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The US OEM's might be interested in durability
Not really sure about the views of the US OEM's, but recently, they have been extending their warranties on the drive trains.
Having equipment that does not need to be repaired within the warranty period could be of an interest to them, hope so.
Well, Shell can sell some hydraulic fluid that the Torvec IVT will need.
As far as the earlier employment goes, I forgot to mention the one at the EPA.
How could I forget that one?
Glad that you could recall some earlier employment too.
Do you think that the cartoon contest is just a way of being sure of making the local press? Maybe Jim made the contest to attract the interest of the local Newspaper.
Those were my thoughts also.
The "Big Oil" stands to make as much or more profit on Torotrak's IVT as anyone else. We can be sure that the fluid they invented is securely patented. Shell is, most likely, also sharing revenues on the planned commercialization.
And, thanks for the interpretation to Sheriff, the enforcer.
Silly how someone could read such a simple thing and get it so wrong.
As you may know, the Sheriff thinks I work for Torotrak, and previously worked at Eaton, JLG, UPS, Oshkosh Truck, FEV, Ford, GM, International Trucks, Malone Specialty, and Morgan Olson, just to name a few.
Shell Lubricants made Torotrak's IVT work, for Torotrak
News Release from: Shell Lubricants
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial Team on 7 June 2006
"The Shell Lubricants automotive sector team is also working with Torotrak to develop a transmission fluid for its revolutionary infinitely variable transmission (IVT).
In this product, power transmission is achieved by traction via an extremely thin, but extremely viscous, elastohydrodynamic fluid film, and not through metal-to-metal traction.
'The IVT variator could not function without the use of sophisticated traction fluids and it is Shell's work in this field over a number of years, as well as its global reputation for the development of new technology that have proved invaluable to Torotrak's development programme'.
'By developing a fluid alongside a new product, an automotive component manufacturer can increase the life, performance and quality of the final component', adds Roehler.
In 2006 the automotive industry is expected to face further competitive pressure, and both automotive manufacturers and component companies will demand higher and higher quality products.
Only by working alongside OEMs and continuing to invest in research and development can lubricant companies meet these demands."
http://www.engineeringtalk.com/news/she/she132.html
Now, IMO, If Torvec had this much support from "Big Oil", they would be much further along today. However, support from "Big Oil" has its drawbacks.
Daytona International Speedway January 4-6, 2007
http://www.grand-am.com/Events/Event.asp?ID=201
Of course, this is only a practice.
http://www.grand-am.com/Events/EntryList.asp?EventID=201
Isn’t it interesting that the Playboy Racing Team is not scheduled for this event.
Wonder why?
The first actual practice and race is January 25-26, 2007 same day as the shareholder's meeting.
Could this be more than a coincidence?
Now that's the way to look at this.
My feelings exactly.
Some people would look at this exciting news as a bad thing.
But, as you stated in a great way, it is really a good thing.
Competetion is good, and choices are good.
The currency conversion does not matter.
So, it does not matter if you did that correctly.
The only thing that matters is the merits of the technology.
Their tech must have some merits, assuming that it is really being picked up by an OEM.
My only concern is that it looks like they might be in line for an automotive commercialization event ahead of Torvec.
However, competition is good, choices for the OEM's are good.
I also still believe that Torvec's tech is superior.
Right conclusion, but wrong reason??
Here is the way that torotrak describes their tech.
Notice that there is no mention of opposing cones.
Notice that there is no mention of torque limitations.
If you are right there must be different reasons than the ones you mentioned.
"The IVT moves away from the constraints of stepped ratio automatic transmissions and unlike Continuously Variable Transmissions there is no torque limitation. The ratio range is provided not by a system of gears, as found in a conventional automatic transmission, but by a variator which consists of a set of discs and rollers and is termed a 'full toroidal' variator (more information on how the variator works can be found here). "
http://www.torotrak.com/IVT/
My only concern is that, it appears that, they are closer to an automotive commercialization event than Torvec.
Torotrak works on low-cost car IVT
UK: Torotrak works on low-cost car IVT
By John Mortimer
2 January, 2007
Source: Automotive World
Torotrak has an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) running in a prototype vehicle of a major Asian car manufacturer. The transmission company claims the IVT is "delivering the performance objectives set for this first-step demonstration vehicle"....
http://www.automotiveworld.com/APA/content.asp?contentid=57180
Wonder why they are now calling their product an IVT?
