.”