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Featured is a heat transferring device being configured and arranged so that at least some of the heat energy being generated by a heat producing device, such as the a bearing assembly of a flywheel energy storage system, is communicated directly from the locus of the device directly to a heat sink

Featured is a heat transferring device being configured and arranged so that at least some of the heat energy being generated by a heat producing device, such as the a bearing assembly of a flywheel energy storage system, is communicated directly from the locus of the device directly to a heat sink structure remote from the locus of the device. The heat-transferring device includes one or more flexible thermally conductive members, one end of each being thermally coupled to the heat generating device and the other end of each being thermally coupled to the heat sink. The flexible member also is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the heat generating device and the heat sink in or about one or more directions or axes. The heat-transferring device further includes first and second conductive members that are each configured and arranged to thermally couple each flexible member end to one of the heat producing device and the heat sink.

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1. A heat transferring device for thermally communicating heat energy being produced by a rolling-element bearing for a rotating shaft of one of an apparatus or system to a heat sink, where the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing is un-useable heat energy with respect to the a

1. A heat transferring device for thermally communicating heat energy being produced by a rolling-element bearing for a rotating shaft of one of an apparatus or system to a heat sink, where the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing is un-useable heat energy with respect to the apparatus or system, said heat transferring device comprising:a plurality of flexible thermally conductive members, where a first end of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is thermally coupled to the rolling element bearing and where a second end of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is thermally coupled to the heat sink. 2. The heat transferring device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so that at least some of the heat energy being generated by the rolling element bearing is communicated to the heat sink.3. The heat transferring device of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so that a majority of the heat energy being generated by the rolling element bearing for the rotating shaft is communicated to the heat sink via the heat transferring device.4. The heat transferring device of claim 2 wherein each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so that one of at least 50% or 80% of the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing is communicated to the heat sink via the heat transferring device.5. The heat transferring device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the rolling-element bearing and a portion of the heat sink.6. The heat transferring device of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the rolling-element bearing and a portion of the heat sink.7. The heat transferring device of either of claim 5 or 6, wherein the relative motion being allowed is in one of in one direction, in two directions or in three directions.8. The-heat transferring device of either of claim 5 or 6, wherein the relative motion being allowed between the rolling-element bearing and the heat sink is in at least one of a radial direction, an axial direction, or an angular direction with respect to the rolling element bearing.9. The heat transferring device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is comprised of a plurality or more of flexible elements.10. The heat transferring device of claim 1, further comprising:a first thermally conductive member being configured and arranged to thermally couple the first end of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members to the rolling-element bearing for the rotating shaft; and a second thermally conductive member being configured and arranged to thermally couple the second end of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members to the heat sink. 11. The heat transferring device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive member is comprised of a thermally material that is at least one of copper, aluminum, silver and carbon.12. The heat transferring device of claim 10, wherein the first thermally conductive member and the second thermally conductive member are arranged such that each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members extends there between in on of a generally radial direction or a generally axially direction with respect to the rolling-element bearing for the rotating shaft.13. The heat transferring device of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members extending there between is arcuate.14. The heat transferring device of claim 10, wherein each of the first and second thermally conductive members comprises a thermally conductive material that is at least one of copper, aluminum, silver and carbon.15. The heat transferring device of claim 9, wherein each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is a flexible multi-strand cable, where one or more strands is made from a thermally conductive material.16. A heat transferring device for thermally communicating heat energy being produced by a rolling-element bearing for a rotating shaft of one of an apparatus or system to a heat sink, where the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing is un-useable heat energy with respect to the apparatus or system said heat transferring device comprising:a flexible thermally conductive member, a first end of which is thermally coupled to the rolling-element bearing for the rotating shaft, and a second end of which is thermally coupled to the heat sink, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is comprised of a plurality or more of flexible elements. 