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A revolution in transmission technology?
108 comments | Read story
RockOn | 7:51 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
This is amazing. Gas savings could be huge. Tell me more!
samhill | 9:01 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Great idea IF it works.
I'm afraid that at my age I've heard so many tales like this that never got past the "gleam in the eye" stage, I've become fairly skeptical.
But, as previously mentioned, it would be GREAT if true.
I hope it is.
I'm afraid that at my age I've heard so many tales like this that never got past the "gleam in the eye" stage, I've become fairly skeptical.
But, as previously mentioned, it would be GREAT if true.
I hope it is.
Bakra | 10:13 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Samhill, this has always been the "holy grail" of transmissions. This
could potentially make electric or fuel-cell cars a marketable reality. I have
heard many other claims as well; therefore I would like to hear more about this
to see if it is for real. Hopefully this can reduce our dependence on foreign
oil.
Tell us more.
Tell us more.
Comments continue below
Big E | 10:22 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
Down with OPEC!!!!
Works for Snowmobiles | 11:05 p.m. Nov. 4, 2009
This sort of technology is part of the reason snowmobiles are faster than bullet
bikes.
Anonymous | 4:02 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Sure would like to know how it works.
Hope it goes. | 4:43 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Having worked in the auto repair industry I always felt there must be better
ways of imporving many systems on vehicles, and transmissions was one of them.
The technology in transmissions is a hundred years old with minor refinements in
controls.
Eliminating clutches and clutch packs in automatics is a major improvement to cost and wear and weight. Then if it eliminates the need for oil that is even a greater savings to oil use. Transmissions in new vehicles cost as much or more than an engine and most require constant maintenance, though most people neglect that maintenance.
They have to be careful though because Japan and China will make every effort to rob this company of its patent rights.
Eliminating clutches and clutch packs in automatics is a major improvement to cost and wear and weight. Then if it eliminates the need for oil that is even a greater savings to oil use. Transmissions in new vehicles cost as much or more than an engine and most require constant maintenance, though most people neglect that maintenance.
They have to be careful though because Japan and China will make every effort to rob this company of its patent rights.
Proof of the pudding | 6:00 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
is always in the eating. I'm with samhill on this one. There have been many
3-D bridges built in the past that don't meet in the middle. Car
manufacturers have been building cars for a long time and I'm not so sure
they have the ability to tell anyone what the fuel cost savings will be before
they manufacture the car.
In many ways this is like the new 787 Dreamliner from Boeing. It was to be in the air two years ago and now the company won't say when it is going to fly, but, when the announcement finally comes the airplane will have already flown because they can't stand any more bad press.
Long-haul rigs have transmissions good for 1 million miles or more with warranty. When the 'real model' can operate for 1 million miles, it will be new worthy, then the inventor can talk about the fuel savings, if there is any.
A 3-D is a long way from reality. I hope it works!
In many ways this is like the new 787 Dreamliner from Boeing. It was to be in the air two years ago and now the company won't say when it is going to fly, but, when the announcement finally comes the airplane will have already flown because they can't stand any more bad press.
Long-haul rigs have transmissions good for 1 million miles or more with warranty. When the 'real model' can operate for 1 million miles, it will be new worthy, then the inventor can talk about the fuel savings, if there is any.
A 3-D is a long way from reality. I hope it works!
Jonathan Tyler | 8:12 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
If you understood anything about physics you would understand what a break
through this is!! I want one in my car yesterday!
David | 8:16 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This transmission will change the trucking industry to something very different
from where it is today. I can't wait to hear more in the coming months.
Eric | 8:18 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Now this is new. If some OEM grabs it and proves it then Utah will have another
first, and not like fusion in a mayonaise jar.
Wow | 8:20 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
It sounds like it's been in the works for many years . . . and is
definitely worth trying out on vehicles now. Wouldn't it be wonderful if
it even came close to the fuel economy projections? Definitely time to get it
into the cars and try it out.
cari1202 | 8:24 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This is a story worth following...I hope we hear more as it progresses. We are
looking at a revolution in the car and truck industry, not to mention all the
other applications, especially in Long-haul rigs.
Dr PBR | 8:26 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Wow. This could be a breakthrough technology and revolutionary in the
transmission industry. The applications are very broad making this technology
one to keep an eye on. I hope they continue to disclose the progress they are
making.
The proof may be in the eating but the really need some strong strategic alliances to cook up the first batch of pudding.
