Sky Built Power Center
Posted By RichC on October 19, 2005
An Arlington Virginia company, SkyBuilt Power Inc, has found a new investor in its “drop and plop” electricity generating units: the 1999 CIA founded company called In-Q-Tel. The new investor will allow continued investment in a fuel-less power unit that can be used to provide continual power for small units in remote locations.
In September, the Wall Street Journal detailed the objective of this privately run investment company that makes it more efficient to develop the many products helpful to our country working around the world. This recent investment might help even the private sector, especially in rural areas, live a more comfortable and efficient off the grid life.
SkyBuilt’s Mobile Power Station (MPS) can generate up to 150 kilowatts of electricity, says David Muchow, the firm’s president and CEO. That’s enough to power an emergency operations center, an Army field kitchen, or a small medical facility. Skybuilt and In-Q-Tel announced Tuesday that they have signed a strategic development agreement, including an investment in SkyBuilt.
In-Q-Tel’s support is a breakthrough for the small firm. (The “Q” in In-Q-Tel is a whimsical play on the movie character “Q” who supplies James Bond with nifty gadgets.) SkyBuilt provides innovative energy solutions with the potential to help meet a wide variety of critical government and commercial power needs, says Gilman Louie, In-Q-Tel president and CEO.
The power stations could have important uses for disaster relief, homeland security, military operations, intelligence work, and a variety of commercial applications. The units are not yet designed for use by homeowners. After hurricane Katrina, SkyBuilt units could have been rushed to the scene and set up in hours, restoring power to hospitals, evacuee centers, police and fire departments, and cellphone towers.
One big drawback of solar energy until now has been that it was a “custom industry,” says Scott Sklar, vice president of SkyBuilt. Components are usually put together on-site, and differ from location to location. “When you buy a car, do they ship in all the pieces to your front yard and have somebody assemble it? I’m afraid not.
It works this way: Parts for each Skybuilt unit are packed into standard-size shipping containers. The containers, specially modified and strengthened, can be moved by ship, truck, train, or even dropped by a laser-guided parachute to the most remote location.
Once on-site, the container is opened, and arms and poles are attached to the outside to hold solar cells and wind turbines. A prototype built here in Arlington has been running steadily for more than a year without repairs or maintenance.
While SkyBuilt has 140 patent claims on its energy system, most of its individual component parts are widely available. Mr. Muchow explains that its MPS can use photovoltaic cells, small wind turbines, computers, batteries, and other parts from essentially any manufacturer.
This open architecture allows its MPS units to be upgraded whenever a battery or other manufacturer comes out with a better product. It also reduces costs.
This was attractive to In-Q-Tel. The government could develop its own advanced technology (as “Q” might do). But it is far less costly to support technology like SkyBuilt’s that also finds a larger market in the private sector, says Troy Pearsall, vice president of technology at In-Q-Tel.
In-Q-Tel, meanwhile, has signed agreements similar to this one with more than 80 companies since it was set up in 1999. Its mission is to identify and invest in firms with cutting-edge technologies that can aid US national security.
Reported in the Christian Science Monitor.
Japanese auto maker Nissan Motor Company revived the tune for a TV ad promoting its Titan trucks — it is a song from a 1957 film “
10. This search engine is a huge power house, and we all know that. It’s still going to gain more power with the Google Tivo. With this little box, you’ll be able to store all your favorite TV shows, photos, music, 
09. When they started making razors with 3 blades, we all thought it was ridiculous. As time pasted, people actually warmed up to the idea. So, with that in mind, here’s the new Gillette LightSpeed. This bad boy has 21 blades that can shave your entire face or back in no time. Just make sure you have tons of dignity by your side. 
08. Microsoft likes to put out OS’s that have tons of bugs still in them. That’s why they’re going to introduce Windows CSI. This OS has the ability to launch it’s own investigation team whenever there’s a problem. This will finally help Bill, and his crew understand the motives behind them. Just remember, there’s no funny intro puns or any Who music at startup. 
07. When you where a little kid this brand of glue was everywhere. By the time you reach adulthood. Elmer will finally introduce it’s brand new Deodorant. You’ll now be able to glue your armpits shut. That way, it’ll be impossible for any smells to come out and play. The only drawback, is that it’ll leave behind a sticky white residue.
06. Jumpman and Adidas aren’t doing so well in the financial department. So, it made it logical when they decided to team up, and produce the Air Adidas. Production will probably cost them about 20 dollars to make. Which will then be sold for 180 dollars. But, you’ll now have two famous logos on one sneaker. I can’t wait until they release their Nike Air Adidas.
05. You know this corporation owns all your souls. Especially, when you decide to pay 5 bucks for a coffee. They’re gonna go to the dark side, when they introduce the Starbucks Beer. You’ll now get a chance to get buzzed and energized at the same time. But don’t forget, you’ll probably be paying 10 bucks, along with you best friend’s soul to get one.
04. Women just love it when a man smells like their old grandpa. So, why not take things a step further with the Old Spice Mouthwash. You’ll now be able to smell like an old man from your damn mouth. And you all know women go crazy for that strong, minty masculine scent. Just make sure you don’t pack it
03. When it comes to making a cool looking PC mouse, Logitech stands at the forefront. But, it was about time they made a practical mouse, like the new Extra Long. This mouse gives you the ability to rest your entire forearm on it. You can also use it as a giant paperweight. Just make sure you buy the extra wide mouse pad to go along with it. 
02. Having a workout gym at home is a great idea. So, if your looking for one, why not get the Bowflex Extreme Extreme? This machine comes with 2 tons of power resistance, and a simple design layout for easy storage. Which was made possible by not having a workout bench at all. Don’t worry, though. At least you’ll be working out in an extreme way. 
01. First, there was the iPod (garbage). Then there was the 20gb iPod (more garbage). And then came the iPod Shuffle (random garbage). But, finally there was the new iPod Nano (nano garbage). Which now, leads us to the new iPod Invisible. This thing isn’t really going to get made. It’s just another way for Apple to make 300 dollars for some more hot garbage.
October 14, 2005 was the day the 
A returning marine, Nathan Adey, from the 
The vehicle incorporates measurements from GPS, a 6DOF inertial measurement unit, and wheel speed for pose estimation. While the vehicle is in motion, the environment is perceived through four laser range finders, a radar system, a stereo camera pair, and a monocular vision system enabling Stanley to avoid collisions with obstacles in real-time while advancing along the 2005 DARPA Grand Challenge route. 
On a Personal note: I’d love to decorate a friends car for his next tailgate party ‘in Cleveland, Ohio.’ 
There has been a fair amount of discussion racing around the media in regard to where the world sits in relation to the amount of fossil fuel is left … as well as what impact our burning it has on global warming. I doubt anyone has the ability to predict ‘