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Not being around seven years ago....
One could be confused about news from that time period as being current news.
Maybe while we are waiting for some actual new news, we could review all the exciting things from the last 10 years that were accomplished and stated.
Some of those things would bring up fond memories to the old timers and current eye raising thoughts for people like myself who don't have any recollection of these original announcements.
I wonder what happened to those FTV orders that were taken seven years ago.
Torvec Expands Patent Protection to Mexico
http://www.formulaone-news.com/torvec-expands-patent-protection-to-mexico/
"The pre-production prototype FTV that the Company has produced, and the FTVs offered for advance ordering on www.torvec.com, do not incorporate the Torvec Infinitely Variable Transmission or its subcomponents. "
"CONTACT: Jim Gleasman, 716-248-8549, or Tizo Maduro, Toll Free, 800-290-8935 ext. 219, 716-256-6505 ext. 219, both for Torvec, Inc.
SOURCE Torvec, Inc. "
OK,
Why is the IVT or its subcomponents not included in the pre-production prototype?
Who is Tizo Maduro?
What is up with the phone numbers?
Chicago's first hybrid taxi is due to hit the road in June, said Bill McCaffrey, a spokesman for the Department of Consumer Services, which regulates the taxi industry.
A city rule already mandates that the owner of any large fleet of 50 or more taxis have at least one hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle on the road by this year. There are 12 large fleets of taxis in the city, McCaffrey said.
http://media.www.chicagoflame.com/media/storage/paper519/news/2007/05/28/NewsBriefs/Chicago.Aldermen...
RGRTA to roll out its first hybrid electric bus
(June 14, 2007) — The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority on Wednesday unveiled the company's first hybrid electric bus in the Regional Transit Service fleet.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070614/NEWS01/706140353/1002/NEWS
While we are waiting for the next 8K or any other news, we can ride around Rochester in a new Hybrid Bus. It might be a good way to get to the next annual meeting.
Hydraulic Powertrains Propel These Hybrid Trucks
Kargul notes that he can hold the pump-motor barrel from the UPS demo in one hand, yet it delivers 300 HP from a fully-charged accumulator and about 150 HP with the accumulator empty.
Ultra capacitors, in theory, can get pretty close from a power density standpoint. “But they’re still way too expensive in these applications,” says Kovach, who estimates that an ultra capacitor of the size needed for these heavy- duty vehicles would cost around 50 times as much as an accumulator that does the same or better job.
http://www.designnews.com/article/CA6451735.html
This is a very interesting update on the testing and progress that is being accomplished.
Hydraulic hybrid transmission
The company is also developing the second-generation of a 350 hp - 1,100 lb.ft output torque full-size rear wheel drive passenger vehicle CVT that has been specifically designed to be integrated into a hydraulic hybrid system. Both this and the City Car transmission have been fitted to demonstration vehicles and are currently undergoing in-vehicle testing by a Tier 1 supplier, who is also developing the ratio control electronics and software for the CVTs. The 350 hp CVT, which was developed under a co-funding agreement with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is currently fitted to a Chevrolet Silverado and is undergoing testing as a standalone CVT. After the control software has been optimized in this mode, the vehicle is scheduled to be fitted with the necessary equipment, i.e., accumulators and control valves, to function as a full hydraulic hybrid. As the transmission was originally designed to suit the Ford Crown Victoria, it is planned to eventually install it as part of a hydraulic hybrid program in a New York City taxi and to conduct durability trials.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/05/29/049877.html
It looks like the world is not waiting.
Unless, of course.....
That automotive industry player was Cerberus, who...
Just started to build a new Transmission plant, and...
Just started to build a new Axle plant, and...
Just started to build a new Engine plant…
Could it be that an automotive manufacturer that was 80.1% owned by a venture capitalist firm would step outside of the old method and be pro-active about MPG betterments?
I may be an outsider in this line of thinking, but I think that it is possible that Torvec's tech may be involved with two of those new plants.
One of UT's discoveries:
"The main problem with the hydraulic hybrid subsystem is high level of noise and vibration. In real working condition, the peak pressure in the high-pressure accumulator can reach 5000 psi. The vibration is mainly caused by the sliding motion of the moving parts inside the pump/motor unit. Rotation of that pump/motor components also contribute to the unbalanced torque about the rotating axis. Therefore, it is important to effectively isolate the pump/motor unit from the chassis in order to reduce the transmitted noise and vibration. Passive isolation systems are not effective over a wide operation frequency range and therefore alternative solutions are needed for this application."
http://smartsys.eng.utoledo.edu/Hydraulic%20Hybrid%20Vehicles.html
Well, this explains why they are back at Torvec's door.
