BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The term "classical physics" in the context of Einstein's Theory of

Special Relativity generally refers to Newtonian Physics, which generally includes the branches of physics developed prior to the development of relativity and quantum mechanics. In general, classical mechanics is based on Newton's Laws of Motion, which can be stated as follows:

1. In the absence of a net force, a body is at rest or moves in a

straight line with constant speed.

2. A body experience a force F experiences an acceleration that is

related to F by F = ma, where m is the mass of the body.

Alternatively, forces equal to the time derivative of momentum.

3. Whenever a first body exerts a first force F on a second body, the

second body exerts a force -F on the first body. F and -F are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.

[0002] The "Theory of Relativity" (or "Relativity" by itself) generally refers to Albert

Einstein's Theories of Special Relativity and General Relativity. Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity is often expressed in terms of mass-equivalents or E = mc ² . According to the Principals of Relativistic Mechanics, the energy and momentum of an object with invariant mass M moving with a velocity v with respect to a given reference frame are given by:

E = to y mc2 p = γ my

respectively. Where γ (the Lorentz factor) is given by: The effects that are introduced by the theory of special relativity are wholly unfamiliar to human experience, and the theory itself has aspects that are in conflict with human logic. Yet, all the effects are real and can be measured. Our understanding of the dynamics that create these relativistic effects may be enhanced by a mechanical device that demonstrate the internal dynamics responsible for these effects.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A mechanical device consisting of a prime mover, and a number of rotating

masses. Each mass is rotated simultaneously around centers of rotation in two or three planes that are at right angles to each other. Another part of the device consists of one or a number of timing devices that are all synchronized. These timing devices fix the relationship of the two simultaneous input rotations. One of these rotations has a variable angular velocity, the other a constant velocity in a cycle of 360°. The constant velocity

2 1/2 2 1/2

replaces c in the Lorentz equation γ = 1/(1 - (v/c) ) and (1 - (v/c) ) is the cosine if v/c is defined as the sine of the angle that resides between the two vectors namely the hypotenuse and the cosine vector of a right angle triangle that occurs twice in one rotation of the timing device. The cosine of that angle is the inverse of a Lorentz factor. In a mechanical device the numerical magnitude of that factor is a result of the internal dimensional relationships. Special relativity uses the Lorentz factor to derive the relative mass or resisting force. External energy is transferred to the interior. In this device the opposite occurs, internal energy creates an internal differential that is equalized by an external acceleration of the total mass. Internal energy is transferred to the exterior.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] FIG. 1 is a partially schematic elevational view of a device according to a first aspect of the invention;

[0005] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a single stage timing device utilized in the device of

FIG. 1;

[0006] FIG. 3 is a partially schematic isometric view of a timing device at 0° and 360° positions;

[0007] FIG. 4 is a partially schematic isometric view of the timing device of FIG. 4 at a

180° position;

[0008] FIG. 5 is a partially schematic of a mechanical version viewed along the Z-axis; [0009] FIG. 6 is a mechanical version viewed along the X axis;

[0010] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a three-ringed coupling;

[0011] FIG. 8 is a relativistic curve a mass describes when subjected to a 45° relative angle of a single-stage timing device;

[0012] FIG. 9 shows the relative dimensions and motions of the centers of rotation of the relativistic curve;

[0013] FIG. 10 is the geometric and dynamic relation the mass is subjected to when it is at point E on the relativistic curve;

[0014] FIG. 11 is the geometric and dynamic relationships the mass is subjected to it is at point CL.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left,"

"rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following

specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0016] A base relativistic unit may consist of two directional units, (one of these units is shown in FIG. 1) one rotating clockwise and the other rotating counterclockwise. A directional unit consists of two mass units, one rotating clockwise and one

counterclockwise. All rotations of all masses are timed the same by one or more timing devices. While it can be shown that the requirements of relativity can be satisfied with simultaneous input rotations of a mass in two planes and a timing device, the possibility of providing a third simultaneous input rotation is not excluded.

