Abstract: A power supply device for providing uninterrupted power for a period of time is disclosed. The power supply device has a controller and a flywheel device. The flywheel device has a housing that contains a flywheel rotor and a motor/generator rotor. The flywheel rotor and the motor/generator rotor are mounted on a common shaft. An active axial magnetic bearing is located to support the shaft for frictionless rotation. The bearing provides support for the shaft, the flywheel rotor and motor/generator rotor. The axial magnetic bearing is attached to the housing and provides, in combination with the motor/generator rotor, a flux path and magnetic field to exert a magnetic force to lift the motor/generator rotor and the shaft on which it is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention is an energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus includes a rotor, a stator and a hub rotatably positioned about an axial shaft. The hub includes at least one spoke plane projecting radially from the hub, and the at least one spoke plane includes at least one spoke. The at least one spoke becomes progressively thinner along an increasing radius.

Abstract: The present invention is a gimbal system for an apparatus supported in a frame. The gimbal system includes at least two parallel flexible beams positioned on either side of the apparatus. The apparatus is attached to the beam near a center of the beam to the apparatus, such that an active length of the beam is equal to a distance between the beams centers. A first end and a second end of the beam is mounted to the frame. At least one dampening mechanism is attached at a first end to the apparatus and at the other end to the frame. The apparatus exhibits axisymmetric roll stiffness independent of the motion of the frame.

Abstract: A method for constructing a rotor for an energy storage apparatus includes the step of fabricating a rim having an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The method also includes the step of bonding at least one lamina panel to the rim at the inner diameter of the rim. The method further includes the step of bonding at least one lamina panel to the rim at the outer diameter of the rim. The method next includes the steps of machining the at least one lamina panel on the outer diameter of the rim and the rim to have a radius, bonding a magnet to the at least one lamina panel on the inner diameter of the rim, and bonding a mass to the at least one lamina panel on the inner diameter of the rim. The method further includes the step of arranging an outer panel on the at least one lamina panel on the outer diameter of the rim and curing the outer panel.

Abstract: The present invention is an energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus includes a rotor. The rotor includes a rim. The rim includes a plurality of disks. The disks are bonded together to maximize rim balance and minimize a bonding stress between adjacent disks.

Abstract: The present invention is a energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus includes a rotor and a stator and a hub rotatably positioned about a stationary axial shaft. The hub also includes at least one spoke plane projecting radially from the hub, and the at least one spoke plane contains at least one spoke. The at least one spoke includes an in-plane bending stiffness exceeding an out-of-plane bending stiffness.

Abstract: A sliding spoke rotor to hub attachment is provided. The hub is rotatably positioned about a stationary axial shaft. The hub includes a plurality of outwardly radiating spokes. The rotor includes a socket disposed between an end of said spoke and the rotor. The socket slidingly engages the end of the spoke in a radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention is an energy storage apparatus for an automotive vehicle. The energy storage apparatus includes a rotor, a stator, and a hub rotatably positioned about a stationary axial shaft. The hub includes a plurality of spokes radiating outwardly from the hub. A socket is disposed between an end of the spoke and the rotor to slidingly engage the spoke end in a radial direction. A middle layer having an adhesive on both sides is intraposed between the socket and the rotor.