A wheel having a hub and a circular ring is provided. The circular ring has a central axis, an outer surface having a first outer edge and a second outer edge, and a plurality of holes disposed on the outer surface. Additionally, the wheel has a plurality of spokes each being adapted to attach to both the hub and the circular ring, and each of the plurality of spokes being concaved and arranged in an alternating pattern. A plurality of lugs is disposed on the outer surface of the circular ring, and each of plurality of lugs has a first leg and a second leg, each extending from a center rib and a lug plate adapted to connect the first leg to the center rib.

A low impact turf wheel for significantly reducing the adverse effects of frequent travel over turf by a lawn mower includes a wheel rim having an inner and outer surface, a hub arranged within the wheel rim, wherein the hub includes a central portion for mounting the turf wheel, and a plurality of spaced apart stems extending perpendicularly outward from the outer surface of the wheel rim. The stem includes a stem surface extending perpendicularly to the stem and a lug extending radially outward from the stem surface. The lug includes a lug face parallel to the stem surface, wherein the combination of the stem surface and lug face provide a ground contacting tread.

A wheel, typically for use in conjunction with an agricultural irrigation system such as a pivot or wheel line. The wheel has a disc shaped body having a hub to attach to an external frame. The wheel has a plurality of feet attached to the circumference of the body. The feet are generally channel shaped having two ends at either end of the channel. The feet are positioned at the circumference of the body either on the circumference or in indentations or grooves on the circumference such that the ends of the feet overhang the body. Preferably the feet have a space, opening or void between the feet to allow for the passage of snow, mud or other material.

A wheel set assembly having a plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels. The sinusoidal channeled wheels having a sinusoidal channel disposed around a circular exterior surface of each of the sinusoidal channeled wheels. The wheel set assembly allows for better maneuverability and longevity in comparison to other materials handling equipment wheels because of the sinusoidal channels. The sinusoidal channels also provide heat dissipation along with the ability to push debris out of the way of the materials handling equipment.

A wheel apparatus for a self-propelled irrigation system has a center portion, a rim assembly, and a support structure disposed between the center portion and the rim assembly. The rim assembly has a plurality of rigid members spaced apart from each other with longitudinal axes that are parallel with each other and equidistant from the axis of rotation. The rigid members are cylindrical with unsupported ends, and a mounting portion between the ends is connected to an outer periphery of the support structure. The rigid members are held in a fixed position relative to the center portion by the support structure. The rigid members are arranged to contact the ground surface to support the irrigation system with spaces between the rigid members allowing mud and debris to pass freely between the rigid members during operation to enhance traction while minimizing mud from being forced out of a wheel track.

A wheel apparatus for a self-propelled irrigation system has a center portion, a rim assembly, and a support structure disposed between the center portion and the rim assembly. The rim assembly has a plurality of rigid members spaced apart from each other with longitudinal axes that are parallel with each other and equidistant from the axis of rotation. The rigid members are cylindrical with unsupported ends, and a mounting portion between the ends is connected to an outer periphery of the support structure. The rigid members are held in a fixed position relative to the center portion by the support structure. The rigid members are arranged to contact the ground surface to support the irrigation system with spaces between the rigid members allowing mud and debris to pass freely between the rigid members during operation to enhance traction while minimizing mud from being forced out of a wheel track.

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement flexible members that include integrated tools made from metallic glass-based materials. In one embodiment, a structure includes: a flexible member characterized by an elongated geometry and an integrated tool disposed at one end of the elongated geometry; where the flexible member includes a metallic glass-based material.

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement flexible members that include integrated tools made from metallic glass-based materials. In one embodiment, a structure includes: a flexible member characterized by an elongated geometry and an integrated tool disposed at one end of the elongated geometry; where the flexible member includes a metallic glass-based material.

A four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle for terrain exploration. The four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle has a pair of robotic tethered two-wheel vehicles that dock, lock, and drive long distances as the four-wheeled, articulated steering vehicle. Two actuated docking mechanisms attached on opposite ends of a central module of the four-wheeled vehicle enable sit/stand functionality. The sit configuration is achieved by aligning each dock mechanism parallel or nearly parallel to the surface, allowing two-wheel vehicle to detach and explore while the other remains docked and serves as a backup. While sitting, the central module rests on the ground and is outfitted with shovel-style wedges for passive anchoring. In order to stand, the exploring two-wheel vehicle reattaches, locks, and both dock mechanisms are rotated until each two-wheel vehicle's caster arm is upright and the central module is lifted off the ground. Once upright, each two-wheel vehicle rotates about a pivot point for articulated, all-wheel steering, which is accomplished by applying differential wheel torques.

A low impact turf wheel having a wheel rim including an inner and outer surface, a plurality of pegs extending radially outward from the outer surface of the wheel rim, wherein the plurality of pegs maintain the wheel rim above an area of turf, and a hub. A turf wheel having a wheel rim having an inner and outer surface, a plurality of pegs extending radially outward from the outer surface of the wheel rim, wherein the peg comprises a stem, a collar and a lug, and wherein the lug includes a limited surface area to provide a ground contacting tread, and a hub.