NEMA Minimum Sheave Diameters

When designing a new v-belt drive or troubleshooting an existing system, it is important to consider the NEMA (National Electric Motor Association) minimum sheave recommendations in cases where a NEMA motor frame is used or general guidelines need to be referenced.  These recommendations ensure that excessive force is not applied to the motor shaft and bearings which can cause decreased life, efficiency, and performance.

For any additional questions feel free to contact us at ptpasupport@gates.com or 303-744-5800.

NAHBS 2014

This coming weekend is NAHBS 2014.  NAHBS stands for National American Handmade Bicycle Show.  This year the show is located in Charlotte, NC.  Gates is again a sponsor for this show, and this year we are doing something special.  This year Gates is hosting an E-bike Showcase.  An E-bike is an electric assist bicycle.  This is a bicycle with a battery and a motor, but is powered only to assist the rider - not to propel the rider without input such as a scooter or motorcycle.  This means that as long as you are putting power into the bicycle, you can expect some assistance from the battery and motor.  These bikes are great for people who are a little worried about getting somewhere on a bike.  Maybe that big hill is too daunting?  Maybe a bike full of groceries is too heavy to pedal home?  Maybe you'd like to ride to work, but you can't come in all sweaty?  All of these are great reasons to consider an E-bike.  They are becoming a more popular choice every year.

"Why is Gates involved, they don't make motors?"  This is correct, we don't.  However, E-bikes make things simple for the rider, and so does Gates Carbon Drive.  Our belt drive solution to bicycling makes riding cleaner, with less maintenance, which is a great combination with a bike that helps you get where you need to go without thinking about it.  It just works, and it lasts longer with less work from the rider.

So if you're in the Charlotte area this weekend, come check out NAHBS 2014 and our fantastic E-bike showcase.  Not in the area?  You can keep up with the show on our Carbon Drive Blog at: http://blog.gatescarbondrive.com/

FIRST Scholarship

In support of the FIRST mission, Gates Corporation is offering one merit-based scholarship, for $4,000 per year for four years, to high school seniors who have participated on a 2014 FIRST Robotics Competition Team. This scholarship may be utilized for an Engineering course of study at any United States college or university that holds accredited status.

• Three (3) finalists will be chosen from essay entries. Phone interview with the finalists will determine the ultimate scholarship winner.
• Essays must be received by Gates by end of day April 30, 2014.
• Finalists to be selected by May 31, 2014.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

• Be a senior in high school for the 2013-2014 school year
• Have participated on a team during the 2013 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
• Provide evidence that your 2014 FRC team used a Gates belt on its competition robot
• Provide proof of enrollment every year for renewal

Submission of Scholarship Application Package

Your complete 2014 Gates FIRST Scholarship application package must be submitted online, no later than April 30, 2014, 11:59 p.m. MST. Scholarship application packages submitted after the deadline will not be considered. 

Application package includes:

• A completed Gates FIRST Scholarship Online Application
• A one page or shorter answer to the Gates 2014 Challenge Question, uploaded as a Word doc, PDF or image file. The 2014 Challenge Question will be posted on this website (www.gates.com/FIRST).
• A one page or shorter letter of recommendation from an adult mentor/coach on your FIRST team, confirming the use of a belt drive on the competition robot and your participation in the 2014 FRC season, uploaded as a Word doc, PDF or image file.

Questions? Email Gates at marketing@gates.com