TurboTrac History

Turbo – a shortened form of turbine – a rapidly spinning mechanical device.

Trac – shortened form of traction – the adhesive friction of a body on a surface on which it moves.

In the hot, dusty oil capital of Midland, Texas, Richard Raney, a self-educated engineer, mechanic, machinist and serial inventor, knew there was better way. The 1990’s saw the run-up in gas prices and the need for new automotive technology. Hybrid technology was being developed and new transmissions were being readied to create small efficient cars. And, Raney had a idea for an innovative infinitely variable transmission using traction technology that was extremely efficient and could save energy in even the biggest vehicle.

The idea of an infinitely variable transmission was not new – Leonardo Da Vinci had designed one in the early 16th century. Traction technology using rapidly spinning components was well-known but had limited performance capability. With an eye to overcoming these limitations, Raney constantly refined his innovative idea over several years. By combining several unrelated approaches into a unique transmission design, the patented result became known as the Turbo Trac Infinitely Variable Transmission.

The first step towards commercialization occurred when two oil industry entrepreneurs had Raney’s innovation evaluated by two, well respected engineering consultants. Bolstered by these evaluations that identified the transmission’s ability to improve energy efficiency in all types of vehicles, added investors joined to build a proof-of-concept prototype. That first prototype was designed, fabricated and installed in a medium duty truck. The vehicle was operated around the western US with great vehicle performance and fuel economy. After this “on-road” testing, the “proof of concept” was then taken to a nationally recognized, independent research and development laboratory where it underwent extensive laboratory testing. Test results caused one laboratory engineer to exclaim, “wow, that’s the most efficient infinitely variable transmission we have ever tested”! Turbo Trac’s ability to improve operating efficiency of a mechanical system was proven!

Automotive industry interest in the technology was rapidly growing but in 2007, the economy was weakening and the auto industry was in decline. Not to be sidelined, Turbo Trac management saw that there was an opportunity to migrate the technology into the industrial market. In manufacturing systems, there is high demand for variable speed functionality, especially in fluid handling processes that used pumps, compressors and fans. At the same time, rising energy costs threatened industry profitability. Thus, with the ability to manage production rate and reduce energy consumption in a manufacturing system, Turbo Trac leaped at the opportunity.

With its roots in the heart of oil country, the first application Turbo Trac focused on was oil-well pumping units, known as pump jacks. Working with a variety of engineering contractors and consultants for over two years, Turbo Trac’s small team designed, built, and tested, repeating the process several times to get it just right. And right it was. Applied to a pump jack, the unit was run hard and fast, in the blistering Texas heat. Its performance was flawless. It controlled pump speed, efficiency and production while standing up to the tough oil-field environment. By early 2011, the word had spread. Manufacturers of air compressors, pumps and fans began evaluating Turbo Trac for a variety of industry applications. Industries are searching for energy cost savings while improving production line management. Now, Turbo Trac’s mechanical solution is being readied for applications from 50 horsepower to a 1000 horsepower and considered a much better alternative to previous solutions.

An inventor’s idea developed in the far flung reaches of Texas is being introduced in some of the toughest and most demanding applications – and this unique innovation is finding new applications daily. The entrepreneurial spirit and foresight of those West Texas investors is proving itself once again.