Vol 2, Page 4, Dual Weight PIE Bench Test & Making the Drive Jackshaft

Dual Weight PIE Bench Test & Making the Drive Jackshaft

Dual Weights
(Maybe I’ll take a pic without all of my workbench clutter in the background someday)


Two days ago, as I was finishing up for the day, I decided to put both new weights on a single flexplate assembly at the same time. I really did this as a way to see the action and make observations of any interference between them. I was pleasantly surprised when the interaction appeared to be complimentary in nature.

I was so pleased with the interaction that I decided to “spin” it up with the cordless drill. The amount of power being transmitted to the bench was remarkable, and because the flexplate was “balanced” out with the second planet assembly, I was able to run it at a somewhat higher speed without further modification.

I observed the weights each contacting a stop (one inner, one outer) at virtually the same time and producing complimentary pulses. I was so pleased that I immediately cobbled together a way to hold my phone and video this (the video is below and on YouTube).

Powered Dual Weight Bench Test

Now I am getting ready to put the chain drive on it, although I am no longer sure it is necessary to have a positive non-slip drive. I am including some pictures of the jackshaft being made at a local home-garage machine shop. I didn’t have any keyways cut into it, but I can always take it back for that if necessary. The dimensions are ½” up to 17mm up to 1” and back down to 17mm.

Cost was negligible for this because I supplied the metal to a home machine shop (along with beer) on a Saturday. Normal cost for this at a local machine shop would have been around 35 to 45 USD according to a couple of calls made, but many machinists would do this on their lunch hour at work for about $20.

  

 

Jackshaft in Lathe & Finished

The plan is to weld a sprocket onto the 1” diameter section of the shaft, then bearings will be mounted on the 17mm sections and then the ½” diameter end will be used for the electric motor’s connection.

According to the surplus company I ordered the sprockets from, I should have them in about 3 days…

Vol. 2, Page 3, Preparing Parts for PIE 2.0, Second New Weight -Build and Test-

Newest Weight Ready for Testing

Building the revised PIE, version 2.0, is well under way. There are two weights are virtually ready for testing. The gears are looking as good as they ever will, and the base has been partially modified to accommodate the revisions in the configuration.

I have decided that the drive system will be using #40 roller chain & sprockets. The sprockets and chain are available at a very reasonable price from surplussupply.com. It is too bad that they do not have spur gears to use for the sun & planet gears as well. Regardless, I am getting as much done as feasible while I wait for the sprockets arrive (I already have chain).

 I am planning to use a jackshaft, of sorts, to drive the chain. The inexpensive and plentiful components already sourced and obtained will comprise a portion of the jackshaft assembly. I am having a custom shaft machined upon which to fasten the sprocket.

A custom shaft would be unnecessary if the shaft, sprocket and available bearings were all the same diameter, but weighing the option of sourcing more components vs. those already obtained and having one custom component made I choose the latter. A local machine shop would make the shaft for between $25 and $50 US, while pillow block bearings would be that price for each one. As previously stated, the objective is a simple, replicable drive, that is also safe and affordable.

Testing the Action of the Second New Weight

 
Pieces of Steel Being Assembled Into Second New Weight
Second New Weight Getting Painted

V2, Page 2- PIE 2.0, Problem with Physics, To-Do List, and A Personal Note

First:

The PIE 2.0 project has commenced.  As could be seen in the pictures contained in my last post, a new weight is being developed for PIE 2.0. I plan on using the same design for the planetary gear sets because I they are simple and robust. I was not sure about the flexplates, but since they are already prepared for the purpose, I will use them until a reason to change presents itself. Some parts are being reused (from the 4-wheel unit) and/or repurposed. There are still many questions to be answered and most of them need to be put on the work bench in order to find the answer.

We know that computer models and all the advanced trigonometric formulas in the world are useless unless there is a way to put them to work. The differences between types of drives can be discussed, compared & argued but the proof is in the workshop. Sooooooo… I need to make something PERFECTLY clear.

The fact is, this damn thing works!

Setting up for bench Testing

Setting up for bench Testing

 


Second:

The Problem with Physics is that Some Science is Not Allowed:

Science is: The observation, identification, description, experimental investigation, and theoretical explanation of phenomena.

