Popular Mechanics Awards Technological Innovation

PreacherTom writes "Every year, Popular Mechanics attempts to find the most innovative tech products and hand out a little notoriety. This year's honorees range from everyday items like a $17 Crescent RapidSlide wrench, which puts a new, faster spin on an already well-designed tool, to a high-end Lexus that can virtually park itself. PM took an extra step by honoring innovators in science, having solicited nominations from a board of editorial advisers that includes Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Dr. Amy Smith, a professor at MIT. Winners include Burt Rutan (of SpaceShipTwo fame) and Angela Belcher (for her work with virus nanofabrication)."

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In a related story. . .

[kimvette]

and Milwaukee's V28 power tools, the first line to use lithium-ion batteries instead of nickel cadmium.

The legendary Milwakee, a company up to now renown for high-quality, durable power tools, has issued a recall of every V28 power tool kit, citing potential fire hazards. The V28 series power tools have been identified as the cause of a five-alarm fire in an 18th century apartment complex when their lithium batteries carelessly left loose in toolboxes spontaneously caught fire, presumably when the contents shifted and contacts were shorted by other items in the container. Unfortunately, due to 18th century construction techniques and the well-seasoned wood, and to the lack of fire escapes, 30 tenants died due to burns and smoke inhalation.

Milwaukee's V28 product manager remarked "This was a regretful event, to be sure, and while Sony is the manufacture of the lithium ion cells and they lack appropriate safety features to prevent thermal runaway reactions which lead to explosive fires, ultimately it is our responsibility because we chose lithium ion over environment-friendly secondary alkaline, Ni-MH, and other rechargable technologies. We have also reports of our Li-Ion products bursting into flames while under heavy load. Our engineers advised us that Li-Ion batteries can be hazardous when used in high-load items such as power tools, but I made the decision to choose Li-Ion battery technology over Ni-MH or Alkaline, both of which are designed for high-current applications. This was my decision, and I am announcing my resignation effective immediately after all shipped V28 units we have recalled have been received. I take full responsibility for this decision."

Milwaukee stock tumbled by 78% at closing following the press conference.