Extract from RB:
Gist of tech angle is as follows: Apart from two projects (1) a "sensor" that produces a
tiny amount of current when exposed to liquid, useful for things like for saying "Hey,
there's a leak! Turn on the pump" or simply triggering a solenoid to turn on the pump and
(2) magnetic "welding," perhaps useful for big pipeline projects, the real emphasis is on
battery technology. First - maybe soon - is a smaller,lighter, and faster charging battery
which uses lead and acid electrolyte just like what is in your car now but with the lead sort
of "foamed," i.e. reticulated, to expose more surface to the electrolyte. Less lead =
environmentally friendly and lighter could make electric cars a real possibility plus
powering electric bikes across Asia and the rest of the world. Second - out a year or two
- is killer: a battery of iron and nickle with mildly alkaline electrolyte rather than acid. You
could drink this stuff to counteract an acid stomach. No lead, no acid = ecstatic ecofreaks
and bureaucrats. (Remember, bureaucrats pass laws....) This battery, believe it or not, is
takeoff on Thomas Edison's original battery. Genius behind all 3 is Alvin Snaper,
pronounced snapper, who has invented dozens of things including NASA's Tang
beverage and IBM's Selectric ball. 60's stuff, right? He's an older guy having fun (average
age of his research staff is 62) and actually trying for a better world. |
