Patents by Inventor Michael D. Koplin

Michael D. Koplin 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: 6231135
    Abstract: A hybrid brake system for a vehicle propelled at least by a rotating electric motor powered by a storage battery and in communication with at least one ground-engaging wheel. The hybrid brake system includes a vehicle braking control device and an electrical brake system including the electric motor and the battery, the battery providing an electrical load on the motor during times when the vehicle braking control device is actuated. Rotation of the motor during actuation of the vehicle braking control device provides electrical power to the battery, whereby the battery receives an electrical charge. The motor rotation is slowed by the electrical load, whereby the vehicle is braked by the motor. The hybrid brake system also includes a mechanical brake system including a hydraulic cylinder, a piston sealably and slidably disposed therein and partially defining with the cylinder a chamber of variable volume, the pressure of the fluid in the chamber varying with movement of the piston in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Glenn R. Bower, Michael D. Koplin