PALM HARBOR - A 76-year-old Palm Harbor man has an invention he believes could help change the world.

Len Waller helped invent an engine that he thought would change the cars, boats and airplanes we currently use. Waller came up with the invention 30 years ago with his brothers and uncle, who have since died.

But for some reason it never took off.

Waller said the engine uses 40 percent fewer parts than a normal engine and gets 65 miles per gallon. The pistons don't go up and down. Instead, they're sideways.

"What they'll do is go back and forth to double up on the power," Waller said. "So one revolution around you get intake, compression fire and exhaust."

The engine can be powered by gas, diesel, steam or electricity.

Waller said they spent years trying to get Ford and other carmakers to buy the engine. He hopes it will finally be used.

"My hope right now is somebody will come in, pick up and carry on with our endeavor we have," he said. "I would like to see this thing out there and running. I've exhausted all my means. I've spent my life savings on this."

Waller has written letters to the governor, Congress and even the president without result. He does, however, have offers from outside the country.

"I've gotten inquiries from China, Austrailia, Brazil, Dubai," Waller said. "All over the world I've got people calling."

Waller said he's holding out for a U.S. company.

"Because I feel if I give it away, we're just going to have to buy it back from them," he said. "And I'd rather take it to my grave."