I don't remember any of these problems being characteristics of Torvec’s Pumps and Motors.
I think I remember Newspeed mentioning this problem that they were having.
The University of Toledo “Points of Pride” – May 2006
Dr. Tom Stuart, professor of electrical engineering, was involved in the hydraulic hybrid vehicle project that UT received a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.
http://www.utoledo.edu/index.asp?id=789
It looks like UT made some progress with that $1,000,000.
I'm glad to see the group back at Torvec's door.
The 01/01/2008 scheduled re-purchase of Variable Gear
was discussed at the last shareholder's meeting (01/25/2007) in the Q&A section. I think that discussion occurred after Dread's battery went dead. However, I was there too and my recollection of that discussion, etc. was in an earlier post of mine.
http://www.investorshub.com/boards/read_msg.asp?message_id=16571741
There was some follow up discussion also on the board at or around that time.
One think to keep in mind is that Mr. Horton (who controls Variable Gear) and the Gleasman family (who controls Torvec) have been know to be very close and worked together well (with few exceptions) in all of the past history of Torvec, IMO. That good working relationship might mean more to the actual valuation that any other factor.
Dread's recollection to the Variable Gear valuation question is at this post:
http://www.investorshub.com/boards/read_msg.asp?message_id=16572176
I recall it exactly the way that Dread wrote it.
Ford's Hydraulic Hybrid: Myth or Reality?
Some reports say Ford will use hydraulic launch assist on the 2008 F-150.
http://www.extremenano.com/article/Fords+Hydraulic+Hybrid+Myth+or+Reality/208332_1.aspx
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUSES
"First Hybrid School Buses Built by IC Corporation Can Attain
Up To 70-100 Percent Increase in Fuel Efficiency, 90 Percent Reduction in Emissions"
http://www.earthtoys.com/news.php?section=view&id=2518
I don't mean to be critical, all of this is great; however, I can't believe that IC corporation have included the energy equivalent in fuel for the power consumed while the batteries are plugged in for the entire non driving hours of the day.
It seems to me that if they have not included that power cost in the calculations, they have misinformed the consumer school district. And, while generating the electricity to provide the power for the recharging isn't there some emissions created at the generation plant. Are these emissions added into the calculation for the results? It seems that IC Corporation wants to ignore this aspect of the emissions factor.
And, by the way, what is going to be the advantage of having all the tons of these discarded batteries in some landfill someday? Isn't there an environmental cost to that?
Does anyone in this group know for sure the correct answer for this point about the claim of the 70-100% fuel efficiency rating?
Possible Hydraulic Hybrid Application
Sanderson Engine Development Company (SED), which is developing a new engine that allows the conversion between reciprocating and rotational motion without the use of a conventional crankshaft, has been awarded three patents on critical elements of its technology.
The SRAM concept allows the design and construction of a single integrated engine that incorporates a built-in hydraulic drive. This permits the elimination of numerous components normally required in hydraulically actuated vehicles such as log skidders and other commercial equipment.
http://www.shoutwire.com/viewstory/69751/Sanderson_Hydraulic_Hybrid_Engine
When you say....
"Imagine how shocked they were to get a letter from actual racers."
I was shocked to see that you thought that they were no longer expecting any results information.
From the Torvec website:
Keep in mind that "The Unitech / Playboy Racing Team will provide Torvec with information on all of the Grand Am races it participates in this season, especially those which are nationally televised."
http://www.torvec.com/Iso_Torque_Racing.html
If that letter is the only kind of information that Torvec received back from the racing team's efforts, I guess I would be shocked too. A letter from a racer.... How about some scientific information? Also it seems that the racer that wrote that letter wasn't even on the original crew. And, if the racers are so private with there enhancements that would allow them to win and set records, why is it that they are informing other teams about this. It must be because this effort is really an effort with Nissan, not the race team. It seems to me that it was the other teams that show more excitement in the Iso-torque. The reduction in the frictions and the resulted lack of heat build up must be the Iso-Torque qualities that enhance speed. The original thought was that the Iso-torque would enhance handling, safety, and traction; not speed. I know that racers are primarily interested in speed enhancements, and secondary these other benefits. IMO the focus on speed must have been a distraction to the other benefits. I am very glad to see that the speed benefit is and has been established as a benefit too.