Isn't this really a CVT?
DAY CALENDAR Wednesday, January 10, 2007 - 10:00 AM COURTROOM 2
85.0 CA 06-01316
TORVEC, INC.
V
CXO ON THE GO OF DELAWARE, LLC
Appeal from a judgment of the Supreme Court, Monroe County (David D. Egan, J.), entered May 8, 2006 in a declaratory judgment action. The judgment, which was entered upon an order denying plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment and granting defendants' cross motion for summary judgment, dismissed plaintiffs' claims and granted judgment on defendants' first and eleventh counterclaims.
MICHAEL R. WOLFORD for TORVEC, INC., ET AL. 20 minutes
CAROLYN NUSSBAUM for CXO ON THE GO OF DELAWARE, LLC, ET AL. 20 minutes
86.0 CA 06-01322
TORVEC, INC.
V
CXO ON THE GO OF DELAWARE, LLC
Appeal from an order of the Supreme Court, Monroe County (David D. Egan, J.), entered May 8, 2006 in a declaratory judgment action. The order, among other things, denied plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment and granted defendants' cross motion for summary judgment dismissing plaintiffs' claims, severing defendants' first and eleventh counterclaims and granting judgment for specific performance on the counterclaims, and denied plaintiffs' motion for leave to amend the reply to add a seventh affirmative defense.
MICHAEL R. WOLFORD for TORVEC, INC., ET AL. Submitted
CAROLYN NUSSBAUM for CXO ON THE GO OF DELAWARE, LLC, ET AL. Submitted
87.0 CA 06-02349
TORVEC, INC.
V
CXO ON THE GO OF DELAWARE, LLC
Appeal from an order of the Supreme Court, Monroe County (David D. Egan, J.), entered July 17, 2006 in a declaratory judgment action. The order denied plaintiffs' motion for renewal and reargument and for leave to amend plaintiffs' reply.
MICHAEL R. WOLFORD for TORVEC, INC., ET AL. Submitted
CAROLYN NUSSBAUM for CXO ON THE GO OF DELAWARE, LLC, ET AL. Submitted
http://www.courts.state.ny.us/ad4/Court/Calendar/Jan2007/01-10-07-cal_CR2.htm
Quick disconnect constant velocity universal joint
United States Patent 4941862
Filing Date: 1988-03-21
Publication Date: 1990-07-17
Assignee: GKN Automotive Inc. (Auburn Hills, MI)
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4941862.html
Art, I think this link will take you to the patent information for the GKN CV Joint.
Maybe you could compare these techs and let us know what you conclude about the differences.
I would be sure that the Torvec CV Joint is superior, however, that just might be my wishful thinking.
I think the competition would be good and this would make the other OEM's go after Torvec's tech.
Art, I was hoping for and looking forward to your comments on my earlier post # 9143 regarding the MPG percentage increases for the constant state testing that was done. This was only a marketing comment that I was addressing, and I thought that marketing was your specialty. What did you think about that?
Chrysler adopts new propshaft technology constant velocity ball-joint
GKN Driveline's countertrack is claimed by its maker to be the first major breakthrough in fixed, constant velocity ball-joint (CVJ) technology for the motor industry in 70 years.
While exceeding the durability requirements of current CVJs, the technology provides car makers with the potential to achieve a 10% smaller package size for a given power rating, a 25% reduction in weight over current CVJs, and more than a 30% increase in efficiency.
In addition to propshaft applications, GKN Driveline has developed countertrack CVJs for sideshaft applications, named the SX joint. Originating as a concept at the company's advanced product development group, the SX joint was created in response to consumer trends toward increasing power ratings of multiple engines, while maintaining common suspension and platform dimensions.
The PX and SX joint designs have been patented in many countries and other worldwide rights are pending.
http://www.just-auto.com/article.aspx?id=89961
Looks like Torvec was right again, the world does want to have a better CV Joint. Must be that GKN doesn't know about Torvec's CVJ Technology when they say that this is a 70 year breakthrough in CVJ technology.
