Abstract: Grouping pseudowires based on hardware interfaces and configured control paths enables improved pseudowire failover performance. Signaling status changes (e.g., from standby to active status) is facilitated by using group IDs for the pseudowire groups, thereby enabling improved failover performance when there is disruption in the network.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for scanning and indexing data for different purposes. Included is a universal engine operable to scan and index data stored in at least one device, for a plurality of different purposes. Further provided is at least one application for controlling the universal engine to perform the scanning and indexing for at least one of the different purposes.

Abstract: An electric powered vehicle includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are coupled to one of the drive wheels. At its maximum power within the system, the second drive unit drives the vehicle at a higher speed than the first drive unit. A clutch automatically disengages the first drive unit from the drive wheel while the second drive unit is operating. The clutch may include a uni-directional device. An electronic control unit automatically adjusts the voltage supplied to the second drive unit to maintain the efficiency of the second electric drive unit within a predetermined efficiency range.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for scanning and indexing data for different purposes. Included is a universal engine operable to scan and index data stored in at least one device, for a plurality of different purposes. Further provided is at least one application for controlling the universal engine to perform the scanning and indexing for at least one of the different purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for efficiently controlling an automatic transmission in an electric vehicle. The method may be implemented by selection of one of at least two belt clutches having different ratios. The timing for disengagement and engagement of each clutch and the proper sequencing of the disengagement and engagement of the clutches is determined to optimize the efficiency of the transmission. A direct drive motor is directly coupled to the transmission's output shaft to provide momentary power to maintain a nearly constant rate of acceleration during shifting. The method may further be applied for shifting an electric vehicle with a first motor coupled to an output shaft through a single belt clutch and a direct drive motor.

Abstract: A three wheel vehicle rear drive suspension design reduces unsprung weight to improve safety and efficiency. A motor mount is connected between a swivel and a live rear axle housing. The swivel is positioned to allow free motion of the live rear axle, for example, between front frame mounting points of leaf springs. A first motor is attached to the motor mount near the swivel and as a result is mostly sprung weight. The first motor may be a low speed motor for starting out, and the vehicle may include a second high speed motor mounted vertical opposite the first motor also close to the swivel.

Abstract: An improved belt clutch engages to couple one shaft to at least one other shaft and disengaged to decouple the shafts. Known belt clutches fail to smoothly and completely disengage the belt from traction pulleys on the shafts and drag results. The improved belt clutch includes rollers outlining the engaged belt and constrain the disengaged belt to smoothly and completely disengage the belt from the traction pulleys. The new improved belt clutch provides, among other things, higher efficiency when driven in either direction and smoother operation when engaged or disengaged at high speed than prior art belt clutches.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes a frame mounted motor connected to pedals and to a rear driven wheel through an intermediate jackshaft. The motor is connected to the jackshaft through a chain or belt. The pedals are connected to the jackshaft through a chain or belt and a jackshaft-pedal freewheel which allows the pedals to drive the jackshaft, but prevents the jackshaft from driving the pedal. The jackshaft is connected to the driven wheel through another chain or belt, and a second freewheel allows the jackshaft to drive the driven wheel but prevents the driven wheel from driving the jackshaft using the same chain or belt. Another chain or belt may additionally connect the driven wheel to the jackshaft through a third freewheel to recharge batteries during braking or while coasting downhill.

Abstract: An electric powered vehicle includes a first drive unit and a second drive unit. The first drive unit and the second drive unit are coupled to one of the drive wheels. At its maximum power within the system, the second drive unit drives the vehicle at a higher speed than the first drive unit. A clutch automatically disengages the first drive unit from the drive wheel while the second drive unit is operating. The clutch may include a uni-directional device. An electronic control unit automatically adjusts the voltage supplied to the second drive unit to maintain the efficiency of the second electric drive unit within a predetermined efficiency range.

Abstract: A brake is provided on a vehicle. The vehicle includes two drive wheels on two independent drive axles, respectively. The drive wheels are attached to the outside ends of the drive axles. Both drive wheels and drive axles (e.g., left and right) rotate on about the same axis as one another. On each drive axle, a brake disc is attached close to the inside end of the drive axle. A friction element (e.g., a brake friction material disc) is provided between the two brake discs. A brake device (e.g., brake caliper) is coupled to the frame of the vehicle. When the brake is applied, the brake device exerts a clamping force on the discs.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle includes a frame mounted motor connected to pedals and to a rear driven wheel through an intermediate jackshaft. The motor is connected to the jackshaft through a chain or belt. The pedals are connected to the jackshaft through a chain or belt and a jackshaft-pedal freewheel which allows the pedals to drive the jackshaft, but prevents the jackshaft from driving the pedal. The jackshaft is connected to the driven wheel through another chain or belt, and a second freewheel allows the jackshaft to drive the driven wheel but prevents the driven wheel from driving the jackshaft using the same chain or belt. Another chain or belt may additionally connect the driven wheel to the jackshaft through a third freewheel to recharge batteries during braking or while coasting downhill.

