Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are described herein related to steering assemblies to maintain a predetermined Ackerman geometry as well as for determining dimensions of modified elliptical gears based on ratios between angles of steerage implemented at first and second steerable wheels of a vehicle to maintain a predetermined Ackerman geometry.

Abstract: A bearing device includes at least one kingpin, a carrier unit, a first bearing unit, and a second bearing unit. The first and second bearing units rotatably support the carrier unit relative to the kingpin. The first bearing unit includes an angular contact sliding bearing that includes a first bearing element, a second bearing element and a third bearing element, the first and second bearing elements being movable relative to each other during at least one operating process, and the third bearing element being disposed between the first bearing element and the second bearing element. During the operating process the third bearing element slides on the first and/or second bearing element, and the third bearing element is formed at least partially from a polymer.

Abstract: A cruise-assist image generation device includes a steering-angle information acquisition unit, an additional line generation unit generating a cruise assist additional line corresponding to acquired steering angle information and formed by combination of a given number of segments, and an additional line superimposing unit superimposing the generated cruise assist additional line on a taken image of the vehicle periphery to obtain a composite image. The additional line generation unit generates respective curved lines forming at least some of the segments by quadratic curve approximation using coordinate data corresponding to the acquired steering angle information and including coordinates of points representing each segment, and generating respective straight lines forming any remaining segments by collinear approximation using coordinate data corresponding to the acquired steering angle information.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a twelve-cornered strengthening member comprises: modeling a vehicle assembly including a strengthening member having a twelve-cornered cross section; parameterizing a geometry of the strengthening member with a plurality of control parameters; defining a design of experiment using the plurality of control parameters; modeling a vehicle using the vehicle assembly; simulating a frontal impact event with the vehicle; generating a response surface based on the frontal impact event; and determining a set of optimized control parameters for the strengthening member based on the response surface.

Abstract: A chassis for a utility vehicle, in particular for semi-trailer vehicles, is comprised of: a front subassembly assigned to a front axle region of the utility vehicle, a rear subassembly assigned to a rear axle region of the utility vehicle, and a central subassembly which connects together the front subassembly and the rear subassembly.

Abstract: A wheel catcher assembly can inhibit a wheel from moving toward a passenger compartment of a vehicle when an external force is applied to the vehicle. The wheel catcher assembly generally includes an energy absorbing bracket and a plate coupled to the energy absorbing bracket. The energy absorbing bracket includes a plurality of ridges and grooves so as to define a waveform portion. The plate is coupled to the energy absorbing bracket at the ridges such that an external force applied to the wheel catcher assembly is transferable from the plate to the energy absorbing bracket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural component 1; 21; 31; 41, in particular for a motor vehicle body, comprising a cold-formed first formed part 2; 32; 42 and a warm-formed and hardened second formed part 3; 23; 33 with a variable thickness along a longitudinal extension L2 of the second formed part 3; 23; 33, wherein the second formed part 3; 23; 33 has a connection portion 7; 27; 37 for being connected to the first formed part 2; 32; 42, wherein the connection portion 7; 27; 37 is distanced from an outer edge 13 of the first formed part 2; 32; 42 such, that the structural component 1; 21; 31; 41 has a one-layered flange portion 12 of the first formed part 2; 32; 42 between the connection portion 7; 27; 37 and the outer edge 13, and wherein the first formed part 2; 32; 42 and the second formed part 3; 23; 33 are connected to each other by means of a high energy beam welding seam 19 along a connection edge 18 of the connection portion 7; 17; 27.

Abstract: A front-end body is provided for a front end of a motor vehicle, wherein the front-end body has a first lateral supporting element and a second lateral supporting element. The lateral supporting elements are to be attached to a reference strut, which is provided on a base body, in order to align the front-end body with the base body. A transverse strut arrangement connects the first lateral supporting element and the second lateral supporting element such that an accommodation space, which is open in the vertical direction of the front-end body for accommodating an assembly, in particular a radiator assembly is formed between the first lateral supporting element and the second lateral supporting element. A stability element is detachably attached to the transverse strut arrangement at one end and can be indirectly or directly attached to the base body at the other end.