[0017] With reference to FIG. 1, a directional unit according to one aspect of the present invention, includes a frame 11 having an upper portion 12 and a lower portion 13 that are originally interconnected as shown schematically by dashed line 14. A first shaft 15 is rotatably mounted to the lower portion 13 of frame 11 by a bracket 16 and ball bearings 17. The first shaft 15 is operably connected to a power source 18. Power source 18 may comprise an electric motor or other device having a rotating output shaft 19 that is operably connected to the first shaft 15. A second shaft 20 is rotatably mounted to the lower portion 13 of frame 11 for rotation about a vertical axis 25. As discussed in more detail below, vertical axis 25 comprises the primary center of rotation of directional unit 10. In the illustrate example, the second shaft 20 is rotatably mounted to lower portion 13 of frame 11 by ball bearings 21, and the second shaft 20 is operably interconnected with first shaft 15 by gears 22 and 23, such that powered rotation of first shaft 15 results in rotation of second shaft 20 about vertical axis 25.

[0018] A primary rotor 30 includes a rigid upper structure 31 , a lower rigid structure 32, and one or more vertically extending rigid interconnecting structures 33. The lower structure 32 is rotatably interconnected with second shaft 20 by ball bearings 34, and upper structure 31 is rotatably interconnected with upper portion 12 of frame 11 by a pin or shaft 35 and ball bearings 34. Thus, primary rotor 30 rotates about vertical axis 25 relative to frame 11, as shown by the arrow 36.

[0019] Directional unit 10 also includes a vertical shaft 40 that is rotatably

interconnected to upper structure 31 of primary rotor 30 by a ball bearing 41. The vertical shaft 40 is rotatably interconnected to interconnecting structure 33 of primary rotor 30 by a bracket 42 and ball bearing 43. Thus, shaft 40 rotates relative to primary rotor 30 about a vertical axis 45. Vertical axis 45, in turn, rotates about vertical axis 25 as primary rotor 30 rotates relatively to frame 11.

[0020] Vertical shaft 40 is operably interconnected with second shaft 20 by a three-ring coupling 50. With further reference to the photograph marked FIG. 8, three-ring coupler 50 includes input/output shafts/connectors 51 and 52 that are operably connected by rings 53, 54, and 55. Shaft 51 is rigidly interconnected to ring 53 and shaft 52 is rigidly interconnected to ring 55. Ring 53 is operably interconnected with ring 54 by arms 56- 58. Each arm 56-58 has opposite ends that are pivotally interconnected with rings 53 and 54. Ring 54 is interconnected to ring 55 by arms 59-61 in a similar manner. Due to the manner in which the rings 53-55 are interconnected by the arms 56-61, shafts 51 and 52 must rotate at the same angle or velocity and torque transmitted to either shaft 51 or 52 is transmitted to the other of the two shafts 51 and 52. Shaft 51 rotates about an axis

62 that is parallel to an axis 63 about which shaft 52 rotates. In general, the axes 62 and

63 may be offset by a distance or dimension 65 that is normal to the axes 62 and 63. The distance 65 may vary depending upon the positions of the rings 53-55. Various three- ring couplers utilizing the same general configuration as the three-ring coupler 50 shown in FIG. 7 are known in the prior art, such that further details concerning the three-ring coupler 50 are not believed to be required.

[0021] Referring again to FIG. 1, shaft 52 of three-ring coupler 50 is fixed to second shaft 20, and shaft 51 of three-ring coupler 50 is fixed to vertical shaft 40. Thus, vertical shaft 40 rotates at the same angular velocity as second shaft 20. A gear 68 is fixed to vertical shaft 40 and meshingly engages a gear 69 to thereby cause gear 69 to rotate about an axis 70. Similarly, a gear 72 is fixed to shaft 40, and drives a gear 73 for rotation about an axis 74. The axes 70 and 74 are normal to the axis 45 of shaft 40. A mass 76 is connected to axis/shaft 70 by an arm 77, such that it rotates as shown by circle 80. Similarly, a mass 78 is connected to axis/shaft 74 by an arm 79 and rotates as shown by circle 81.

[0022] A shaft 85 is also connected to power source 18 to provide rotation to shaft 85.

Shaft 85 is operably interconnected to shaft 35 by a timing device 90. So the relationship of a certain differential in angular velocities, between shaft 35 and shaft 15, are always maintained. The location of the timing device shown in FIG. 1 is one of the possible locations. It could also be located on the frame near the power source and serve two directional units 10, With further reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, timing device 90 includes an input shaft 91 that is rigidly connected to a first arm 92. An output shaft 93 is rigidly connected to a second arm 94 having an elongated slot 95. Slot 95 may be linear, or it may be curved or be wave-like in order to influence the angular velocity of the mass in a particular plane at certain areas of its path. A pin or shaft 96 is rigidly connected to first arm 92, and a roller 97 is mounted on pin 96 for reciprocating motion within slot 95 of arm 94. When the output shaft 93 is at 0° or 360° relative to input shaft 91, the timing device 90 is oriented as shown in FIG. 3. The movement of roller 97 in slot 95 is shown by the arrow 98.

