Abstract: A torque transmitting structure extends along an axis and comprises a plurality of links connected end-to-end. Each link comprises a rigid spar transverse to the axis situated at one end of the link, a second rigid spar transverse to the axis and skew to the first spar situated at the other end of the link, and four connecting ties connecting the ends of these spars, thereby to form a link of generally tetrahedral form, the spars being common to adjacent links. The connection between spars and ties permit relative rotation therebetween. At least two of the ties in each link are bendable to permit their ends to be juxtaposed, these two ties occupying opposite edges of each tetrahedral link. The structure thus forms an optionally modular collapsible chain which, when extended along its axis, is flexible in bending but torsionally rigid.

Abstract: The use of E-shaped transformer laminations in rotating electrical machinery in which the E-laminations are modified and assembled in a stacked manner and fixedly secured in rigid relationship to form a stator or rotor core receiving appropriate windings encapsulated by hardenable material to produce a stator or rotor for rotating electrical machinery at a relatively low cost with maximum engineering flexibility, lightweight construction and efficient operation. One utility of the novel use is in the construction of low speed alternators such as a wind-driven assembly for producing electrical energy.