In the News
May 15, 2007 - Product Design & Development: Power for Sustaining Life
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides three categories for the classification of medical devices. Class I devices are defined as non-life sustaining; these products are the least complicated and their failure poses little risk. An example of this device is an illuminating ear scope. Class II devices are more complicated and present more risk than Class I, though are also non-life sustaining. Examples of these devices include endoscopes or patient monitors. Class III devices sustain or support life, so that their failure is life threatening.
April 27, 2007 - PowerPulse.net: Micro Power Announces Battery Pack that Withstands Autoclave Sterilization
Micro Power Electronics, Inc. announced that it has designed and built what it claims is one of the industry’s most advanced medical battery packs that can withstand autoclave sterilization.
March 1, 2007 - Medical Device Development: Battery Power on the Move
The use of portable medical devices in and outside the hospital environment is on the rise. There has been an increase in the sophistication of the devices used by paramedics in the field (external defibrillators, suction pumps and ultrasound equipment) and all of these have large power demands, which can only be satisfied by the use of advanced power cells.
April 2, 2007 - ECN: Lithium-Ion Batteries: Good Things Come in Small Packages
Recently, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries used in consumer applications have received attention because some have melted or even exploded. But, contrary to sensational news reports, lithium-ion batteries remain safe and engineers will continue to design them into portable equipment. The defective batteries featured in news reports came from one manufacturer and resulted from a production defect. Of the billions of lithium-ion cells manufactured in 2006, few had problems.
April 1, 2007 - Oregon Business: Around The State
Micro Power Electronics purchased Redmond, Wash.-based SelfCHARGE for an undisclosed sum. Micro Power, known for making custom battery systems for makers of portable medical, rugged handled computing and data collection equipment, including military applications, was a leader in the development of lithium battery systems. The company has expanded at such a rate during the last 20 years that it is now the fastest-growing supplier of custom battery systems in North America. SelfCHARGE is known for their battery chargers, docking stations and battery packs.
March 14, 2007 - Power Electronics Technology: Electronics Corporation Acquires Battery Vendor
Micro Power Electronics will acquire SelfCHARGE, a provider of battery chargers, docking stations and battery packs. The closing of the transaction is still subject to several conditions, including final shareholder approval. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
March 1, 2007 - PowerPulse.net: Micro Power Electronics Acquires SelfCHARGE
Micro Power Electronics, Inc. announced that it has acquired SelfCHARGE, Inc., a Redmond (Washington)-based provider of battery chargers, docking stations and battery packs. The closing of the transaction is still subject to several conditions, including final shareholder approval. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
March 1, 2007 - Military & Aerospace Electronics: Micro Power Electronics Acquires SelfCharge, Expands Portable Battery Portfolio
Micro Power Electronics Inc. has acquired SelfCharge Inc., a Redmond, Wash.-based provider of battery chargers, docking stations and battery packs. Micro Power offers portable power solutions for mission-critical equipment and provides custom battery solutions to leading portable medical, rugged handheld computing, and commercial military equipment manufacturers.
February 28, 2007 - Seattle Post Intelligencer: Oregon Battery Systems Developer Buys SelfCharge
In a deal of undisclosed size, Beaverton, Ore.-based Micro Power Electronics has acquired Redmond-based SelfCharge. SelfCharge, which has 75 employees, is a provider of battery chargers, docking stations and battery packs. Micro Power, with about 250 employees, develops battery systems for portable medical devices and computers.
February 28, 2007 - Dow Jones: Weston Presidio's Battery Co. Recharges with Purchase
Micro Power Electronics Inc., a portable battery maker owned by Weston Presidio, is acquiring a smaller competitor, Selfcharge Inc., in an effort to round out its product offerings. The deal will add about $25 million to Micro Power's current annual revenue of more than $50 million, and the combined company expects to have over $100 million in revenue in the next two to three years, said Micro Power President and Chief Executive Greg Love.