[0023] With further reference to FIG. 2 AVI is the input angular velocity, and it has a constant angular velocity. AV2 is a constantly changing angular velocity within a cycle of 360°. It will be understood that there is no "start" of a cycle, just as there is no "start" to a circle. The maximum angle differential that occurs between arm C and A (FIG. 2) is the relativistic angle of the unit and it occurs when the angle δ = 90° or 270°. These are the only points in time in each cycle of 360° where AVI = AV2. The maximum differential between the angular velocities AVI and AV2 occurs when δ = 180° and β = 0°. Both arms A and C (FIG. 2) (arms 92 and 94 in FIGS. 3 and 4) are angularly aligned at 180° and at δ = 0° and 360°.

[0024] In FIG. 2, 100 designates the configuration of the device 90 as shown in FIG. 3, and 101 designates the configuration shown in FIG. 4. 102 designates a first

intermediate position that is between the configurations of FIGS. 3 and 4 (i.e., between 0° and 180°), and 103 designates a second configuration that is also between the configurations of FIGS. 3 and 4 (i.e., between 180° and 360°).

[0025] The timing device 90 may be used for two simultaneous rotations in two planes.

As shown in FIG. 1, one of the two rotations of the masses 76 and 78 describing circles 80 and 81 is connected to the angular velocity of AVI and the other rotation to AV2. AVI and the rotation of AV2 rotate the Masses 76 and 78 around axis 25.

[0026] Masses 76 and 78 rotate in opposite directions (FIG. 1). In the illustrated

example, mass 76 rotates in a clockwise direction, and mass 78 rotates in a

counterclockwise direction. However, the direction of rotation of masses 76 and 78 could be switched, such that mass 78 rotates in a clockwise direction, and mass 76 rotates in a counterclockwise direction. Mass 76, arm 77, and associated structure interconnecting the first mass 76 to the vertical shaft 40 comprise a first mass unit, and the second d mass 78 and associated arm 79 and other components comprise a second mass unit 84. The multiplicity of the masses serves only one of two basic purposes, to neutralize forces in a certain axis by complimentary interference or increases the frequency of the impulse if connected sequentially. The operation of the mass units 82 and 84 will now be described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0027] The mass units 82 and 84 of FIG. 1 are shown schematically in FIGS. 6 (X-Y

Plane) and 7 (Y-Z Plane). Mass units 82 and 84 are substantially the same in operation (other than the direction of rotation of the mass), such that only mass unit 82 is described in detail in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6. In FIGS. 5 and 6, a link 105 is rotatably mounted for rotation about a primary axis or center of rotation 25. This rotation is the same as AV2 of the timing device 90 shown in FIG. 2. The link 105 of FIGS. 5 and 6 also corresponds to the primary rotor 30, including upper and lower structures 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 5 and 6 the mass center and arm 77 are provided with the angular velocity of AVI . The mass center of rotation at 180° is designated 45 A in FIG. 6, and the mass center of rotation at 0° and 360° is designated 45 in FIG. 6. Thus, it will be understood that the mass unit 82 of Figs. 5 and 6 is a somewhat simplified representation of the mass unit utilized to illustrate the operation of the mass units 82 and 84.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the mass 76 is at 0° and 360° relative to axes

45 and 25, the arm 77 is positioned in a "-Y" direction and the distance between primary center 25 and mass 76 equals 1 + sina. It will be understood that the angle a is always the same angle in the triangle in the timing device and in the mechanical device described herein. As discussed herein, the angle a is determined by the Lorentz factor. However, as the link 105 rotates about the primary axis or center of rotation 25 (Z axis), the mass moves to the position designated 76A when the mass 76 is at 180° relative to the axis 45 and its relative distance is only 1 - sina to the primary center 25. The relative frequency to 1 that results when the mass 76 is at 180° is (1/(1 - sina))/(l + sina) and relative to the opposite side the relative frequency is:

((1/(1 - sina))/(l + sina)) ^1/2 = 1/cosa

[0029] If v/c of the Lorentz equation 1/((1 - (v/c) ² ) ^1/2 is sina then ((1 - (v/c) ² ) ^1/2 = cosa.