I agree that pestering the racing teams is an unnecessary distraction to the teams and should not be done by the investors. The information that Torvec is now providing should eliminate anyone’s need to pester.
Also, it seems very curious that this effort isn't even mentioned in the March 31, 2007 quarterly report that was filed yesterday. It looks like this effort it is a bit off Torvec's radar screen now.
Deal makes Cerberus auto giant
"With the Chrysler takeover, U.S. private equity firm Cerberus will cap its systematic advance on U.S. automobile companies to become one of the world leaders in the sector."
Here is a link to information on the other holdings that Cerberus has:
http://www.thestar.com/Article/216202
IMO Cerberus really looks like a logical American solution to getting Torvec's technology into the market place.
State-of-the-art axles are coming off the line
There were no signs of apprehension at a news conference in Michigan yesterday as Chrysler broke ground on a $700 million axle plant north of Detroit.
Instead, he pointed to construction of the plant, which replaces an outdated factory in Detroit, as a sign that Cerberus is interested in keeping Chrysler competitive. He and others also said they were happy that Chrysler was again an American company.
Construction should begin in earnest next month, with state-of-the-art axles coming off the line sometime in 2010, Chrysler said.
The axles made at the new plant, which also will be sold to Mercedes-Benz, will make cars more fuel efficient, said Frank Ewasyshyn, Chrysler's executive vice-president of manufacturing.
Unlike other auto makers that are outsourcing parts such as axles, Chrysler wanted to keep them in-house because it has exclusive technology, he said. The axles will make cars more efficient by reducing friction and heat in sending power to the wheels, he said.
The new axle plant will replace the Detroit Axle plant, which employs more than 1,600, and the engine plant will replace the current engine plant in Trenton, which also employs about 1,600 people.
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/216201
I wonder if they will be using Iso-Torque Differentials and spherical gearing constant velocity joints in those new axles. I hope so.
Cerberus, now that’s my kind of race team...
That is really great news.
Please keep the news coming!!!
I thought that was what they were doing.
Thanks for the update.
Too bad Zendo sold.
And just before the quarterly report too.
It seems like that report should arrive today or Monday.
You won't hear from Nissan till the confidential period is over.
However, there has been a big point that the racing team has been furnished with the Iso-torque equipment.
There is video of the beginning of the testing of that equipment on Torvec's website.
Here is the link.
http://www.torvec.com/products_isotorque.html
And, there have been lots of SEC reports mentioning the work that the racing team has done.
However, there has never been any confirmation as to an actual race with the equipment, and there has never been any official finding of the results of the testing. Has the testing not gone well? I have been wondering about that.
When I read the rules about the cars and equipment, I couldn't find any restrictions mentioned on differentials for the races. That will come once someone wins with an advanced one, don't you think. Right now, it may be that the rule committee doesn't know that an advanced one exists.
Yes, I agree with that statement.
I think that could be true that any transmission can be manufactured in a well tooled machine shop.
I think that a machine shop environment is where Torvec builds their transmissions.
However, I may have misspoke, but I was meaning the actual production of transmissions. You know when they build 100's of thousands of them per year for an assembly line.
I was also wondering if you could expand on your statement about the new stuff that Torvec will be announcing soon. I would be very interested in knowing about some of that. Could you share those specifics with the group here? I hope that you can.
There might not be too much interest in this......
But, the Playboy Nissan Racing Team is racing today and this weekend.
In fact it might be boarder line as being OT.
The races would be more exciting if:
Torvec would let us know if they are racing with the Iso-Torque; and if Torvec would publish any scientific results of the testing that the team (or anyone else) is doing.
Don't get me wrong, the videos were a nice touch.
Here are the links to the racing for the die hard fans:
http://www.grand-am.com/Events/Event.asp?ID=192
http://www.grand-am.com/Events/Event.asp?ID=180
Where will this transmission be built?
Who will be building it?
