A self-powering home electrical generator that was mass produced in War time Germany from Volkswagen parts—and was then sold for a number of years in the United States!
During the tumultuous period of World War II, Germany was a hotbed of innovative research and technological advancements. One of the most intriguing aspects of this era was the quest for new energy sources, driven by the dire need for energy independence. Among these revolutionary inventions was the mysterious “Lockridge Device,” a machine that later resurfaced in an unexpected place – Boise, Idaho. This article delves into the fascinating history of new energy research in Germany, the story of the Lockridge Device, and its connection to the enigmatic Otto Maier and his work at Gross Konzern.
The Energy Crisis in Wartime Germany
World War II brought about unprecedented challenges for Germany, including severe disruptions in utility services and fuel shortages. The country was under strict blackout conditions to avoid being an easy target for bombing raids. Amidst this chaos, innovative minds were hard at work, seeking solutions to the energy crisis. One such brilliant engineer managed to create a machine that could generate light in his basement, even when the rest of the city was plunged in darkness.
The Discovery of the Lockridge Device
After the end of World War II, US soldiers conducted thorough house-to-house searches across Germany. During one such search, they stumbled upon a peculiar machine in a basement, quietly generating enough electricity to power several light bulbs. This discovery was made by a soldier named Lockridge. The machine was ingeniously crafted using parts from a Bosch Automotive Generator, likely sourced from a Volkswagen of that era.
The engineer had modified the stator windings and their positions within the housing. Slots were machined in the housing to separate the magnetics into two halves, dedicating one part to motor operations and the other to generator functions. The armature windings remained unchanged, but the commutator brush assembly was adjusted to suit the new configuration. Fascinated by this device, Lockridge crated it up and shipped it back home to Boise, Idaho.
In every case do the opposite to whatever technology does today. Then you will always be on the right track. — Viktor Schauberger
The Lockridge Device in Boise
Once home, Lockridge meticulously reverse-engineered the machine and built operational replicas throughout the 1950s. These replicas were sold to weekend campers to light their campsites, though no working models have survived to this day. In 1980, another Boise resident and friend of John Bedini embarked on a quest to gather all available information about the Lockridge Device. Despite extensive research and numerous interviews, he never found a working model, though he did uncover valuable insights into the machine’s construction and functionality.
The Technical Details
The Lockridge Device included several key components:
- A motor section
- A generator section
- A flywheel section
- A capacitor
- A three-winding inductor
- A bank of light bulbs with a 300-watt load
- A modified commutator
- An on-off switch
- A pull cord to start the machine
This intricate setup allowed the machine to generate and sustain electrical power, providing a glimpse into the innovative spirit of the era.
Otto Maier and Gross Konzern
Otto Maier, a key figure in German technological advancements during the war, was deeply involved in research aimed at achieving energy independence for Germany. His work at Gross Konzern, a conglomerate focused on groundbreaking technologies, aligned with the innovative spirit that led to the creation of devices like the Lockridge Machine. Maier and his team were dedicated to exploring unconventional energy sources and developing technologies that could sustain the nation’s energy needs amidst the turmoil of war.
The Legacy of the Lockridge Device
Though the original Lockridge Device and its replicas have been lost to time, the story remains a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of solutions in the face of adversity. The machine symbolizes the innovative spirit that characterized wartime Germany and the efforts of individuals like Otto Maier to secure a brighter future through technological advancements.
As we continue to explore and understand the mysteries of the past, the Lockridge Device serves as a reminder of the untapped potential of human creativity and the enduring quest for new energy sources. In future articles, we will delve deeper into the pioneering work of Otto Maier and the revolutionary technologies developed at Gross Konzern, shedding light on the forgotten chapters of history that continue to inspire us today.
