DEKA is not a manufacturer; its revenues consist entirely of royalties. Post-Segway, Kamen has no dream of being a Henry Ford. His philosophy: Little guys innovate. Big guys produce.

Says (Dean) Kamen: “The big company has resources, has reputation, has market reach, has everything.” The little guy, freed from earnings estimates, bureaucracy and commitment to past blockbusters, has a clean piece of paper. “And eventually, that wins.”