History of perpetual motion machines

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The history of perpetual motion machines dates as far back as the 8th century, and probably further. Perpetual motion machines are a class of hypothetical machines which produce useful energy "from nowhere" - that is, without requiring additional energy input.

1 Overview
2 Patents
3 Timeline
4 References
5 External links
6 Further reading

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Overview

For millennia it was not clear whether such devices were possible, but the development of modern thermodynamics has led virtually all engineers and scientists to agree that they are impossible. Many have attempted to construct the holy grail of energy production in spite of this.

Some are developed with elaborate machines in the style of Rube Goldberg or Heath Robinson. Some designs may appear to work on paper at first glance, but have various flaws or obfuscated external power sources that render them useless in practice; others remain untested.

Proponents of perpetual motion machines often use other terms to describe their inventions including free energy and over unity machines.

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Patents

This sort of invention has become common enough that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has made an official policy of refusing to grant patents for perpetual motion machines without a working model.

The USPTO granted a few patents for motors that are claimed to run without net energy input. These patents were issued because it was not obvious from the patent that a perpetual motion machine was being claimed. These are:

Johnson, Howard R., US4151431 "Permanent Magnet Motor", April 24, 1979
Baker, Daniel, US4074153 "Magnetic propulsion device", February 14, 1978
Hartman; Emil T., US4215330 "Permanent magnet propulsion system", December 20, 1977 (this device is related to the Simple Magnetic Overunity Toy (SMOT))

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Timeline

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Pre-1800s

About the 700's Bavaria, the magic wheel or magnet wheel, was basically a wagon wheel that spun by itself. Magnets with lead plates on their backs were affixed to the wheel, like the seats on a Ferris Wheel. Each magnet was attracted to a magnet affixed to the base on the ground. The lead allegedly blocked attraction as each magnet passes by it, so the wheel would keep moving for a time before friction stopped it.
In the 13th century, Villard de Honnecourt had a drawing of one in his sketchbook. Honnecourt was a French master mason and architect. The sketchbook is made up of mechanics and architecture. _[1]
Leonardo da Vinci made a number of drawings of things he hoped would make energy for free. Da Vinci designed a centrifugal pump and the "chimney jack". The chimney jack was used to turn a roasting skewer (a reaction-type turbine)._[2]
Johanes Taisnerius, a Jesuit priest, worked on a magnetic based perpetual motion machine. Taisnerius's magnetic machine consisting of a ramp, a magnet stone and an iron ball. Pierre de Maricourt had earlier noted such a system which made use of the strength of the magnet stone. This runs into trouble because the path integral of force on a closed loop in a magnetic field is zero.
In 1518, Mark Anthony Zimara designed a "self-blowing windmill". Zimara designed a self-blowing windmill that generated power from a set of bellows. The bellows blow the windmill sails round.
In the 16th century, John Dee reported seeing a perpetual motion machines during his travels (with a pension from Elizabeth I), but wasn't allowed a closer look.
In 1610, Cornelis Drebbel, an alchemist and magician, designed a slow perpetual motion machine that told the time, date, and season. The gold machine was mounted in a globe on pillars and was powered by changes in air pressure (a sealed glass tub with liquid varied in volume through atmospheric pressure changes, rewinding constantly).
In 1630, Robert Fludd, English physicist and mystic, proposed many machines. People were trying to patent variations of Fludd's machine in the 1870s. Fludd's machine worked by recirculation by means of a water wheel and Archimedean screw. The device pumps the water back into its own supply tank. _{[3] [4]}
After 1635, many English perpetual motion machine patents were granted. Several are variations of a machine developed in 12th century India. An original design is a cable projecting 150 miles into the sky to induct electricity (technology at the time would limit its usefulness, as it weighed 80 tons). _[5] By 1903, 600 such patents had been granted.
In 1638, Edward Somerset, 2nd Marquess of Worcester developed a perpetual motion machine. He gained a royal appointment as an inventor and builder. Parliament on June 3, 1663, gave a 99-year patent for his "Watercommanding Engine" (a steam engine). Somerset demonstrated many water wheels to Charles I of England, that had something to do with perpetual motion. _[6]
In 1664, Ulrich von Cranach, a war engineer, of Hamburg, Germany designed a perpetual ball moving machine that did not work in practice. The ball machine had a rotary cannon ball which descended by an Archimedean screw along the periphery of a wheel (like a water wheel), rolled through a track, and then were carried back to the top using an archimedean screw (powered by the ball-wheel). _[7] Arthur Ord-Hume illustrated this machine._[8]
Johann Bernoulli (also known as Jean Bernoulli) proposed a fluid energy machine. Bernoulli developed the brachistochrone problem in June 1696 and is regarded as a founder of the calculus of variation.
In 1686, Georg Andreas Böckler, a German architect, engineer, and author, designed 'self operating' self-powered water mills and several perpetual motion machines using balls using variants of Archimdes screws. One of Böckler's machine used an overbalanced wheel and archimedean screw.
In 1712, Johann Bessler, a.k.a. Orffyreus, investigated 300 different perpetual motion models and claimed he had the secret of perpetual motion. Though allegation of fraud surfaced later (from a maid in his employment), investigators at the time, such as the lawyer Willem Jacob 'sGravesande, reported no such fraud.
In the 1760s, James Cox (with the help of Joseph Merlin) develops a working perpetual motion machine (known as the Cox's timepiece). The clock device is powered from changes in atmospheric pressure via a barometer. The clock still exists today [but was deactivated due to the clock's relocation].
In 1790, Doctor Conradus Schiviers made a belt driven wheel. He also offered a machine in which a several balls powered a water wheel and a bucket-chain (again raising the balls). _[9] Others tried to adapt his designs unsuccessful a century later.

