Abstract: In a method for recycling energy from stairs, a step platform is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device, coupled to the platform, stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (also releases stored energy as the step platform moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (locks the step platform in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform to move into the lower position. A sensor determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform. A controller signals the controllable locking mechanism to unlock the step platform when the step platform is in the lower position, and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform.

Abstract: In a method for recycling energy from stairs, a step platform is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device, coupled to the platform, stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (also releases stored energy as the step platform moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (locks the step platform in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform to move into the lower position. A sensor determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform. A controller signals the controllable locking mechanism to unlock the step platform when the step platform is in the lower position, and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform.

Abstract: In a mechanism for recycling energy from stairs (200), a step platform (210) is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device (220), coupled to the platform (210), stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform (210) to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (220) also releases stored energy as the step platform (210) moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (240) locks the step platform (210) in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform (210) to move into the lower position. A sensor (250) determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250). A controller (300) signals the controllable locking mechanism (242) to unlock the step platform (250) when the step platform (250) is in the lower position and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250).

Abstract: In a mechanism for recycling energy from stairs (200), a step platform (210) is moveable between an upper and lower position. An energy storage device (220), coupled to the platform (210), stores energy when a downward force is applied thereto, causing the step platform (210) to move to the lower position. The energy storage device (220) also releases stored energy as the step platform (210) moves from to the upper position. A controllable locking mechanism (240) locks the step platform (210) in the lower position when the downward force has caused the step platform (210) to move into the lower position. A sensor (250) determines when a downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250). A controller (300) signals the controllable locking mechanism (242) to unlock the step platform (250) when the step platform (250) is in the lower position and when the downward force has been applied to the next higher step platform (250).