The designs look very promising so it should translate well into metal. The 3-D CAD puts them at about a 95% probability of success. The fact that there are no unusual or exotic parts (all of the kinds of parts- chains, gears, etc. - have a long performance history) increases the probability of success even higher. I can't wait to see the pudding.
The proof may be in the eating but the really need some strong strategic alliances to cook up the first batch of pudding.
The designs look very promising so it should translate well into metal. The 3-D CAD puts them at about a 95% probability of success. The fact that there are no unusual or exotic parts (all of the kinds of parts- chains, gears, etc. - have a long performance history) increases the probability of success even higher. I can't wait to see the pudding.
savings is savings | 8:26 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Even if the savings on fuel ends up being a bit less than projected, isn't
savings SAVINGS? If it only saved us 25%, that is worth it to me! Every dime
counts in this economy.
Shauna Theobald | 8:32 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I attended this press conference yesterday to learn more about this
transmission. Especially impressive to me was the opinion shared by Elizabeth
Goryunova, VP and COO of the Utah World Trade Center and a well-respected
physicist. She knows and understands how this will work. That said, this
technology will be a major game-changer. I'm excited to see it come into
play. It's certainly needed.
June Griffiths | 8:33 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
With all the focus now on needing increased energy efficiency, making electric
cars that really work and the movement towards all things green, I love reading
a positive article about people trying to make a difference. Keep them coming
and I hope you're going to follow up and keep us informed about this
important story. This sounds great and I really hope it works. What a difference
it will make for our world.
bob | 8:35 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Variable transmissions have been on the market for 20 years. they are only
slightly better than modern 6 speed transmissions in fuel economy.
Jonathan Tyler | 8:37 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
If you drive a Nissan you know this sort of technology works. It looks like
it's much stronger because it uses a chain instead of a rubber belt. You
know what that means...bigger trucks, better gas-mileage. I want this in my
Tundra yesterday!!!
cb | 8:39 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Electric cars do not have or need transmissions. He is basing his mpg claims on
computer simulations, that is what Al Gore is doing with global warming. I would
be very cautious of his claims.
Colby | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I am very much looking forward to this technology as a way to save me money.
Likewise | 8:52 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
It is somewhat surprising that this kind of advancement hasn't been made
before now. I wish these fellows well. We certainly need this kind of energy
savings. With those kinds of claims, it should attract incredible interest in
the transportation industry.
Bogart | 8:59 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I don't know much about this sort of thing, but it seems too good to be
true. Can we really expect to save that much? Is this one of those things that
is going to take 10 years or more to actually get into a vehicle? I will be
interested to see where this goes...I'll keep my fingers crossed that it
will come sooner than later.
Evets | 9:00 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
From another old man:
I too have seen ideas like this over the decades and I will not hold my breath until it actually is made and proves itself. I do wish them the best but I must remain skeptical until until I see something more substantial.
I too have seen ideas like this over the decades and I will not hold my breath until it actually is made and proves itself. I do wish them the best but I must remain skeptical until until I see something more substantial.
This is exciting! | 9:01 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
If this technology is able to take off i will be the best thing since sliced
bread. Wouln't it be nice to solve the many problems we have been having
with oil prices fluxuating as much as they have. With such an effective
transmission that increases power and gas mileage. Wow!
Go Utah | 9:02 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I love hearing about local technology!
Ash | 9:04 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This is a great innovation. It looks like they have solved the holy grail of
transmissions. This is almost like someone actually creating a perpetual motion
machine. But this is actually more possible, because they don't have to
break any laws of energy consumption, as a perpetual motion machine does.
I can't wait to get one in my car, my snowmobile, my boat, my work truck, my motorcycle, my bike, my ...
I can't wait to get one in my car, my snowmobile, my boat, my work truck, my motorcycle, my bike, my ...
Ash | 9:07 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Oh, if they have a working CAD model that the CAD program says will work, it is
99.999% sure to work in the real world. The strides we've collectively made
in computer aided drawings are so good that it is very close to real-world
situations, and actually there are things that would probably work in the real
world that the CAD programs say should not, so their level of discernment is
even higher than in the real world.
TGraves | 9:17 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
It's amazing to think that no matter how good we think we've got it,
there is always the potential for something better. I hope this gets the
attention it deserves to see if this dream can become a reality to benefit us
all! Thanks for hanging in there.
