propulsion – Grassroots Mechanic Movement

PIE 7 – “PIE Type-2”

The PIE 7 is coming along.

After months of crazy interruptions from home and shop repairs to health issues the PIE 7 is being constructed. I am nearly ready to mount the first beam on a center axle.

But first, an addition to the glossary of terms presented in the last post. While the PIE is a Type-1 machine and the Trammel is a Type-2 machine each can have sub-models and sub-types. The PIE 7 is a PIE Type-2 machine, meaning it is a new breed of PIE but NOT a Trammel.

Now, on to the actual update!

The early PIE assemblies were made to be cheap and easy to build by anyone with a workshop and auto shop type tools. The PIE 7 is a bit of a switch from that to precision machining using lathes, milling machines and other machinist tools.

Along with the redesign of the rotating assemblies, all of the parts for the PIE 7 are machined and fitted with far greater precision than any other PIE has been. Shafts are precision fit into bearings which are fit into machined mounting surfaces. Tolerances are still considered pretty wide for machine shop work as a tolerance of about 1mm (+/- .5mm) is acceptable, For reference for all of us older US based machinists and mechanics, 1.5mm is about a sixteenth (1/16) of an inch.

Initial bench tests of the new dimensions and weighted masses are very promising, and we are hoping that the PIE 7 will perform as well as expected. If it does perform well, we should be able to move a motor vehicle using only the PIE 7.

The PIE 7 is also the first one we are creating proper “prints” (blueprint drawings) for including desired material types and construction techniques along with the customary dimensions and tolerances. The design nature of this PIE is going to be the basis of PIEs to come and the start of what we hope will be a commercial enterprise. The base design will continue to be “open source,” but future iterations may start to take on a proprietary design for commercialization purposes.

The big changes from the earlier PIEs are in the motor drives (using 2 or more motors), the gear train (using reasonably quiet running roller chain), bearings used for all pivot points, and the use of “beams” instead of “wheels” for the rotating assemblies.

The beam design allows for lighter weight materials (aluminum) and the proper support of the weighted masses on two sides with ball bearings to reduce friction. The additional support and use of proper bearings allows us to use heavier masses and a larger primary radius. There are multiple ways to build this, but I have chosen a 3.5 inch (89mm) square aluminum tube with ¼ inch (6.5mm) thick material as it is reasonably easy to obtain locally, is light weight, is easy to work with, and is a fairly strong material (structurally).

We are fabricating the required idler sprocket assemblies now including making our own idler sprockets.

Here are some photos of the beam, the drill guide used for making idler sprockets, and the first idler sprocket ready for bearings and installation.

Definitions and Abbreviations

As PIE 6.0 road testing winds down (more on than soon), and we are planning for the next phase, I noticed an issue while speaking to a trusted associate. I would say PIE and he would ask if that’s the aluminum one, or I’d say Trammel engine and he would think I am speaking of the PIE 6.0 that we have been testing. I thought to myself that there must have been a similar confusion in pre-war Germany at the young Volkswagen company. As they basically had 2 models, with a small number of options, people would confuse the “Beetle” with the “Bus” (Americanized names) so they simply labeled the Beetle as a “Type-1” and the then unnamed little van as a “Type-2”. If it worked to help reduce confusion at VW, it should also be able to help here at Stclairtech R&D!

For the sake of simplicity:

PIE – If it is a planetary gear design with a stationary sun gear the PIE may easily be referred to as a Stclairtech Type-1, which can be shortened to ST-1 in documentation.
Trammel – If it uses rotating discs with an X cut into the middle of it, the Trammel engine can easily be referred to as a Stclairtech Type-2, which will be shortened to ST-2 in documentation.

We will also be creating simplified identifier logos for the Stclairtech Type-1 & Type-2 (ST-1 & ST-2) soon. Until then: Stclairtech Type-1 (ST-1) is a PIE. Stclairtech Type-2 (ST-2) is a Trammel.