It was American Continental Group (ACG)
They are going to:
1) Establishing a school bus demonstration project:
2) Expanding Torvec into the U.S. Army
3) Facilitating a Partnership with Torvec and JLG
4) Identifying Opportunities within the Department of Energy
5) Facilitating a Business Combination with a Major Chinese Automotive Manufacturer
All of the details are at this link:
http://app.quotemedia.com/quotetools/showFiling.go?name=TORVEC%20INC:%208-K,%20Sub-Doc%201&link=...
BFGoodrich Company (now Goodrich Corporation) holds a license for the ice tech as it relates to aerospace and marine applications.
It seems to me that Mr. Dobbs must have been instrumental in the NASA connection.
If the aircrafts need to utilize the de-icing tech while in the air, then the Goodrich Coporation license would apply for that process, and the Torvec license would apply for the land based portion of the de-icing. If the de-icing process in done both in the air and on the ground, then this would require the sharing of the license revenue, in my way of thinking.
I don't know any pilots that could comment on this, maybe someone other poster could comment on that.
Torvec's license is to develop the ice technology for land-based vehicle applications.
The radar defense system will be land based like an island in the middle of the ocean. I think it will be similar to an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. This would, IMO, make the application land based. The rig is designed to be moved and therefore will technically be a vehicle. Due to the fact that it will look like a structure, move like a vehicle, and be placed in the middle of the ocean like an island, there might be some confusion over whose license will apply. Maybe there will be licensed rights to the application that will need to be shared.
This brings up another thought, which is the de-icing of airplanes which will occur on land while the vehicle is land based. In any event, an airplane vehicle is primarily land based, only airborne for active periods of time. I don't think that there currently is a de-icing activity for airplanes while in flight. The de-icing activity is necessary for take offs. Since this might be considered as a land based vehicle application, Boeing might want to be introduced to this technology for that reason as much as the other reason.
The discussions about the three licenses that have been granted by Dartmouth are easily found at the following link:
http://engineering.dartmouth.edu/thayer/press/de_icer.html
Thanks for being gentle with me on your most interesting point. I only hope that my view point has some merit, as it would significantly increase the shareholder value.
Can Costly Radar Survive In Alaska?
System Would Warn If Missile Was Launched At U.S., But Can It Cope With Alaska's Harsh Weather?
But CBS News also obtained an internal document in which lead contractor Boeing asserts "ice accumulation could ... induce enough damage to the rigging to cause it to fall."
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/12/20/cbsnews_investigates/main2286618.shtml
Maybe someone should introduce Boeing to Torvec's ice tech.
Anyone remember Torvec's IVT Steady State Test Results?
Here is an easy way to find it.
http://www.torvec.com/steady_state.html
Well, being a numbers person, I was thinking that.....
39.41% should be used in place of 28.26%
37.94% should be used in place of 26.40%
07.71% should be used in place of 09.20%
I think that the chart would be correctly displayed this way.
This way of displaying the results would look much better.
It would also eliminate the math errors in the original chart.
It is better marketing to show the results in the most appealing manner.
This would be easier to explain if there were not any math errors in the original chart.
The chart in the web site shows the betterment as a percentage of the 4 speed's average fuel usage CCM. (Not MPG)
A marketing department would want to show the betterment as a percentage of the 4 speed's MPG result. (Not CCM)
After all, when comparing fuel usage it is important to have each vehicle tested to go the same distance. If they do not travel the same distance (which they didn't), then the best method would be to compare the MPG results, not the average fuel usage in CCM results.
Playboy Racing Team
I had communicated with Tommy Constantine to see if he knew if they were racing with the Iso-torque equipment.
He gave me an answer that lead me to believe that he either didn't know or that he was not about to say.
In any event, he did not answer the question.
See my post # 8319
News and Information about Kettering
Dec. 01, 2006
Hydraulic hybrid engines
"Companies other than UPS that are interested in the hydraulic hybrid technology range from manufacturers of component systems to automakers."
"And, the Ford Motor Company is also interested in the hydraulic hybrid technology for two of its larger heavy-duty vehicles slated for the consumer market."
http://www.kettering.edu/visitors/storydetail.jsp?storynum=514
BorgWarner Transmission Systems Opens New Facility in France
BorgWarner's DualTronic(R) clutch and transmission control technology enables a conventional, manual gearbox to function as a fully automatic transmission by eliminating the "torque-interrupt" feeling that occurs when a manual transmission shifts gears, while delivering performance and fuel economy that rival that of a manual transmission. The technology debuted on the VW Golf R32 DSG and the Audi TT 3.2 in 2003. BorgWarner has announced five programs with four customers, including VW/Audi, Getrag, another European OEM and SAIC in China. Total BorgWarner dual clutch technology programs announced to date represent over 1.5 million transmissions per year at full production volumes.
