Abstract: A wheel assembly for a vehicle includes a wheel drive having a housing defining an internal volume, an annular rim ring circumferentially disposed about, extending radially through, and rotatable with respect to the housing, a hollow support cylinder extending along a rotational axis of the wheel assembly, and a motor disposed within the internal volume, the motor having a rotor anchored to the rim ring, and a stator disposed radially within the rotor and anchored to the hollow support cylinder, the stator directly abutting and radially supporting the rotor. The wheel assembly further includes a wheel having a rim and a disc, and a tire mounted on the rim. The disc of the wheel is secured to the rim ring such that the rotor, the rim ring, the wheel, and the tire are rotatable about the axis.

Abstract: An electric wheel drive system, an electric generator, a hybrid internal combustion electric vehicle, and associated methods are described that include sleeve bearings rotating on support cylinders. Fluid pumps provide lubrication and cooling. Examples include hydraulic cylinders for steering one or more electric wheel drive systems independently. Suspension is also provided to individual electric wheel drive systems independently in some examples.

Abstract: A hybrid drive system and associated methods are described that include an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, and a liquid cooling system. In one example, the liquid cooling system includes an oil circulation system that cools selected components, and lubricates selected components.

Abstract: A navigation system and associate methods are described that include a plurality of fixed terrestrial based reference devices that calibrate the system by tracking positional error between the fixed terrestrial based reference devices. A navigation system and associated methods are also described that include a laser positioning system. A navigation system and associated methods are described that include an RF positioning system. In one example, the laser positioning system, and the RF positioning system cross check one another to ensure reliability and accuracy of a position measurement.

Abstract: A navigation system and associate methods are described that include a plurality of fixed terrestrial based reference devices that calibrate the system by tracking positional error between the fixed terrestrial based reference devices. A navigation system and associated methods are also described that include a laser positioning system. A navigation system and associated methods are described that include an RF positioning system. In one example, the laser positioning system, and the RF positioning system cross check one another to ensure reliability and accuracy of a position measurement.

Abstract: A navigation system and associate methods are described that include a plurality of fixed terrestrial based reference devices that calibrate the system by tracking positional error between the fixed terrestrial based reference devices. A navigation system and associated methods are also described that include a laser positioning system. A navigation system and associated methods are described that include an RF positioning system. In one example, the laser positioning system, and the RF positioning system cross check one another to ensure reliability and accuracy of a position measurement.