Sat May 20 '23 Announcement
almost 3 years ago
– Sat, May 20, 2023 at 12:01:50 PM
Dear friends and colleagues:
After more than 5 years in development and the subject of crowdfunding campaigns on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo, we are finally ready to unveil the LifeSaber Personal Energy Generator. Come to see and have hands-on with the latest prototypes and provide your feedback to help inform the (very final) design for manufacturing.
Attendees will be invited to test their personal power generation capabilities!
We'll also be showing samples of my newest invention, the GrillFighter BBQ cleaner.
Of course, I'll be available to answer questions about crowdfunding. It's been quite an adventure as you all know.
Light refreshments will be served.
June 1st, 5-7 pm at Venture Café (within the University City Science Center). Click Here to RSVP for this Meetup Event.
Marvin Weinberger
I’m in training for the 75-mile City-to-Shore-Ride to fight MS and would value your support. Please click here to make a donation.
Thu Mar 30 '23 Announcement
about 3 years ago
– Thu, Mar 30, 2023 at 11:19:31 AM
Dear friends and colleagues:
Over the past few months I've gotten to know (and really like) the team at Shine, and their Backpack Wind Turbine. They are in the final week of pre-selling (at a discount, on Indiegogo) as they begin to ship product.
I'm telling you this because I think they're building something really interesting - and complementary to the LifeSaber. I'm not receiving any commission for this recommendation, though I'm hoping that they'll treat me to dinner when my wife and I visit Halifax (Nova Scotia) for some biking, later this summer.
Here's the Shine campaign link
Marvin
Sat Mar 25 '23 Announcement
about 3 years ago
– Sat, Mar 25, 2023 at 11:37:28 AM
Dear friends and patient supporters:
I have finally received the latest round of prototypes - including one with exposed connections to all of the circuitry. These reflect a number of important refinements by the factory based upon iterative testing by my engineer in China.
The prototypes look and feel good and now it's time to begin gathering critical independent assessments.
As a first step, I've retained a professional local designer. They will be tasked to evaluate the ergonomics and power input/output in order to characterize the realistic effort needed to restart a typical mobile phone. As you'll recall from the campaign, we included a chart detailing (our best guess at the time) of what could be accomplished with such a 'quick charge' (including the all-important objective of getting a message out during an emergency).
My designer will hand-crank and twirl the prototype, at various torque settings, to arrive at this data. They will carefully track the RPM's they can sustainably achieve in order to determine their personal 'resonant frequency'.
Simultaneously, Edward (my Ph.D. EE) will drive the prototype through a test-rig which will allow us to precisely vary the input (from a drive motor) into the LifeSaber generator. You'll recall that we invested a great deal into creating the custom generator which is at the heart of our device. Hopefully, this data will confirm what the independent designer gleans through hand cranking.
Once I can confirm the LifeSaber energy input/output characteristics and updated the 'quick charge' chart, it will be time for Demo Day!
But for those of you who live conveniently nearby (to Havertown, PA) and are willing to come over to my home office, there's no need to wait. Just reach out and I'll make time on short notice for any individual who would like to immediately get hands-on with these new prototypes. You can reply via this site, or direct.
Marvin Weinberger
[email protected]
Sat Feb 4 '23 Announcement
about 3 years ago
– Sat, Feb 04, 2023 at 12:32:11 PM
Dear Friends:
Since my last update, the LifeSaber has continue to be tested and tweaked - then tested some more - by my meticulous colleagues in China. After some final adjustments to the circuitry and swing arm, we expect to receive a set of 3 'final' prototypes by months' end.
And so it's finally time to schedule the big Demo Day reveal.
Before sharing the LifeSaber with anyone else, I'd like to bring together as many of my generous backers as can make their way to the Philly area for a hands-on evaluation (plus snacks).
So, if you live anywhere nearby (or are planning a trip to the Mid-Atlantic), please advise me of your interest and availability to attend. Depending on demand, I'll schedule more than one event.
[email protected]
Wed Nov 2 '22 Announcement
over 3 years ago
– Wed, Nov 02, 2022 at 07:59:56 AM
Dear friends and patient supporters:
An update, and some important questions for you.
After exhaustive testing of the most recent pre-production units, I have ordered a new round of prototypes. Reflecting numerous mechanical and electronic improvements, we hope that these polished-looking models will represent the product we ultimately plan to manufacture.
The new LifeSaber samples will be distributed for review by some of you as well as to important potential resellers. However, at a cost of nearly $1,200 per handmade unit, we are only making 3 of these real-deal prototypes. So, we’ll need to ask recipients to quickly review and pass along the unit to the next person on the list.
After any final tweaks – assuming a general thumbs up and based upon the specific feedback gathered - we hope to begin work on the production molds and tooling.
Two questions related to the features of the LifeSaber:
- The SOS function is set to trigger a very loud siren - and bright flashing lights - after depressing the button for 3 seconds. This is intended to prevent setting off this (intentionally) disturbing feature accidentally. As currently designed, the SOS alert will stay on even after the SOS button is released (while pressing any button on the LifeSaber will turn off the SOS). The intent is to allow users to set down the LifeSaber - while it’s still making a racket – permitting them to make their escape from a human or animal attacker. Alternatively, we could program the SOS button to only trigger the sound and lights while the SOS button is depressed. Which would you prefer? And feel free to recommend another approach.
- The LifeSaber now has an on/off button – requiring a long 1 second push - to prevent accidentally running the unit when jostled. While on, the battery level is constantly displayed. However, we’ve also implemented an auto-off features which times out after 15 minutes of nonuse. Is that the right amount of time?
And a question about fundraising.
- The cost of producing each LifeSaber has more than doubled since we started on this journey. And this assumes an initial production run far in excess of the roughly 1,700 units required to fulfill my Kickstarter and Indiegogo orders. To fund additional production (and continuing development) we need to raise more capital. One way we might raise this money is through an equity crowdfunding service, like StartEngine which is open to ‘everyone’ (not just wealthy investors). I would be very interested in your thoughts about this as I continue my due diligence.
Meanwhile, referrals to venture capitalists and/or strategic investors would be appreciated along with introductions to prospective resellers. I’m also looking for talented and motivated folks to join me in this exciting undertaking.
Most sincerely,
Marvin Weinberger