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2006/12/13/031349.html
Tor, as you can see, the dual clutch system does not mean that there are two clutch pedals.
21 fleets push for commercial hybrid development
12/12/2006
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Twenty-one of the biggest mixed fleets in North America are working together to help speed the development of a cost-effective, light-duty hybrid work truck that reduces exhaust emissions while improving fuel economy compared to current vehicles.
The group will host its fourth meeting on March 6, 2007, at The Work Truck Show 2007 and the 43rd Annual NTEA Convention, at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Ind.
These fleets make up the Light-duty Hybrid Action Group facilitated by the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA). They represent a cross-section of work truck users, including utilities, state and county transportation departments and private companies. Combined, they manage more than 200,000 vehicles across classes 1–8.
Tor, See if you can get some tickets, and then we can go to see if the the Torvec's patented technology is on display.
http://www.todaystrucking.com/news.cfm?intDocID=17148
China Announces Anti-Piracy Crackdown
BEIJING (AP) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson confronted mixed signals as he arrived in China Wednesday for trade talks, with Beijing announcing a renewed crackdown on pirated goods but also running up a record trade surplus with the United States.
In a prelude to the visit, Chinese and U.S. companies announced a series of deals, including the purchase by U.S. retailer Home Depot Inc. of a chain of Chinese home improvement stores and the sale of GE Aviation jet engines to a Shanghai airline.
Also signed at the ceremony, were deals by Oshkosh Truck Corp. to sell U.S.-made airport rescue and firefighting equipment to Quzhou Airport in Zhejiang province in eastern China, and a deal between VeriSign and the China Netcom Group and the Ministry of Information and Industry to set up a system to help create domain names.
http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/provider/providerarticle.aspx?feed=AP&Date=20061213&ID=6259...
Tor; Take it easy, This really is good news for Torvec.
European Volvos will get dual-clutch gearbox
Starting in late 2007, diesel versions of Volvo’s S40 and V50 will have dual-clutch transmissions.
Ford sources say that dual-clutch units will not be limited to just a few models but will be offered in a wide range of vehicles, such as the Ford Focus and Focus C-Max, which currently have CVT variants, Land Rover’s Freelander and most Mazda cars. The Focus C-Max medium minivan may get the transmission as early as next year when it gets a face-lift.
Ford’s dual clutch will be built by its joint-venture transmission partner Getrag in Kechnec, Slovakia. Ford and Getrag say their Powershift dual-clutch system promises fuel savings of about 10 percent compared with a traditional automatic transmission.
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061212/FREE/61211006/1024/PROMOBLOG01
UPS driver tries out hybrid technology
Originally published December 10, 2006
"I'm a little more than enthusiastic about trying new things out. When I heard I'd be considered, I wanted to try it out," said Taub, a Garden City resident employed by UPS for 30 years.
"There were two HHV testing -- one in the EPA lab in Ann Arbor and one in the Livonia (UPS) building," Taub said. "They tried it out first in Livonia. This was the maiden run. I'm on what we call a 51C route -- it does a lot of stopping and starting without long-term driving on the freeway."
"It was great. Being pretty quiet, it takes some getting used (in the HHV). You're ready to go and you don't realize it," said Taub, whose delivery route has been in Garden City for about 15 years. "There was very little difference in performance. It wasn't the same acceleration but it was good."
The HHV is expected to offer a 60 percent to 70 percent improvement in fuel economy, a 40 percent reduction in emissions and a savings of more than $50,000 over the typical 20-year lifespan of the vehicle. Based on current fuel prices, it's projected that the HHVs would pay for themselves in two to three years.
http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/NEWS08/612100345
Nissan executive answers questions on vehicles, future
10 Questions With Larry Dominique, vice president, product planning and strategy department, Nissan North America, Inc.
5. Other than Altima, what Nissans will be offered in hybrid form for the future? What about the future for pure EVs? Diesels? Speaking of hybrids, do you see their major benefit more as fuel economy enhancers or as performance enhancers?