Ash | 9:19 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Electric cars rely on a very expensive controller to vary the speed. If they
could use an infinitely variably transmission that costs a few hundred dollars
instead of a $2-3,000 controller, the price of an electric car now becomes
feasible for many more people. This will be a boon for the electric car
industry.
Josh | 9:19 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I hope the best for them. I have a lot of questions about the technology,
however, I am sure VMT has thought and answered all of them, at this point in
the development. I'm excited to see where they will be in 3-5 years.
Dustin Hansen | 9:23 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This is ground breaking. I have a Nissian and think the CVT transmission is
great but I can tell that it has a rubber belt and not very powerful this
transmission seems to solve a lot of the problems Nissian and other car
manufactures are having with CVT transmissions.
Don't smoke | 9:32 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
It has caught my attention. This would be nice to replace my Chevy transmission
that is more fragile than glass.
TDK | 9:47 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Variable transmission technology has been one of the main focus points of the
product and development depts of the auto industry for years. A true infinitely
variable transmission would mean endless possibilities and applications in our
world of transportation(i.e. autos, planes, marine, military, etc...) This is a
very exciting breakthrough! Time will prove their claims.
sounds promising | 9:48 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I love the idea. This country was built on innovations that start small like
this and grow into something the whole world can use and improves the lives of
others. If this technology can be proven, and coupled with other improvements
that are in the works in the Auto/Transportation industry this will provide a
boost to the economy and the environment and those are our biggest problems
right now. Is this company public? it would be nice to be able to invest in
this.
RH | 9:54 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This seems like a great revolutionary technology, congratulations!
SharonW | 9:55 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I would love to have this today in my Yukon. I wish this and other smart
innovations could actually make it to the market. I will be interested in
watching their progress. Good luck and full speed ahead!
Anonymous | 10:01 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This will be great, but will we ever see it hit the market?
Barbie | 10:11 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Great news!! and perfect timing. We need a low cost American made product that
will over turn the high costs of oil/ gas/ maintenance.. Any savings we can get
that has a long term benefit? we should be racing to the finish line.
Miker | 10:15 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Okay, so lets see someone who writes, "My dad is the chief engineer for XYZ
automobile company, and he says if it can do half of what they claim, it will be
huge -- so of course we'll give it a try."
Jason Davis | 10:16 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This is amazing. It is great to know that in these times, there are still
people like Gary Lee that care about the little guy. I am all for saving money
on gas, which would lessen our dependence on OPEC. Good Luck Gary and CVT. I
hope that it all comes together in a timely manner, so that the public can
benefit from your hard work!!
Sundance Kid | 10:21 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
From what the vmt reps are saying this transmission has the potential to replace
controllers in electric vehicles and hybrids because it is a infintely variable
transmission. It would regulate the power from the batteries to the engine.
This could be a huge cost savings because controllers can be half the cost of an
electric vehicle.
KimberlyS | 10:28 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
What an AMAZING invention. I cant wait to hear more about it!!
Not tech savvy | 10:56 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
Even though I'm not tech savvy this sounds like a great break through
...I'm excited to learn more about it and how soon it can be put into
trucks and cars.
Sandee Davis | 11:09 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
This is amazing! It is sad that it may take up to two years to accomplish this!
We need it now! I bet if it were put in the right hands, it could be done in
quicker time. This is innovative, and definately beats the heck out of the old
transmissions,... no more belt blowing.
Sandee Davis
Sandee Davis
BWebb | 11:23 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I love the idea! I would love my SUV to have that type of gas savings without
forfeiting power! These are the types of technologies we need to take a closer
look at!
Nat | 11:40 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
It’s ingenuity like this that has made America great. Weather it works or
not, the fact that we have an economic climate that encourages innovation in
huge. This is an important step toward freedom from oil dependency. I found
more information on this transmission and the inventor on you tube.
Stud Muffin | 11:49 a.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I hope this works! I know little about cars, but this transmission seems to be a
great idea. Keep it up! Wish you guys the best!
June | 12:06 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
I found their website and took a look at some videos of Gary Lee talking about
the transmission. It also shows all the applications that will benefit from this
invention including electric and hybrid cars, heavy equipment, long haul trucks,
trains, ships, tanks and more. Pretty cool potential here.
smurfett | 12:40 p.m. Nov. 5, 2009
sounds like this technology can really hep us out!!!
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A computer-aided drawing of the transmission, described as an "infinitely variable transmission with an engaged neutral." It employs a metal chain instead of a rubber belt.
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