The Lorentz factor that is used for relative mass in special relativity and the relative frequency factor of the device coincide when the relationships are the same. A relativistic device always features a relative unity and that unity can adopt any value, from one to infinity. However, the velocity it adopts can never be exceeded by any other velocity of a mass within that system. Also the relativistic factor 1/cosa once established is not influenced by velocity.

[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 show that the instantaneous centrifugal forces at the opposite 180° positions from the two simultaneous rotations in separate planes 90° from each other are complimentary constructive in one direction (direction 0°) and complimentary destructive in the other direction (direction 180°) relative to the primary center 25. It will be understood that FIGS. 5 and 6 are not intended to be conclusive with respect to the sum of all directional forces during the time of a complete cycle or one rotation nor is it intended to be conclusive as to the direction or magnitude of the total force differential. It is merely an indicator that a differential exists. A graphical representation concerning what occurs during a complete cycle is shown in FIG. 8, as discussed below.

[0031] FIG. 8 shows a relativistic curve of a 45° relative angle a, where a is the maximum angular differential of the two rotations of the timing device.

[0032] The distances between points F & D and D & G define a relative frequency of the device = (1/FD)/DG, and the effective relative frequency is 1/cosa = V(1/FD)/DG = V(l/(sina))*(l + sina). T is the time center that is used in order to project the influence of the timing device on the path of the mass. FIG. 8 shows the path a mass 76 or 78 has to follow when subjected to the physical constraints of a single-stage timing device 90 (see also FIG. 1). The path of the mass 110 as seen in the X-Y plane is shown in FIG. 8 by the curved line that passes through the points G, E, C, F, CI, El, back to G. The relativistic curve shown in FIG. 8 occurs when the primary rotation has a variable angular velocity. T is the center of the time circle and the driver of the total system.

[0033] With further reference to FIG. 8, the "normal" look of the egg-shaped circle 110 is, in a sense, very misleading. The circle 110 actually consists of four individual curves 111, 112, 113, 114 each with its own relative radius (distance) and relative frequency (angular momentum). There are two small transition areas just after position C and before position C. (Going clockwise on the relativistic curve on FIG. 11) The path of the mass encompasses 360°, but if the degrees of all the individual centers of rotation are added up, they seem to total 450°, the additional 90° or 45° per side are due to the relativistic differential effect. The 450° is really a mirage, purely created by the additional 45° motion at position C by the radial vector shown as member 77 in FIG. 5.

[0034] Two of the four curves 113 and 114 have the same radius and frequency.

The centers of these four individual rotations are located in empty space. Their curves are formed by a projection from the two simultaneous motions of the mass in three planes. None of these virtual centers of rotation coincides with the real centers of rotation D and m in time (the real center of rotation m is a moving center and rotates around center D). These virtual centers of rotation seem to instantaneously move from one position to another, exerting no force whatsoever on the mass due to that motion.

(Motion in zero time) Therefore there is no change in energy or velocity of the mass due to the change in radius, but the frequency will change inversely proportionally to the change in radius. Normally it would be expected that the frequency would increase inversely proportional to the square of the relative distance. This is the case when the mass moves towards the center of rotation. However, the difference here is that the center of rotation moves towards or away from the mass.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows the relative dimensions and motions of the centers of rotation of the relativistic curves segments and the relative motion of the mass. T is the center of the time circle that is the driver of the system, through the timing device and represents its relative unity, with a radius of 1 and a frequency of 1 and a mass of 1. As the mass travels from G to F on the relativistic curve the following motions are in evidence:

[0036] The center T of rotation, moves instantaneously to position M' changing the

radius from 1 to 0.707 and the frequency from 1 to 1.414, but not effecting the tangential velocity of the mass.

[0037] The mass therefore has the following properties as it moves from G to E. All quantities are relative to 1 :

The radius = 0.707

The frequency = 1.414

The time =1/1.414 = 0.707

The tangential velocity = 1

The radial force = l ² /0.707 = 1.414

The directional velocity in the +y direction at point E = 1 x 0.707 = 0.707 The average -y directional force = 1.414 x 0.707 x 4/π =1.2732

The relative directional -y momentum = 1.2732 x 0.707 = 0.9

[0038] The center M' of rotation of curve 111 moves instantaneously to position K, changing the radius from 0.707 to 1.06 and the frequency to (0.707/1.06) 1.414 = 0.943, but not effecting the tangential velocity.

