The ingredients behind some of the most innovative and advanced technologies are part art, part science. At the 2009 International Association of Chiefs of Police Expo (IACP), Gamber-Johnson, a Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products Group (CVP) Company, exhibited a flashlight charging holster designed for automotive use featuring eCoupled wireless technology.
Wireless Electricity Powers the Mobile Workspace
eCoupled is intelligent wireless power technology, based on adaptive inductive coupling, that allows for safe and efficient power transfer without wires. eCoupled technology uses coils to transmit energy. When the eCoupled coil of a product comes into proximity with an eCoupled coil in the charging zone, the technology intelligently recognizes the product, interprets its power needs, and immediately begins to transfer energy.
"Through a partnership with Fulton Innovation, the inventors of eCoupled intelligent wireless power, and Leggett & Platt CVP, we are evolving beyond business as usual," said Brian Wagner, president of Gamber-Johnson. "eCoupled wireless technology is an example of Gamber-Johnson's long legacy of delivering innovative products that make working in a mobile environment more efficient and convenient. Our company continuously invests in new materials and technologies to drive product innovation and redefine the way our customers conduct business."
Energizer eCoupled Flashlight and Charging Holster
Gamber-Johnson has partnered with Energizer Battery Inc. to make an eCoupled charging holster compatible with the Energizer Hard Case Professional eCoupled Swivel Light. The charging holster and flashlight will be sold as a package through Gamber-Johnson.
The charging flashlight holster is molded out of rugged Polycarbonate ABS, which allows for the holster to be water resistant and withstand the most rugged environments. The molded holster and spring brackets firmly hold the flashlight in place whether it is mounted vertically or horizontally.
"The technology is simple to use. You simply place the eCoupled enabled Energizer Flashlight in the charging holster and it will automatically start charging, even if the vehicle is shut off," explains Tom O'Brien, product manager. "We've incorporated protective measures that deactivate the charging mount at 12.1 volts to prevent battery drain."
The Energizer Hard Case Professional eCoupled Swivel Light utilizes a NiMH battery pack that can be charged up to 500 times and is designed to work exclusively with the Gamber-Johnson eCoupled charging holster. The flashlight was built to be used in rugged environments - it is water resistant and can withstand a 15-foot drop.
"At Energizer, our mission is to simplify and enhance the lives of customers and consumers through innovation. One way we are bringing new technology to customers is through our partnership with Gamber-Johnson and Fulton Innovation. This wireless lighting tool, with eCoupled technology inside, will help end users work better and more efficiently by providing light that is always ready," said Karen Lynch, Global Director, Energizer Lighting Products.
The flashlight has three different LED colors: white LED light for intense illumination that has high and low white spots, red LED for night vision, and green LED for pipe inspection. The head of the flashlight rotates 125 degrees to allow flexible lighting angles. The flashlight also includes an integrated belt clip for a hands-free option.
About Gamber-Johnson
In business since 1954, Gamber-Johnson manufactures rugged docking stations and vehicle mounts and has been a member of the Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products (CVP) Group since 2007. Customers of all sizes - state and local governments, transportation, field service organizations, and mobile professionals - rely on Gamber-Johnson's vehicle mounting systems and docking stations on a daily basis and associate the Gamber-Johnson name and products with quality, safety, and reliability. As a result, Gamber-Johnson vehicle mounting systems are installed in thousands of fleets worldwide. www.gamberjohnson.com
About Energizer.
Energizer Holdings Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is one of the world's largest manufacturers of primary batteries, battery-powered devices and flashlights. Energizer, a global leader in the dynamic business of providing portable power geared toward the new digital age, offers a full portfolio of products including the Energizer MAX premium alkaline brand; Energizer Ultimate Lithium; Energizer Advanced Lithium and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable batteries and chargers.
The Energizer product line also includes specialty batteries for hearing aids, health and fitness devices, as well as for keyless remote entry systems, watches and other uses. Through its flashlight and lighting products unit, Energizer helps bring consumer insight and innovation to these important household devices. Energizer continues its role as a technology leader with Energizer Energi To Go, portable battery powered chargers for cell phones. www.energizer.com
About Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products
Leggett & Platt Commercial Vehicle Products is a division of Fortune 500 diversified manufacturer Leggett & Platt.
Headquartered in Atlanta, L&P CVP is a family of companies that provides a single source for all commercial vehicle needs. Through its sub-brands L&P CVP designs, manufactures and installs commercial vehicle interior systems, truck equipment and accessories under well-known brand names: a) Masterack, van interiors, and truck accessories equipment designer, manufacturer, and installer; b) Crown North America, automotive original equipment accessories program provider; c) Team Fenex, mobile HVAC and power specialists; and e) Gamber-Johnson, rugged docking stations and vehicle mounts manufacturer.
The L&P CVP family of companies includes 10 facilities in North America. For more information on L&P CVP visit www.leggettcvp.com.