The Lifters Experiments
By Jean-Louis Naudin
created on October 10th, 2001 - JLN Labs - Last update November 5th, 2002
All informations in this page are published free and are intended for private/educational purposes and not for commercial applications
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The Lifter is an asymmetrical capacitor which uses High Voltage ( > 20KV ) to produce a thrust.

The Lifter works without moving parts, flies silently, uses only electrical energy and is able to lift its own weight plus an additional payload. The Lifter uses the Biefeld-Brown effect discovered by Thomas Townsend Brown in 1928. The basic design of the Lifter has been fully described in the Townsend Brown US Patent N°2949550 filed on Aug 16, 1960 and titled "Elektrokinetic Apparatus", you will find in this patent the full description of the main principle used in the Lifter devices :
<< It is therefore an object of my invention to provide an apparatus for converting the energy of an electrical potential directly into a mechanical force suitable for causing relative motion between a structure and the surrounding medium. It is another object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus for converting and electrical potential directly to usable kinetic energy.
It is another object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus for converting electrostatic energy directly into kinetic energy.
It is another object of this invention to provide a vehicle motivated by electrostatic energy without the use of moving parts.
It is still another object of this invention to provide a self- propelled vehicle without moving parts. It is a feature of my invention to provide an apparatus for producing relative motion between a structure and the surrounding medium which apparatus includes a pair of electrodes of appropriate form held in fixed spaced relation to each other and immersed in a dielectric medium and oppositely charged. It is another feature of my invention to provide apparatus which includes a body defining one electrode, another separate electrode supported in fixed spaced relation by said body, and a source of high electrical potential connected between the body and the separate electrode. >> ( Extract from US Patent N°2949550 filed on Aug 16, 1960 titled "Elektrokinetic Apparatus" )

On October 5, 2000, the Hector Serrano's patent WO 00/58623 " Propulsion device and method employing electric fields for producing thrust " has been granted. This patent is very close to the Aymmetrical Capacitor Thruster ( ACT ) patented by the NASA ( patent US 6,317,310 , granted on Nov 2001 ) . These two devices use the Biefeld-Brown Effect for producing a thrust Vs the surrounding medium ( this effect was discovered by Townsend Brown in 1928 in his Gravitator, see the GB Patent N°300311 filed on Nov 15, 1928 "A method of and an apparatus or machine for producing force or motion" from T.Townsend Brown ).

On June 2001, Transdimensional Technologies has presented the Power3 Lifter1 and Lifter2 devices. The Lifter1 device was built with three capacitors joined so as to form a triangle assembly and the Lifter2 is three time heavier and three time bigger than the Lifter1. These devices are able to lift their own weight and they are a "modern version" of the Townsend Brown Electrokinetic Apparatus. The Lifters are using the Biefeld-Brown Effect to generate the main thrust to self levitate.

On October 2001, I have replicated successfully the Transdimensional Power3 Lifter1 and Lifter2. You will also find the full explanations to build yourself your own Lifter1.

On November 13, 2001, the NASA patent US 6,317,310 " Apparatus and Method for generating a thrust using a two dimensional asymmetrical capacitor module " has been granted.
On the NASA TechFinder web site ( Public Release Date : Nov 6, 2001 ), we can read :
<< Objective : NASA scientists have discovered a method for generating thrust from two dimensional asymmetrical capacitor modules. The results are potentially greater efficiencies and improved reliability over currently available electric thrusters.
Description : In the past, inductive technology has been needed to create thrust, rotational motion, or step an actuator using electricity. This new technology accomplishes these tasks and more by using high potential, low current asymmetrical capacitor modules. The dielectric material of a capacitor under high voltage experiences a force. Based on the geometry of the capacitor, its material properties, and ambient conditions, the force can be predicted and utilized to move the entire capacitor and its mounting in a predictable direction. It had been theorized that thrust generation from this phenomenon was feasible, but no working prototypes had been developed, until now. >> ( Click here to read the full document )

On November 18, 2001, I have fully replicated and tested successfully the NASA Two Dimensional Asymmetrical Capacitor Thruster experiment.

On January 19, 2002, I have fully replicated and tested successfully the Electric Field Propulsion Thruster patented by Hector Serrano from Gravitec Inc.

Recently, the two new NASA patents based on the Biefeld-Brown effect has been granted US2002012221 on January 31, 2002 and US6411493 on June 25, 2002.

On March 10th, 2002, I have fully replicated and tested successfully the NASA Orbital Maneuvering Propellantless Truster v1.0 described in the patent application US2002012221 " Apparatus and Method for generating a thrust using a two dimensional asymmetrical capacitor module ".

