Paice has received 11 U.S. patents and numerous foreign patents relating to hybrid vehicle technology since 1994. Its first patent (U.S. Patent No. 5,343,970) related to a hybrid electric vehicle that includes both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Hybrid electric vehicles increase fuel economy and reduce harmful emissions by combining an electric motor with the vehicle’s internal combustion engine.

The ’970 patent describes a system that includes a microprocessor that receives control inputs and uses that information to determine whether the internal combustion engine, the electric motor, or both should provide torque to the wheels. It also describes a system that includes a powerful electric motor that is provided with energy from a battery at high voltage and low current to dramatically increase the efficiency and performance of the system.

Soon after the first patent was granted, Severinsky set out to commercialize the invention described in the ’970 patent, while continuing to explore ways to improve on his ideas. Dr. Severinsky and others at Paice did extensive research to prove the viability of the Paice hybrid vehicle technology, as well as to further improve that technology. As a result of the company’s continued work, Dr. Severinsky and the Paice team filed several additional patent applications relating to hybrid vehicles starting in September 1998, leading to 10 additional U.S. patents issued from 2001 through late 2009. A recent study of all hybrid patents filed worldwide by Griffith Hack, a law firm in Australia, ranked Paice’s United States Patents among the 10 most dominant hybrid patents in the world, including the first and second most dominant hybrid patents.

In addition to employing an internal combustion engine and two motors that can power the vehicle or recharge the battery, these later patents cover a hybrid vehicle that includes a microprocessor to arbitrate between various operating modes based on the vehicle’s instantaneous torque requirements as demanded by the driver for propelling the vehicle (also called “road load”); the state of charge of the battery; and other operating parameters. The inventions described in these patents combine these road load concepts with a high voltage and relatively low current electrical system, enhancing the performance and efficiency of the overall system.

The patented technology developed by Dr. Severinsky facilitates the development of the most efficient and cost effective hybrid vehicles.

Commercialization of the Paice Technology

Paice never contemplated that it could manufacture and sell hybrid vehicles. The development, manufacture and sale of automobiles is a massive undertaking that requires huge financial resources, a vast manufacturing and distribution infrastructure and brand recognition and marketing power. For those reasons, Paice became a technology company, focused on commercializing the Hyperdrive system through licensing arrangements and joint ventures with original equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and specialty manufacturing companies in connection with mass market or specialized vehicle programs. Like many American technology companies, Paice is focused on developing and bringing groundbreaking innovations to market.

With financial support from The Abell Foundation, a non-profit organization interested in increasing energy efficiency, promoting alternative energy, and creating new jobs for American workers, Paice worked closely with engineering organizations such as Lockheed Martin Control Systems and Roush Industries to develop a demonstration prototype utilizing the Paice technology.

This complex effort involved the development of hardware and software for a complete prototype powertrain system with necessary controls, followed by the testing of that system on a dynamometer in an EPA certified test center and extensive analysis of prototype operation and performance under a range of parameters. With this prototype, Paice showed in October 1999 that its technology could reduce the gasoline consumption of a Cadillac Coup de Ville by one-half while retaining its current driving performance. A key aspect of the Paice technology is the use of high voltage and low current in a hybrid automobile. Many in the industry were skeptical that use of high voltage (500 volts or higher) would work.

The Paice prototype showed that using high voltage not only worked, but that it was the key to building an efficient high performance vehicle. Paice also used this prototype system to successfully demonstrate the significant fuel economy improvements and emissions reductions that are made possible in various vehicle types and sizes with Paice’s patented technology. Demonstrations of the prototype took place in 1999-2000 and were attended by representatives from the American and international auto industry.

Under the leadership of Paice CEO Robert Oswald, who has 45 years of experience in the automotive industry, the company continues to negotiate with potential automotive partners about the manufacture of vehicles based on its Hyperdrive system. Paice continues to perform research to prove the viability of its patented technology and promote the use of hybrid technology by automobile manufacturers.

National Recognition of Dr. Severinsky includes Thomas A. Edison Patent Award

The American Society for Mechanical Engineers presented Dr. Severinsky the prestigious Thomas A. Edison Award Patent Award in recognition of his hybrid electric vehicle patent in November 2009. This award recognizes the creativity of Paice’s invention as having the potential of significantly enhancing an aspect of mechanical engineering.

In addition, The University of Maryland inducted Dr. Severinsky into the Clark School of Engineering’s Innovation Hall of Fame in October 2008 for his “pioneering work in the development of the Hyperdrive power-amplified internal combustion engine power train for hybrid vehicles.”

Paice Awarded 11 U.S. Patents for Hybrid Technology

Paice has received 11 patents relating to hybrid vehicle technology since 1994:

Patent #7,597,164 (October 6, 2009)
Patent #7,559,388 (July 14, 2009)
Patent #7,520,353 (April 21, 2009)
Patent #7,455,134 (November 25, 2008)
Patent #7,392,871 (July 1, 2008)
Patent #7,237,634 (July 3, 2007)
Patent #7,104,347 (September 12, 2006)
* Patent #6,554,088 (April 29, 2003)
* Patent #6,338,391 (January 15, 2002)
* Patent #6,209,672 (April 3, 2001)
* Patent #5,343,970 (September 6, 1994)

* These patents have been ranked among the 10 most dominant hybrid patents in the world.