Physics is: The science of matter and energy and of interactions between the two.

 

Our currently taught physics does not allow for certain outcomes, and any drive system that does not push against anything for propulsion is one of those outcomes not being allowed for.

Along with physics departments worldwide, NASA currently discounts this type of tech as fantasy. Yet NASA is currently using reactionless propulsion to position/reposition satellites in Earth’s orbit.

Countless scientists have witnessed a very early version of this system operate with greater efficiency than wheel driven, jet, propeller, or rocket driven forms of propulsion, yet they turn right around and state unequivocally that it is impossible and absolutely cannot work…Ever! 

Many witnesses will deny that they ever saw, or that there ever was, a working demo.

People’s lives have been ruined because they built a working device and tried to sell it to big business and/or governments.

Science teachers worldwide are told that if they teach this as a possibility, they will be fired. The only way this can be included in a curriculum is by “proving” it doesn’t work.

It seems that the ONLY ALLOWABLE outcome has been negative or no.

Since this Grassroots project flies in the face of all of that, I continue to publish ALL information regarding the PIE system (1.0, 2.0 and future versions) and as stated earlier, the inconvenient fact is that this damn thing works!

I hesitate to say that I am working to change the paradigm, but it works and it is repeatable.

This knowledge NEEDS to go public, needs to be peer reviewed, and needs to be put to use helping people everywhere travel more efficiently.

 

Third:

PIE 2.0 To-Do List (Subject to Change of Course):

1- Set up outer stops for the new pendulum weights

2- Enhance bearings on all rotating assemblies (Doubles?)

3- Strengthen framework to withstand higher power output

4- Higher speed & strength motor

5- Synchronous drive system (Roller chain, T-belt?)

6- Consider “stacking” flexplates rather than side-by-side positioning to reduce footprint

7- Consider sourcing off-the-shelf parts for future versions, kits, etc.

 

Fourth:

A personal note:

As I am writing this, I want to thank everyone for watching my videos and reading my words.

I need to remind everyone following along that I am funding this completely out of my own pocket and then sharing it freely. I am not accepting donations nor am I selling anything for funding or profit.

There may be a saleable product in the future, however, ALL of the info in my personal journal & subsequent public blog are still going to be free as long as I have a say.

Perhaps, eventually, kits might be made available. I can imagine a kit to add hybrid capability to a vehicle for about the price of a go-kart.

 Right now, I want to share this with everyone, worldwide. I would hope others would see how simple this is to build a PIE as well.

Volume 2 (V2), Page 1, PIE 2.0 Begins

Volume 2 (PIE2.0)…

The rework of many unused parts that are left over from PIE1.0 has begun, along with some newly fabricated pieces for the new unit. Planning for this began about the same time that the first successful demo pulsed its way across multiple work benches.

From the time that first unit moved on its own I have wanted to build a better unit, capable of higher RPMs and running a heavier pendulum weight. Digressing to, and remembering, the 1970s VHS video of Brandson Roy Thornson’s drive pushing a canoe around an Olympic sized swimming pool, that unit had 4 rotating discs (2 CW rotation, 2 CCW rotation) and each had a 5-pound pendulum weight.

PIE 2.0 is going to start out with weights that are around 4.7-pounds. They will not be using any counter-rotating assemblies unless it is deemed absolutely necessary. Yet to be determined is to the number of rotating assemblies, the power source, and speed of rotation (RPMs).

I have about 20 to 25 pictures of various parts, pieces, tools & assorted “junk” waiting to be put to use. Since some find that interesting, I will put some of the pics in this the blog, but will not include them in my personal journal documenting this project.

Base Part in Primer

Chop Saw

Small Drill Press

Spare Motor

Spare Motor

Spare Parts

Lengthened Planet Gear Axle – Revised To Be Used As Stop

PIE 2.0 Weight

Base Part

Planet Gear Needing Re-Work

Planet Gear With Long Pivot Bolt

2 Flexplates & Assorted Junk

Mocking up PIE 2.0

Mocking up PIE 2.0

Mocking up PIE 2.0

Pieces & Parts

Weighing As We Go

Digital Scale is More Accurate

Setting Up Revised Stop On Planet Gear

What a Mess!

