Abstract: The present invention provides a tire for a vehicle comprising: a rotation axis, a midplane at a central position along the rotation axis; a circumferential tread portion around the rotation axis, the circumferential tread portion comprising: a tread pattern exhibiting at least a first pitch pattern and a second pitch pattern each comprising: a center block crossed by the midplane, and two side block alignments, said side block alignments being inclined with respect to one another and extending from the center block; the first pitch pattern including: a first pitch length, a first number of blocks; the second pitch pattern including: a second pitch length which is shorter than the first pitch length, and a third number of blocks which is greater than the first number of blocks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-pneumatic tire comprising a hub portion and a ring member arranged essentially concentrically about the hub portion, wherein the ring member comprises a tread portion on its radially outer side. Moreover, the tire comprises a sidewall connecting the hub portion with the ring member, wherein the sidewall comprises multiple sidewall members, each sidewall member being connected on a first side to the hub portion and on a second side to the ring member. Adjacent sidewall members overlap at least partially in a manner whereby they can move relatively to each other under tire loading conditions, such as when the tire is mounted on a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a non-pneumatic tire comprising a hub portion, a ring member essentially concentrically arranged about the hub portion, a plurality of tread portions radially extending out of a radially outer surface of the ring member, and a plurality of spokes extending from a radially outer surface of the hub portion to a radially inner surface of the ring member for supporting the ring member on the hub portion. Moreover, the tire comprises a plurality of channels fluidly connecting the hub portion with radially inner sides of the tread portions. In addition, the present invention is directed to a kit comprising such a tire and a capsule receivable in the tire.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire for an electric vehicle includes a pair of bead areas, a ground-contacting tread disposed radially outwardly of the pair of bead areas, and a pair of sidewalls. Each sidewall extends from a respective bead area to the tread. The tread joins each sidewall at a respective shoulder and the shoulders include an inboard shoulder and an outboard shoulder. A radius on the inboard shoulder is larger than a radius on the outboard shoulder. Physical features are formed on the tread, and each feature is formed in the shape of a fin. The features increase air flow towards an electric vehicle motor located inboardly of the tire. At least one of the fins includes a leading edge formed with micro-features.

Abstract: A flying machine having a light weight housing is described. Th light weight housing includes a cabin for housing one or more passengers, a flight control system, and at least two nonpneumatic wheels. Each non-pneumatic wheel includes a ground contacting annular tread portion; a plurality of vanes extending between a hub of the non-pneumatic wheel and the annular tread, wherein each vane is formed of a reinforced layer of fabric, wherein each nonpneumatic wheel is mounted on a rotatable support arm, and wherein the wheel is rotated at a high rate of speed to generate lift of the flying machine.

Abstract: A system for sensing tire parameters in the remote monitoring and management of a fleet of autonomous vehicles is provided. The system includes at least one autonomous vehicle that is supported by at least one tire. At least one sensor is affixed to the tire for sensing tire parameters. Means are provided for communicating data generated by the sensor to a control system on the vehicle, and a mobile network receives the sensor data from the vehicle control system. A fleet management server receives the sensor data from the mobile network, and means are provided to generate commands for the autonomous vehicle in real time based upon the data generated by the sensor. A method for sensing tire parameters in the remote monitoring and management of a fleet of autonomous vehicles is also provided.

Abstract: A tire for an autonomous vehicle includes a pair of sidewalls that extend to a ground-engaging tread. The tread includes a plurality of hexagonally-shaped tread elements, and the tire includes an outer diameter that is at least four times larger than a width of the tread. Selected hexagonally-shaped tread elements may be formed with features to increase traction on icy roads.

Abstract: An assembly determines operating parameters of a tire. The assembly includes a tripod sensor mounted within an inner cavity of the tire underneath a crown portion and an innerliner on which the tripod sensor is mounted. The tripod sensor includes a tri-axial accelerometer for creating a circumferential signal for determining slip ratio, a lateral signal for determining a slip angle, and a radial signal for determining load on the tire.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle travels along a road surface and rotates relative to the road surface and the vehicle. The first support assembly includes a spherical tread layer for contacting the road surface, a foam layer adjacent the spherical tread layer, the foam layer including adjustable elements for altering an outer physical contour of the spherical tread layer, the outer physical contour contacting the road surface, a spherical wheel/tire for supporting the spherical tread layer and the vehicle, and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the spherical wheel/tire relative to the vehicle such that no portion of the spherical tread layer physically contacts the vehicle.

Abstract: A support assembly for a vehicle travels along a road surface and rotates relative to the road surface and the vehicle. The first support assembly includes a spherical tread layer for contacting the road surface, a foam layer adjacent the spherical tread layer, the foam layer including adjustable elements for altering an outer physical contour of the spherical tread layer, the outer physical contour contacting the road surface, a spherical wheel/tire for supporting the spherical tread layer and the vehicle, and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the spherical wheel/tire relative to the vehicle such that no portion of the spherical tread layer physically contacts the vehicle.