"We cannot state exactly what our plans are, but you will be seeing a range of powertrain technologies on our future products."
6. Nissan is putting the Xtronic CVT in almost half of its 2007 vehicles, yet other manufacturers are using only selectively – mostly in lower displacement and lower power models. Does Nissan know something the others don’t?
Nissan, along with our development partner/supplier Jatco, do know something others don’t. We have been able to produce CVTs that can manage a much higher torque than our competitor’s CVTs. This has allowed us to implement this transmission on products with large V6s, such as Altima and Maxima.
"In addition, with our extensive CVT experience, we have addressed the shortfalls of the first generation CVTs with our newest generation transmission. The days of rubber band feeling and slow response are replaced by a transmission with thousands of algorithms that actually learn from individuals’ driving patterns. If you want power, the transmission will deliver it, quickly and smoothly. The biggest advantage of a CVT beyond fuel economy is its smoothness. The Murano, which has had a CVT from day one, has the highest J.D. Power APEAL ratings in segment for transmission. You will see us continue to expand this application in the future, with even better performance."
10. What surprises do you have in store for the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January?
"We will be showing the new Nissan Rogue, as previously announced. This small crossover SUV will show our continued innovation and excitement. We have high expectations for this product and cannot wait to unveil it to the world. In addition we will be showing a new concept product and the first look at the luxury refinements that should position the Infiniti QX56 above its luxury competitors in standard equipment. You can expect to see strong introductions from Nissan and Infiniti at all coming major auto shows. I can’t say too much, but the New York Auto Show this spring will also be a great place to get an idea where Nissan and Infiniti are heading in the future."
http://www.murfreesboropost.com/news.php?viewStory=1140
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) (SSX:600104)
will create China's biggest publicly traded carmaker by paying 19.1 billion yuan (US$2.4 billion) in stock for its parent's stakes in joint ventures with General Motors Corp and Volkswagen AG.
The China Securities Regulatory Commission approved the sale of 3.28 billion shares to SAIC Motor Corp, Shanghai Auto said in a statement. The company is buying stakes in 16 units from the State-owned parent.
The listing of SAIC's main operations will help the carmaker raise funds to expand in a nation set to overtake Japan this year as the world's second-largest vehicle market.
http://www.antara.co.id/en/seenws/?id=24152
ENGINEERS GETTING A GRIP ON ICE & SNOW:
Innovation brings new methods of ice friction and adhesion CONTROL. November 2006
http://engineering.dartmouth.edu/thayer/research/ice-engg.html
There's nothing like a 60-ton tank slithering around on the ice to make you think Professor Petrenko's technology is a good idea," said Herbert H. Dobbs, chairman of Torvec, Inc.
"Torvec, Inc. is developing PETD for land-based vehicle applications. "
"And, with the support of Torvec, another team member, Mikhail Starostin, Ph.D., has made working prototypes for a windshield PETD using transparent electrodes. "
The final event is scheduled for November 3, 2007.
Oshkosh Truck Unveils Fuel Saving Hybrid Drive Vehicle
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20061114005...
Oshkosh Truck Corporation [NYSE:OSK] announced today that the company is presenting its proprietary ProPulse® hybrid drive technology in a refuse vehicle application at the 2006 Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF) during the 6th National HTUF meeting being held in San Diego, California November 14-16, 2006.
Did TOVC get a booth at this Hybrid Truck Users Forum?
Maybe they sent the American Continental Group guys.
Hope somebody went.
ACG will Expand Torvec into the U.S. Army
"In order to facilitate this development,"
"we will strategically use Congress"
and,
"ACG will work with Senator Clinton"
Question; If we are going to let AGC use congress by working with Senator Clinton, isn't it possible that Senator Clinton will begin to feel used?
I don't understand why this is being expressed as a "USE" concept. We all know that Senators, especially Senator Clinton, will not want to be used. Maybe they should work with Congress and Senator Clinton instead of using either of them.
http://app.quotemedia.com/quotetools/showFiling.go?name=TORVEC%20INC:%208-K,%20Sub-Doc%201&link=...
Facilitating a Partnership with Torvec and JLG
"Thus, ACG will work with JLG in order to allow for a demonstration of the IVT and Iso- Torque Differential."
