Academics...

[LewisM]

... all brain, little practicality :)

I went back to University 2 years ago (almost bloody done!) to get a degree in Biotechnology. Recently, I have been doing an SRP (Special Research Project - replaces one set course subject), which means a LOT of time in the lab (we are doing anti-microbial experiments on the mucus of Helix aspersa snails - seems we may have actually isolated a novel peptide also in one of our fractions - more HPLC work...). ANYWAY...

I walked past the battery discard bin in the wash room the other day and spied 5 medical pen lights (the type medicos use to check eyes etc) in the bin. I asked the tech if I could take them (thinking I could use the chromed tubes), and she said sure thing.

Took them apart today to see if any work (one is completely missing the head that holds the bulb, so that one is tube stock now). 3 of the 4 remaining had the AAA batteries in, BACKWARDS (and corroding). I mean, seriously????? Managed to fling the batteries out, soaked in isopropanone for a while, installed fresh batteries the RIGHT way, and voila, 3 of the 4 work again. The other needs a new bulb.

Hmmmm, may just have to spray one with the clear red lacquer I have :)

[Astroman]

True what they say, one man's Trash is another man's treasure...

[GeoffW1]

Hi,

Isopropanone, that's acetone to the unwary, right? ;)

What I'd like to ask, what special thing does it do in this application?

Cheers

[LewisM]

Indeed. I will keep an eye out for possible laser pointers too :)

[LewisM]

Better if I typed right - isopropanol! AKA isopropyl alcohol.

Acetone would stuff the plastic bits :)

[naskies]

Pen lights are often given away for free by medical/pharm companies at conferences. They often come with reversed batteries to prevent them from accidentally turning on if they are transported/shipped without packaging.

The best conference freebie that I ever received as a grad student was a combined red laser pointer and USB memory stick which also recharged the laser pointer when connected to a computer. Still works seven years later :)