A motive force generation device for generating a net resultant propulsive force vector. The device includes a mechanical drive that rotates one or more counter-rotating mass pairs about a respective axis; decreases the radius about the axis without causing external torque on the system therefore increasing the energy level of the mass; continues to rotate mass at the higher energy level; then increases the radius about the axis to its original distance. The work required to rotate mass at a higher energy state is greater than the work to rotate mass at the original state, causing an unbalanced system resulting in the net propulsive force. This force is transferred to an object to which the device is attached, effecting movement.

A motive force generation device for generating a net resultant propulsive force vector through reactionless drive means. The device includes a reactionless drive that rotates one or more masses about an axis, decreases the radius about the axis without causing external torque on the system therefore increasing the energy level of the mass, continues to rotate mass at the higher energy level, then increases the radius about the axis to its original distance. The work required to rotate mass at a higher energy state is greater than the work to rotate mass at the original state, causing an unbalanced system resulting in the net propulsive force.

A method and apparatus for energy conversion useful for directional propulsion and using a directed imbalance of centripetal forces. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising a rigid rod having weights disposed at each end thereof. The rod is engaged by a rotatable hub disposed at a central axis point within a closed-loop track. As the hub and rod rotate, the weights are directed along the track. The shape of the track is non-circular, and the central axis point is situated within the track such that the rod is caused to slide back and forth in the hub as the hub rotates. The continuously changing radii of rotation of the weights are such that a directed imbalance of centripetal forces is created, achieving a net positive force in one direction.

A device that produces linear motion by sequentially and in a continuous sequence accelerating inertial thrust masses at well-defined times towards the axis of counter-rotating disks. The inertial thrust masses are contained in cavities placed equidistantly about the periphery of counter rotating capture disks mounted on a common axle. They are radially accelerated by a bi-directional impulse ramps that can be moved to any position around the periphery of the counter rotating capture plates and into and out of the paths of the gyrating thrust masses to any desired depth within the mechanical range of the impulse ramps which simultaneously engage and radially accelerate the inertial thrust masses of each counter-rotating capture plate. The counter-rotating capture plates are each separately driven by a gear assembly powered by an external engine or motor that powers the rotation of the disks. Each radial acceleration of the inertial thrust masses produces an impulse of force that pushes against the mass accelerator with a force equal to the force used to radially accelerate each thrust mass. Each impulse is a vector force and imparts motion along the chosen vector to any object to which the device is attached.

A device having a vibration based propulsion system includes at least one of an extendible and retractable diaphragm, a vibrating mechanism, and an expandable and collapsible body section for driving movement of the device. Some embodiments may also include one or more coverings configured to move to adjust the fluid resistance of the device to improve the efficiency of the device's movement. At least one processor may be connected to at least one of: a transceiver, sensors, a camera, and a drive system for controlling the operations of these mechanisms. A power source may also be attached to these elements of the device to power the device. A remote controller or other computer device may communicate with the device via the transceiver to provide input for steering the device or to receive data collected by the device.

A motive force generation device for generating a net resultant propulsive force vector through reactionless drive means. The device includes a reactionless drive that rotates one or more masses about an axis, decreases the radius about the axis without causing external torque on the system therefore increasing the energy level of the mass, continues to rotate mass at the higher energy level, then increases the radius about the axis to its original distance. The work required to rotate mass at a higher energy state is greater than the work to rotate mass at the original state, causing an unbalanced system resulting in the net propulsive force.