Patents Assigned to Estate of Robert Stopher
  • Wind-up power source with spring motor and vehicle incorporating same
    Patent number: 5880532
    Abstract: A spring motor utilizes a series arrangement of alternately-wound coiled springs coupled to one another at common ends. The spring motor is coupled to a generator through a gear mechanism to provide a portable and reusable supply of electric power. In addition, the spring motor may be used in a vehicle to recapture wasted energy due to lost momentum during braking. The spring motor is coupled to a winding mechanism for driving the spring motor in response to application of the vehicle's brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Estate of Robert Stopher
    Inventor: Robert D. Stopher