Chrysler goes big with first hybrids:
"Here's a much-simplified explanation of how it works. The transmission comprises two planetary gearsets (which form the guts of a traditional automatic gearbox) and two electric motors along with two friction clutches. The friction clutches allow the transmission to behave like a CVT, while the planetary gears combine to create four different fixed gear ratios (like a four-speed automatic)."
http://autos.canada.com/news/story.html?id=db47d1fc-7cf5-4b84-b43b-34caaf50113c
Chrysler Group - Chrysler's Powertrain Lineup Will Remain Strong Through Partnerships
According to CSM, Chrysler has been aggressively procuring designs and outsourcing powertrain production from its global partners. The link that will be maintained with Daimler AG will be a key element of this strategy.
http://www.autospectator.com/modules/news/article.php?storyid=9645
This practice allows access to innovative technologies from suppliers, which is vital for product differentiation and maintaining a competitive edge.
Another new Transmission Plant in the works....
Cerberus, a New York-based investment fund, is expected to approve the project after it clears up details of the $7.4 billion Chrysler acquisition disclosed Monday.
Getrag, a German transmission supplier, has acquired land at U.S. 31 and Ind. 28 on which it would build a 1,200-employee plant to supply Chrysler.
Daniels lauded the project, saying the fuel-efficient transmission Getrag will build is a technologically advanced component that also could be sold to other automakers, leading to more jobs at the proposed plant.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070516/BUSINESS/705160433/1003/BUSINESS
And the real concern is......
That there was a timely first quarter report in 2004
Then the 2005 late first quarter report was certified that “(3) Is it anticipated that any significant change in results of operations from the corresponding period for the last fiscal year will be reflected by the earnings statements to be included in the subject report or portion thereof? Yes X No “
Then the 2006 late first quarter report was certified that “(3) Is it anticipated that any significant change in results of operations from the corresponding period for the last fiscal year will be reflected by the earnings statements to be included in the subject report or portion thereof? Yes X No “
Then the 2007 late first quarter report was certified that “(3) Is it anticipated that any significant change in results of operations from the corresponding period for the last fiscal year will be reflected by the earnings statements to be included in the subject report or portion thereof? Yes X No “
I wonder why there will really not be any significant changes in this 2007 report from what we read in 2004. It is time for some significant results and not just significant plans.
"Cut U.S. gasoline demand by 20% in 2017"
This should be pretty easy to do if JG is right about the trend to change fuels for vehicles. I remember that he was predicting that vehicle fuel would be changing from gasoline to diesel. Once the vehicles move to diesel, there will be an automated reduction of gasoline consumption. Now, if the government would reduce all fuels by 20% by 2017 that would be really something.
It would seem to me that they should concentrate on the MPG not the percentage of gasoline demand. The demand for fuel is caused by other factors other than the MPG. Those other factors will end up being excuses as to why they are not successful. In the end, that will make this effort meaningless.
Maybe they want this to be meaningless and immeasurable.
I would like to share your excitement about the Torvec's CV Joint's use in the MRAPs.
Could you expand on this news?
How is it that this CV Joint is planned to be used?
I was thinking that the military was moving towards having the hydraulic motors in the wheels.
Hydraulic motors at each wheel would eliminate the need for CV Joints at the wheels.
Is there some new information out on this?
Can you share any of that with the rest of us?
Does the Torvec CV Joint meet the Mine-Resistant & Ambush Protected qualifications?
I am looking forward to the Quarterly report for Torvec that is due out tomorrow.
Here is some news on what GM is up to:
Now, General Motors is readying its response: a hulking V-8 powered sport-utility vehicle with a sophisticated electric booster that gives it the gas mileage of a minivan.
Two electric motors housed inside the transmission, a 300-volt battery pack and some sophisticated software combine to supplement the energy from a 6.0-liter V-8 motor.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB117830787122792563.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
Well, with the electric motors inside the transmission, we won't know if we should call it a parallel or a series hybrid.
Legislation Would Increase Fuel Economy Standards
for First Time in over 20 Years
U.S. Senators Barack Obama (D-IL), Richard G. Lugar (R-IN), Joseph Biden (D-DE), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), and Norm Coleman (R-MN) Reintroduce Initiative to Reduce Gasoline Consumption by Half a Trillion Gallons
http://www.munciefreepress.com/node/1145
It is interesting that Senator Norm Coleman is from the district where Eaton's Fluid Power Group in located. He was one of the first to test drive the UPS Hydraulic Hybrid vehicles.
His quotes in this article are very strong:
"Our addiction to foreign oil is a threat to both our economic and national security," said Senator Coleman. "It's time we take the decisions about our energy supply out of the hands of foreign nations. By coupling a sensible fuel efficiency standard that will push technology to the marketplace with strong tax incentives, we can put American on the road to energy independence."