To anyone confused by the terminology issues, I understand the confusion and I want to keep it as simple as possible. The old axiom identified as KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) still stands in our workshops, although we do tend to reverse the simple and stupid for a clarified statement making it Keep It Stupidly Simple. In that spirit, here is a short glossary of words, terms, and abbreviations referring to specific components of the thrust-generating devices we are developing here at Stclairtech R&D.

Abbreviations unique to our mechanical closed-loop propulsion system(s):

PIE = Pulsed Inertial Engine
ST-1 = Type-1 = Stclairtech Type-1 = PIE
ST-2 = Type-2 = Stclairtech Type-2 ST-2 = Trammel engine
SDC = Speed Differential Control
QBD = Quantified Backlash Drive
QBC = Quantified Backlash Coupler
AMP = Active Mass Point
FP = Force Point
CLIP = Closed Loop Inertial Propulsion

Definitions & terminology unique to our mechanical closed-loop propulsion system(s):

Closed Loop Inertial Propulsion = Propulsion produced without propellant.
Pulsed Inertial Engine = Type-1 Closed Loop Thrust Producing Engine.
Trammel engine = Type-2 Closed Loop Thrust Producing Engine.
Mass = Any mass or weight, generally referring to a mass used to produce work.
Active Mass = Mass that isn’t “fixed” in place and used to produce work.
Active Mass Point = The point where an AMP applies force to do work.
Force Point = The point where force is transmitted to the assembly.
Speed Differential Control = Device used to change rotational speeds dynamically.
Quantified Backlash Device (Drive or Coupler) = Coupling device with a specific calculated (quantified) amount of backlash, connected between rotating assemblies.
Thornson Drive (EZKL) = A type-1 device which paved the way for modern Pulsed Inertial Engine technology.
Reversion = The act of an object reversing its direction of movement or thrust.
Wheel or Disc = The base rotating assembly currently being used to rotate the masses.

Successful Road Test

A few weeks ago (June 16, 2024), the PIE 6.0 was mounted in the test vehicle. A protective & sound deadening box made from steel tubing, plywood and several thick rubber mud flaps was built to cover it. Due to personal time constraints, it wasn’t run & tested until nearly 3 weeks later…

July 6, 2024: The PIE 6.0 has successfully completed its maiden voyage! The PIE design is solid so there are really no surprises there. This test was mostly about the Quantified Backlash Drive.

The PIE 6 is really two single-disc PIEs stacked on top of each other in a single framework. The two PIEs are timed 90 degrees apart to smooth the thrust pulses. Previously, this has proven problematic as the pulsing of one disc (or wheel) would detract from the pulse of the other disc when timed this way. The problem seemed to be that the rotational speed of one was directly affecting the rotational speed of the other. Also, the forward pulse of either disc was theorized to be affecting the building of energy in the other disc.

Two different design changes were proposed to test the validity of those 2 theories. The theory concerning rotational speeds seemed more realistic as rotational velocity manipulation is important to the efficacy of the design.

The Quantified Backlash Drive coupler (QBD coupler) allows the 2 PIEs to work somewhat independently, while keeping the initial 90 degree timing within an acceptable tolerance. This whole effort is only to smooth the pulsations of thrust without reducing the thrust of each rotating assembly.

Proper testing of thrust on the test vehicle will now be conducted to satisfy the scientific requirements to validate the design. Even without proper thrust validation the QBD coupler’s success is allowing the PIE design to be enhanced for maximum power. Perhaps a pair of 30 inch rotating assemblies with 15 pound masses! Maybe not exactly, but you get the picture.

This is now making me wonder how many “failed” designs might have been successful if they had used multiple independent rotating assemblies tied together with something similar to the Quantified Backlash Drive… It should be making us all start seriously thinking about it!

Preparing for Road Tests

The PIE 6.0 is ready to install for road testing. We are currently prepping the vehicle by building a multi-purpose hood for it to protect it from the weather, reduce noise, and contain it for safety purposes.