17. A heat transferring device for thermally communicating heat energy being produced by a rolling-element bearing for a rotating shaft of one of an apparatus or system to a heat sink, where the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing is un-useable heat energy with respect to the apparatus or system, said heat transferring device comprising:a flexible thermally conductive member, a first end of which is thermally coupled to the rolling-element bearing for the rotating shaft, and a second end of which is thermally coupled to the heat sink, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is a flexible multi-strand cable, where one or more strands is made from a thermally conductive material. 18. The heat transferring device of either of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so that at least some of the heat energy being generated by the rolling element bearing is communicated to the heat sink.19. The heat transferring device of either of claim 16 of claim 17, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the rolling-element bearing and a portion of the heat sink.20. The heat transferring device of either or claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the rolling-element bearing and a portion of the heat sink.21. A heat transferring device for thermally communicating heat energy being produced by a rolling element bearing for a rotating shall of one of an apparatus or system to a heat sink, where the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing is un-useable heat energy with respect to the apparatus or system, said heat transferring device comprising:a first thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the rolling element bearing for the rotating shaft; a second thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the heat sink; plurality of third thermally conductive members, where a first end of each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members is thermally coupled to the first thermally conductive member and where a second end of each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members is thermally coupled to the second thermally conductive member; wherein each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so that a majority of the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing for the rotating shaft is communicated to the heat sink via the first, third and second conductive members respectively; and wherein each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members is a flexible member that is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the first and second thermally conductive members. 22. The heat transferring device of claim 21 wherein the plurality of third thermally conductive members are configured and arranged so that one of at least 50% or 80% of the heat energy being generated by the rolling element bearing for the rotating shaft is communicated to the heat sink via the heat transferring device.23. The heat transferring device of claim 21, wherein the relative motion being allowed is in one of in one direction, in two directions or in three directions.24. The heat transferring device of claim 21, wherein the relative motion between the first and second thermally conductive members is in at least one of a radial direction, an axial direction, or an angular direction with respect to the rolling-element bearing for the rotating shaft.25. The heat transferring device of claim 21, wherein the first thermally conductive member and the second thermally conductive member are arranged such that each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members extends therebetween in one of a generally radial direction or a generally axially direction.26. The heat transferring device of claim 21, wherein at least a portion of each of the plurality of thermally conductive members extending therebetween is arcuate.27. The heat transferring device of claim 24, wherein each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so as to have spring constants in each of the axial, radial, and angular directions that are equal to or less than a desired value for each of the axial, radial and angular directions.28. The heat transferring device of claim 21, wherein each of the plurality of third thermally conductive elements is a flexible multi-strand cable, each strand be made from a thermally conductive material.29. A heat transferring device for thermally communicating heat energy being produced by a rolling element bearing for a rotating shaft of one of an apparatus or system to a heat sink, where the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element hearing is un-useable heat energy with respect to the apparatus or system, said heat transferring device comprising:a first thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the rolling element bearing for the rotating shaft; a second thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the heat sink; and a third thermally conductive member, a first end of which is thermally coupled to the first thermally conductive member and a second end of which is thermally coupled to the second thermally coupled conductive member, wherein said third thermally conductive member comprises a plurality or more of flexible thermally conductive elements, each conductive element extending between, and being thermally coupled to, the first and second thermally conductive members. 30. A heat transferring device for thermally communicating heat energy being produced by a rolling-element bearing for a rotating shaft of one of an apparatus or system to a heat sink, where the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing is un-useable heat energy with respect to the apparatus or system, said heat transferring device comprising:a first thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the rolling-element bearing; a second thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the heat sink; a plurality or more of third thermally conductive members, a first end of each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members being thermally coupled to the first thermally conductive member and a second end of each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members being thermally coupled to the second thermally coupled conductive member; wherein each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so that a majority of the heat energy being generated by the rolling element bearing is communicated to the heat sink via the first thermally conductive members, the plurality of third thermally conductive members and the second conductive member respectively; and wherein each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so as to yield a structure that allows relative motion between the first and second thermally conductive members. 