PIE – Page 5 – Grassroots Mechanic Movement

Vol 2, Page 5, Sprockets & Roller Chain Drive

Bench Testing Chain Drive with Drill as Power Source

I finally got my sprockets for the chain drive! They are surplus so there are nicks and dings, but nothing a file won’t easily fix. They have an “unfinished” one-inch (25 mm) hole, that puts the hole slightly undersized, but that actually worked out in my favor for use on the jack shaft as it made for a nice press fit on the 1” section of shaft. I then welded the sprocket into place on the shaft to make it a permanent install.

I used a plasma cutter to open the 1” holes up on the sprockets being used on the wheels, that way there is no need for spacers to mount them on the axles. Cutting the hole open like that is ugly, but I don’t really care, as it cannot be seen once it is installed.

I put it together enough to see the chain drive work with a cordless drill running it up to approximately 1500 RPMs. I still need the parts bolted to the plank base so that nothing can shift position with the weights installed.

I believe that I will wait to finish the drive assembly with a motor until I can see how much power it is going to take to make it run, and at what RPM. I have several large electric drills that I can use to do those tests if necessary.

Truing a Sprocket on a Wheel Assembly, Getting Ready to Weld

Bench Testing Chain Drive with Drill as Power Source

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 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

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!

Page 23, Thornson Book, Video & Patent

Because the PIE is so closely bound to the many years of dedicated work of Brandson Roy Thornson, I am providing some of the most pertinent info I have for anyone interested.

I have uploaded copies of the book “Inertial Impulse Propulsion Engine of Brandson Roy Thornson”, the “Thornson Physics” full movie-length video, and the Thornson U.S. patent.

They are saved to a Google Drive that I only use for sharing information.

Here are links to each of these works,.

Please note: The video’s quality is rather poor at times. It was recovered from old VHS tape format which was degrading in storage.

Also note: The book seems a bit disjointed, or out of order. This is exactly as it was published and delivered to me. The information in its pages is priceless and needs to be preserved.

Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rRlu5DZCNO3Pf6BgSCf_nFqG5ZHPJ4cD/view?usp=sharing

Book: https://drive.google.com/file/d/198m-b8vt9I4S-U9W4NFpJQR-CavgQR5D/view?usp=sharing

Patent: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JEjGf5L85beHRo_A99GyQ8fzRSFwxJyO/view?usp=sharing

To the best of my knowledge none of these works are currently protected by an active copyright. If anyone knows differently, please leave it in a comment and if found to be true, the work will be removed immediately.

Page 22, Is This a Thornson Drive or PIE? Yes, It’s Both.

Is This a Thornson Drive or PIE? Yes, It’s Both.

I have started getting some comments stating that the PIE “is a Thornson drive”, so the question of whether this is a Thornson Drive, or a Pulsed Inertial Engine (PIE) is answered as “yes”.

Let’s address the differences, and the similarities.

I want to state for the record that the basis of this drive (or “engine”, as Roy Thornson called it) is the planetary gear design, including the planet weight, which was originated by Brandson “Roy” Thornson. I also want to state that I have carefully studied copies of original notes, some of which are signed by Roy Thornson. I originally studied these things to relate his discoveries to an earlier project of my own but decided I should put that design on hold to pursue this project.

The most significant difference between the PIE and Roy’s drive has to do with the handling of the weight, and what Roy called inner & outer “planet traps”. That was designed to hold the weight until a specific point in the planet gear’s rotation, then release the weight for propulsion effect. He also had the weight hitting the sun gear’s axle hard enough to be a significant addition to the propulsion effect. Neither of these are the case in the PIE.

The weight does contact the sun gear’s axle. As it was stated by Roy, the weight should never cross the centerline. In the PIE it does not hit it hard enough to be considered a portion of the propulsion, so the timing of this contact (inner stop) can be considered “less important” than other timing components of operation.

There is no “outer planet trap”, as was envisioned by Roy, being used. Instead, there is a stop fastened to the planet gear. A huge portion of the propulsion effect is created using this “outer stop”. When the weight forcefully contacts the stop, the forward pulse is propagated and then as the weight is held in position by the stop, the forward pulse is completed. Without the “outer stop”, this would not work as presented here!

The final difference is simply that Roy started building a business around his inertial drive engine.

He wanted to supply inertial drives to the world. That is an admirable goal, for sure. Part of that was to keep trade secrets, hold patents, and utilize a sales force. The result, he was turned down & then blackballed by businesses, and governments globally.

I am not doing this as a business venture. I am selling nothing. There are no secrets. I am making this an open source project to freely get this tech to the world. The result is…

A Grassroots Mechanic Movement is born.