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1800s

In 1812, Charles Redheffer, in Philadelphia, claimed to have developed a "generator" that could power other machines. Redheffer made money on his machine and tried to restrict scientific evaluation of the device. Upon investigation, it was deducted that the power was being routed to the "generator" from the other connected machine. Afterwards, he continued to generate income on similar schemes. Robert Fulton exposed Redheffer's schemes during an exposition of the device in New York City (1813). Removing some concealing wooden strips, Fulton found a cat-gut belt drive. This went through a wall to an attic. In the attic, a man was turning a crank to power the device._{[10] [11] [12]}
In 1827, Sir William Congreve, an English inventor and rocket pioneer, tried a machine running on capillary action. He used capillary action of fluids that would disobey the law of never rising above their own level, so to produce a continual ascent and overflow. The device had an inclined plane over pulleys. At the top and bottom, there travels an endless band of sponge, abed, and, over this, again an endless band of heavy weights jointed together. The whole stands over the surface of still water. Congreve believed his system would go on, supposedly, continually. _{[13] [14] [15]}
In 1866, Henry Prince of Britain described the first partially submerged perpetual motion machine.
In 1868, an Austrian, Alois Drasch, received a US patent for a machine that possessed a "thrust key-type gearing" of a rotary engine. The vehicle driver could tilt a trough depending upon need. A heavy ball rolled in a cylindrical trough downward, and, with continuous adjustment of the device's levers and power output, Drasch believed that it would be possible to power a vehicle. The invention did not become generally accepted. _[16]
In 1870, E. P. Willis of New Haven, Connecticut made money off a "proprietary" perpetual motion machine. A story of the overly complicated device with a hidden source of energy appears in Scientific America article "The Greatest Discovery Ever Yet Made". Investigation into the device eventually found a source of power that drove the machine _[17]
John Ernst Worrell Keely invented, reportedly, a induction resonance motion motor. He is supposedly to have used etheric 'technology'. In 1872, Keely announced that he discovered a principle for power production based on the vibrations of tuning forks. Scientists investigated his machine which appeared to run on water, though Keely endeavored to avoid this. Shortly after 1872, venture capitalists accused Keely of fraud (they lost nearly five million dollars). Keely's machine, it was discovered after his death, was based on hidden air pressure tubes.
In 1881, John Gamgee developed a liquid ammonia machine which could operate at the freezing point from vaporation by radiant heat. The resultant expansion would drive a piston. The vapor does not condense to liquid to start the cycle over again, though (thus making the system inoperable). The Navy approved of the device and showed it to President James Garfield.
In 1899, J. M. Aldrich was arrested for getting investors for his free energy machine. Aldrich was never convicted. Reportedly, he continued to run his scheme. Ultimately, an interested investor, upon inspection of the device, found a hidden spring.
Mark Anthony Zimara of Italy had a huge air-powered machine (basically another attempt at a self blowing windmill). _[18] His device is described in Tallmadge G. Kasten's "The Perpetual Motion Machine of Mark Antony Zimara".
The American, Horace Wickmam, received a patent regarding a machine with many rotating balls.
A Scottish shoemaker, known as Spence, designed a magnetic based machine which later was discredited.