If the reason for this effort was really to build a partnership with Oshkosh Truck Corp, I wonder why they are articulating it in this manner.
"Oshkosh Truck Corp agreed to acquire all the outstanding stock of JLG Industries Inc for approximately US$3 billion in cash."
See any dots Torvecian?
Humvee replacement
11/09/2006 - Updated 12:13 PM ET
On Thursday, the two companies are scheduled to deliver dueling prototypes for the so-called Future Tactical Truck System program, part of the Pentagon's effort to design a combat support vehicle that is as tough as the insurgencies it faces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
After the competing trucks are delivered this week, they will be put through months of testing. By next summer, Lockheed and Navistar expect the assessment to result in a request for proposals for the actual Humvee replacement.
Both companies -- and a lot of others shut out of the prototype phase, including Oshkosh Truck Corp. and AM General -- are sure to submit bids.
http://stocks.usatoday.com/custom/usatoday-com/html-story.asp?guid=%7B4110538E%2DF87E%2D4F70%2D976B%...
Nice to see that Oshkosh Truck Corp. may be in the mix.
Oshkosh Truck Corp. said Monday it would buy JLG Industries Inc., a maker of scissor lifts and other aerial work platforms, for about $3 billion.
Oshkosh, which said it had made 14 acquisitions in the last 10 years, expects the JLG deal to close within 90 days.
http://stocks.usatoday.com/custom/usatoday-com/html-story.asp?guid=%7B7298082D%2DE07C%2D4797%2DBAC3%...
ACG Compensation Request
"a retainer of $5,000 per month beginning October 1, 2006 and 200,000 in common stock warrants;"
A retainer is "the part of a contractually due sum that is paid in advance, while the balance will only follow after receipt on the counterpart in goods or services; also called advance payment or deposit"
Question; since this is a retainer, then how is the actual fee calculated?
Question; is the retainer amount of 200,000 in common stock warrants due to be paid monthly also?
After-market system converts Ford vans
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Last month, Azure signed an agreement with Ford to develop a hybrid system for E-350 and E-450 commercial vans.
Ford spokesman Nick Twork said Ford has its own hybrid technology, and the automaker had been involved in a program to develop a hydraulic hybrid that would recapture braking power in a hydraulic cylinder instead of a battery and use that energy to power vehicles at low speeds.
But Ford moved away from developing commercial hybrids after studying its customers.
With E-Series and F-Series commercial vehicles, the vast majority of road miles are on highways, Twork said.
On the highway, the additional electronic components or hydraulics add weight and harm fuel economy. For the vast majority of Ford's customers, the improved city mileage would not overcome the loss of highway efficiency, he said.
Neither hydraulic nor electric hybrids "make sense for most of our customers," because of weight issues, Twork said.
"But there's a market niche for this type of vehicle, and we're happy to work with after-market companies to fill it."
http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061112/BUSINESS/611120555
Your second question went like this:
"Why would Alllinks defend the Chinese but imply the Torvec Patents may be expiring?"
The defense was for the customer that you attacked.
The customer that you attacked just happened to be from China and therefore Chinese.
It really wouldn't have mattered if the customer attacked was Chinese or not.
I would have defended any customer that the Gleasman's were trying to entertain.
I just think a customer is likely to become aware of your comments.
If they take notice to your comments, they may take offense.
It isn't good for business to have anyone attack a customer that is being sought out.
As far as the patents go, I was concerned as to their existence, not their expirations.
If you read back, you would find that I was concerned as to the existence of the patent that was being applied for the accumulators.
My concern was based upon the fact that the application for the patents ceased to be mentioned in the SEC filings and, at the same time, they were not mentioned as being granted or pending.
This led me to be concerned that this patent may no longer be in the application phase, or the pending phase, and therefore will never be in the granted phase.
You may realize that they cannot expire unless they are first granted.
I really believe that it is the patents that create value for the shareholders.
The invention is the needed first, the patent second, and the customer third.
I was hoping that the accumulators would be the eighth technology.
Thanks for bringing this misunderstanding to my attention, so that it could be cleared up.
Maybe you could enlighten me as to what is the eight technology. The best way to do that is to list all eight. That way there will not be any confusion about any of the eight.
"What happened to the Playboy racing team?"
I'll try a few of these, one at a time.
The last race that they competed in was September 1, 2006.
