Abstract: A device for driving an electrical current generator for use in a motorcycle is disclosed. The electrical current generator is housed within a casing separatedly provided from an engine unit housing an engine. A power transmission means connecting between an output shaft of the engine and a rotary shaft of the generator is provided within a confined space outside of the engine unit. The confined space is defined by a crank casing, a rising flange integrally provided to the crank casing and a cover member. The power transmission means includes a first pulley mounted on one end of the output shaft of the engine, a second pulley mounted on one end of the rotary shaft and a V-belt mounted between the first and second pulleys. The rotation speed ratio of the rotary shaft to the output shaft is changeable in response to the rotation speed of the output shaft.

Abstract: A combined solar-wind energy conversion system in which the combined effects of solar and wind energy are utilized in raising water from a lower to an upper water storage tank to increase its potential energy for generation of electricity. Incoming solar energy heats water to form steam which is temporarily stored. The stored steam is vented to one of first and second steam storage tanks from which it is coupled to first and second water pumping tanks. When the water enters one of the water pumping tanks, it forces the water temporarily stored therein to flow upwards the first steam storage tank. As soon as the water pumping tank is emptied, the steam condenses forming a partial vacuum in the tank. The vacuum causes water to be drawn from the lower water storage tank into the corresponding water pumping tank and the process repeated. The second water pumping tank is filled while the first water storage tank is emptied. Water flowing from the first water storage tank turns an electrical generator.

Abstract: There is disclosed a prime motive means powered by the tailings of mines, the crushed material emanating from quarries and/or the earth removed in strip mining operations. The system takes advantage of the fact that in any mine-like operation a relatively large hole is produced which extends for a finite distance below the normal topography of the surface of the surrounding land. The system includes a driven wheel mounted in a horizontal axis having particulate matter receiving means at the outermost circumference thereof. The wheel is located near substantially the bottom of the quarry or pit. Guidance means are provided to discharge the aforementioned particulate material from the upper reaches of the quarry or pit onto the flights or buckets of the driven wheel. The wheel, as in the case of a water wheel, discharges the particulate material onto a slide.