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1900 to 1950

In 1900, Nikola Tesla began planning the Wardenclyffe Tower facility near Long Island Sound. By 1908, the property was foreclosed for the first time and facility was partially abandoned around 1911.
In 1917, John Andrews, a Portuguese chemist, had a green powder which he claimed and demonstrated could transform water into gas (referred to as a "gas-water additive"). He reportedly convinced a Navy officials that it worked. Andrews' additive, reportedly, would decrease the price of gasoline down to 2 cents per gallon. Andrews disappeared after negotiations began. Andrews' lab was rummaged through and dishelved upon a return visit by Navy officials. _[19]
In 1917, Garabed T. K. Giragossian is claimed, reportedly fraudulently, to have developed a free energy machine. Supposedly involved in a conspiracy, Woodrow Wilson signed a resolution offering him protection. The device was a giant flywheel that was charged up with energy slowly and put out a lot of energy for just a second. Despite lacking significant proof, individuals still petition the US congress for recognition._{[20] [21]}
In the 1910s and 1920s, Harry Perrigo of Kansas City, a graduate of MIT, claims development of a free energy device. Perrigo claimed the energy source was "from thin air" or from ether waves. Perrigo demonstrated the device before the U.S. Congress on December 15, 1917. Perrigo had a pending application (filed December 31, 1925; Serial Number 78,719) for the "Improvement in Method and Apparatus for Accumulating and Transforming Ether Electric Energy". Investigators report that his device contained a hidden motor. _{[22] [23] [24] [25]}
In the 1920s, Thomas Henry Moray demonstrated a "radiant energy device" to many people who were unable to find a hidden power source. Somehow, the secret has been forgotten.
On June 9, 1925, Hermann Plauson receives Patent US1540998 which ultilizes spark gaps to convert atmospheric energy. _[26]
In 1928, Lester Hendershot got an Army commandant to endorse his free energy machine. This motor device is said to have had a concealed power source. According to his sons, Lester notes were lost and that the method on how his device works awaits rediscovery. _{[27] [28] [29] [30]}
On March 8, 1928, Edgar Cayce in Chicago, Illinois, describes "Motors with no Fuel" (Reading 4665-1)._{[31] [32]}
After the 1940s, Howard Robert Johnson develops a permanent magnet motor. He receives a US patent, US4151431, on April 24, 1979. There is little information about the ultimate fate of his device._{[33] [34] [35]}
On March 11, 1930, the Canadian inventor Charles Nelson Pogue received the patent US1750354 for a carburetor. He later received carburetor patents US1997497 (April 9, 1935) and US2026798 (January 9, 1936). _{[36] [37] [38] [39] [40] [41] [42] [43] [44]}