Won't it be something when Torvec does more to protect our economic and national security than most government programs.
Folsom Technologies Introduces Hydromechanical CVTs for Hydraulic Hybrid Applications
http://www.przoom.com/news/17620/
The control logic for the different applications is currently being developed by a Tier 1 supplier, according to the company. A number of different CVT applications are currently being developed by Folsom Technologies, including one for a Class III truck, and they expect the first transmission will reach production status in about 3 years. All CVTs are custom designed and are configured to be drop-in replacements for the vehicle's original transmission.
This equipment sounds like it works like Torvec's IVT.
I wonder why they call it a CVT.
International Trade Commission's recent decision.
It is the lack of support of American Intellectual Property by the International Trade Commission that surprises me today.
This company (Solomon) who asked for support is in many ways similar to Torvec. When Torvec, in the future, may ask for protection of its intellectual property, we also may not get any from the ITC.
Hopefully, the patents are stronger at Torvec than they were for Solomon.
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker/article.aspx?Feed=PR&Date=20070501&ID=6822441&Sy...
Another transmission manufacturing facility breaks ground.
Driven by growing demand for its DualTronic transmission technology, BorgWarner Transmission Systems has broken ground for a second manufacturing facility at Arnstadt in Germany
BorgWarner has announced five programmes with four customers, including VW/Audi, Getrag, another unnamed European OEM and SAIC in China.
http://www.autoindustry.co.uk/news/03-05-07_14
When you say "they need to use very expensive batteries"...
I was thinking that they were moving into the direction of using ultracapacitors as a primary storage means with batteries being involved on an "as needed" basis.
Here is part of what I read;
"The company is experimenting with ultracapacitors and batteries for power storage and recirculation."
A link to this information is:
http://markus.blog-city.com/volvo_mack_diesel_electric_hybrids_heavy_duty_trucks.htm
Of course, that is just a blog, but it has interesting ideas and information there.
That reminds me that there was research being done on a new Hydraulic Accumulator that was to increase the work in storage like an ultracapacitor does as compared to a battery.
Hopefully, that will work and make a difference for the Hydraulic world. It involved "open accumulators". I wonder if an open accumulator can be patented.
I posted that information in post #10628 on 02/24/2007.
http://investorshub.com/boards/read_msg.asp?message_id=17361428
Here is an update on what is happening in that area.
http://www.ccefp.org/newsfpmonthly.html
It seems that they are into "pulse width modulated flow control".
Maybe you could comment on that.
Here is a video from detroit newscast 4
http://www.clickondetroit.com/video/9246627/index.html
Did somebody say "Hydraulic Hybrid in a passenger auto"?
It is interesting on the difference approach between a Detroit News Reporter and a Rochester News Reporter.
As far as real world tests go....
Here is some more real world testing that is being done...
This month, the U.S. air force began evaluating the six heavy hybrid trucks. Two are being used as tenders for refueling aircraft; two are being used for trash collection, and two are dump trucks.
The work is being done in conjunction with Mack Trucks, part of the Swedish Volvo Group, which is also involved in heavy equipment for the construction and mining industries. Volvo believes the technology will be mature enough by 2009 to offer it for sale commercially. The equipment will cost more, but the company believes the forecast fuel savings of up to 35 per cent will be enough to offset the cost of the hybrid components.
http://dcnonl.com/article/20070423500
Must be that they don't need a dyno at the US Air Force.
That's what I thought too.
When you said "I can tell you for certain that a hydraulic hybrid employing the TOVC tranny would be much more efficient and much less expensive", you got me all excited that there was some new knowledge out there that I was missing. I see now that you may not know of any. I'm glad that you think that it Torvec's tech would be better. I think that it would be better also. I just would like to know that for sure.
Also, I thought we needed to compare only Torvec’s tech to the other tech. When you want Torvec’s results to include the performance of the Hydraulic Accumulators, how would we know how much of the betterment is caused by the accumulators and how much of the betterment is caused by Torvec’s tech? I don’t remember Torvec getting a patent on a Hydraulic Accumulator. I do remember that they applied for one. Then any discussion of that was dropped from the updates. I do remember that they got 50 new patents in the last fiscal year. That was mentioned at the meeting with no further details on exactly what the patents were. Are you saying that one of those new patents was for a Hydraulic Accumulator?