Abstract: A vehicle hood structure includes a hood lock reinforcement that is provided on a vehicle lower side of an inner panel that forms a hood, and to which a striker is attached on a front side in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The hood lock reinforcement includes a step-shaped rear wall portion that is formed farther to a rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction than the striker, on the hood lock reinforcement, and in which a rear end portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction is arranged farther to a vehicle upper side than a front end portion in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and that includes at least four ridge lines that extend in a vehicle width direction, and that includes at least two leg portions that separate at least one of the ridge lines in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A vehicle having a bottom frame including a plurality of rails includes a floor structure defined by a plurality of longitudinally extending flooring planks extending along at least part of the length of the vehicle body and arranged side by side at a coupling rail or overlapping joint so as to collectively span between the side walls. The planks are molded for example by pultrusion or vacuum resin infusion from a composite having an upper skin and a lower skin and an intervening core material layer. The planks can be easily provided at required different lengths including a center and side planks installed while standing on the center plank. The planks can be trimmed to any length for vehicles of varying lengths.

Abstract: A connection structure between a first and a second component, the second component being formed from a steel material. The first component is made from a lightweight construction material of the minimum possible weight and having a high degree of stiffness, such as a fiber-reinforced plastic. Both components are connected by a metallic intermediate component, which is non-detachably connected by a plug-in means of connection with the first component.

Abstract: A fastener clip includes a base plate and a first and second pair of laterally offset legs extending from the base plate. At least one first wing extends from the first pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one first wing has an engagement region. At least one second wing extends from the second pair of laterally offset legs. The at least one second wing also has an engagement region. A first joined portion extends from the first pair of legs and a second joined portion extends from the second pair of legs with the first joined portion and the second joined portion extending and overlapping over and under each other. First locking tabs extend sideways from the first joined portion folded over against the overlapping second portion, and second locking tabs extend sideways from the second joined portion folded over against the overlapping first portion.

Abstract: Procedure for the assembling between at least two panels, and a device associated thereto, where said procedure is carried out through at least a single operator or machine, and comprises the following steps: receiving at least two panels, where said panels comprise respectively at least one through hole; introducing an assembling device comprising a nut and a screw, through the respective hole of each panel; turning the device around the same side where it was introduced previously, in such a way that the nut and the screw rotate jointly, until the device comes into contact with at least one blocking element, and the joint movement of the nut with the screw is stopped; and next the nut and the screw are brought mutually closer together, in such a way that both panels are assembled.

Abstract: A sports hoop is provided for a motor vehicle. The sports hoop includes a one-piece internal frame, an outer cover received over an outer surface of the internal frame and an inner cover received over an inner surface of the internal frame. Slip joints and expansion joints are provided to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction to maintain a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Abstract: A platform trailer includes a neck reinforcement structure located in the neck region. The neck reinforcement structure includes a first beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the first beam that is oriented toward the second beam, and a second beam reinforcement structure located adjacent an inner side of the second beam that is oriented toward the first beam. A plurality of internal cross members extend between and interconnect the first and second beam reinforcement structures. A fifth wheel plate is fixedly secured to and that extends between both the first and second beams. A kingpin is connected to the fifth wheel plate and is adapted to be engaged by an associated tractor fifth wheel. The neck reinforcement structure allows for use of aluminum alloy beams with a reduced height in the neck region of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracked chassis, comprising a continuous track, which comprises ground plates (15) coupled so as to be rotatable relative to each other and which is guided by means of a driven sprocket (10) having at least one toothed ring (11) in order to drive the continuous track, wherein each individual ground plate (15) has at least one hump link (16) having hump link flanks (17) oriented in the running direction of the continuous track and the hump links (16) are designed to engage in recesses (13) formed between radially protruding teeth (12) arranged on the circumference of the sprocket (10) while the continuous track circulates over the sprocket (10), characterized in that the ground plates (15) are coupled to each other by means of at least one connecting sideplate (19), which is arranged between the ground plates and which allows the ground plates (15) to shift in parallel relative to each other, and the ground plates are in planar contact with the hump link flanks (17) while the continu

