Abstract: Non-pneumatic resilient wheel (10), that is supported structurally and defines three perpendicular directions, circumferential (X), axial (Y) and radial (Z), this wheel comprising: a hub (11); an annular band referred to as a shear band (13) comprising at least one inner circumferential membrane (14) and one outer circumferential membrane (16) that are oriented in the circumferential direction X; and a plurality of support elements (12) that connect the hub (11) to the inner circumferential membrane (14)U. The two membranes (14, 16) are connected to one another by means of a series, that extends in the circumferential direction (X), of cylinders (15) referred to as connection cylinders, said connection cylinders (15) being non-touching in the circumferential direction X and having their generatrix oriented in the axial direction Y. The connection cylinders (15) are composite cylinders comprising fibers embedded in a resin matrix.

Abstract: Flywheel-based energy storage devices, with methods for their use and fabrication. The devices have the capacity to store electric energy as kinetic energy and to generate electric energy from the stored kinetic energy. Preferred devices comprise a pair of counter-rotating anisotropic flywheels which are designed to rotate rapidly within an evacuated housing. The flywheels comprise a lightweight hub and a circumferentially-wound fiber rim. The hub and rim are fabricated from materials having high tensile strength and are connected with systems of novel tube assemblies positioned around the hub parallel to the axis of rotation. The flywheels are principally supported by magnetic bearings and are further stabilized during rotation by a self-restoring liquid bearing system.

Abstract: A wheel comprising a hub element, a rim element, a plurality of substantially circular bands of flexible material spaced about the hub element interposed between and bearing against both of the elements, the axes of the bands being parallel to the axes of the elements, and fastening devices fastening the bands of flexible material to the elements, each fastening device being mounted at its end portions on one of the elements and at its mid-portion engaging one of the bands on the inner peripheral surface thereof only to clamp the band against the element, the bands of flexible material being spaced apart so as at all times to act freely individually and flexing to provide a cushioning effect when the wheel rolls over rough terrain.