Abstract: A hub drive includes an in-hub motor and a shifting in-hub transmission coupled with the motor. A hub drive wheel assembly includes a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel. A vehicle includes a chassis, a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel for rotating the wheel with respect to the chassis. A method includes providing a shifting transmission and a motor coupled with the transmission in a hub of a wheel, providing electrical power to the motor, and rotating the motor with the electrical power. The method further includes rotating the transmission with the motor and rotating the wheel with the transmission.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle has a frame carried by a group of wheels. At least one of the wheels is steerably connected to the frame. A steering handle assembly is rotatably connected to the frame. A servo valve has an input shaft connected to the steering handle assembly and an output shaft connected to a pitman arm. A linkage extends from the pitman arm to the steerable wheel or wheels. A pump draws fluid from a reservoir and passes the fluid through the servo valve before the fluid is returned to the reservoir. The servo valve redirects at least a portion of the flow to a cylinder to drive a ram within the cylinder in response to steering movement of the steering handle assembly. The ram, in turn, provides a power assist to the steerable wheel or wheels. A variable speed, constant displacement pump can be used to vary the flow rate in a manner that reduces the flow rate as the vehicle speed increases. Alternatively, a bypass can be used to vary a flow rate through the servo valve.

Abstract: A hub drive includes an in-hub motor and a shifting in-hub transmission coupled with the motor. A hub drive wheel assembly includes a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel. A vehicle includes a chassis, a wheel comprising a hub, an in-hub motor, and a shifting in-hub transmission having an input attached to the motor and an output attached to the wheel for rotating the wheel with respect to the chassis. A method includes providing a shifting transmission and a motor coupled with the transmission in a hub of a wheel, providing electrical power to the motor, and rotating the motor with the electrical power. The method further includes rotating the transmission with the motor and rotating the wheel with the transmission.

Abstract: A ground vehicle and a method for articulating a payload module for mobility assist are disclosed. The ground vehicle comprises a chassis; and a payload module capable of articulating relative to the chassis to assist the mobility of the ground vehicle. The method comprises articulating a payload module relative to a chassis.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle comprises a frame carried by a group of wheels. At least one of the wheels is steerably connected to the frame. A steering handle assembly is rotatably connected to the frame. A servo valve has an input shaft connected to the steering handle assembly and an output shaft connected to a pitman arm. A linkage extends from the pitman arm to the steerable wheel or wheels. A pump draws fluid from a reservoir and passes the fluid through the servo valve before the fluid is returned to the reservoir. The servo valve redirects at least a portion of the flow to a cylinder to drive a ram within the cylinder in response to steering movement of the steering handle assembly. The ram, in turn, provides a power assist to the steerable wheel or wheels. A variable speed, constant displacement pump can be used to vary the flow rate in a manner that reduces the flow rate as the vehicle speed increases. Alternatively, a bypass can be used to vary a flow rate through the servo valve.