Abstract: A mounting structure for a rig may include a base configured to support the mounting structure on an operating surface and a plurality of transport systems operatively connected to the base and configured to lift the mounting structure off of the operating surface. An elevated rig platform may be connected to the base by a plurality of support struts, wherein at least some of the support struts comprise a mounting connection that is configured to pivot to lower the elevated rig platform toward the base and place the mounting structure in a partially collapsed state. Additionally, a connecting member may be attached to one or more of the plurality of transport systems, wherein in response to the elevated rig platform being lowered to the partially collapsed state, the connecting member may be configured to displace at least a portion of the one or more transport systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for attaching a crawler vehicle to the surface of an object. The crawler vehicle may comprise a frame, a number of moveable surface-engaging components attached to the frame, a number of actuators, and an electro-permanent magnet. The number of actuators is operable to move the frame with respect to the object when the number of moveable surface-engaging components is in contact with the surface of the object. The electro-permanent magnet is operable to hold the number of moveable surface-engaging components in contact with the surface of the object by a magnetic force between the electro-permanent magnet and the object when the electro-permanent magnet is activated and to remove the magnetic force when the electro-permanent magnet is deactivated to release the number of moveable surface-engaging components from the surface of the object.

Abstract: A plant including: an assembly line along which a plurality of pallets are circulated in a closed loop, divided into a first section, where the pallets are loaded in a plurality of first stations with mechanical parts to be assembled, and into a second section, where the pallets advance along a plurality of second stations; a conveyor arranged at least partially parallel to and above the second section, along which a plurality of balance supports provided with bodies run; a coupling station, arranged immediately upstream of the second section, where the pallets are integrally coupled to the balance supports; and a decoupling station, where the pallets are separated from the balance supports; each pallet having selectively engageable and releasable fastening means for a balance support and elastic means able to receive the balance support resting thereon.

Abstract: A fuel tank covering (26) to cover an upper portion of a fuel tank (25) supported by a motorcycle frame structure (FR) covers an intermediate portion of the fuel tank (25) ranging from a front end portion to a rear end portion with respect to a direction widthwise of the motorcycle, and includes a shielding portion (36) configured to cover a mounting area at a front portion where a key cylinder (35) disposed forwardly of the fuel tank (25) is mounted on the motorcycle frame structure (FR).

Abstract: A pedal-powered one-wheeled vehicle with apparatus coupled to the pedals for laterally stabilizing a user's legs. The user can apply inward pressure to the leg stabilizing apparatuses to achieve greater lateral stability and more precise control of the vehicle. Means may be provided for keeping the leg stabilizing apparatuses from moving too far apart, and for varying the distance between the pedals. Some embodiments may have an elliptical wheel.

Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.

Abstract: A foldable electric vehicle includes a front frame including two side mounts; a front foot rest including two mounting members and a rear hole; a rear foot rest including two mounting members, a front pivotal board, and a spring biased lock pin locked in the hole; a rear pedestal including two mount elements, two chair supports, and a top hook; hinges for connecting the front frame and the front foot rest, connecting the front foot rest and the rear foot rest, and the rear foot rest and the pedestal; two front links each pivotably secured to the side mount and the mounting member; two rear links each pivotably secured to the mount element and the mounting member; a chair including a transverse rod and a spring biased lock rod locked in the hook; and two sets of two pivotal bars pivotably connected to chair supports and the chair.

Abstract: A two stage quick-release structure includes a first tubing member, a second tubing member, a first pivoting portion, a first buckling portion, an elastic hook and a safety fastener. When the user assembles the foldable bicycle for bicycling, the first tubing member is rotated to connect with the second tubing member via the first pivoting portion, so that the elastic hook correspondingly buckles with the first buckling portion to form a first stage buckle; then, the safety fastener is rotated to correspondingly buckle with the elastic hook so as to form a second stage buckle. The two stage buckle contributes the assembling of the foldable bicycle with ease and convenience. Furthermore, via the two stage buckle structures, the connection between the front bicycle frame body and the rear bicycle frame body are tightly secured.

