InstaLoad

InstaLoad is a patented technology developed by Microsoft which allows cylindrical batteries to function in a battery holder regardless of the batteries polarity.

Design

The device is designed to save time when swapping out batteries and reduce confusion from hard to read battery diagrams.[1][2][3]

Initially battery cell sizes CR123, AA, AAA, C and D were to be catered for.[4]

InstaLoad was designed to address the large number of phone calls to the Microsoft customer help desk in which consumers were improperly placing batteries in Microsoft wireless devices (such as the keyboard and mouse).[2] In 2012 Memory Protection Devices began manufacturing and selling battery carriers that use InstaLoad. Their products are used by EMTS on ambulances and by patients who use life saving devices that are unable to physically change the batteries on their device.[5]

Licensing

The InstaLoad technology can be licensed from the Microsoft hardware Intellectual Property Licensing program.[6] Microsoft provides royalty-free licensing for manufacturers of accessibility devices.[6] InstaLoad is purely mechanical.

Reception

There were concerns that while "cheap gadgets" could benefit from the technology the licensing terms might prove an obstacle to uptake.[7]

References
  1. "Microsoft InstaLoad lets you insert batteries in any direction". Gizmag. July 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 19 November 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  2. BLAHA, TOM (August 2012). "What the doctor ordered: A reversible battery holder". Electronic Products: 48–49. Archived from the original on 2013-01-21. Retrieved 2012-08-11.
  3. Perez, Sarah (July 7, 2010). "InstaLoad to Revolutionize Battery Installation". Channel 9. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved August 11, 2012.
  4. Fiveash, Kelly (2 July 2010). "Microsoft goes AC/DC with Instaload battery tech". The Register. Archived from the original on 2 November 2019. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  5. Blaha, Tom (September 2012). "Designing a more patient-centric battery holder.(Emphasis On Batteries)". Medical Design Technology. 16 (7): 16.
  6. "Microsoft Unveils InstaLoad Battery Installation Technology That Allows Batteries to Be Inserted in Either Direction". Microsoft News Center. Microsoft. July 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2012.CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  7. Sorrel, Charlie (2010). "Microsoft Instaload: Insert Batteries Any Way You Like". Archived from the original on 6 March 2015. Retrieved 2 November 2019.


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