Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for illuminating the surface of a wheel with one or more light source assemblies positioned within the rotating reference frame of the wheel. The amount of light from the light source assemblies reflected from the wheel surface is greater than the amount of light, from the light source assemblies, that is directed away from the wheel surface. The light source assemblies may include a shield to reduce the amount of light that is directed away from the wheel surface. The light source assemblies may include various light-directing devices to direct light toward the wheel surface and to help reduce the amount of light from the light source assemblies, that is directed away from the wheel surface. The surface of the wheel may be modified to help direct the light, reflected from the wheel surface, to a specified observation region.

Abstract: A wheel lighting/illumination system is disclosed that incorporates a wireless link to accomplish a number of functions including controlling lighting elements that are coupled to, or are part of, a wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching wheels to a vehicle in a manner that provides a platform for attaching additional devices. The additional device is attached in a manner that maintains minimal axial extension of the wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating power in a rotating environment without access to the axis of rotation. A non-center engagement generator is implemented within the rotating reference frame of a vehicle wheel. Further, a method and apparatus detect a potential rollover state and prevent occurrence of a rollover state or eliminate a rollover state once attained.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing strobe effects for a wheel lighting system or wheel illuminating system. For one embodiment, a strobe device for a wheel lighting system includes a tachometer to determine a rotational frequency of a wheel, and a strobing element capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode. When operating in the first mode, the strobing frequency is related to the rotational frequency of the wheel. When operating in the second mode the strobing frequency is independent of the rotational frequency of the wheel. For one embodiment, the lighting elements, tachometer, and other components of the system are implemented completely within the rotating reference frame of the wheel. One embodiment of the invention provides a wheel illumination system having one or more strobing light source assemblies positioned within a rotating reference frame of the wheel to provide stroboscopic effects for the wheel's street side surfaces.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for generating power in a rotating environment without access to the axis of rotation. For one embodiment of the invention a non-center engagement generator is implemented within the rotating reference frame of a vehicle wheel. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for detecting a potential rollover state and for preventing occurrence of a rollover state or eliminating a rollover state once attained.

Abstract: A wheel lighting/illumination system is disclosed that incorporates a wireless link to accomplish a number of functions including controlling lighting elements that are coupled to, or are part of, a wheel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for illuminating the surface of a wheel with one or more light source assemblies positioned within the rotating reference frame of the wheel. The amount of light from the light source assemblies reflected from the wheel surface is greater than the amount of light, from the light source assemblies, that is directed away from the wheel surface. The light source assemblies may include a shield to reduce the amount of light that is directed away from the wheel surface. The light source assemblies may include various light-directing devices to direct light toward the wheel surface and to help reduce the amount of light from the light source assemblies, that is directed away from the wheel surface. The surface of the wheel may be modified to help direct the light, reflected from the wheel surface, to a specified observation region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing strobe effects for a wheel lighting system or wheel illuminating system. For one embodiment, a strobe device for a wheel lighting system includes a tachometer to determine a rotational frequency of a wheel, and a strobing element capable of operating in a first mode and a second mode. When operating in the first mode, the strobing frequency is related to the rotational frequency of the wheel. When operating in the second mode the strobing frequency is independent of the rotational frequency of the wheel. For one embodiment, the lighting elements, tachometer, and other components of the system are implemented completely within the rotating reference frame of the wheel. One embodiment of the invention provides a wheel illumination system having one or more strobing light source assemblies positioned within a rotating reference frame of the wheel to provide stroboscopic effects for the wheel's street side surfaces.