Abstract: A four-speed transaxle for an electric vehicle comprises four planetary gear sets that is operatively connected to an electric motor, four electric caliper brake systems and one stage gears. The four-speed transaxle produces its first speed ratio when a first and third electric caliper brake systems are disengaged and a second and fourth electric caliper brake systems are engaged. Second speed ratio results when the first and fourth electric caliper brake systems are engaged and the second and third electric caliper brake systems are disengaged. Third speed ratio results when the second and third electric caliper brake systems are engaged and the first and fourth electric caliper brake systems are disengaged. Fourth speed ratio is produced when the first and third electric caliper brake systems are engaged and the second and fourth electric caliper brake systems are disengaged.

Abstract: A hybrid transmission device includes six planetary gear sets mechanically-operatively connected to an internal combustion engine and two motor/generators adapted to selectively transmit mechanical power to an output member through selective application of eight caliper brake systems. Each planetary gear set has a sun gear and a ring gear, each of which meshingly engage a plurality of planet gears. The first and second motor/generators are coaxially aligned with each other as well as six planetary gear sets. The sun gear in the first planetary gear set is connected to the first motor/generator. The sun gear in the second planetary gear set is connected to the second motor/generator. Various driving modes are provided by changing the states of the caliper brake systems and the operating modes of the engine and the first and second motor/generators.

Abstract: A disposable electronic device has a body constructed of juxtaposed lengths of an elongate, ribbon-like substrate of dielectric material secured together to establish a multiple-layered self-sustaining structure, and circuitry formed on the substrate. At least a portion of the circuitry is constructed of a deconstructable material which is deconstructed to render the device inoperative by at least one of the following: interrupting a securement of juxtaposed lengths of the substrate, exposing the deconstructable material to at least one of ambient conditions including ambient air, ambient light and ambient moisture, and reaching a predetermined accumulated amount of time during which the circuitry is operated. At least a portion of the substrate is constructed of deconstructable material which is deconstructed by exposure to at least one of the ambient conditions to render the device ready for disposal.