Scottdale man displays clean power prototype at invention show

A Scottdale man showed off his version of clean and affordable energy at a Monroeville invention show.

Richard Foore said he has a knack for inventing. Even as a child, he angered his mother by taking his toys apart to see how they worked.

From childhood toys, his interest in mechanics evolved to creating a generator that doesn't run on gas or coal or emit smoke or chemicals.

His inspiration came in the 1970s as a response to the energy crisis. His invention utilizes gravity and centrifugal force.

He calls his contraption The Centrifugal Machine. The prototype measures 3 feet wide by 2 1/2 feet high. The working parts include a wheel, steel gears and weights, and a generator, power pack and power storage center.

By spinning a weight in the wheel, the device creates a force that can be stored and used as power.

"It works pretty well," Foore said.

It took Foore two years and a few hundred dollars to complete the machine in 2005. Now he's displaying The Centrifugal Machine at INPEX, The Invention Show, a trade show that showcases new products and innovations that are for sale.

Foore had The Centrifugal Machine on display at the show until Friday. He said companies have already shown some interests, and one even had an engineer visit his booth.

Foore said he hopes to have someone agree to license his machine for mass production.

"It will run anywhere as long as there's gravity," Foore said.

The INPEX show was held last week at the Monroeville Expo Mart.

For more information, visit www.inventionshow.com.