Page 26, TEST DATA!!! Coming Up Next, PIE 2.0

Test data is coming in now. After a few hiccups in the testing procedures, the data is clearly indicating that the PIE is taking a small percentage of load off the test vehicle’s engine.

 All percentage of engine load reduction readings are automatically averaged by the scan tool taking those readings.

All readings used in this test phase taken by Matco Interrogator, which is the Matco branded OTC Pegisys scan tool.

1-mile test track with 20mph speed limit and 2 stop signs: 2% engine load reduction.

Same 1-mile track with battery at 10.5 volts: 2% engine load reduction.

50/50 highway & city (light traffic) 55mph & 30mph limits respectfully: 3 % to 5% engine load reduction. Traffic variations causing engine load reduction variation

These conditions were repeated over and over with solid repeating results. So it is official, PIE 1.0 is a success, testing reveals that it works as an add on hybrid system. I think that the most amazing revelation is that the PIE exerts enough force to be recorded using a car windshield wiper motor as its prime mover.

Testing will continue as I work toward a PIE version 2.0. This next version will be much more powerful.

A new PIE 2.0 To-Do list will be published very soon.

Stay tuned, the exiting stuff has yet to happen!!!!

Page 25, Project Goal Added, To-Do List Updated

I have a very important goal added to the design phase of PIE 2.0. It is something that crossed my mind in the beginning but was not something that was as important as simply getting the drive to work. Now it seems more important than ever to stay with the true spirit of a “Grassroots Mechanic Movement”!

Simply put, the PIE needs to be an engine that can be built by mechanics everywhere with average shop tools & equipment with a minimum budget. No needing a lathe, milling machine, shaper, dividing head, or other tools which are common in machine shops but not in the average mechanic’s workshop or garage.

I do have most of these available to me but as I was getting ready to buy material and set up machinery to make parts, I asked myself “how many mechanics have this option available to them?”, and the answer was “damn few, that’s how many”.

The common hand tools along with a welder, grinder, and chop saw are all the equipment required so far and it is my goal to keep it as simple and inexpensive as possible. It would be great to use machine shop equipment and expensive off-the-shelf components, but I think that these things are unnecessary to build a working unit (PIE, Thorson Drive, or any other)!

The updated “To Do” list (for PIE 1.0):

1- A better locking mechanism for the sun gears to the axles.

2- A way to vary the sun gear timing by adjusting axle position.

3- A different drive system from the motor to the plates, maybe a double-sided timing belt or a roller chain drive.

4- Explore the possibility of having sun & planet gears on both sides of the plates.

5- Mount in a motor vehicle for road testing.

6- Collect “Empirical” data from real world testing

7- Make sure PIE can be built/fabricated without the absolute need for machine shop tooling

8- Keep material total for one completed PIE under $200

9- Complete testing of PIE 1.0 & start building PIE 2.0  

10- Start To-Do list for PIE 2.0

Page 24, On-Road Testing Now Underway

I am performing the on-road testing phase now. I will say that I am impressed so far, even without completing a recorded data set. It is truly amazing to feel the vehicle being pushed along using so very little power, while also decreasing the amount of throttle given to the engine because of the engine load decrease.

The only change I have made to the PIE is the addition of a switch and relay to control the PIE from the driver’s seat.

In the shop, I am preparing for PIE 2.0. I deliberated heavily about the planetary gear sets. I would like to replace them with machined gears which would run quieter and smoother, but I will stay with the simple fabricated gears for now. I already have parts made to fit the fabricated gears, so this will save the time and the expense of rebuilding some components.

I seriously thought of upgrading everything, bearings, plates, gears, weights, etc. but cannot justify that at the present so it will have to wait for version 3.0 or higher.  I am, however, planning on running weights on both sides of the flexplates. This should allow for heavier weights and higher RPMs which will both equal more thrust! 

Intro:

Welcome to the Grassroots Mechanic Movement Blog: 
Most of the contents here are my personal notes & pictures, placed here as a record of my journey. It is not a written for anyone in particular. 
Comments are encouraged, even if only to say that you were here.
Thoughts, notes, or suggestions are welcome. 

