Torvec Completes Virtual Testing of Transmission
24 December 1999
Torvec Completes Virtual Testing of Transmission
Infinitely Variable Transmission Reduces Particulate Emissions;
Research Supports FTV Will Meet New Emissions Standards
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Dec. 23 -- Torvec, Inc.
(OTC Bulletin Board: TOVC), developer of advanced and fuel-efficient
automotive technologies and the Fast Tracked Vehicle, today announced it has
finished CAD/CAM design evaluation on the Infinitely Variable Transmission,
which significantly reduces pollution and will be used in commercial
production of Torvec's FTV(TM). The Company's research shows that the IVT
will meet the new emissions standards for light trucks announced by President
Clinton on Tuesday.
Keith Gleasman, President of Torvec, noted, "President Clinton said these
new standards 'will be the most dramatic improvement in air quality since the
catalytic converter was first introduced a quarter century ago.' We believe
the same can be said for Torvec's truly infinitely variable transmission. A
diesel engine using Torvec's transmission would not bellow clouds of polluting
black smoke when the gears are shifted. The Torvec transmission is a clean
transmission."
Undesirable pollutants are emitted by diesel engines primarily when its
speed is being changed significantly, such as during acceleration from gear to
gear. However, when diesel engines run at steady-state speeds, as with
Torvec's transmission, their emission levels are low. Further, diesel engines
can show fuel economy which is 30% better than gas engines, and the
manufacturing of diesel fuels results in less air pollution than the
manufacturing of gasoline.
Torvec's Infinitely Variable Transmission eliminates much of the pollution
emitted by diesel engines. The IVT provides an uninterrupted drive through an
infinite number of geared speed ratios, as opposed to the limited number of
stepped gears in today's transmissions. This advance will allow the engine to
run at a constant r.p.m., which improves the fuel efficiency of both diesel
and gas engines. In contrast, today's transmissions normally require engines
to accelerate to three, four or five times idling speed to accelerate between
gears. Hardware testing of an earlier prototype, conducted by the Internal
Combustion Engineering Department of Alfred State University, confirmed the
practical operation of the IVT and its potential to reduce particulate
emissions.
Torvec has completed a wide-ranging and complete CAD/CAM computer
evaluation for this transmission. Examples of the these evaluations include
finite element analysis, fluid dynamics analysis and material compatibility
analysis for "real world conditions" under temperatures ranging from minus
20 degrees Fahrenheit to 150 degrees.
Torvec expects that its IVT will be less expensive to manufacture than a
standard automatic transmission. The IVT has only half the number or parts
founded in a standard automatic transmission, most of which have over
600 parts. Additionally, the IVT is smaller and lighter because it uses
Torvec's lightweight and compact hydraulic pump and motor. The IVT requires
no change to the manufacture or operation of today's diesel or gasoline
engines. Additionally, Torvec's IVT can be sized to any vehicle, while the
recently announced belt-drive continuously variable transmissions are limited
in horsepower. CVT's do not eliminate the need for torque converters, but the
IVT completely eliminates the need for this inefficient component.
In total, Torvec's Infinitely Variable Transmission has the potential to
demonstrate significantly lower particulate emissions and lower manufacturing
costs than today's transmissions, does not require any significant change in
how engines are manufactured or operated and has no limitations on the size
vehicle it can power.
Torvec, Inc., based in Rochester, New York, is a developer of highly
advanced automotive technologies and the FTV.
This press release and supplementary information contains forward-looking
statements based on current expectations that are subject to risks and
uncertainties, as outlined in the Company's 10-K statement. Torvec's
financial results are filed at http://www.sec.gov. Additional information is
available at http://www.torvec.com.