[0039] Part of the action occurs after the rotation in the z-y plane when member 77 of

FIG. 5 completes 90° from position 0°. At that point member 105 on FIG. 5 has only completed 54.735, therefore the mass is still accelerating radially towards the primary center D, in the +y direction due to the tangential velocity, but starting to decelerate in the same direction due to the rotation in the z-y plane that is now past 90°. Acceleration and deceleration have become complimentary destructive until the rotation in the x-y plane has reached 90° and that is the same position as position C in FIG. 9. Due to the reduction in the radial force the mass slowed down tangentially and directionally and reduced its frequency. This reduction in velocity and frequency is in evidence at point C. With further reference to FIG. 9. The center K of the rotation of curve 113 moves instantaneously to position N and the mass displays the following relative properties at N:

The radius = .5 The tangential frequency for the upper curvex = .943 x i.06 1 .5 = 2 The xy directional velocity at C = .5

The +x directional velocity at C = .5

The tangential velocity of the mass at C = (.5 ² + .5 ² ) ^½ = .707

With further reference to the geometry of the relativistic curve FIG. 1 1 , the center of rotation N moves to Point H at the same time the mass moves from point C to point L. The motions were parallel to each other and there was no effect on the frequency or velocity of the mass, it constitutes a transition. In the curvature 1 12 forces from the radial and tangential rotation are complimentary destructive. This is responsible for the relativistic effect.

Properties of the xy side, as the mass moves from point L to point F

The radius = .5

The frequency = 2

The time = .5

The effective tangential velocity = .707

The radial force = .707 ² /.5 = 1

The xy relative momentum = 1 x .5 + .207 = .707

The above numbers are effective numbers since the xy velocity that enters at point C is the only velocity that can be translated. See geometric mechanical calculation on FIG. 10.

Since the effective arc in the -y and the +y direction are both 45° from G to E and from L to F, the adjustment for the directionality factor of 0.9 of the radial force does not have to be accounted for in the relativistic calculation or number. But will have to be taken into account when the relative numbers are converted into real numbers by giving the unit real size, mass and frequency. Therefore,

The relative +y force = 1

The relative +y directional momentum = 1 x 0.707 = 0.707

The relative -y directional momentum = 0.707 x 1.414 = -1.000

The directional relative momentum differential is -0.293

This internal differential is opposed by the total mass of the unit and the mass it is attached to, providing an acceleration for the assembly. The relativistic or Lorentz factor is 1/ 0.707 = 1.414 [0041] The purpose of this numerical example is to illustrate that all the relativistic properties have been successfully incorporated into a mechanical device and are all in total agreement with those obtained by special relativity, when both have the same velocity relationships. It further demonstrates that a relativistic propulsion device can be designed to meet a specific need just like any other mechanical device.

[0042] However it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative combinations and proportionalities as follows:

[0043] A third input could be added in the third plane that would not change the concept of the basic system but might be helpful in optimizing its results.

[0044] Four different combinations of rotation and distances are possible resulting in four families of relativistic curves. One relativistic curve of the first family has been shown and described in detail. Since all follow the same process, the general description of the others below should be considered sufficient.

[0045] FAMILY 1

[0046] a) Relationships of angular velocities:

[0047] Mass center of rotation m constant. Primary center of rotation D variable.

[0048] b) Relationship of distances:

[0049] Distance between centers of rotation relative unity 1. Radius of gyration of mass around mass center of rotation relative sina (relative to 1)

[0050] FAMILY 2

[0051] a) Relationship of angular velocities:

[0052] Mass center of rotation m variable. Primary center of rotation D constant.

[0053] b) Same as FAMILY 1.

[0054] FAMILY 3

[0055] a) Same as FAMILY 1.

[0056] b) Relationship of distances:

Distances between centers of rotation relative sina. Radius of gyration of the mass around the mass center of rotation unity 1.

[0057] FAMILY 4

[0058] a) Same as FAMILY 2.

[0059] b) Same as FAMILY 3.

[0060] In devices where masses rotate in three planes, the mechanical combination of relationships are the same, but there are more possible combinations since three rotations are combined with three distances. Not all combinations are necessarily used for practical exploitation, but all are useful for scientific and research purposes.