Some visitors will undoubtedly wish to tell me how foolish and impossible this is, please do not bother, as flaming and/or non-constructive criticism will not be well received here.
I am B.
I am a professional Auto Tech with more than 35 years in the automotive mechanical industry. I am currently a garage manager responsible for the maintenance & repair of more than 20 vehicles in the Northeastern U.S. “Rust Belt” and I am looking forward to retirement.
I can be a grumpy old fart with little patience for closed-mindedness, so no apologies are offered if I offend anyone by being myself.
I am also an ASE certified Master Auto Technician, hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Automotive & Transportation Technologies and have earned many automotive, truck, bus & business certifications.
In short, I know how things work.
I am making this blog to make public the development & usage of this truly revolutionary technology that is capable of making almost any vehicle into an electric hybrid.
I am only one of many people building & testing this, and similar, tech worldwide. There are multiple designs which have been proven to work and this is only going to really discuss the one “originated” by Brandson Roy Thornson, and reworked by me personally.
This is a Closed-Loop Reactionless Impulse Propulsion system, and, yes it does actually work.
I expect:
Plenty of scoffing.
Accusations of making fraudulent claims.
Backlash from people who would rather not see this tech go mainstream.
Again, I am a grumpy old fart, so if anyone takes issue with my work it really doesn’t matter.
There are many well informed, educated, brilliant individuals who state unequivocally that his technology is nothing more than a pipe dream and/or pure bunk.
If you want to “blast” this content, I respectfully ask that you keep an open mind, be civil, and email me privately. I have neither the time or the patience to discuss this with anyone who just wishes to cause disruptions.
This is not a new technology, and although it has been demonstrated many times, there are those who close off their minds and refuse to entertain ideas which do not always fit into nice neat little packages.
Along with other fellow technicians, engineers and mechanics scattered around the globe, I am going ahead with revealing this tech at my own expense as a fully Open Source Project.
I have been writing this blog privately since the inception of this project and I think it is about time that I make it public.
I will be editing and then copying/pasting my original documentation here.
More will come as time allows.
Thanks for visiting & I truly encourage everyone to experiment with this tech.
——————————————————————————————————–
A Note to all open-minded Mechanics & Experimenters,
(Added 4/10/2020)
 
This informal document’s purpose is providing information regarding a privately funded & produced project to build & test the feasibility of a reactionless propulsion system to be used in the transportation industry as a hybrid drive system that can be added to existing vehicles of multiple types. The electrically driven propulsion system I am outlining here is based on the Thornson EZKL Drive invented and partially developed by Brandson Roy Thornson. This and similar Thornson-like drives have been functionally proven, independently tested, and I can personally attest that there is no trickery involved.
While there are other types of potentially effective designs, this is intended to outline this functional Thornson-like Pulsed Linear Motion Generator and promote the dissemination of this information by promoting a Grassroots Mechanic Movement. This Technology needs to be developed and used without being restricted by any entity or entities who would see this monopolized or suppressed.
It has been vehemently opposed by the mainstream scientific community who are not willing to review and reinterpret the widely held concepts of movement conservation even when demonstrated via working machinery.
People who have invented, promoted or attempted to market similar tech have been stopped. Some were discredited through manipulation of public information, others were blacklisted – even after their device(s) were reproduced and tested by mainstream institutions (SUNY Buffalo, etc.).
This is the reasoning regarding the need to get this information to experimenters, and hobbyists through a grassroots type movement.
This tech is very reproducible at a reasonably low cost. It was built utilizing many recycled & re-purposed components. It is also very understandable to the mechanically inclined without any specialized training or the need for any advanced mathematics.
Review this data & please reproduce this tech for yourself.
Build it, use it, and show others how to build it.
That is the core of the Grassroots Mechanic Movement!
 
Truly,
B.
P.S. PLEASE ALSO NOTE: The construction techniques & methods along with the parts & materials used are not intended to comprise a finished device but are only used for prototyping. Welds are little more than tack welds, used components are used whenever possible & most parts are intended to be easily disassembled to make changes. That is exactly why unit(s) depicted here appear crude and cobbled together, but great care has been taken to ensure accuracy & safety while maintaining this as a low budget project.