Alternative fuel engine. Now what?

Question

For about two years now I've been designing and bettering an idea for an alternative fuel engine. After 15 prototype designs I strongly believe it's finished. I know I need to get a patent and build a prototype but I have no money. (I'm 15) I have no idea where to go from here but I realize this is something that needs to continue progressing based off the world's growing need of becoming a society that doesn't rely on oil.

I know I'm not supposed to just hand out the specs of the engine and I realize that, yes, many people underestimate that a 15 year old could come up with the "cure" for society's biggest conflict. But that's where my problem lies in the first place. Besides, the first 4-cycle engine had to start somewhere right? If nobody had believed the inventor of it might have something where would we be today? I just need to know who I can trust and talk to.
Also, many people think I'm just a kid who cares about the future and its problems. This is more than that.

People have said before that if I were to get a patent a major corporation (oil company?)would definitely buy it out or gain exclusive rights for themselves. How would they be able to do that?

Answer 1

Hate to burst your bubble....there are many patents and designs out there for alternative energy vehicles. There is an actual working design of a car that can run on water...alcohol... hydrogen....fuel cells.....but those projects never get funding.... big companies can put a halt on these productions...basically putting up roadblocks until the inventor runs out of money....i really wish your idea, like many others could make it out....but with large corporations running the show... chances are it won't happen...you could get a patent and have it licensed to market..but that will be as far as you get...you also might want to check out the government website and do a patent search, just so you don't waste a bunch of money just to find someone owns rights to it....i've tried to get my own ideas off the groung just to find someone owns the rights, but is willing to sell them for BIG $$$$$.

Answer 2

Well, in answer to your last question its all about money. If you can bring an alternative fuel engine to market that will reduce the amount of gasoline and diesel fuel purchased all around the world. That means less money for the oil companies. So if they think something is being invented that would reduce their revenue stream, they will do everything in their power to take control of the product and to bury it. The money made from the invention will be far less than the money lost by using the invention so it will never be placed into production.

My suggestion is you go to the alternate fuels forums and announce your presence. Be very careful about divulging what the actual invention is. Wait until you have legal advice on that. But by all means have a run at talking to others. You can go to the below website to start the conversations.

You might also email Jerry Decker at [e-mail] and talk to him. He is a really good guy and understands tons of stuff about alternate fuels.
Good luck.

Answer 3

You can contact the US patent office to patent whatever you think is a new and improved product. Once you have patented it, it's yours for at least 7 years before others can even copy the design so that you can make whatever money you lost to develop this product. Also people can only try to buy the exclusive rights to your product. They cant take it from you. Unless you go public - then the rules of the game completely change.

Answer 4

there's a company in Miami which would be producing Bio Diesel from Human fat . curiously the Liposuction clinics in Florida have 10 plenty each week of the stuff to sell . .an particularly renewable source