Abstract: Handlebars having a master tube, two handgrips at opposite ends of the master tube, a stem for attaching to a fork, and at least one portion with doubled section, the cross section of which comprises an upper outer wall, a lower outer wall, an upper inner wall and a lower inner wall. The upper outer wall is distanced from and joined to the upper inner wall, the lower outer wall is distanced from and joined to the lower inner wall, and the upper inner wall is distanced from the lower inner wall.

Abstract: A spring for a suspension is described. The spring includes: a spring chamber divided into at least a primary portion and a secondary portion, and a fluid flow path coupled with and between the primary portion and the secondary portion. The fluid flow path includes a bypass mechanism, wherein the bypass mechanism is configured for automatically providing resistance within the fluid flow path in response to a compressed condition of the suspension.

Abstract: A disc brake caliper for applying a braking force on a brake disc rotor configured to be rotatable about a rotational axis. The disc brake caliper comprises an attachment surface and a first threaded hole. The attachment surface is configured to face a pipe portion of a bicycle frame in a state where the disc brake caliper is coupled to the bicycle frame. A first thread bolt is to be inserted in the first threaded hole so as to couple the disc brake caliper to one of the bicycle frame and a base member attached to the bicycle frame, the first threaded hole being provided on the attachment surface.

Abstract: An electrical assist device is provided for a bicycle. The device includes an electric machine, a drive pinion, an attachment device, a source of electrical energy, and a controller. The attachment device fixes the electric machine to the bicycle near a tire of a wheel of the bicycle. The source of electrical energy powers the electric machine. The controller controls the electric machine. The electric machine includes a rotor, which drives the drive pinion. The drive pinion includes teeth structured to mesh tangentially with complementary teeth fastened to the tire.

Abstract: A multiple-sprocket arrangement for mounting on a rear wheel axle of a bicycle includes a receiving body designed for mounting on the rear wheel axle, and a sprocket assembly. The sprocket assembly includes a first sprocket, the inner diameter of which is greater than an outer diameter of the receiving body and which is connected to the receiving body. The sprocket assembly further includes at least one second sprocket, the inner diameter of which is smaller than an outer diameter of the receiving body and which is designed in an unsupported manner and connected to the receiving body in a torque-transmitting manner by means of the first sprocket.

Abstract: A bicycle drive unit includes a motor, which outputs assist force in correspondence with human-powered drive force applied to a crankshaft, and a housing, in which the motor is arranged. The housing includes a coupler, to which a derailleur can be coupled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retractable wheel system for snowmobile skis. The retractable wheel system of the present invention may be installed on a snowmobile ski without affecting its structural integrity by installing the system on the reinforced portion of the snowmobile ski. When a user circulates in a path with little or no snow, the retractable wheel system is positioned in the extended configuration by the user and the system will automatically return to the retracted configuration when the user returns in a snowy zone. This is realized by using a pre-tensioned spring that will reposition the wheel in the retracted configuration. The spring transmits a rotational movement to the member on which the wheel is fixed.

Abstract: The floating body structure is a floating body structure that supports an object to be supported so that the object to be supported floats in the sea, including a floating body section connected to a base end portion of the object to be supported, wherein the floating body section has a lid body made of steel, an outer pipe made of steel, and an inner pipe made of steel and provided inside the outer pipe, and the floating body section is hermetically sealed by the lid body in a state where at least a portion of a gap formed between an outer wall surface of the inner pipe and an inner wall surface of the outer pipe is filled with concrete or mortar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evacuation system for a vessel or offshore facility, comprising a storage unit having a length, a width and a height defining a volume of the storage unit, the storage unit in a storage situation being adapted to house one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units, the inflatable floatable units each having a capacity of more than 150 persons, and a deployment arrangement having a displacement device, wherein a maximum height of the storage unit is 2.7 meters, and the displacement device is adapted to displace the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units in a substantially horizontal and linear direction out of the storage unit below the maximum height and subsequently lower the one or more self-propelling, inflatable floatable units into the water in a substantially vertical direction.

Abstract: An adaptable modular power system (AMPS) is hierarchical in a number of ways. AMPS modules connect to a backplane, and one or multiple AMPS backplanes can form an AMPS domain. At the same time, the vehicle electronics is modular, with various payload boxes needing to communicate with each other. A common power and signaling cable is provided to interconnect payload boxes. A dedicated connector system is also provided so that AMPS modules may communicate, control, receive data, and supply and receive power.