The Lifter is not a simple ionic wind device as Seversky's Ionocraft or as the Hagen's Flying apparatus. The Lifter uses a special asymmetrical capacitor geometry to produce an asymmetrical flow of EM energy around itself. The Biefeld-Brown Effect has been tested successfully in vacuum at 10e-5 torr by the Purdue University - Energy Conversion Lab with accurate and deep measurements in Sep 2000. These tests have fully demonstrated that the ionic wind is not the source of the main thrust.... Today, after some deep investigations and many experiments, I am really convinced that this technology is worth to be developped. In atmospherical environment the major upward thrust is provided by an electrokinetic effect on the medium ( air ), but there is also a minor thrust ( not yet fully explained ) in vacuum which can't be explained by a simple ion wind effect, this residual thrust ( in a milli-Newton range ) can be used in deep space for space propulsion ...

More than 100 Lifter replications have been done successfully by many experimenters and physicists Worldwide ( see The Worldwide Lifters replications logbook ).

On October 24th, 2002, I have fully demonstrated with the Lifter "Coliseum" experiment, that a Lifter can be scaled up and also that such a device is able to lift up to 40 g of payload ( 180% of thrust ). It is now possible to build a VTOL craft which will use the Biefeld-Brown effect to fly silently and without moving parts ( see VTOL Lifter-Craft Mk III ) only powered by electrical energy...

Force on an Asymmetric Capacitor

Thomas B. Bahder and Chris Fazi
US Army Research Laboratory
2800 Powder Mill Road
Adelphi, Maryland 20783-1197

When a high voltage (~30 kV) is applied to a capacitor whose electrodes have different physical dimensions,
the capacitor experiences a net force toward the smaller electrode (Biefeld-Brown effect). We have
verified this effect by building four capacitors of different shapes. The effect may have applications to
vehicle propulsion and dielectric pumps. We review the history of this effect briefly through the history of
patents by Thomas Townsend Brown. At present, the physical basis for the Biefeld-Brown effect is not
understood. The order of magnitude of the net force on the asymmetric capacitor is estimated assuming two
different mechanisms of charge conduction between its electrodes: ballistic ionic wind and ionic drift. The
calculations indicate that ionic wind is at least three orders of magnitude too small to explain the magnitude
of the observed force on the capacitor. The ionic drift transport assumption leads to the correct order of
magnitude for the force, however, it is difficult to see how ionic drift enters into the theory. Finally, we
present a detailed thermodynamic treatment of the net force on an asymmetric capacitor. In the future, to
understand this effect, a detailed theoretical model must be constructed that takes into account plasma
effects: ionization of gas (or air) in the high electric field region, charge transport, and resulting dynamic
forces on the electrodes. The next series of experiments should determine whether the effect occurs in
vacuum, and a careful study should be carried out to determine the dependence of the observed force on gas
pressure, gas species and applied voltage.

Click here to read the full document

Saturday October 12th , 2002

1st Worldwide Lifters competition by JLN Labs

Towards 100 g of Payload, the race is open...

This is a worldwide competition to all Lifter experimenters, the challenge is to build a Lifter device which will be able to lift 100 g of additional payload for about 5 seconds in a stable hovering. ( click to read more informations )
Even if, in the worst case, a fluid medium is required (EHD) for the Lifter hovering, this technology is an excellent starting point for building highly manoeuvrable VTOL crafts which will flight silently without moving parts... Jean-Louis Naudin - April 30, 2002

Documents and references :

The NASA PATENT: US6411493 granted on June 25, 2002

Field of Invention :
The present invention relates to methods and apparatus which use capacitors charged to high potentials for generating thrust and, more particularly, to an improved apparatus using a two dimensional, asymmetrical capacitor to which a high potential is applied.
...
Although the asymmetrical capacitor module described in the preceding paragraph has worked well in the laboratory, one potential disadvantage or limitation thereof is that there is some tendency to arcing between potential surfaces. More generally, there is a need to further improve the module construction to enable use thereof for atmospheric propulsion and for propulsion in space.

The NASA PATENT: US2002012221 granted on January 31, 2002

Apparatus for generating thrust using a two dimensional, asymmetrical capacitor module
Patent Number: US2002012221
Publication date:   2002-01-31
Inventor(s):    CAMPBELL JONATHAN W (US)
Applicant(s):  US OF AMERICA NASA (US)

Abstract : An asymmetrical capacitor module for generating thrust includes two conductive elements of similar but different geometries separated by a dielectric member. Improved embodiments provided in the construction of conductive elements of smaller axial extent include those where the element is formed by an annular wire or a dielectric supported ring. Other embodiments concern the dielectric member and involve changes in the extent and shape thereof. 

At page 2 chapter [0034] <<Referring to the Fig 1.... a cylinder 12 made of copper or another highly conductive material. >>
At page 3 chapter [0037] : << In this embodiment disk 14 is replaced by a ring or annulus preferably in form of a fine wire 24 made of copper or another highly conductive material. >>

See the tests of the NASA Orbital Maneuvering Propellantless Truster v1.0
A standard reply from the NASA about the Asymmetrical Capacitors (ACs), Lifters and Biefeld-Brown devices.. ( 06-07-02 )

Read the NASA Patent description and see the FULL NASA PATENT US 6,317,310 ( granted November 13, 2001 )
NASA MFS 31419_1 - Apparatus & Method for Generating Thrust Using a Two Dimensional, Asymmetrical Capacitor; - see the photo of the apparatus tested in vacuum by Transdimensional Technologies

AIAA-2002-1131 - “OUTSIDE THE BOX” SPACE AND TERRESTRIAL TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
by Theodore C. Loder. Published by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and presented at the 40th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit, Reno NV. Paper number AIAA-2002-1131.