31. The heat transferring device of claim 30 wherein each of the plurality of third thermally conductive members is configured and arranged so that one of at least 50% or 80% of the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing is communicated to the second thermally conductive member via the plurality of third thermally conductive members.32. The heat transferring device of claim 30, wherein the structure yielded allows relative motion in one of in one direction, in two directions or in three directions.33. The heat transferring device of claim 30, wherein the structure yielded allows relative motion in at least one of a radial direction, an axial direction, or an angular direction.34. The heat transferring device of claim 33, wherein the structure yielded has spring constants in each of the axial, radial and angular directions that are equal to or less than a desired value for each of the axial, radial and angular directions.35. An apparatus including a rotating member comprising:a rolling-element bearing that rotatbly supports the rotating member and that generates un-useable heat energy with respect to the apparatus; a heat transferring device including a plurality of flexible thermally conductive members, where a first end of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is thermally coupled to the rolling element bearing and where a second end of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is thermally coupled to a heat sink. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members are configured and arranged so that at least some of the heat energy being generated by the rolling-element bearing that rotatbly supports the rotating member is communicated to the heat sink.37. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members are configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the rolling-element bearing and a portion of the heat sink.38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the relative motion being allowed is in one of in one direction, in two directions or in three directions.39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the relative motion being allowed is in at least one of a radial direction, an axial direction, or an angular direction with respect to the rolling-element bearing.40. A flywheel energy storage system comprising:a flywheel; a shaft to which is secured the flywheel; at least one bearing assembly that rotatably supports the shaft; a heat sink; a heat conduction device for said at least one bearing assembly, the heat conduction device including a flexible thermally conductive member, a first end of which is thermally coupled to the at least one bearing assembly, and a second end of which is thermally coupled to a heat sink; and wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is comprised of a plurality or more of flexible elements. 41. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 40, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so that at least some of the heat energy being generated by the at least one bearing assembly is communicated to the heat sink.42. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 41, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so that a majority of the heat energy being generated by the bearing assembly is communicated to the heat sink heat conduction device.43. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 41 wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so that one of at least 50% or 80% of the heat energy being generated by the bearing assembly is communicated to the heat sink via the heat conduction device.44. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 40, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the at least one bearing assembly and a portion of the heat sink.45. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 44, wherein the relative motion being allowed is in one of in one direction, in two directions or in three directions.46. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 44, wherein the relative motion being allowed is in at least one of a radial direction, an axial direction, or an angular direction.47. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 46, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so as to have spring constants in each of the axial, radial and angular directions that are equal to or less than a desired value for each of the axial, radial and angular directions.48. A flywheel energy storage system comprising:a flywheel; a shaft to which is secured the flywheel; at least one bearing assembly that rotatably supports the shaft; a heat sink; a heat conduction device for said at least one bearing assembly, the heat conduction device including a flexible thermally conductive member, a first end of which is thermally coupled to the at least one bearing assembly, and a second end of which is thermally coupled to a heat sink; and a plurality of flexible thermally conductive members, where the first end of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is thermally coupled to the at least one bearing assembly and where the second end of each of the plurality of flexible thermally conductive members is thermally coupled to the heat sink. 49. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 40, further comprising:a first thermally conductive member being configured and arranged to thermally couple the first end of the flexible thermally conductive member to the at least one bearing assembly; and a second thermally conductive member being configured and arranged to thermally couple the second end of the flexible thermally conductive member to the heat sink. 50. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 49, wherein the first thermally conductive member and the second thermally conductive member are arranged such that the flexible thermally conductive member extends therebetween in on of a generally radial direction or a generally axially direction.51. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 50, wherein at least a portion of the flexible thermally conductive member extending therebetween is arcuate.52. