Patents by Inventor Mark D. Hopkins

Mark D. Hopkins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6007086
    Abstract: An electric ski binding system with magnetic interfaces and a microprocessor achieves releasable engagement of a ski boot to ski bindings. A permanent magnet in the front ski binding and a permanent magnet of opposite polarity in the toe portion of the boot create a front magnetic interface. A permanent magnet in the rear ski binding and a permanent magnet of opposite polarity in the heel portion of the boot create a rear magnetic interface. Electromagnets in the proximity of the front and rear magnetic interfaces are disposed so that their polarity opposes the permanent magnets of the boot. The electromagnets are turned off while the boot is engaged with the ski binding to allow the permanent magnets to couple at the front and rear magnetic interfaces. The electromagnets are operated when disengaging the boot from the ski binding to create a magnetic field substantially greater than that of the permanent magnets in the front and rear magnetic interfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Mark D. Hopkins