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1951 to 1980

Viktor Schauberger claimed to have discovered some special vortex energy in water. Since his death in 1958, people are still studying his works. _[45]
Paul Bauman, a German engineer, develops a machine referred to as the "Testatika". The devices operation has been recorded as far back as 1960s at a place called Methernitha (near Berne, Switzerland). Supposedly, the community benefits from the invention. _[46]
In 1966, Joseph Papf (sometimes referred to as Joseph Papp) supposedly developed an alternative car engine. He gained a few investors and produced a demonstration but, during this showing, an observer was killed. Papf blamed the problem on an investigating pseudo-skeptic. He disappeared shortly thereafter. Richard Feynman recounted one story about Mr. Papf's Perpetual Motion machine. _{[47] [48] [49]}
Guido Franch reportedly had a process of transmuting water atoms into high-octane gasoline compounds (named Mota fuel) that would decrease the price of gasoline down to 8 cents per gallon. This process involved a green powder (this claim may be related to the similar ones of John Andrews (1917)). He was brought to court for fraud in 1954 but acquitted; but in 1973 was convicted. Justice William Bauer and Justice Philip Romiti both observed a demonstration in the 1954 case. _{[50] [51] [52] [53]}
In 1958, Otis Carr from Oklahoma, formed a company to manufacture UFO-styled spaceships and hovercrafts. Carr sold stock for this commercial endeavor. He also promoted free energy machines . He claimed inspiration from Nikola Tesla, among others. As of 2004, his devices are being used by Dennis Lee (inventor). _{[54] [55] [56]}
David McClintock claimed to use air as a fuel and had a patent (US2982261 [registered to a Cleo L. McClintock]). The "McClintock Air Motor" is described as a hybrid between a diesel engine and a rotary engine. It, reportedly, consumed no conventional fuel and was self-running (driving an internal air compressor). The device had three cylinders with a compression ratio of 27 to 1, generated high torque outputs, produced heat, and had a solar and planetary gears. _{[57] [58] [59]}
Edward V. Gray reportedly developes a Electro-Magnetic Association (EMA) Motor. Skeptical investigation to examine the device was denied (and no neutral or knowledgeable person has tested the device. Skeptics state that the device contains 'depleted' batteries). Supposedly, he unethically raises funding from investors. Gray died in April, 1989, under mysterious circumstances. _{[60] [61] [62] [63]}
In 1977, Arnold Burke, a religious man, develops device referred to as "Jeremiah 33:3" (the biblical passage reads "Call to me, and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things which you have not known"). Burke collects $800,000 in investments for his "self acting pump". In 1979, an open test is conducted and the investigators reportedly discover a hidden power source of electricity. Burke and associates later raise $250,000 to pay for a fraud conviction. Burke still claims his device operates. _[64]
In 1977, Robert George Adams (of New Zealand) develops the Adams Motor. Adams has a lot of theories about the Aether and continues to debate theory. He has sought to receive patents on his work (and has received a UK Patent, GB2282708, with Aspden Harold). Debates over the motor's power measurement still exist. Around 80 years old, Adams is said to have a scientific education and has talked over areas of alternative physics. _{[65] [66] [67] [68] [69] [70] [71] [72] [73] [74] [75]}
In 1978, Robert Stewart developed a freon machine which could operate at the freezing point from vaporation by radiant heat for a closed cycle engine. The vapor does not condense to liquid to start the cycle over again, however, thus making the system inoperable. This design may be related to John Gamgee's work (1882). Stewart reportedly gained over $3,000,000 of investment money (much from farmers). Stewart later disappeared.
Rory Johnson, of Elgin, Illinois, claims development of a magnetic motor that operates by a cold fusion, laser-activated process. The device weighed 475 lb (215 kg). The fuel source was said to have been 2 lb (1 kg) of deuterium. The device reportedly produces 525 hp (391 kW). Johnson stated that it would drive a large truck or bus 100,000 miles (160,000 km). Johnson entered into several contracts over his device. Johnson later moved all his lab equipment to California and died shortly afterwards. _{[76] [77]}
In 1978, R. Jeseph Maglich, a physicist, claims development of a overunity device which brought under control and put to use fusion power from sea water. This may be related to the fusion generator developed first by Doctor Bogdan Maglish at Princeton, New Jersey (in 1973). _{[78] [79] [80] [81]}
Keith Kenyon claims development of a overunity device. Calculations seemed to not take power factor (also known as phase angle) into account. Demonstration never openly hooked up the output to its input.
Bill Muller and Carmen Muller, both of Germany, develop "The Muller Motor - Generator". They raise investments for the device. Reportedly, no demonstration and examination of a working model has taken place. _{[82] [83] [84]}
Stephen Walker begins promoting a permanent magnet motor. As of November 2002, Stephen claims working samples will be available by mail. By December 12 of that same year, Stephen rescinds the offer (contact unavailable). As of 2004, again is promising the device. _{[85] [86] [87]}

