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Getting a charge out of backpacks – University developed electricity-generating frame can power small devices on the go

As soldiers, hikers, and students can testify, it takes energy to haul around a heavy backpack. Now, researchers have developed a backpack that turns that energy into electricity.

It only cranks out about 7 watts — but that’s enough to run an MP3 player, a personal data assistant, night vision goggles, a hand-held global positioning system, or a GSM cellphone. The development could eventually allow field scientists, hikers, explorers, soldiers, and disaster workers to produce their own electricity.

The researchers used a backpack fastened to the carrying frame by springs. The up-and-down motion caused by walking powers a small generator, producing electricity that can be used directly or stored in a capacitor or battery.

The device, developed by Lawrence C. Rome of the University of Pennsylvania, and colleagues, is reported in today’s issue of the journal Science.

By Associated Press

Full Story: http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2005/09/09/getting_a_charge_out_of_backpacks/

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