Today we’d like to introduce you to Vlad Gelfand and Maria Mironovich, Eric Hochstadter, Lee Jones, Rick Greenspan, Lorry Ward, and Romella Ferguson.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Vlad, Maria, Eric, Lee, Rick, Lorry, and Romella. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Here is the part of article about myself. Eye on technology: trends to note from other industries with increasing attention on alternative energy, wind turbines and natural gas buses are becoming more commonplace. But even as these large-scale projects seize the headlines, a Russian-born inventor in suburban Chicago is taking a different tack. Vladimir Gelfand, a mechanical engineer with over 30 years of industry experience, proposes making a minor adjustment to a century-old innovation – the internal combustion engine. His idea is to make each piston dual-ended, permitting it to do work on both the forward and backward stroke, something today’s engines don’t do. “I don’t want to reinvent the wheel,” puns Gelfand, “just make it more efficient.” The motivation behind the design is to avoid a massive infrastructure overhaul that would require new plants, machinery, and billions in research and development costs. By using the same parts, just slightly altered, Mr. Gelfand hopes to keep the manufacturing process nearly unchanged, using the same tools and assembly personnel. Mr. Gelfand concedes that his idea is not as glamorous as other, more revolutionary advances, but believes the impact on performance is still dramatic. According to computer-aided analyses, the new design improves efficiency by 14% while occupying 27% less space under the hood. The benefit for manufacturers is lower materials costs and reduced emissions, important for firms striving to meet increasingly stringent EPA requirements. The new design has received patent protection, and has been reviewed by multiple engine manufacturers and engineering consultants. Mr. Gelfand is currently in advanced talks with a top-five engine manufacturer, and is conducting a parallel assessment with Argonne National Laboratory, one of the U.S. Department of Energy’s largest research centers. Despite his focus on near-term solutions, Mr. Gelfand believes in the future of alternative energy. “Alternative energy is great in theory, but it is not coming on line fast enough,” argues Mr. Gelfand. According to Principal Voices, a research project sponsored by a media consortium including CNN, Time, and Fortune, alternative energy accounts for only 0.5% of all energy used today, while hydrocarbons account for 80%. “You’ll see that gap narrow over the years,” asserts Mr. Gelfand. But with another pun, he cautions against idling. “It’s good to have long-term ambitions, but we should not ignore the herring to wait for the marlin.”
Has it been a smooth road?
As it well distinguished the new idea is never come along nice and smooth. I am not an exception. It’s been a lot of considerations. My design − predicated on a dual-ended piston that does work with both its top and bottom surfaces − is an improvement, but not a revolutionary leap. It therefore avoids costly manufacturing overhauls and does not require retraining of line personnel. The engine uses most of the same parts as conventional engines and is hybrid-compatible. As a result, it can be rolled out on an accelerated timeline and avoid becoming an R&D black hole. However the mile stone of my journey is land my project into the right hands so it will benefit our society for many years to come. The bottom line of my invention it is not depend on any particular special fuel therefore it has large scope of applications. Not only car industry but other industries as well such as: lawn motors, trucks, compressors, pumps and etc. To replay on your question where do I stand now I have to give you one quote: what does it mean Consensus. Consensus is what many people say in chorus but do not believe as individuals. Abba Eban (b. 1915), Israeli politician. Quoted in: New Yorker (23 April 1990). In my case is the other way around. I have support from individuals but not from organization. Unfortunately, Argonne’s open-minded approach was the exception rather than the rule. Currently I am looking financial assistance from government agencies to be qualify for the grant development program not for myself but for my potential end user such as Caterpillar Tractor Co., John Deere, and so on. I am also open for any other subsidiary funds, which take my project off the drawing board and move to the next step further. So, currently I am in transition to license out my invention. This is where I am at.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I am degree mechanical engineer. Currently I serve as chief adviser in the development of the Gelfand Engine. Separate from my full time position. In the past I used to serve as the Chief Engineer at the Industrial Scraping Service Co. and a Consultant to the Aerospace Division of the Martin Marietta Corporation we rebuild milling machine that used to make wings for the Shuttle Spaceship program back in 2001. Today I am working for the Bankier Companies, Inc., contract manufactures and injection molding company as the manager of engineering. Where I am successfully apply my mechanical engineering knowledge with diversified sales experience. My innovation approach to customer’s project allow me develop most cost effective prices and therefore build good relationships for many years.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Not the Random question answer: I was always interested in science and technology development. My biggest hobbies are travel around the world, art and sport. (Particularly tennis.) My wife and myself love classic music this is why we are frequently visiting Ravinia and Millennium Park places.
Contact Info:
- Address: Vladimir Gelfand 474 Anita Pl. Wheeling IL 60090
- Phone: 312-215-0539
- Email: vladimir.gelfand@sbcglobal.net



Image Credit:
Alfred W. Cooper/Ergoseal, Inc. Direct Line: (847) 477-0545 Osman Yasar, Ph.D. University of New York Tel. 585-683-9177 e-mail: oyasar@brockport.edu
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