Abstract: An electrically powered bicycle includes a hub motor, which is mounted to the bicycle frame by its axle. A drive sprocket mounted to the outer case of motor is engaged by a chain to the sprocket on a multi-speed hub on the rear wheel, so that when the motor turns, it drives the wheel. A freewheel, also mounted to the outer case of motor, is engaged by a chain to the large sprocket on the pedal crank, such that when the motor is operating, it does not turn the pedal sprocket. When the pedals and the motor are both operating and the sprocket on the freewheel is rotated as fast as the motor, the pedals can drive the motor, and consequently, the bicycle. An additional driven sprocket is mounted to the motor case and an additional freewheel is mounted to the multi-speed hub, and both are connected by a third chain so that when the bicycle is coasting (i.e., the motor is not driving the rear wheel), the rear wheel will drive the motor to provide downhill, regenerative braking capability.

Abstract: A method of forming a moldable fabric face composite. The fabric is formed in a knit or woven structure using underdrawn POY yarns and laminated to a low permeability plastically deformable backing for introduction to a mold. The underdrawn POY yams impart a stretch characteristics such that the fabric undergoes plastic deformation elongation in all directions upon application of force followed by low recovery after force removal.

Abstract: An electrically powered bicycle includes a hub motor, which is mounted to the bicycle frame by its axle. A drive sprocket mounted to the outer case of motor is engaged by a chain to the sprocket on a multi-speed hub on the rear wheel, so that when the motor turns, it drives the wheel. A freewheel, also mounted to the outer case of motor, is engaged by a chain to the large sprocket on the pedal crank, such that when the motor is operating, it does not turn the pedal sprocket. When the pedals and the motor are both operating and the sprocket on the freewheel is rotated as fast as the motor, the pedals can drive the motor, and consequently, the bicycle.

Abstract: A braking system preferably for an in-line skate includes a brake pad mounted to a forward end of a skate frame and an elevated front wheel attached to the skate frame by two pivot arms. The pivot arms are biased forward which is in a clockwise direction with respect to their pivot point. When skating normally, the pivot arms bias the wheel against the brake pad, but the wheel is elevated from the skating surface and thus the brake is not engaged. When skating in a rearward direction, or desiring a push start, the skater rotates the toe portion of the skate downward and raises the heel. The front wheel will engage the skating surface and the reaction force on the wheel due to friction between it and the skating surface will urge the wheel forward and increase the contact pressure between it and the brake pad.

Abstract: An automatic dual-function clutch for use on an engine-assisted vehicle comprises a case hardened ground shaft through-bored to form a hollow shaft. The hollow shaft is counter-bored on each end to accept drawn cup needle bearings on each end. One end of the shaft is pressed into or otherwise fixedly mounted to the drum hub of the centrifugal clutch. A clutch bearing is preferably pressed into the shoe assembly hub of the centrifugal clutch and fitted over the hollow shaft. A “V” belt pulley is fixedly mounted to each side of the centrifugal clutch concentric with the hubs, and the entire assembly is rotatably mounted on a second case hardened shaft, which in turn is fixedly mounted to the engine through arms on each end of the shaft.

Abstract: A braking system preferably for an in-line skate includes a brake pad mounted to a forward end of a skate frame and an elevated front wheel attached to the skate frame by two pivot arms. The pivot arms are biased forward which is in a clockwise direction with respect to their pivot point. When skating normally, the pivot arms bias the wheel against the brake pad, but the wheel is elevated from the skating surface and thus the brake is not engaged. When skating in a rearward direction, or desiring a push start, the skater rotates the toe portion of the skate downward and raises the heel. The front wheel will engage the skating surface and the reaction force on the wheel due to friction between it and the skating surface will urge the wheel forward and increase the contact pressure between it and the brake pad.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate incorporating at least one counter-rotatable braking device and at least one raised braking wheel in the front of the skating wheels. The braking wheel has upward freedom of movement toward the braking device so that the braking wheel is in contact with the braking device when the skate is tilted forward onto the braking wheel. The counter-rotatable braking device resists rotation of the braking wheel in the backward skating direction to provide skid free braking effect against the skating surface in proportion to the weight applied to the braking wheel and allows free rotation of the braking wheel along the skating surface in the forward direction in the event the braking wheel unintentionally contacts the skating surface.

Abstract: A braking system preferably for an in-line skate includes a brake pad mounted to a forward end of a skate frame and an elevated front wheel attached to the skate frame by two pivot arms. The pivot arms are biased forward which is in a clockwise direction with respect to their pivot point. When skating normally, the pivot arms bias the wheel against the brake pad, but the wheel is elevated from the skating surface and thus the brake is not engaged. When skating in a rearward direction, or desiring a push start, the skater rotates the toe portion of the skate downward and raises the heel. The front wheel will engage the skating surface and the reaction force on the wheel due to friction between it and the skating surface which will urge the wheel forward and increase the contact pressure between it and the brake pad.

Abstract: A protective uniform for a high-risk or high-impact activity or sport has a rear rigid shell, an artificial spine which may articulate at two sections attached to the shell, and a damper mechanism between the shell and artificial spine. In addition, the artificial spine may be attached to conventional or modified back and hip pads and/or a harness such as worn by rappellers or skydivers. The shell preferably extends from the wearer's head to the tailbone and across the back. The top portion of the shell together with side shields and a face shield form a protective enclosure for the head, inside of which a conventional helmet may be worn. The side shields preferably are movably connected to the rigid shell and are also connected to conventional or modified shoulder pads. The artificial spine is preferably formed in three sections, each section being connected to the other by a limited range universal joint to provide a range of motion comparable to the human neck and the human back.