Although the relays and their wiring are still visible, the rest of the wiring has been greatly neatened and properly secured. A heavy duty 4-wire connector is being used to connect the engine to its control system & power source.

An easily removable galvanized steel angle is installed near the rear of the truck bed where the PIE 6.0 will “pull” the vehicle forward in the test sequences instead of “pushing” as we have done in previous tests.

Once the PIE is installed, a simple remote activation switch will run to the console by the driver’s seat. Road test updates will follow along with videos and photos.

Trammel Update for mid-March 2023

3/10/2023

Whew… It has been a really busy 4 months since I posted here! So here is a “snapshot update” of the highlights followed by videos.

Nov. 2022: The PIE 5.0 works. No where near as well as I wanted, but one more time I learned sooo much that I call it a win!
Dec. 2022: I took what I learned and applied it to the Trammel engine.
Dec. 2022: The AMP, or “Active Mass Point”, design is put into service. “Game changer”!!!
Jan. 2023: New years day, the Trammel displays repeatable “proof of principal” thrust!
Feb. 2023: Partial overhaul of the Trammel. Several weak points proved where many of the mechanical stresses are and where they are not.
Feb. 2023: Built a new balance beam with a 20:1 ratio. The Trammel again displays repeatable thrust.
Mar. 2023: The special ordered brushless motor gives out & looses so much power it is affecting thrust output.
Mar. 2023: Revamped the motor drive and installed 2 identical 24 volt motors with a 1:2 overdrive gear ratio.
Mar. 2023: Theory of “mass displacement” is better understood.

Like I said, I have been busy! Here are some of these highlights on my YouTube channel and mirrored on my Bit Chute channel.

PIE 5.0

Thrust!

Repairs & partial overhaul complete & still has thrust!

Thrust demo on new balance beam

Two motors at full speed

So next up will be back to the balance beam and we will be making adjustments to improve thrust. In the near future, an improved build is on the docket using everything learned thus far including improved versions of the highly successful AMP design.

I can easily speculate that the Trammel Engine will become more compact but much stronger within a protective enclosure that will also reduce the noise level dramatically.

Stay tuned for more!

PIE 5.0 Update & “Scientific Heresy”

The PIE 5.0 does work! It is not as good as I was hoping, but it does show just one more way this “impossible” propulsion becomes possible! The things learned by actually putting hands to work in the shop far outweigh the mainstream physics falsehoods still perpetrated in many (or most) of our “higher learning” institutions.

What I am about to say is considered “heresy” in the “religion of science”:

Science is supposed to be available to everyone.

Science is supposed to be FUN.

Scientific information is supposed to be openly available and shareable.

Science and physics are supposed to be shared and debatable among all of us, not just the PhD’s. PhD’s who unfortunately tend to believe what they were taught in their final years of education, which is that their Graduate Degree somehow makes them “better” than everyone else. Science is not supposed to discriminate, science (by definition) is to “observe” with an open mind, not “dismiss” with no regard to the idea of actually learning what is possible.

That said, the PIE 5.0 did work, but just not as well as I hoped but that is actually a large part of what makes testing it successful! Every test, every build, every experiment, every failure, every debate & every argument lost has taught me something and makes me who I am today!

Latest Test of the PIE 5.0

The data and understanding gained from development of all of the PIE versions (including the PIE 5.0) is now being poured liberally back into the Trammel Engine project with a renewed enthusiasm! That alone is worth the time spent planning, laying out, building, and testing! And as a bonus, it is “fun“!

More to come soon, please check back here for updates!

PIE 5.0 Becoming a Reality & 1st Picture

So the first successful test of the PIE 5.0 concept is in the books! Although it is only a bench test with one “wheel”, built on the PIE 4’s frame, and sitting on roll pipes, there is no doubt that there is strong forward thrust with reversion at a level of “little to none”.

Adding more weight will definitely increase thrust as seen in experiments completed. An increase of RPM may also increase thrust, but that has not been experimentally confirmed.

So, what is the big deal with the PIE 5.0? No sun gear! No planetary gears! No impact zones! No stops to get broken!