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 40, wherein the flexible thermally conductive member comprises a thermally conductive material that is at least one of copper, aluminum, silver and carbon.53. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 49, wherein each of the first and second thermally conductive members comprises a thermally conductive material that is at least one of copper, aluminum, silver and carbon.54. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 40, further comprising a plurality of heat conduction devices for said at least one bearing assembly.55. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 40, wherein the flexible, thermally conductive member is arcuate.56. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 48, wherein each of the plurality of flexible, thermally conductive members is arcuate.57. A flywheel energy storage system comprising:a flywheel; a shaft to which is secured the flywheel; at least one bearing assembly that rotatably supports the shaft; a heat sink; a heat conduction device for said at least one bearing assembly, the heat conduction device including a flexible thermally conductive member, a first end of which is thermally coupled to the at least one bearing assembly, and a second end of which is thermally coupled to a heat sink; and wherein the flexible thermally conductive member is a flexible multi-strand cable, where one or more strands comprises a thermally conductive material. 58. A flywheel energy storage system comprising:a flywheel; a shaft to which is secured the flywheel; a heat sink; a plurality of bearing assemblies that rotatably supports the shaft; a heat conduction device for said at least one bearing assembly, the heat conduction device including a plurality of heat conduction devices at least one for each of the plurality of bearing assemblies; and wherein each of the plurality of the heat conduction devices includes a flexible thermally conductive member, where a first end of the flexible thermally conductive member of said at least one of the plurality of heat conduction devices is thermally coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of bearing assemblies, and where a second end of the flexible thermally conductive member of said at least one of the plurality of heat conduction devices is thermally coupled to the heat sink. 59. A flywheel energy storage system comprising:a flywheel; a shaft to which is secured the flywheel; at least one bearing assembly that rotatably supports the shaft; a heat sink; a plurality of heat conduction devices for said at least one bearing assembly, the heat conduction device including: a first thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to said at least one bearing assembly; a second thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the heat sink; a third thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the first and second thermally conductive members such that at least some of the heat energy being generated by said at least one bearing assembly is thermally conducted to the heat sink via the first, third and second conductive members respectively; and wherein the third thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the first and second thermally conductive members. 60. A flywheel energy storage system comprising:a flywheel; a shaft to which is secured the flywheel; a plurality of bearing assembly that rotatably supports the shaft; a heat sink; a plurality of heat conduction devices, at least one heat conduction device for each of said plurality of bearing assemblies, each of the plurality of heat conduction devices including: a first thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to said at least one bearing assembly; a second thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the heat sink; a third thermally conductive member that is thermally coupled to the first and second thermally conductive members such that at least some of the heat energy being generated by said at least one bearing assembly is thermally conducted to the heat sink via the first, third and second conductive members respectively; and wherein the third thermally conductive member is configured and arranged so as to allow relative motion between the first and second thermally conductive members. 61. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 60, wherein there is a plurality of heat conduction devices for each of said plurality of bearing assemblies.62. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 59, wherein the relative motion being allowed is in one of in one direction, in two directions or in three directions.63. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 59, wherein the relative motion being allowed is in at least one of a radial direction, an axial direction, or an angular direction.64. A flywheel energy storage system comprising:a flywheel; a shaft to which is secured the flywheel; at least one bearing assembly that rotatably supports the shaft; a heat sink; a heat conduction device for said at least one bearing assembly, the heat conduction device including: a first thermally conductive member that is thermally, conductively interconnected to said at least one bearing assembly; a second thermally conductive member that is thermally, conductively interconnected to the heat sink; a multiplicity of arcuate, flexible, thermally, conductive elements, each conductive element extending between, and being thermally interconnected to, the first and second thermally conductive members such that at least some of the heat energy being generated by the bearing assembly is thermally conducted to the heat sink via the first conductive member, the multiplicity of conductive elements and the second conductive member respectively; wherein each conductive element is a flexible multi-strand cable, each strand be made from a thermally conductive material; and wherein the multiplicity of conductive elements are configured and arranged so as to yield a structure that allows relative motion between the first and second thermally conductive members. 65. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 64, wherein the structure yielded allows relative motion in one of in one direction, in two directions or in three directions.66. The flywheel energy storage system of claim 64, wherein the structure yielded allows relative motion in at least one of a radial direction, an axial direction, or an angular direction.