Duracell 'snowmobikes' to light up new year

Chain Drug Review, Dec 8, 2008

NEW YORK -- Procter & Gamble Co.'s Duracell division is inviting visitors to Times Square this month to create energy to light up the iconic numerals 2-0-0-9 as the clock strikes midnight and the New Year's ball drops on January 1.

To capture the energy needed to illuminate the 2009 display, Duracell is inviting guests to the Duracell Power Lodge at the Charmin Restrooms to hop on one of six "snowmobikes" to generate power. The snowmobikes operate through rotary technology, capturing energy through the spinning wheel when the bike is pedaled. From there, power is routed into the Duracell Battery Center, where it will be stored until New Year's Eve.

More than 200 pedal hours are needed to light up "2009." The amount of energy captured is determined by the power, speed and length of the cycling. Duracell's capture and storage system is configured to harness the energy exerted while pedaling and convert it to power as it travels from the snowmobike to the battery center. The power will be transferred from the lodge to One Times Square before December 31 in preparation for the ball-drop festivities.

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"At Duracell we are always looking for new and innovative ways to store energy for consumers to power their important moments," says Rick June, North American vice president and general manager. "The Duracell Power Lodge is a giant example of the work we do every day.

"This time the battery is bigger, and we're storing people power to light up the 2009 display when the world-famous New Year's ball drops in Times Square at midnight. Our guests in New York will truly be powering the new year with Duracell."

Visitors to the lodge will also be able to recharge from the holiday hustle and bustle with a variety of entertainment activities. The Duracell Recharge Rest Stop allows visitors to plug in and charge their personal entertainment and digital devices at power stations, and the lodge and Charmin Restrooms are open through December 31 at 1540 Broadway between West 45th and West 46th Streets.

Duracell also has introduced an emergency power product for use at home or on the road. The Duracell Powerpack 450 with Voice is a durable, standalone power supply with 450 watts of AC household power for important electronics and appliances. Its voice technology--new to the portable power category--"talks" consumers through the use of the built-in, vehicle jump-start system. The voice technology also tells consumers how to inflate a tire with the built-in air compressor and how much run time they have for each device connected to the multiple outlets.

"The Duracell Powerpack 450 with Voice is designed to be rugged, to stand up to road trips, picnics and camping," says June. "It also provides the reassurance of a night light and a comforting voice.

"When consumers are away from home, it's great to know they have a power backup that can also help perform the most obvious and crucial road fixes."