What does this serve to accomplish? Less noise! Less potentially damaging pounding! Longer thrust pulse duration! No need for a pivot point to swing the weight! Virtually no reversion!

The one thing I struggle with is the need to make this work public while also wanting to build a business around it. Conventional thought says that it needs to remain secret, while every fiber of my being screams “make it public”. With guidance from above, I have built this, & with that same guidance will come the reveal.

Below is a photo of the first tested prototype. Much continues to change so more details will be added as work progresses.

Updated Website & Upcoming PIE 5.0

11/9/2022

It has been a long summer of trying to balance my time in my workshop/lab and my career as a Parts Associate, now promoted to Supervisor. Sometimes I think that I must be doing a good job, but there are some difficult days when I think that I am the supervisor because nobody else wants the headaches…

Trammel Update: The Trammel Engine has been rebuilt over and over and now 99% of the internal motion is now working as expected. There are internal components I call con-rods (connecting rods) which only pull and never push, then there are push-rods which can only push and cannot pull. The con-rods are now of a very strong design and their length is adjustable. We had multiple con-rod failures until this design was implemented.

The problem appears to be with the push rods. It was originally thought that their purpose was more of “timing” between the lower halves of the motor, so they would only need to basically “take up slack” with a spring load. This now appears to be incorrect. It seems that they must actually provide a “hard stop” which only pushes but cannot pull. Springs will still be used, but more as an ant- rattling device (I think).

The constant trial runs and failures precipitating rebuilds and repairs have really taken their toll on me mentally… I need a freakin’ win for crying out loud! So I am now (on an opposite workbench) building a PIE 5.0! It is a culmination of PIE and Trammel knowledge gained over the last 3 years and preliminary tests are incredibly promising.

It is still an ugly “Frankenstein” of a machine, but I will post pictures as it becomes something to look at! The good news is that even though it is still in the earliest stage of development it is already making pounds of thrust (too bad NASA)! With one wheel! With one weight!

Sorry I don’t have pics yet of the PIE 5.0…

Our web site (http://stclairtech.tech) is revamped and rebuilt with new fresh graphics and a much nicer interface which is easy to navigate. I also have a page showing some pictures of UAPs (UFOs) over the St. Lawrence River on the US & Canadian border. The pics show black, odd-shaped objects in the air which might be explained away as birds or insects, but they are 100% real photos of objects which only show up on the digital camera! These are completely invisible to the naked eye! See these photos here: http://stclairtech.tech/UAPs/

Thanks for reading and following along… Talk to you again soon!

The Origins of the Trammel Engine and Recent Activity Update:

4/17/2022

Happy Easter!

Although work has slowed a bit progress continues, and here is a synopsis of recent activity:

1- The Trammel engine got a new (more powerful) motor with speed controller.

2- Trammel displayed thrust only during acceleration with new motor.

2- LOLA or Linear Oscillation Linear Thrust experiments began.

3- Linear component analysis showed it is useless without proper energy storage and release.

4- LOLA v.1 is a linear drive experiment where dual linear components rotate parallel with the axle.

5- LOLA v.2 is a linear drive experiment where a single linear component oscillates which also builds and releases energy by building spring tension and releasing it as the mechanism rotates “over center”.

6- Both LOLA experiments allowed some better understanding of the movement of energy between the mechanism and “etheric inertia” which creates propulsion.

7- The term “etheric inertia” was coined by me. It is the inertia which is not part of the machinery itself, but instead is the inertia which is manipulated and is observed as the movement of the drive and is usually expressed with terminology such as “inertial thrust”. Where thrust would be the verb and/or adverb, “etheric inertia” or EI would be the noun and/or pronoun defining the “environmental force” not just the action of that environmental force.

Note: Inertial Doppler was also coined by me as the observable increase in thrust which happens as the vehicle using the inertial thrust engines move faster, mimicking a type of Doppler effect.