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1981 to 1999

In 1984, Joseph Newman claims development of a free energy device based, reportedly, on alternative physics. Newman sued the US patent office to recognize his device. Previous analysis of the device incorrectly measured the true power output of the machine. Calculation for power did not account for the non-sinusoidal current consumption. Newman, initially open to testing, now (reportedly) refuses to ship a unit for testing. In the 1970s, Newman presented a week-long demonstration in the Super Dome in New Orleans (attended by 9,000 people from across the country). Newman is suing some former investors, who, he claims, are trying to steal the design.
In 1985, Greg Watson of Australia claims the development of the Simple Magnetic Overunity Toy (SMOT). In the SMOT, a steel ball is pulled up a ramp by magnetism and then falls, so the magnetic energy is converted into kinetic energy. Watson claims that an effect called "regauging" then happens, allowing the process to be repeated without the application of outside energy. In 1997, he sells kits for the device. Skeptics state that attempts at replication have failed. Reportedly, investors were not able to regain their investments.
John Bedini claimed development of several free energy devices. Bedini has, reportedly, refused to allow independent investigation. _{[88] [89] [90] [91] [92] [93] [94] [95]}
In 1986, Bruce De Palma claimed development of an overunity machine (referred to as the "N-Machine") that was described as a closed path Homopolar generator with output four times more power than consumed. De Palma was been unwilling to help independent investigators, like PSITRON, analyze his device. One Electrical Engineering professor analysed this device, but skeptics claim the investigation contained a measurement error. De Palma was an associate of Richard C. Hoagland. De Palma died in 1997. _{[96] [97] [98] [99] [100] [101] [102]}
Since 1988, Dennis Lee promises to demonstrate free electricity. Lee claims possession of a Fischer engine, a Counter Rotating Device (CRD) device, and a overunity motor. Lee has a mixture of religious and extremist political beliefs. Lee has invested in John Searle's endeavors, Stanley Meyer's endeavors, and, in 2001, joined Paul Pantone in a US state tour. Tom Napier believes Lee's device may have resurrected Gamgee's designs (1881). _[103]
Stephan Marinov, a Russian physicist, claims the development of free energy machine. Marinov, supposedly, measured absolute speed and direction of the Milky Way inside a closed room by "first means" and "third means". Marinov states that he was contacted by the Methernitha "cult" and discovered their secret. Before releasing the information, he committed suicide on July 15, 1997._{[104] [105]}
Reidar Finsrud of Skaarer, Norway, claims development of a sculpture where a metal ball moves for weeks with no outside influence. _{[106] [107] [108] [109] [110] [111] [112]}
Dr. Yuri S. Potapov of Kishinev, Moldova, claims development of (and subsequently sold) a overunity electrothermal water-based generator (referred to as "Yusmar 1"). He founded the YUSMAR company to promote his device. Reportedly, the device did not work and investors were not able to regain their investments. _{[113] [114] [115] [116]}
Yule Brown of Australia claimed the development of Brown's Gas. Reportedly, he gains many investors over several years. Brown died in 1998. _{[117] [118] [119] [120] [121] [122]}
Carl Cella of San Luis Obispo, California, claims the development of a carburetted engine automobile that runs on hydrogen and oxygen (or water). Reportedly, the carburettor contains propane/butane engine fuel components. Cella, supposedly, contacted the Department of Energy for a demonstration but was denied. _{[123] [124] [125] [126] [127]}
CETI claimed development of a device that outputs anomalous (yet small) amounts of heat - maybe cold fusion. CETI, reportedly, has raised millions from investors. Skeptics state that inaccurate measure for friction effects from the cooling flow through the pellets may be responsible for the data. Jed Rothwell (editor of Infinite Energy Magazine) states that "tests with CETI cells at Motorola, SRI and the French Atomic Energy Commission show no measurable friction. _{[128] [129] [130]}
Paramahamsa Tewari of India claimed development of a device that is 200% efficient generator. (Skeptics claim his measurement is questionable). _{[131] [132] [133] [134] [135]}
Bruce Perreault has claimed to have discovered a new element, developed the plasmatron, designed an ion pump, and is developing several radiant energy devices. _{[136] [137] [138] [139]}
Brian Collin of Australia claims he received a revelation from God that inspired him to make a free energy device. Investors have not been able to recoup their funding (around $80,000). No information is available (as of 2004) as to if the design was tested.
