Abstract: The present invention provides a flywheel having a high energy density, a designing method which facilitates the designing of the flywheel, and an energy storage system which can achieve both an increase in storage energy and a reduction in weight by adopting the flywheel. A flywheel A includes: a low-density disk 10 having a low average density; and a high-density outer edge section 11 which is provided on the outer circumference of the low-density disk 10, and has an average density higher than that of the low-density disk 10.

Abstract: A motorcycle is described which has a frame and a rear wheel attached to a driven pulley. A drive pulley is rotatably mounted to a rigid bracket attached to the frame such that a relative orientation between the drive pulley and the driven pulley is maintained substantially constant. A drive belt is coupled to the drive pulley and the driven pulley such that a rotation of the drive pulley imparts a rotation of the driven pulley. A transmission output gear is attached to an output of a transmission, and a drive coupler is provided as an interface between the transmission output gear and the drive pulley.

Abstract: A cable sheave for cableway systems has a hub and a sheave surface extending outwardly from the hub. The sheave surface may be formed of spokes and a cable groove is formed on its periphery. Fastening devices are provided in the sheave surface for rigidly connecting at least two sheave parts to one another to form the complete cable sheave. The parting line(s) is located outside the hub. Here, a first cable sheave part containing the hub and forming the central region of the cable sheave is provided, and at least two further, second cable sheave parts are provided, which parts are of identical size, radially surround the first cable sheave part, are connected rigidly to the first cable sheave part and to the at least one second cable sheave part which is present and by means of which the cable groove is formed.

Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a drive shaft and a sprocket drive assembly. The sprocket drive assembly includes a hub mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, a first side support secured to the hub, a second side support secured to the hub, and a plurality of engagement members each interposed between the first side support and the second side support. Each of the plurality of engagement members is rotatably secured to each of the first side support and the second side support. The drive mechanism further includes a track assembly which has a plurality of shoes which are secured to one another to form a track, and a plurality of drive lugs which are mounted to the plurality of shoes. Each of the plurality of drive lugs has a first grasping notch and a second grasping notch defined therein. The plurality of drive lugs includes a first drive lug and a second drive lug which are adjacent to each other.

Abstract: A sheave for engaging strand materials such as textile fabric yarns and the like. The sheave has spoke members transferring torques to and from a hub under compression and tension loading. The sheave also has an annular strand engaging groove with abutments for enhancing gripping engagement with a strand.

Abstract: An ore separation device is described in which a bowl-shaped separator is equipped with a drive shaft and mounted on a table for rotation of the separator. The drive shaft is secured to the interior of the hub of the separator by a spider or series of ribs, and the hub includes an interior rigid cylindrical member and an exterior flexible cylindrical member attached to the bottom of the separator.

Abstract: A unitary, wide rim of fiber composite material for use in conjunction with flywheels for inertial energy storage apparatus, the rim being fabricated to minimize radial stresses and equalize hoop stresses ordinarily produced at high speed rotation of the flywheel. Novel fabrication techniques include varying the density of the rim as a function of radius by means of ballasting; and using a combination of layers of fibers having different modulus of elasticity. By utilizing the aforesaid novel fabrication techniques, a preferred embodiment of a unitary, thick flywheel rim achieves radial stress reduction to trivial levels and hoop stress equalization sufficient to permit extremely efficient energy storage as a function of flywheel weight.

Abstract: A unitary, wide rim of fiber composite material for use in conjunction with flywheels for inertial energy storage apparatus, the rim being fabricated to minimize radial stresses and equalize hoop stresses ordinarily produced at high speed rotation of the flywheel. Novel fabrication techniques include varying the density of the rim as a function of radius by means of ballasting; varying the ratio of the fiber and epoxy mixture as a function of radius; varying the winding tension of the fiber as a function of radius; using a combination of layers of fibers having different modulus of elasticity; and varying the winding geometry of the fiber from non-circular to circular as a function of radius. By utilizing two or more of the aforesaid novel fabrication techniques, a preferred embodiment of a unitary, thick flywheel rim achieves radial stress reduction to trivial levels and hoop stress equalization sufficient to permit extremely efficient energy storage as a function of flywheel weight.