8- During recent APEC conferences which included presentations by Ross Small, myself, and others, it has been mentioned that the RBI machine of Ross’ an my PIE X/Trammel Engine are derived from the work of Mike Marsden who was the inventor of the Mac-Quan. Mr. Marsden dropped out of sight before the unveiling of his second-generation Mac-Quan which was set to occur at the annual Wright brother’s celebration in Kitty Hawk, NC around 2011 or 2012. The Mac-Quan has long been the “gold standard” that all inertial propulsion developers have hoped to duplicate. Mr. Marsden was rumored to have passed away, but I believe he has retired and is now living in relative seclusion somewhere in North America, no longer having anything to do with the technology. The reason(s) is/are up for speculation as he never actually said why he closed up all of his businesses in Texas and dropped out of sight. Even his old web site (www.earthport1.net) is missing from resources such as the Wayback Machine.

I have been fortunate enough to have made the acquaintance of some people who knew Mike Marsden firsthand. Although he did not “give away” the full secret of the internal mechanisms, he did guide these people toward the correct answers. Their information and engineering skills combined with my mechanical background and “get it done” work ethic has produced the PIE X or Trammel Engine as I like to call it.

I have agreed to not divulge the inner workings publicly in return for the engineering data. Hopefully in time the design will be perfected and surpassed at which point it will be part of textbooks around the world.

If anyone here has ever been in contact with Mike Marsden, knows anyone who has been in contact with him, or knows anything about this technology, I would love to hear from you. I will gladly keep any information anonymous and secure and not share anything without your express approval. Email me at stclairtech@stclairtech.tech.

Notation:

Testing rotation speed with a sensor and lab scope setup is now showing that the assembly built to eliminate backfire is keeping the internal speed change reaction times to be too slow to provide proper output thrust. Internal components will now be modified, probably using a pair of timing chains instead of cam-like lever assemblies.

Personal note: I truly long for the day where this is fully functional, and we can have open discussions regarding the design and inner workings of the Trammel Engine. Maybe I should be creating a Power Point presentation as I go…

PIE X Being Built Now

I am still around! I am still building! I am not going anywhere!

It has been quite a while since my last posting and my last video. I have been hard at work on the PIE X design. I am still not at liberty to detail its design except to say it is based on a series of rotating discs which use specialized components under tension and using a “Mass Displacement” system should create efficient linear thrust. It is still being called a PIE because it does have a pulsed propulsion component, but these pulses “should” happen 4 times per revolution and run at 1000 RPMs or more so the pulsing should be MUCH smoother than that of the previous PIEs.

Although this is not my original design, and it has been done before, there are no working devices known to exist and its duplication attempts have all been in vain… Until now. Well, soon anyway! The main unit is framed up and the rotating discs do rotate very well. The specialized internals are partially complete, and testing has had some very positive results thus far!

Without giving details regarding the origin of this base design, the person who originated it stated that they ‘…will not give away all my secrets…” and emphatically stated that others will have to “…figure it out for themselves…” and so we are figuring it out now.

It is unfortunate that the original designer was (and still is) compelled to distance themselves from this technology!

What I can say about the PIE X is that it is using 3 rotating “wheels” which are referred to as “discs” or “plates” and has at least 10 times more parts as the PIE 4.x series has in it, not including nuts and bolts holding the framework together. I can also say that I have built it with absolutely no regard for overall weight. Most of the unit is built with heavy steel components rather than lighter weight aluminum and/or hollow parts. Overall weight has become too much to easily move around as it is well over 130 lbs. and still does not have an electric motor installed. I am hoping that with all the excess mass it has enough thrust to easily demonstrate linear thrust.

Right now I am turning it with a hand crank, and because of a problem with what I refer to as a “backfire” I will not be installing a motor until later. The backfire is 100% mechanical (no actual fire) and refers to a point internally where stresses are suddenly released in the wrong direction and a backward movement happens (inside). This could have catastrophic effects, so the issue needs resolution before a motor can be used!

I did post a rather ambiguous video online with the internal pieces covered (for now)…

First Public Look at the PIE X