The device, developed by Lawrence C. Rome, and colleagues, of the University of Pennsylvania, was reported in a September 2009 issue of The Journal of Science. The idea was originally designed to harness some of the kinetic energy that is created while carrying a jostling backpack and return it to the wearer in the form of electricity. This would relieve soldiers of the burden of carrying heavy batteries in their packs. Now, in its current state, it is still a bit heavy and can only generate about 7 watts. Good enough to charge your iPod while marching along.
Hmm great idea..needs some work. For about $75.00 you can get this and it only weighs a pound. And, if you are extremely handy, how about constructing this out of an altoids tin? And, of course, the usual disclaimer, if you fuck it up and ruin your device, well whose fault was that eh? points at you
