Abstract: An electric connector assembly is provided that is designed to provide a simple and reliable electric connection between a source of electric power on an aircraft and a plurality of electrical connections, such as those from stator windings, in an electric drive means powering an aircraft landing gear drive wheel. The plurality of drive means electrical connections are individually connected to power distribution elements designed to significantly reduce the number of connectors required to establish an electrical connection between the drive means and an aircraft power supply. The reduced number of connectors is directed out of the wheel and guided along a path by a path guide element to a connector element designed to connect directly with a wire harness or other connection with an aircraft source of electric power. This electric connector design facilitates disconnection and reconnection when removal and remounting of the drive wheel is required.

Abstract: A traction control system and method are provided for an aircraft equipped with a ground travel drive system with drive wheels powered by onboard wheel drive means that are capable of translating torque through the aircraft drive wheels and that are automatically controllable to control traction without reliance on the aircraft's brakes to keep the aircraft moving efficiently and autonomously on the ground under a range of environmental conditions.

Abstract: A system and method for generating artificial light for interior or exterior illumination are provided to illuminate interior and exterior underground, underwater, ground level, and above ground structures and spaces by employing various combinations of solar photovoltaic-generated power and conventional power to directly power LED or other light sources to provide interior or exterior illumination of a desired optimal intensity. One embodiment of this system provides a virtual skylight that illuminates interior structures and spaces with the benefits of illumination provided by a conventional skylight but without the disadvantages. A direct connection between a solar photovoltaic cell and the LED or other light-producing source eliminates complex and costly circuitry in both interior and exterior applications. The system is configured to provide, alternatively, solar PV power and/or conventional power as required to maintain artificial illumination at a desired optimum threshold intensify.

Abstract: A compact in-wheel vehicle motor and gearing system designed to meet high power and torque requirements for driving a vehicle on the ground independently of other power sources is provided. The motor and gearing system includes a motor assembly with an outside rotor element mounted for rotation about an inside stator element and a gear assembly with a plurality of gear stages mounted inside the stator and drivingly connected to the motor assembly. The motor assembly and gear assembly are mounted interiorly of the wheel and completely within a space defined by the internal dimensions of the wheel. This motor and gearing system can be effectively installed in an existing aircraft wheel without changes to other components to produce a drive wheel with the torque and power required to move the aircraft independently on the ground.

Abstract: Diode devices are disclosed in which the separation of the electrodes is set and controlled using piezo-electric, electrostrictive or magnetostrictive actuators. This avoids problems associated with electrode spacing changing or distorting as a result of heat stress. In addition it allows the operation of these devices at electrode separations which permit quantum electron tunneling between them. Pairs of electrodes whose surfaces replicate each other are also disclosed. These may be used in constructing devices with very close electrode spacings.

Abstract: An electrical generator, consisting of a high phase order generator and a high phase order cycloconverter. Output from said cycloconverter may be high phase order, three phase, single phase, or direct current. Output from said cycloconverter may be of arbitrary frequency, voltage, and phase. Power electronic components are smaller and more efficiently used. Slower and therefor less expensive devices may be beneficially used. Variable speed resources may be used without the use of a DC to DC converter, enhancing power production efficiency. In a beneficial embodiment of the present invention, said cycloconverter is used to provide power directly to a high phase order motor, whereby diesel electric drive means may be constructed to higher specific power and higher efficiency.

Abstract: A Vacuum Diode Heat Pump is optimized for the most efficient pumping of heat by utilizing a cathode and anode of very low work function. The relationship of the work functions of cathode and anode are shown to be optimized when the cathode work function is the minimum value required to maintain current density saturation at the desired temperature, while the anode's work function is as low as possible, and in any case lower than the cathode's work function. When this relationship is obtained, the efficiency of the original device is improved. It is further shown that contact potential difference between cathode and anode may be set against the effects of space charge, resulting in an improved device whereby anode and cathode may be set at a greater distance from each other than has been previously envisaged.