When will Torvec do the testing on their equipment in a real "actual road test program"?
Have you heard any word on that part of the testing as of yet?
I was hoping that this was being done already.
I was thinking that it is being done in the UPS/EPA second truck that is being tested on the road right now.
I remember that you are not fond of those UPS/EPA trucks and have told us how they are problematic.
However, when JG gave us the negative assurance that the Torvec tech is in that truck at the annual meeting, I took those words as assurance that the Torvec tech it was in that truck.
There must be some sort of confidentiality provision that does not allow them to comment on it, otherwise, they would come out and say if it is or if it isn't.
On another matter that bugs me, I was wondering why the Nissan racing team would skip the last race. The Nissan 350Z's are still featured on the home page for the Grand Am's web site, even though they are not racing in all the races. One could wonder why the other teams who are actually racing in all the races would put up with that.
How much more efficient would it be?
How much less cost would it be?
They, BAE Systems, are claiming: "In some two million miles of revenue service, the initial 125-unit production fleet using the HybriDriveTM diesel-electric propulsion system by BAE Systems has improved fuel economy more than 30 percent compared to conventionally powered buses"
Torvec's website shows the (best of the three tests) increase in efficiency to be 28.26% with the 4 speed automatic versus the IVT using a 5 minute test at an average speed of 15 MPH.
http://www.torvec.com/steady_state.html
As I recall Torvec's 28.26% betterment is less than the "more than 30%" that is listed in the BAE Systems' claim to fame.
Do you have access to new more current efficiency numbers from Torvec?
It seems to me that you do.
Could you share them with us?
That would be most appreciated.
BAE Systems's HybriDriveTM propulsion system
At the heart of the Orion VII hybrid bus is the HybriDriveTM propulsion system provided by BAE Systems. The system propels the bus with a single electric motor that is powered by a diesel-driven generator and an energy storage unit. Among the system's benefits:
The engine is smaller than that used in conventional buses and runs at optimum speed for clean operation and efficiency.
The design offers quicker acceleration, helping drivers merge into heavy traffic.
Customers enjoy a quieter ride than on a conventional diesel bus.
The system design eliminates the transmission, thereby removing a major maintenance item on vehicles operated in heavy stop-and-go conditions.
A regenerative braking system uses the drive motor to slow the bus, effectively turning the motor into a generator to help recharge the energy storage system. This feature saves energy and also reduces brake wear by about one-third, reducing the frequency of brake maintenance.
http://www.na.baesystems.com/releasesDetail.cfm?a=270
Well, if they are eliminating the transmission, I guess that they would not be interested in a Hydraulic one.....
Spitzer announces major economic boost in Southern Tier
Governor Spitzer has announced a $400,000 grant for a company that builds hybrid buses.......
"We are announcing that BAE is adding another 125 jobs, that they are relocating the Los Angeles division that handles military aircraft avionics and control systems here to Johnson City," said Governor Spitzer.
http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/politics/?ArID=210605&SecID=285
Well, at least this will bring some jobs back to NY. Does anyone know if they will be interested in hydraulic hybrids?
Metro rolls out 10 hybrid buses
April 23, 2007, 1:28AM
Another 30 are expected to be put into service later this year
"We don't know what technology will be available five years or ten years from now," said Metro spokeswoman Raequel Roberts. "We replace about 100 buses per year and hybrids are our technology choice for vehicles at present."
The 700 buses around the nation equipped with Allison hybrid engines have logged 35 million miles without a battery failure, in 64 cities and 26 states, Collet said. Seattle has 265 of them, and the Yosemite National Park bus fleet is 100 percent hybrid, he said.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/4738202.html
Maybe we could let them know about the production ready technology that Torvec has that will be available (sooner than) the next 5 to ten years, seeing as they are wondering about that aspect.
700 buses working with 35 million miles logged; that's really something.
Hydromechanical CVTs for Hydraulic Hybrid Applications
13 April 2007
Folsom Technologies has developed a line of hydromechanical continuously variable transmissions (CVT) that are configurable either as a standalone CVT or as the CVT component of a hydraulic hybrid system.
The control logic for the different applications is currently being developed by a Tier 1 supplier, according to the company.
http://www.greencarcongress.com/2007/04/hydromechanical.html
Looks like there is more Tier 1 supplier interest out there.