Originally Posted by Crumar

One of the more known (and the original, I gather) Chinese factories is Butterfly in Shanghai - this is the reason why they are often generically referred to as "Butterflys". They are, however, sold with an amazing number of brand names (and you can probably have your own put on them, if you order a few). As noted, they exist in hand crank, treadle and electrified versions and are quite popular in Africa and in places around Asia, where their cheap price, "human power" and time-tested design are valued highly