Abstract :
<< This paper reviews the development of antigravity research in the US and notes how research activity seemed to disappear by the mid 1950s. It then addresses recently reported scientific findings and witness testimonies - that show us that this research and technology is alive and well and very advanced. The revelations of findings in this area will alter dramatically our 20th century view of physics and technology and must be considered in planning for both energy and transportation needs in the 21st century.>>

This paper can be downloaded at : http://users.erols.com/iri/Loder.PDF

  • - The Transdimensional Technologies web site
    -     Huntsville firm developing new propulsion technology ( Article on the Birmingham Business Journal - July 19, 2001 )
    -     Propulsion system lifts city company ( Article on the Huntsville Times - July 6, 2001 )
     Read the NASA Patent description and see the FULL NASA PATENT US 6,317,310 ( granted November 13, 2001 )
    NASA MFS 31419_1 - Apparatus & Method for Generating Thrust Using a Two Dimensional, Asymmetrical Capacitor;
    Link to the     Gravitec, inc web site.

  • The Lifters in the Infinite Energy Magazine - Issue #45

  • The Lifters in the TOP SECRET magazine - N°2 - April 24, 2002

  • Lifters in the AIR & COSMOS magazine - N°1837 - April 5, 2002

  • Lifters in the "Electric Spacecraft Journal" Issue 33 - January 16, 2002

  • Lifters in the "New Energy Technologies" from Faraday Lab Issue #3 - Nov,Dec 2001

  • Books :
    - "Electrogravitics Systems" ( Report on a new propulsion methodology) by Thomas Valone - ISBN 0-9641070-0-7
    - " Subquantum Kinetics " by Paul A. LaViolette - ISBN 0-9642025-0-6
    - " L'Effet Biefeld-Brown - Histoire secrète de l'antigravité - Vol 1 "by Alexandre Szames - ISBN 2-91377-01-7

  • Links :
    -     The Tim Ventura's "American Antigravity" web site
    -     E-Field gradient around the NASA's Two dimensional asymmetrical capacitor module by Vencislav Bujic
    -     Electrokinetics brown by Paul E. Potter
    - The Thomas Townsend Brown dedicated web site
    -     The T-capacitor by Alexander V. Frolov
    -     Potential in Power Generation by Alexander V. Frolov
    - The EHD Flying Saucer v1.0 experiment by JL Naudin
    - Scientists Detect Clue to Material's Unusual Electrical Properties by the Brookhaven National Laboratory
    -     "Electrostatic levitation of a surrounded mass by asymmetric electrodes, a minimum effort proof" by Giorgio Fontana - Dep. of Materials Engineering of Trento - Italy
    T. Townsend Brown and A.H Bahnson patents :
     GB Patent N°300311 filed on Nov 15, 1928 "A method of and an apparatus or machine for producing force or motion" from T.Townsend Brown
    US Patent N°2949550 filed on Aug 16, 1960 "Elektrokinetic Apparatus" from Thomas Townsend Brown
    US Patent N°2958790 filed on Nov 1, 1960 "Electrical thrust producing device" from A.H. Bahnson JR
    US Patent N°3018394 filed on Jan 23, 1962 "Elektrokinetic Transducer" from Thomas Townsend Brown
     US Patent N°3187206 filed on Jun 1, 1965 "Elektrokinetic Apparatus" from Thomas Townsend Brown
    US Patent N°3227901 filed on Jan 4, 1966 "Electrical thrust producing device" from A.H. Bahnson JR
    US Patent N°3322374 filed on May 30, 1967 "Magnetohydrodynamic propulsion apparatus" from James King

    •

  • PCT Application for WO0209259 filed on July 11,2001 "Electrodynamic Field Generator " from Mark Tomion
    StarDrive Engineering : The Electrodynamic Field Generator ( Archer Enterprises )

  • Ether Propulsion System - Canadian Patent 1,273,085 from Bahram Katiriai, Issued Aug 21, 1990
    US2001032905A1 "Method and apparatus for converting electrostatic potential energy" from Peter Grandics - Oct 25, 2001

    •

  • Electro-Aerodynamics patents :
    The Seversky's Ionocraft patent : US3130945 by Alexander De Seversky - April 28, 1964
    Some additional informations about the     Serversky's Ionocraft
    The Hagen's Flying apparatus patent :     US3120363 by Hagen Glenn - Feb 4, 1964
    The Gradecak's Electric Aerospace propulsion system patent :     US3120363 by Vjekoslav Gradecak - Apr 13, 1965
    The Okress' Quasi-corona Aerodynamic vehicle patent :     US3464207 by Ernest Okress - Sep 2, 1969

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