The idea behind the Epiphany onE Puck is simple: use a Stirling engine powered by heat disparities (a hot or cold drink, a candle, ice, etc.) to fully charge your cell phone. Invented in the early 1800s, Stirling engines are far from new. However, with new materials and modern electronics they are now being put to use in creative ways, previously unexplored.

The onE Puck is the brainchild of Epiphany Labs and a group of technologists and business professionals who have a self-professed passion for inventing new technologies and tinkering with existing ones to develop products that create positive changes throughout the world.

Currently seeking funding for the onE Puck through Kickstarter, it's no surprise that with an idea this good and the experience to back it up, Epiphany Labs has exceeded their $100K funding goal. With 42 days left in the campaign, you still have time to jump on board and be one of the first to call this sweet little device your own.

image via Trend Setter News

How it works:

The oNE Puck could not be easier to use. Compatible with all iPhones, iPods, Android phones, and any device that uses a USB charger drawing 1000 mA or less, it's as simple as connecting the onE Puck to your device and setting your drink down.

From their Kickstarter page:        

“Say you are out for a night at the bar and your phone battery dies. Rather than awkwardly moving to a corner to plug in your charger, or leaving altogether, you can pull out the Epiphany onE Puck, power it up with that cold beer you’re holding, and charge away!

Your work schedule is unpredictable and you’re always on the go. The only constant part of your day is the daily hot coffee or tea that keeps you going. Traveling from city to city, or country to country leaves you no time to bother with finding an outlet or adapter to charge your phone, which is bound to power-down sooner or later. The Epiphany onE Puck is the answer to your problem. You can now multi-task to the max! Use that cup of coffee to recharge both you and your smart phone at the same time.

The possibilities for the Epiphany onE Puck are endless. You only live once, and there is simply too much to see and do. Who wants to be bothered with worrying about finding that hidden outlet, plugging in your cord, and recharging? Don’t let your phone battery decide where life will take you next. Leave the power to the Epiphany onE Puck."

Although we are super excited about the ability to charge our cell phone batteries while we enjoy our morning beverage, the implications of this device go far beyond handheld electronics. Epiphany Labs plans to expand the knowledge and experience gained from perfecting the Epiphany onE Puck to build even larger Stirling engines that can power even larger appliances. They hope one day to crack the code to powering entire households.

Excited? Cruise over to their Kickstarter page and you could be one of the first to own one of these sweet little devices and your cell may never be out of power again!

Alternatively, also check out this page to discover why you should never use coffee grounds on plants or in the garden...