Abstract: The present invention is a stand up paddle board with left and right oars attached to left and right transmissions respectively mounted in the hull of the paddle board. The hull of the paddle board also includes a bow, stern and foot pads upon which the operator stands on. The oars pivot around an oar pivot in a longitudinal direction and paddle arms attached to the oars pivot around an arm pivot in a longitudinal direction. The paddle arms terminate in at a lower at a paddle so that when the operator urges the oars in a rearward and forward motion, the paddle arms pivot around an arm pivot and propel the paddle board.

Abstract: A maritime navigation light apparatus comprising a pole element, a base, and a light assembly with one or more light emitting elements is presented. The pole element may comprise a hollow core and may be permanently or temporarily coupled to the base and/or to the light assembly. The light emitting elements may be housed on a circuit board and encased in an impact resistant encasement and electrically connected to electrical wires. The electrical wires may be inserted through the hollow core or the pole element and may also comprise electrical plug members which may terminate on the exterior or interior of the apparatus.

Abstract: A life saving apparatus is presented. The apparatus activates an alarm and/or a notification when a person is in distress such as when a swimmer is drowning. In one embodiment, the alarm or notification may include an audio, a visual and/or combination thereof signal or indication that the person is in distress. The alarm or notification may be provided on a device held or attached to the person, at a base station in proximity to the person, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a locator provides an ability to identify the person in distress when that person is located in proximity to other persons so that aid can be given as quickly as possible.

Abstract: A lightweight, rugged and easy-to-carry beach bag is well suited to serve a primary function as a tote for containing and transporting items useful during an excursion to a beach or other waterside location—items such as towels, swimwear, swimgear, sunscreen, snacks, drinks, reading material and the like. Should an emergency arise necessitating a rescue of a person in peril of drowning, the bag's contents are jettisoned, enabling a quick collapse of the bag as a chain of hinged flotation elements that form an upstanding sidewall of the bag folds in an orderly manner so the bag forms a compact, substantially flat flotation device well suited to serve a secondary function of keeping afloat the person in peril who forcefully grasps the flotation device so a rescuer can tow the person toward shore by pulling on a lengthy tether securely connected to the flotation device.

Abstract: There is described an assembly having a plurality of screws, a propeller and a related method for adjusting the fluid dynamic pitch of the blades of the propeller. The propeller has at least one blade pivoted rotatably to a cylindrical propeller casing, a hub coupled to an engine and mounted coaxially inside the propeller casing, a kinematic mechanism coupled to the hub and/or to the propeller casing, and to the blade for adjusting the fluid dynamic pitch of the propeller. The hub is rotatable with respect to the cylindrical propeller casing, or vice versa, for at least one non-zero angular interval (?) of operation of the kinematic mechanism for adjusting the fluid dynamic pitch and is also integral with a contact surface movable between disengagement from and engagement with, direct or indirect, at least one relative abutment integral with the cylindrical propeller casing which defines a limit stop of the angular interval (?).

Abstract: An improved human powered watercraft propulsion device and mounting frame for attachment to existing pontoon watercraft. The propulsion device is light weight, self-contained, portable, has few moving parts made from corrosive resistant materials, and is propeller driven for quiet, efficient, and environmentally friendly underwater propulsion. Having a simple twisted belt configuration with an open structural design, all of the components are easily viewed and maintained by the user, as well as continuously cleaned, cooled, and lubricated by the water during operation, without the need for a sealed waterproof housing and internal oil bath. Hand knobs provide belt tensioning during operation and the device is adapted for operation by pedal, friction wheel, or direct chain drive. The device is adjustable on the attachment frame to fit the operator, pivots when beaching or striking an underwater object, and components such as pulleys and the propeller are changeable to achieve different power ratios.

Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system has an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that each selectively powers a marine propulsor to propel a marine vessel. A plurality of batteries discharges current to power the motor. A controller is programmed to aggregate the recharge and/or discharge limits of plurality of batteries and then operate the system according to a method that preferably prevents internal fault and disconnection of batteries in the plurality.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine, a transmission and a low-speed cruise controller controlling a rotational speed of the propeller to make the boat cruise at low speed, the low-speed cruise controller outputs an increase/decrease command of the propeller rotational speed in response to an operator's manipulation, and change the gear position from the second speed to the first speed when the decrease command is outputted under a condition where the gear position is in the second speed and an engine speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. With this, it becomes possible to decrease the propeller rotational speed to the maximum extent, thereby making a boat cruise at very low speed.

Abstract: A storage system for a boat includes one or more storage compartments situated in a bow of a boat. An air flow path includes an air inlet opening, the storage compartment, and an air outlet opening. A fan is situated to move air along the air flow path. The fan may be positioned proximate one of the air inlet and the air outlet, for example.

Abstract: A flight control surface such as a slat capable of keeping and achieving a minimum basic functions even when it is damaged by collisions of birds or the like, and a wing using the same are provided. Both ends of one wire cable 15 or more are fixed to paired ribs 10A and 10B provided in a short direction of the slat. This wire cable 15 is placed so as to pass through a through-hole 13 formed in each of the ribs 10 positioned between the paired ribs 10A and 10B. Even if birds or the like collide with slat 3 at the time of a flight of the aircraft to damage and deform not only a skin 4 of the slat 3 but also any rib 10, the wire cable 15 between the paired ribs 10A and 10B prevents the slat 3 from being broken into pieces.

Abstract: A multi-axis serially redundant, single channel, multi-path fly-by-wire control system comprising: serially redundant flight control computers in a single channel where only one “primary” flight control computer is active and controlling at any given time; a matrix of parallel flight control surface controllers including stabilizer motor control units (SMCU) and actuator electronics control modules (AECM) define multiple control paths within the single channel, each implemented with dissimilar hardware and which each control the movement of a distributed set of flight control surfaces on the aircraft in response to flight control surface commands of the primary flight control computer; and a set of (pilot and co-pilot) controls and aircraft surface/reference/navigation sensors and systems which provide input to a primary flight control computer and are used to generate the flight control surface commands to control the aircraft in flight in accordance with the control law algorithms implemented in the flight

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling flight control surfaces on an aircraft. Commands are sent onto a data bus system from flight control modules. The flight control modules and actuator control modules determine whether an error is present in the commands sent onto the data bus system. Point-to-point connections between the flight control modules and the actuator control modules are managed based on whether the error is present in the commands sent onto the data bus system.

Abstract: Systems, equipment, and methods to deposit energy to modify and control air flow, lift, and drag, in relation to air vehicles, and methods for seeding flow instabilities at the leading edges of control surfaces, primarily through shockwave generation through deposition of laser energy at a distance.

Abstract: An aircraft comprises a wing assembly, a pod, and a pylon attaching the pod to the wing assembly. The pylon has a swept pylon flap, which is configured to unload the pylon and pod during flight of the aircraft, and also to create downward flow that counters a vortex trailing the pod.

Abstract: A fuselage for an airplane including a frame comprising an upper truss and a lower truss extending from a front end of the fuselage towards the rear end of the fuselage, wherein the lower truss comprises one or more forward box beams, a plurality of support rings attached to the upper truss and lower truss, a front bulkhead connected to a first end of the upper truss and lower truss, a main bulkhead connected to the upper truss and lower truss, a pressure vessel adapted to fit within the frame between the front bulkhead and main bulkhead, and a skin adapted to fit over the frame.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for defining, optimizing, and controlling taxi profiles for aircraft equipped with onboard non-engine drive means controllable to drive one or more nose or main landing gear wheels to drive an aircraft autonomously during taxi. An onboard taxi profile control system may employ smart software to determine selected taxi operational data at an airport and use this data to control and maintain torque of the drive means at desired selected levels that move the aircraft during taxi in response to determined taxi data or predetermined programmed taxi parameters. The system is designed to set default taxi profiles for each taxi cycle to achieve efficient aircraft taxi and to extend operational life of drive means components. Taxi profiles are modified and updated at periodic intervals or in real time in response to actual taxi conditions to optimize aircraft taxi at a specific airport.