Abstract: A method for operating a user station that is configured for communications with a multiplicity of independently-operated data sources via a non-proprietary network includes steps for creating a send data object that includes user demographics, and automatically sending the send data object to a selected one of the data sources upon establishing the communication link, without any triggering user action. Corresponding software and user stations are also described.

Abstract: A flywheel assembly for storing energy and rotatable in response to the rotation of a shaft includes a hub having a transition portion having a constant stress intermediate region operatively coupled to the shaft and an outer connecting portion forming a flexible cylinder, wherein the shaft and the flexible cylinder are substantially coaxial, and an outer cylinder wherein a majority of the mass of the flywheel assembly is concentrated. The flexible cylinder includes connecting pads disposed at opposing edges of the outer side of the flexible cylinder thereby permitting connection to the outer cylinder. The outer cylinder increases radially responsive to a corresponding increase in rotational speed of the flywheel assembly, while the diameter of the transition portion of the hub follows the radial increase of the outer cylinder.