Abstract: A method and system for independently controlling the steering of at least two wheels of a vehicle includes a steering angle sensor for sensing a desired amount of turning of the vehicle and a direction for the desired amount of turning. An electronic control unit, in communication with the steering angle sensor, determines a first desired turning angle for one of the wheels and a second desired turning angle for the other one of the wheels based on the desired amount of turning of the vehicle and the direction of the turning of the vehicle. The second desired turning angle may be the same as or different from the first desired turning angle. Independent turning mechanisms are coupled to each of the wheels and receives control signals from the electronic control unit for controlling the turning angles of each of the wheels independently of the other wheel.

Abstract: A clutch brake assembly includes a clutch and a transmission shaft for transmitting rotational motion from the clutch to the transmission. A brake disc is rotatably driven by and slideably disposed on the transmission shaft. A clutch release member is also slideably disposed on the shaft. Brake pads are non-rotatably and removably attached to the release member and a bearing retainer on the transmission for dissipating braking energy. Each of the brake pads include a backing plate and friction material secured to the backing plate. During operation, the release member frictionally sandwiches the brake disc between the release member and the bearing retainer for reducing rotation of the shaft. The inventive brake pads are configured to facilitate replacement of the pads without disconnection of the transmission.