A dyno torch, dynamo torch or squeeze flashlight is a flashlight or pocket torch which stores energy in a flywheel. The user repeatedly squeezes a handle to spin a flywheel attached to a small dynamo, supplying electrical current to an incandescent bulb or light-emitting diode. The flashlight must be pumped continuously during use, with the flywheel turning the generator between squeezes to keep the light going continuously. Because electrical power is produced only when the handle is squeezed, a switch is not needed. Dyno torches were issued to soldiers during World War II, and were popular in Europe during the war because the electrical power supply to homes was not very reliable. A version using a pull-cord was used in World War 1 (see picture below).
The photo at right shows the internal mechanism. The L-shaped handle has a gear rack, which spins the white step-up gear, which in turn spins the flywheel on which is mounted the dark grey magnet, seen on the lower left. The magnet induces an electrical current in the red copper winding, seen on the lower right. The current from the copper winding flows through the filament of an incandescent light bulb (not shown), giving off light. A spring and ratchet returns the handle to its original position after each engagement.
Read more about this topic: Mechanically-powered Flashlight
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