Inventor Of Automotive Technologies - Vernon Gleasman's Legacy

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 19, 2004 -- Vernon E. Gleasman, co-founder with his sons, James and Keith Gleasman, of Torvec, Inc. and principal inventor with his sons of the Company's portfolio of paradigm shifting automotive technologies, has died at the age of 92.

Mr. Gleasman was one of the world's most renowned inventors, being listed in the Who's Who of American Inventors for his over 200 inventions and patents. He was the recipient of numerous national and international awards, including the coveted Louis Schwitzer Award for Innovation and Excellence for the Indianapolis 500, the nomination for the Lemelson Prize bestowed by MIT and the 2001 Inventor of the Year Award presented by the Rochester Intellectual Property Law Association.

Vernon's career spanned the entire twentieth century and his inventive legacy includes the immensely successful Torsen(R) differential, its successor, the Iso-Torque(TM) differential, the infinitely variable transmission, the spherical gearing for constant velocity joints and the steer drive and substructure for the Full Terrain Vehicle.

Mr. Gleasman was much more than an inventor. Perhaps his greatest legacy is that he was a fabulous mentor and teacher to all who worked with and for him, especially his sons, Jim and Keith, who have become inventors in their own right over the course of the last twenty years under Vernon's tutelage. Vernon's greatest desire was to see Torvec succeed and he provided the Company with a firm foundation in the persons of Jim and Keith who are carrying on his genius.

Vernon E. Gleasman lived a long and rewarding life. The Torvec family will miss his genius, insight and ever comforting support. Above all, we will miss him as a wonderful human being who never thought life was so serious that humor could not be found in its fabric.

In his last days, Vernon was delighted to learn of the successful results generated by the ongoing testing of our infinitely variable transmission. Vernon's rugged and courageous spirit lives on and the Torvec family has re-dedicated its efforts to bring all of his inventive wisdom to success.

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