Re: Saab 95/96, was Re: Strokes, Cycles and Variable Compression

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 00:18:09 -0800, Christina Peterson wrote:

> I know -- "Walter says.........." It's just that he's the guy who
> understands this best.

I wan't criticizing you for quoting him; sounds like the partners are
being kept in the dark too.

> GM made an offer, but the "partnership" allowed us no say what-so-ever.

And my guess is that one of Walter's reasons for being opposed is that he
thought GM's interest was in burying it, not developing it.

> Here are comments from others:
>
> Robert L Rosenfeld, Program Manager, Tactical Technology Offices, DARPA,
> DoD:
> "....The purpose of this letter is to comment on the engine concept.
<...>
> Peter L Meitner, Senior Aerospace Engineer, US Army Research Laboratory,
> Vehicle Technology Directorate, John Glenn Space Center, NASA: <...>
> "I am an aerospace engineer with over 30 years of experience analyzing
> advanced engine cycles. During that time frame, I have been exposed to
> countless "new" IC engine concepts, but none as original, innovative and
> groundbreaking as (Walter's) engine. <...>

> Dr Dave R Rourk, Engineering and Design, Intelligent Structures Inc:
> "The opportunity exists to fund an engine program that has the potential
> to pay back dividends many times over.....Speaking as a scientist and
> engineer, I've never seen a more advanced yet simple paradigm for
> internal combustion <...>

But did any of the three appraisals result in development funding? Two of
them do describe it as a "concept".

One possible factor is that patents do expire. Some prospective
licenscees may have concluded that, given the likely lengthy devolopment
time for something so innovative, there is insufficient time to recoup
those costs.

Imo you should be viewing your investment as like buying multi-state
lottery tickets, keeping it separate from your every-day financial
decisions. Since the partnership doesn't have a say, you can't determine
the outcome. Check the numbers periodically, but otherwise, (try to)
dismiss it.
.