Around 1990, Don Watts of Las Vegas, claimed development of the Centrifugal Energy Amplification and Conversion Unit (CEACU). Rumors state that there was a patent for the device. Reportedly, the devices was part of a investment fraud scheme. _{[140] [141] [142]}
During the 1990s, Kawai and Takahashi, both of Japan, claimed to have independently developed magnetic motors. These have been reportedly evaluated by Magnetic Power, Inc. Neither device tested has proven to function as overunity under load, according to the investigators. Skeptics state that it did nothing more than drain batteries. Reportedly, there are patents issued in Japan for both the Takahashi engine and the Kawai engine. The Takahashi engine is, supposedly, being used in a motor-scooter that can be driven long range on one battery (at around 50 mph). As of last reports, production has began on the engine and the inventor is scaling up the motor to drive automobiles. _{[143] [144] [145] [146] [147] [148] [149] [150]}
In 1991, Troy Reed of Oklahoma claimed development of a small permanent magnet motor prototype (and, later, a larger unit). The device consists of permanent magnets placed on four disks (eight each). Two outer disks are stationary. Two inner ones are mounted on a common rotating shaft. Reed has issued licences for manufacturing the motor and received investment money for the overunity device. _{[151] [152] [153] [154]}
In 1996, Stanley Meyer of Fayette County, Ohio, claims development of a water powered car. Meyer has obtained over 28 patents. Meyer has a mixture of Christianity and patriotic politics intertwined with protoscience theory. Meyer was convicted of fraud (after testing a Water Fuel Cell before an Ohio judge). Meyer was not prosecuted for the invention, but for selling "dealerships". Meyer refused independent measurement and investigation of his device. Meyers died in early 1998. _{[155] [156] [157] [158] [159] [160] [161] [162] [163]}
In January 1998, Barbara Hickox of New Mexico announces the possession of the patent US4249096, Electric Dynamo (1981). The device consists of a central rotating helix non-conductive cylinder into which small cylindrical permanent magnets are placed (one pole outward). The cost of the systems, reportedly, totals around $7500. Hickox reportedly developed the device with Howard Hughes and his test pilot. Skeptics state that the system is based on "fusion power". _{[164] [165] [166]}
In 1999, Sanjay Amin of Youngstown, Ohio, established Entropy Systems Inc. (ESI). The company received $3.5 million dollar investment for a device that is claimed to violate the second law of thermodynamics, producing power by absorbing heat from atmospheric air (and that external reservoir can be at any temperature (even sub-zero)). The technology had been patented in the United States, Europe, and Australia. The technology has been tested by experts at the Ford Motor Company, Youngstown University, Purdue University, and Pennsylvania State University. Skeptics state that there was a measurement error in the previous investigations. _{[167] [168] [169] [170] [171] [172]}
In 1999, Robert "Paul" LeBreton claimed development of the "Millennium Motor" (in essence, a permanent magnet motor). The device, supposedly, operates without fuel or vehicle battery packs. A 600 horsepower (447 kW) prototype reportedly has been constructed. Skeptics claim he is mentally disturbed. _{[173] [174] [175]}
In 1999, Renzo Boscoli of Italy claims to have developed a method for low-energy nuclear reactions. Boscoli did not give a demonstration nor supply proof that was promised to Infinite Energy Magazine investigators .

_{[176] [177] [178]}

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2000s

In January, 2000, Doug Konzen of Seattle says he has an overunity motor that anyone can see.
In 2002, Jasker, an Irish company, has claimed to have free electricity. Some have said it is just a joke.
Gurbakhsh Singh Mann of India claims to have invented a gravity and buoyancy perpetual motion machines.
Michael J. Marshall in Las Vegas has a device called a quick start fuelless generator. He says 64 nations have asked him to build factories. He also claims to have been offered billions for the technology. According to news reports, he was released from jail in 1998, after serving time for fraud and grand theft auto. He has also failed to pay employees.
In 2001, Carl Tilley and Robert Kibbey in Tennessee have claimed an over unity device. Their demonstration failed in 9 February and as of 11 February they have been evading proper demonstrations.
In 2002, the GWE (Genesis World Energy) group claimed to have 400 people who developed some device that sounds like it separates water into H₂ and O₂ using less energy than is scientifically possible. As of 2003 they have evaded independent confirmation.
In 2003, the Greek company, Energie, promised a homopolar magnet (De Palma design) FE design by June of 2003. They seek investors.