Abstract: A tire assembly that includes a tread portion, a rim, and at least a first band assembly positioned between the tread portion and the rim. The first band assembly includes a first SMA element having an outer surface and a first bead member having an outer surface. The first SMA element extends circumferentially about the tire assembly and the first bead member extends circumferentially about the tire assembly. The first band assembly also includes a plurality of fiber reinforcement members. Each of the plurality of fiber reinforcement members extend around the outer surface of the first SMA element and the outer surface of the first bead member to form the first band assembly.

Abstract: A wheel assembly that includes an outer rim assembly with a first outer rim portion, a second outer rim portion, and a plurality of outer cross members extending between the first and second outer rim portions, a tire assembly secured to the outer rim assembly, and at least a first bump stop assembly. The tire assembly includes an outer main body portion that includes first and second outer side wall portions and an outer contact portion extending transversely between the first and second outer side wall portions. The first bump stop assembly includes a first inner rim portion, a second inner rim portion and an inner main body portion. The inner main body portion includes first and second inner side wall portions and an inner contact portion extending transversely between the first and second inner side wall portions. The inner contact portion is coupled to the outer contact portion.

Abstract: A wheel assembly that includes an outer rim assembly with a first outer rim portion, a second outer rim portion, and a plurality of outer cross members extending between the first and second outer rim portions, a tire assembly secured to the outer rim assembly, and at least a first bump stop assembly. The tire assembly includes an outer main body portion that includes first and second outer side wall portions and an outer contact portion extending transversely between the first and second outer side wall portions. The first bump stop assembly includes a first inner rim portion, a second inner rim portion and an inner main body portion. The inner main body portion includes first and second inner side wall portions and an inner contact portion extending transversely between the first and second inner side wall portions. The inner contact portion is coupled to the outer contact portion.

Abstract: A wheel assembly that includes an outer rim assembly with a first outer rim portion, a second outer rim portion, and a plurality of outer cross members extending between the first and second outer rim portions, a tire assembly secured to the outer rim assembly, and at least a first bump stop assembly. The tire assembly includes an outer main body portion that includes first and second outer side wall portions and an outer contact portion extending transversely between the first and second outer side wall portions. The first bump stop assembly includes a first inner rim portion, a second inner rim portion and an inner main body portion. The inner main body portion includes first and second inner side wall portions and an inner contact portion extending transversely between the first and second inner side wall portions. The inner contact portion is coupled to the outer contact portion.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy elements (“SMAs”) are bonded, encased, or encapsulated with one or more polymers to form an integrated component with unique elastic, pseudoelastic, and load-bearing properties.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating the greatest achievement need in a school for a group of students. The method includes the steps of calculating a plurality of indexes directed to various aspects of student achievement in a particular subject and combining the plurality of indexes to derive a total index for the particular subject. The process is repeated in order to calculate the total index for each subject. Thereafter, the total indexes for each subject are compared and the area of greatest achievement need is determined in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A system and method for managing content utilizes a relational database management system, which organizes materials such as curriculum materials into, for example, an organizational hierarchy. The system and method allows a user to align materials to a variety of standards including, for example, local, school district, state, and national standards. The system and method also enables a user assess student performance to determine which areas of a curriculum are meeting standards and which require improvement and modification. The system and method further enables the user to assess the effectiveness of a curriculum and curriculum materials by integrating student performance data with such factors as curriculum materials used, assignment histories, and student profile data.