Abstract: Cushions for disc brake pads are disposed between the brake pads and their caliper pistons or caliper fingers. The cushions possess such characteristics of resilience that, during braking action, brake pads follow irregularities and ride over high spots on rotor faces. This action significantly reduces uneven frictional drag, which lowers braking temperature increasing braking efficiency and brake system longevity. Each cushion comprises a resilient body which is further comprised of either a material, such as an elastomeric pad, or a structure such as a compressible spring or other apparatus.

Abstract: Cushions for disc brake pads are disposed between the brake pads and their caliper pistons or caliper fingers. The cushions possess such characteristics of resilience that, during braking action, brake pads follow irregularities and ride over high spots on rotor faces. This action significantly reduces uneven frictional drag, which lowers braking temperature increasing braking efficiency and brake system longevity. Each cushion comprises a resilient body which is further comprised of either a material, such as an elastomeric pad, or a structure such as a compressible spring or other apparatus.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain with a wheel and an inside-out motor. The wheel includes a hub and a rim that is disposed about the hub. The rim includes a sealing bead that is configured to sealingly engage the opposite sidewalls of an inflatable tire. The inside-out motor includes a rotor that is at least partially disposed in the rim.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain with a wheel and an inside-out motor. The wheel includes a hub and a rim that is disposed about the hub. The rim includes a sealing bead that is configured to sealingly engage the opposite sidewalls of an inflatable tire. The inside-out motor includes a rotor that is at least partially disposed in the rim.

Abstract: A suspension module that includes a suspension component, a pair of wheel hubs coupled to the suspension component, and an auxiliary drive system. The auxiliary drive system has a pair of drive units, each of which being configured to selectively provide drive torque to an associated one of the wheel hubs. Each drive unit includes an electric motor, a first reduction gear set and a clutch. The first reduction gear set is disposed between the motor and its wheel hub and multiplies torque output from the motor. The clutch is configured to selectively disconnect the motor from the associated wheel hub so that an output shaft of the motor is not drivingly coupled to the associated wheel hub when a rotational speed of the first portion does not exceed a rotational speed of the second portion. A method for operating a hybrid power train is also provided.

Abstract: A wheel drive assembly that can include a motor having an output shaft, a wheel mount that is adapted to have a wheel mounted thereto, a wheel shaft with a first end drivingly coupled to the wheel mount, and a clutch. The clutch can have a first body, a second body, and a plurality of sliders. The first body of the clutch can be coupled for rotation with the wheel shaft, and the second body of the clutch can be coupled for rotation with the output shaft of the motor. The sliders of the clutch can be movably mounted to the first body and biased into engagement with the second body. At a rotational speed above a predetermined speed, the sliders can move radially outwardly and disengage the second body.

Abstract: A two wheeled, electrically powered vehicle having an outer contour resembling a piece of luggage and including a handlebar controlled steering column which is retractable into the luggage shaped vehicle to facilitate the carrying of the vehicle. The steering column is connected to one of the wheels and is movable to facilitate the steering of the vehicle while, at the same time, an electrically powered motor mounted to the steering column provides the motive force for driving the steered wheel to propel the vehicle.