The 35 car (Nissan) finished in third place.
That was a podium finish.
Tommy Constantine (TC) was pretty happy with the finish, and he had been quoted to say something to the effect that he qualified badly, got a bad pole position on the start, and should have finished better, but didn't.
I think I remember posting his quote at the time.
Maybe you could look back to a post of mine around that time.
That was the last race that counted for points.
The next (October 07, 2006) race points didn't count.
They did not take the Nissan's to that race.
The Mustang from the team was there.
The Mustang practiced and qualified, but did not race.
I never found out why none of the team cars raced.
I had communicated with TC to see if he knew if they were racing with the Iso-torque equipment.
He gave me an answer that lead me to believe that he either didn't know or that he was not about to say.
In any event, he did not answer the question.
A lot of the racing was done in the quite period and I think they were not saying anyting for that reason.
The next chance to see them at a track is Sunday November 05, 2006 at Daytona, Flordia, however, this is a test day.
Here is a link to the racing schedule.
http://www.grandamerican.com/Events/Event.asp?ID=173
Status of Medium and Heavy Hybrids:
Commercial Momentum & Directions
Bill Van Amburg
Senior Vice President
Hybrid Happenings Briefing
HARC - October 17, 2006
This is the other report given at HARC on October 17, 2006
http://files.harc.edu/Projects/Transportation/StatusHybridsVanAmburg.pdf
Reviewing this report might help us understand the progress and timelines of commercialization of the technology as it relates to the Medium and Heavy Hybrids.
Hydraulic Hybrids; EPA Hybrid Truck Initiative
From October 17, 2006
This is a very interesting update on the progress being made on the EPA Hybrid Truck Initiative.
It is a presentation that was done by:
Charles L. Gray, Jr., Director
Advanced Technology Division
Office of Transportation and Air Quality
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
http://files.harc.edu/Projects/Transportation/HydraulicHybridsGray.pdf
It looks like Torvec's technology is exactly what will be needed to make all of this work efficiently.
Why do you insult Torvec's customer?
Did you run out of people to insult today?
Torvec has been working hard to work on a potential commercialization event with customers that include the ones that you are insulting. Thanks a lot. Shame on you. If you read back on the Torvec website, you will find that the Gleasman’s family does not think very kindly of insults to customers. Maybe Dread will delete your message.
"Please tell me i am totally incorrect"
That might be fun, but, I don't think that you are totally incorrect.
These patents that Torvec has are part of an evolutionary process that builds off of prior technologies.
I think that the original work started back then (1983 or so) and has evolved to the technology that Torvec has today.
There is a patent process concept that goes like this:
"This application is a continuation-in-part of pending parent application Ser. No. 728,575, filed Apr. 29, 1985, entitled NO-SLIP, IMPOSED DIFFERENTIAL, which parent application is a continuation-in-part of grandparent application Ser. No. 544,390, filed Oct. 21, 1983, entitled NO-SLIP, IMPOSED DIFFERENTIAL, parent application Ser. No. 728,575 being abandoned upon the filing of this application. "
If you look at the drawings that are part of the original patents, you would not be able to recognize the current equipment that is shown in the Torvec website.
So, I think that the dates are moved forward, but of course, I'm not really sure. (I'm not a patent attorney either)
If the dates are moved forward, then, the shareholders should be ok.
Without the patents, the shareholders really don't have any value. The patents are what we shareholders are investing in and are as important as the inventions.
The patents are the basis of shareholder's value
My research leads me to believe that the patents have all been assigned to Torvec.
I don't see any problems or any issues with that.
The knock off I posted this AM has claims to perform similar to Torvec's Iso-Torque Differential aka "No-Slip, Imposed Differential Reduction Drive" Patent #'s 4776235 & 4776236.
The picture of the equipment looks similar also.
It appears that the technology is similar, but inferior.
The Gleasman's patents go back to approximately 1987, so it seems to me that they would prevail and provide the shareholders with the necessary protection.
It would be unfortunate and expensive to litigate that matter.
My point with the earlier post was that it might be a good idea to move forward soon to eliminate these potential competitive problems.
I know they are working on it and I respect that, but, competition is active and they have deep pockets.
If you read the SEC filings that record the beginning of and the setting up of Torvec, you will find documents that show the assignment of the patents to Torvec.